Smokeless Fire Pits and Wood Decks. HPC has Your Back, Offering Proper Materials to Safely Install Fire Appliances on Wood Decking

Safety is of the utmost importance to HPC. From the developmental stages of every appliance down to the added precaution measures HPC offers to consumers; HPC weaves safety through all points of service. HPC provides consumers peace of mind offering over 400 CSA Certified appliances. We value consumer education. Most recently, HPC’s Tech Team has received inquiries regarding the safety of installing fire appliances on wood decking. In response, this Tech Talk is dedicated to discussing precautions consumers must take when installing fire features on combustibles as well as outlining the proper installation steps and materials needed.

Precautions Consumers Need to Take When installing a Fire Appliance on Wood Decking

Wood decking is a dry combustible. When planning to install a smokeless fire feature on wood decking or other combustible material it is imperative to maintain proper clearances between the decking and the appliance as well as surrounding combustibles. Per Chuck Parsons, planning your installation is key. Outlining proper clearances as well as obtaining proper materials to create a barrier of protection is a critical step when preparing for installation. To simplify the installation, HPC offers a deck insulation kit that creates a proper flame retardant barrier between the fire appliance and the combustible. HPC simplifies the process of installation by offering step-by-step instructions through our product manual as well as through our 3-D Installation Smart App.

Spun Aluminum Bowl with SST Torpedo Burner

HPC’s Deck Installation Kit

Within the kit HPC provides Basalt Material and installation instructions. Consumers will need to purchase pavers separately. The pavers must be a minimum of 1 inch thick in height. To prepare for installation consumers will need scissors or utility knife for cutting the basalt material as well as a measuring tape and drawing utensil. Utilizing HPC’s kit creates an added layer of protection. The Basalt material is woven with an aluminum backing. Placing this material on top of the pavers that overlay the combustible deflects the heat from the appliance creating a barrier of insulation.

Preparing The Installation Site

  1. Confirm requirements for enclosure height as well as venting requirements.
  2. Take measurements of the inside of the enclosure of the fire pit.
  3. Install brick pavers on the inside of the enclosure. Begin by laying brick pavers around the supply line. See Figure 1, 2, 3, or 4 which provides several approved patterns. Drill a hole in the center brick paver that is slightly larger than the supply line.
  4. After completing the brick pattern, cut bricks to fill in the outermost edges of the enclosure.
  5. Prepare the basalt material by drawing a circle that matches the dimensions.
  6. Next measure the location of the supply line in relation to the perimeter and identify the location of the line by drawing an X on the material. Note, the X should be no larger than the diameter of the supply line for a tight fit.
  7. Using your chosen cutting tool cut along the measured lines.
  8. Place the basalt material aluminum side up covering the pavers. Note, if there are spaces where the pavers could not be laid, be sure to over that area with the basalt material. In addition, you may utilize the extra scraps of the basalt material to fill in any potential gaps around the supply line.
Fire Pit Wood Deck Install kit

Customer Satisfaction

HPC values knowledge and invests in the exploration of best practices as well as engineering to ensure quality and performance for each fire design. We stand by our units with our life time guarantee, promising it will light every time rain or shine.

As always HPC prides itself on the service of our consumers through the development of quality and safe products providing education and accessibility to HPC Fire Feature Experts. Have any questions or concerns, contact Chuck Parsons and our NFI Certified Tech Team at 937-436-9800. HPC is always striving to raise the standards for the fire industry by breaking trends and making a lasting mark.