Fire pits are great ways to relax outside year-round without worrying about the weather. But can you use a fire pit under a covered patio?

Yes, but only if you set it up correctly. In most cases, you can safely use a patio fire pit under a covered space, as long as it (the space) is open on at least two sides and you meet the manufacturer's clearance requirements.

However, wood burning fire pits are the exception. They're never safe under a roof because of the smoke, sparks, and embers they throw off.

Read on to learn which fire pit style suits your space, how much clearance you need, and where to place it so you get all the ambiance with none of the risk.

In This Article

• Ceiling height 
• Ventilation 
• Location 
• Flooring 
• Types of fire pits
• Safest options for covered patios
• Quick recap 
• FAQs

Fire Pit Safety Basics for Covered Patios

Every detail matters, from ceiling height and ventilation to placement and flooring.

Your ceiling needs enough clearance that rising heat won't damage it or become a fire risk. There's no universal number; it depends on your fire pit. So, check the minimum clearance in your model's installation manual, then confirm a fire pit is allowed under a covered patio with your local fire codes.

A few things to keep in mind:

● Measure from the top of the fire pit to the lowest point overhead, such as a beam, fan, or light fixture

● Too little space above the flame can scorch, warp, or ignite your ceiling over time

● The manual sets the exact height clearance, and that's the number that governs your safety and warranty

● Check local fire codes before you buy

If your ceiling sits lower than what the manual calls for, that model is out. No workaround makes it safe.

Yes, it does. Your covered patio needs to stay open on at least two sides. Without that airflow, smoke and carbon monoxide build up fast. So, a fully enclosed or screened-in space is never safe for a fire pit.

To keep things safe, your covered patio should have:

● At least two open sides, so air moves freely instead of getting trapped

● Clear airflow underneath your fire table, not boxed in at the base

● Vent openings in the surrounding structure or enclosure to let combustion gases escape

● No glass or vinyl walls closing in the space and holding heat

Check your installation manual to see how open your space needs to be, and check your local codes too.

Non-combustible flooring like stone, brick, or concrete is the safest option for your fire pit. These materials handle both the weight and the heat without warping or catching fire.

● Concrete: Handles serious heat, but a bare slab can crack under direct flame. Add a fire ring or sand layer to protect it.

● Brick and stone: Take radiant heat safely and look great. Granite and travertine hold up especially well.

● Gravel or decomposed granite: A solid base for ground-level wood pits. Not flammable, and it keeps embers from spreading.

Have a wood, vinyl, or composite deck? You can still enjoy a fire pit. Just set it on a non-combustible surface first, since all three of those materials are flammable.

Most homeowners use a concrete slab or paver underneath.

Wood Burning Fire Pits

Avoid using a wood burning fire pit under a covered patio. It's unsafe for two reasons:

1. The thick, toxic smoke builds up fast under a roof and can deplete the oxygen in the space
2. The sparks and flying embers can easily ignite anything combustible nearby

Wood fires need fully open areas with plenty of ventilation, well away from combustible materials.

If you want that same crackle and rustic look under a cover, an outdoor wood fireplace with a proper chimney vents the smoke safely.

Gas Fire Pits

A gas fire pit is safe to use under your covered patio, as long as your city pre-approves it. Both natural gas and propane fire pits are the safer choice because they're smokeless and don't create sparks, embers, or ash.

They do still have clearance requirements, though. Confirm that your patio's ceiling height, ventilation, placement, and flooring all meet the manufacturer's requirements in your owner's manual. We also recommend keeping a fire extinguisher in your outdoor space, just in case.

Patio heaters and outdoor fireplaces are the safest options for your covered patio. They bring ambiance and warmth without the risk of an open flame. Both come in a variety of shapes, styles, and fuel types to fit your needs.  

Patio Heaters

If your priority is to add heat to your outdoor space, patio heaters are the best option. They're available in a wide range of sizes to fit your space, in both gas and electric models.

Electric patio heaters are the easiest choice for covered and enclosed spaces:

● Mount them to the wall or recess them into your ceiling

● Completely safe to use in an enclosed patio, with no fire hazard

Some models are approved for both indoor and outdoor spaces, such as the Bromic Eclipse Smart-Heat Pendant Electric Patio Heater. 

Gas patio heaters come in wall-mounted and free-standing designs, with two fuel options:

● Natural gas: best for a permanent, always-connected solution.

● Propane: more portable, often with convenient wheeled bases, so you can direct the warmth wherever you need it.

Remember, gas heaters still require ventilation and have clearance requirements, so check your installation manual to see how open your space needs to be.

One more perk across the board is easy operation. Most patio heaters come with remote controls, and some have smart controls that let you pair a device and run the heater from an app.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor fireplaces deliver ambiance and heat with more design options than a fire pit. Here are three styles that work well under a covered patio.

Outdoor Masonry Fireplaces

Traditional outdoor masonry fireplaces give you the same cozy, rustic ambiance as a wood burning fire pit, but with fewer fire hazards.

You can build a custom fireplace or install a factory-built one, like Superior's Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace, whose fully insulated firebox keeps your patio warm even in the coldest climates.

A few things to keep in mind before you install one:

● Chimney required: because they produce smoke, wood burning fireplaces need a manufacturer-approved chimney to vent properly

● Hands-on operation: you'll need to monitor the fire while it burns

● Full cleanup: make sure it's completely extinguished every time you're done

Outdoor Gas Fireplaces

Outdoor gas fireplaces are much more efficient than wood burning styles and give off more radiant heat overall.  

A model like this linear gas fireplace by Superior suits almost any outdoor setting, with adjustable flames and an electronic ignition with a battery backup.  

Here's what makes them easy to live with:

● Simple installation: you won't necessarily need a chimney, and ventless models require no venting at all

● Design flexibility: many can be installed in combustible walls, so you can use custom finishing materials

● Easy control: most come with a wall switch or remote, and some high-end models add built-in smart controls

● Low maintenance: far less upkeep than a wood burning fireplace

Indoor/Outdoor See-Through Fireplaces

See-through fireplaces have glass on the front and back, allowing you to view the fire from both sides. Think of them as windows with fire in the middle.  

You've got two ways to add one:

● Standalone unit: a self-contained fireplace you can place where you like

● Built into an exterior wall: enjoy the ambiance and heat from both inside and outside your home

Before installing any fire pit under your covered patio, run through this checklist:

● Go gas, not wood. Only gas fire pits are safe under a cover; wood burning models never are.

● Confirm your clearances. Aim for at least 7 to 8 feet of ceiling height and check the side clearances in your manual.

● Keep two sides open. Your space needs airflow, so a fully enclosed or screened-in patio won't work.

● Use safe flooring. Stick to non-combustible surfaces like stone, brick, or concrete, or set the pit on a slab.

● Check local codes. Research your city's fire regulations before you buy.

● Match the model to your space. Compare manufacturer requirements and narrow your list to the best fit.

● No safe option? Pivot. If a fire pit won't work under your patio, pergola, or screened porch, consider patio heaters or outdoor fireplaces. 

We're Here to Help

Have any questions about installing a fire pit under your covered patio? Contact our NFI Certified specialists at (800) 919-1904 today!

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