Can You Put Fire Under Patio Umbrella?

It’s the height of summer and you’re looking forward to spending lazy days under your patio umbrella. But can you put a fire pit under there too? The answer is, it depends.  

Keep reading to find out if it’s safe to have a fire pit under your umbrella and how to do it safely. 

Can you put a fire under an Patio Umbrella? 

It’s not a good idea to have an open fire under patio umbrella. The heat from the flame cannot dissipate, which means that it will almost always cause damage to the patio umbrella. 

The patio umbrella is usually made of canvas or other flammable fabric so even if you take steps to protect it, there are still risks involved in having nearby flames. If your patio umbrella has wooden ribs instead of metal ones, this dramatically increases the risk.  

Wood can be burnt by hot ashes or sparks and when this happens too quickly, the damage can be irreversible. 

If you’re insistent on having a wood-burning fire pit underneath your patio umbrella, only use one with an adjustable height stand so that’re able to keep both at a safe distance.  

Alternatively, you could use a gas-powered fire pit instead. These are much safer to have near patio umbrellas as they produce very little heat and no sparks. 

Safety Tips for Having a Fire Pit Under Your Patio Umbrella 

If you’re still determined to have a fire pit under your patio umbrella, here are some safety tips to follow: 

• Only use a fire pit with an adjustable height stand so that you can keep it at a safe distance from the patio umbrella. 
• Make sure the patio umbrella is made of a non-flammable material like metal or aluminum. 
• If possible, place the patio umbrella in an area that is not surrounded by trees or other combustible materials. 
• Only use patio umbrellas that can handle the heat generated by flames. 

• Never leave your patio umbrella alone with a fire pit. 
• Make sure that you have enough air flow around your patio umbrella; never place it near an enclosed area like a gazebo or pergola.  
• Be very cautious when using burning wood in your patio umbrella, as they can produce lots of thick, toxic smoke. 

How safe is it? 

If you’re careful to follow the guidelines mentioned above, it is safe to have a fire under patio umbrella. Just be sure to keep a close eye on things and never leave the fire unattended. 

Make sure that the area around the fire pit is clear of any flammable materials and that there is plenty of air circulation. This will help to prevent any dangerous build-up of smoke. 

If you’re still not sure whether or not it’s safe to have a fire under your patio umbrella, it might be best to err on the side of caution and skip this backyard activity altogether. After all, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy summer evenings outdoors. 

Things to consider when putting fire under Patio Umbrella 

There are many different things to consider when putting fire under a patio umbrella. You need to think about ceiling height, ventilation and flooring, as well as where you would like to place the umbrella or umbrellas in your home. 

Ceiling Height 

To begin, check to see whether your covered patio’s ceiling is tall enough to accommodate a fire pit beneath it. The patio should be at least 12 feet high for a fire pit to be placed safely underneath.  

If your patio is not tall enough, you can either raise the ceiling or lower the fire pit. Raising the ceiling can be an expensive and time-consuming process, so it might be best to opt for a smaller fire pit that doesn’t require as much clearance. 

Ventilation 

It’s important to have proper ventilation when having a fire under patio umbrella. Make sure there is plenty of air circulation around the patio and that no flammable materials are close by.  

Additionally, never place your patio umbrella near an enclosed space like a gazebo or pergola. This could create dangerous conditions as the heat from the fire will be trapped inside. 

Flooring 

Patio umbrella should also be placed on a non-flammable surface, like concrete or stone. If you’re using a wooden deck, it’s important to make sure that the deck is treated with a non-flammable sealant. 

You also need to consider the weight of your patio umbrella. Some patio umbrellas are very heavy and can damage a wooden deck if they’re not properly supported.  

Location 

Another thing to think about when putting fire under patio umbrella is where to place it in your backyard. You should choose an area that is clear of any flammable materials and has plenty of ventilation.  

It’s also important to consider the layout of your patio and how it would affect where you place your patio umbrella. Place the patio umbrella near a seating area so that guests don’t have to make a long walk to get out of the fire. 

Safe option for your patio umbrella

A patio heater can be a great way to keep warm on cool evenings outside. You may be tempted to use a gas grill or an open flame when you want to heat your patio. But these types of heaters can also be a safety hazard. When selecting a heater for your patio, it is best to consider safety first and foremost. 

The safest patio heater is one with an electric ignition source. There is no need to light anything, which means that there are no matches or lighters involved in operating the heater. The only thing you will need to do is plug it into an electrical outlet and turn it on. 

Safety features may include a thermostat so that the unit will shut off if it overheats, a tip-over switch that turns off the energy source if the heater tips over, and a spark arrestor on the exhaust vent so that embers cannot escape.  

A small screen around the heating element may also help prevent embers from escaping as well as protect children and pets from getting burned by touching the heating element. 

There are many different styles and shapes of patio heaters to choose from at most home improvement stores. Some can be hung from ceiling hooks while others sit on the floor or stand upright on their own legs.  

Some heaters can even be placed under an outdoor patio umbrella. So, no matter what your patio set-up is, you should be able to find a patio heater that will fit your needs. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, when selecting a patio heater, it is important to consider safety first and foremost. Heaters with an electric ignition source are the safest option and come with a number of safety features. Choose a patio heater that fits your needs and will make your patio comfortable for those cool evenings.