Can a Pavilion Be Built Over a Fire Feature in the Troy, MI, Area?

Imagine being able to enjoy the warmth of a glowing fire while spending time beneath the shelter of your Troy, MI, backyard pavilion. It would be especially cozy when gathering around the fire during a light snow or rain storm. You can host an outdoor fall social gathering without having to worry about the weather since there will be shelter from potential rain and plenty of heat from the fire. If it’s chilly, just make sure to have blankets available for guests and warm beverages available for sipping.

The idea of having a fire feature beneath a pavilion is enticing, but you may be wondering if it’s safe to have a fire beneath a pavilion structure, and the answer is yes, it can be, but with some conditions. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to have a fire feature beneath your pavilion.

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Basic Fire Feature Tips

It’s always important to proceed with caution around a fire and to take all fire-safety precautions. A professional landscape contractor is familiar with and can build a fire feature according to local city and county codes. You can speak with a fire safety expert for advice on your specific location and their recommendations. When operating the fire feature, it’s a good idea to have a fire screen in place to help keep the fire contained. Plus, many homeowners keep a fire blanket and fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.

Outdoor Fireplaces

The fire tends to be more contained within an outdoor fireplace, and the chimney helps direct the smoke up and away from your outdoor living area. Oftentimes, outdoor fireplaces are built directly beside the pavilion so you can enjoy the entire area beneath the pavilion without giving up any space for the outdoor fireplace.

These fire features can be installed outside of the beams of the pavilion, inside the beams of the pavilion, and sometimes in place of the beams. If you want to be able to enjoy the fire from both beneath the pavilion and outside of the pavilion, you could have a double-sided outdoor fireplace built so that you can have the best of both worlds.

Fire Pits

If the pavilion design is open and has good airflow, you can generally have a fire pit built beneath it—as long as it is not a wood-burning fire feature. You may want to opt for a gas-powered fire pit or an electric fire pit.

Most professionals would not recommend that a fire pit is built in a fully enclosed area. The manufacturer of the fire pit will generally provide recommendations on ceiling height guidelines, ventilation, and the flooring that it is placed on. Your landscape contractor can provide information about local codes for specifics on how it will be built to abide by the law.

Fire Tables & Fire Bowls

For a fire table or fire bowl to be constructed beneath your pavilion, you will likely need to choose a gas-powered or electric option instead of a wood-burning option. The landscape contractor will need to be sure there is proper ventilation and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on installation and operation.

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