Can You Put A Chiminea On A Wooden Deck?

A chiminea is a metal cage-like structure that sits on the ground, with an open fire at one end and heat vents in the sides. It creates a low heat output like most wood burning stoves but can be used almost anywhere such as patios or porches

The “chiminea floor protector” is a product that you can use to keep the chiminea from damaging your wooden deck. The product is made of durable plastic and has a non-slip bottom so it will not slide around on your deck.

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Chimineas, which were originally used for indoor cooking and warming, are now a typical outdoor feature. But they aren’t just for show. They’re also useful in the real world. Chimineas are frequently placed on patios or in garden areas. Is it, however, safe to install a chiminea on a wooden deck?

The installation of a chiminea on a wooden deck requires special caution. When used, chimineas reach very high temperatures. It might create a fire with the sparks and ashes that fly out of it. Make sure you know how to securely place your chiminea on a hardwood deck before you do so.

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You want to choose a site for your chiminea that is as secure as possible. This guide will teach you all you need to know about installing a chiminea on a wooden deck. We’ll also go over some basic guidelines for using a chiminea safely.

 

Contents Table of Contents

  • Putting A Chiminea On A Wooden Deck: Is It Safe?
  • What Are the Safest Chiminea Surfaces?
  • The Safest Method for Using a Chiminea
  • How to Take Care of Your Chiminea
  • Conclusion

Contents

Putting A Chiminea On A Wooden Deck: Is It Safe?

Let’s start with some of the most significant dangers of installing a chiminea on a wooden deck. Then we’ll talk about some of the greatest strategies to mitigate those dangers. 

Risks to Consider

Because wood is combustible, there is always a risk of fire when there is a fire nearby. When placed near combustible materials, anything that releases a lot of heat, such as a chiminea, presents a risk. 

Ashes and sparks may shoot out of a chiminea when you use it. Those sparks and embers might set fire to your wooden deck, as well as your house. They may also cause harm to your deck by leaving burn marks and making it seem sooty.

Risk Reduction

There are a few things you can do to lower your chances of harming your deck or starting a fire. Place the chimenea on a fire-resistant foundation made of pavers, bricks, or other fire-resistant materials that won’t transport heat to a combustible surface like wood. As a result, your hardwood deck is less likely to reach the temperature where it may catch fire. 

 

There are custom-made fire pit rugs on the market. They may be placed underneath your chiminea to provide more heat protection for your deck. 

Having water and a fire extinguisher on standby to put out any flying embers that drop on the deck can also assist to reduce the danger.

Another strategy to reduce the chance of starting a fire is to avoid using a chiminea during dry, windy weather, since this reduces the possibility of embers blowing onto the deck or other locations.

What Are the Safest Chiminea Surfaces?

Place your chiminea on a fire-resistant surface like sand, tiles, or metal or stone fire pit pads. Patios made of concrete and brick are also fire-resistant. As previously indicated, once ignited, the chiminea may reach very high temperatures. Instead of mounting it directly on the wooden deck, install it on a fire-safe platform. 

The Safest Method for Using a Chiminea

Chimineas are attractive, particularly if you’ve been eyeing ones made of terracotta with hand-painted motifs, but remember to follow these safety precautions to keep your house and family safe.

Location

Keep the chiminea away from anything combustible. A safe distance from the home is roughly 10 feet, away from overhanging tree branches and other combustible materials. The chiminea’s construction is such that the funnel sends a draft up, allowing the embers to go farther and spark a fire on a very windy day.

Surface that is secure

Place your chiminea on a fire-resistant surface like sand, tiles, or metal or stone fire pit pads. Patios made of concrete and brick are also fire-resistant. As previously indicated, once the chiminea is lit, it may reach very high temperatures. Mount it on a fire-safe platform rather than directly on the hardwood deck. It’s also a good idea to make sure the foundation is sturdy enough to keep the chiminea firm and upright.

Invest in a Spark Stopper.

By placing a spark stopper at the top of the funnel to prevent sparks from flying, you and your surrounds are protected from embers that may start a fire. You may buy a fire pit spark guard or create your own out of chicken wire.

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Observing Pets and Children

Always keep an eye on the chiminea while using it, particularly if you have children or pets. When small children and dogs play near the surface, it may get incredibly hot, and if it is accidently touched, it can cause serious injury. The chiminea will remain hot even after the fire has died down, particularly if it is made of iron, so keep a watch on youngsters and pets at all times.

The Size of the Fire

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Make sure your chiminea doesn’t become too hot. If flames are shooting out of the front or top of the funnel, you know the fire is too huge. Your chiminea may potentially be damaged by very high temperatures. 

Make Use Of The Correct Fuel

When lighting your chiminea, be patient. If your fire spreads too rapidly, it may shatter the chiminea’s walls. Your chiminea will last longer if you use the right kind of fuel. What kind of fuels may be used to ignite the chiminea?

  • Choose self-lighting charcoal briquettes that simply need a long match.
  • Only cast iron or aluminum chimineas may utilize natural or propane gas.
  • The finest material is wood, such as cedar, hickory, or mesquite, however artificial logs are also available and less dirty.

How to Take Care of Your Chiminea

Because you’ll want to enjoy your chiminea for a long time, it’s always a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions and any literature that comes with it.

Prior to Use

Prior to Use, it’s best to apply a sealer or an acrylic finish on a clay chiminea to protect it from water and moisture. This helps prevent the clay from cracking. The sealer can be reapplied every six to eight weeks when it’s being used frequently.

Heat-resistant paint should be applied to the outside of iron chimineas to avoid corrosion, particularly if they are kept outside during the winter, and the paint should be touched up as required.

Getting Rid of Your Chiminea

A clay chiminea that has been broken in will be better able to endure high temperatures and will be less likely to fracture or shatter. Curing a cast iron chiminea helps to keep it from rusting. Here’s how to finish the procedure:

  • Begin by sanding the inside of your chiminea’s bottom.
  • Toss in some paper balls and light them up.
  • Add some tiny logs of wood after the paper has started to burn.
  • Allow the chiminea to cool when the logs have totally burnt out.
  • At least three times, repeat this technique.

Storing 

Chimineas are often portable, making them simple to store in a shed or garage during inclement weather. Even though they seem to be durable, clay chimineas are delicate and should be stored during inclement weather. Carry the chiminea by the base rather than the funnel to avoid the two sections being separated.

Cleaning 

The ashes may be collected at the bottom of the fire pit with sand, gravel, or lava rocks. This makes cleaning out the bottom simpler by dumping the sand-ash combination in a pail, rinsing it off, and allowing it to dry. It’s okay to return it to the chiminea once it’s totally dry.

Conclusion

Chimeneas may be used for cooking, heating, creating atmosphere on your patio, or just as a decorative piece. But keep in mind that the safety of your family and house should always come first. When running your chiminea, use common sense to guarantee that you enjoy using it to bring the family together or entertain guests.

Check out our other articles for information on how to redeck your trailer and whether or not you can put a hot tub on a deck.

 

The “can you use a chiminea on a covered porch” is an interesting question. I don’t think that it is possible to put a chiminea on a wooden deck, because the heat from the fire would damage the wood.

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