Yes—a natural gas fire table can be used on a deck, and based on our experience, it is something many homeowners do successfully.
At DJ’s Furniture, we sell outdoor fire tables and patio furniture, and we regularly have customers place their fire tables on wood decks, composite decks, concrete, stone, and even grass. We have customers using fire tables on decks all the time without issues.
One of the biggest concerns we hear is whether the heat from the fire table will damage the surface underneath. In our experience, the heat from our fire tables has not caused damage to the deck or patio surface underneath them.
Why Are People Concerned About Fire Tables on Decks?
It’s a reasonable question.
A fire table has an actual flame, so it’s natural to wonder whether that heat could damage a wood or composite deck. Homeowners have invested a lot of money into their outdoor spaces, and the last thing they want is to put something on the deck that could cause scorching, melting, or other damage.
The good news is that a properly designed outdoor fire table is made to be used outdoors as a piece of patio furniture.
For our customers, the concern is usually less about whether a fire table can sit on a deck and more about making sure they choose a quality fire table and follow the appropriate installation and operating instructions.
Can You Put a Natural Gas Fire Table on a Wood Deck?
Yes. We have customers who do this regularly.
Wood decks are one of the most common surfaces customers ask us about. From our experience with our fire tables, the heat generated during normal use has not caused damage to the wood deck underneath.
The same applies to customers with composite decks. We have customers using fire tables on composite decking without problems.
That said, it's important to remember that not every fire table is designed or constructed the same way. Always follow the specific installation and clearance requirements provided with the fire table you purchase.
What About Composite Decking?
Composite decking is another surface that makes homeowners nervous because some composite materials can be sensitive to high temperatures.
Again, our customers regularly use our fire tables on composite decks without issues.
Our fire tables are constructed using HDPE plastic, the same general material used throughout our outdoor furniture. We manufacture HDPE patio furniture specifically for outdoor use, and our experience has shown us that the fire table does not transfer damaging heat into the patio furniture or the surface beneath it during normal operation.
What About Concrete, Stone or Grass?
A fire table isn't limited to decks.
We have customers using fire tables on a variety of outdoor surfaces, including:
- Wood decks
- Composite decks
- Concrete
- Stone
- Grass
Concrete and stone are obviously less concerning when it comes to heat because they are non-combustible surfaces. Grass presents a different consideration because you want the fire table positioned securely and on a suitable, stable surface.
Regardless of the surface, the fire table should be placed somewhere stable and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
What About the Heat From the Fire?
This is probably the number-one question we hear from customers.
People often imagine that because there is a flame above the table, an enormous amount of heat must be travelling directly downward into the deck.
That's not how the fire table is designed to operate.
The fire is directed upward, and the construction of the fire table is designed for outdoor use. In our experience, the heat from normal operation has not damaged the patio surfaces our customers place their fire tables on.
We wouldn't continue recommending them for decks if we were seeing customers come back with damaged decking.
Our Experience With Fire Tables on Decks
This isn't just something we're saying because it sounds good on paper.
We have customers all the time putting fire tables on their decks. We've seen them used on both traditional wood decks and composite decks, and we haven't had customers coming back to us with problems caused by the fire table damaging their deck.
That's one of the biggest reasons we're comfortable telling customers that a fire table can be a great addition to a deck.
Instead of having to build an entirely separate patio area for your fire table, you can incorporate it directly into the outdoor living space you already have.
So, Are Natural Gas Fire Tables Safe for Decks?
Based on our experience, yes, natural gas fire tables can be safely used on decks when the fire table is designed for outdoor use and installed and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.
At DJ's Furniture, we've had customers use our fire tables on:
- Wood decking
- Composite decking
- Concrete
- Stone
- Grass
And we've had no issues with the fire tables damaging the surfaces underneath them during normal use.
The biggest takeaway is that you don't necessarily need a concrete patio or stone surface to enjoy a fire table. If you have a deck, you can still create a comfortable outdoor gathering space with a fire table at the centre of it.
As with any gas-burning appliance, however, always follow the manufacturer's installation, clearance, ventilation and operating requirements. If you're unsure about your particular deck, surface, gas connection or installation, consult the fire table manufacturer and a qualified gas professional before installation.