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We don’t know about you, but one of the first things that comes to mind when we think about summer here at Savoy Timber is a good old fashioned BBQ. It’s the classic summer experience, and no matter how old you are it’s an all round great time. However, one question we see crop up every year without fail is something to the effect of “Can I have a BBQ on my timber decking without damaging it?” So today we’re putting the question to rest.
So, can you have a BBQ on your deck? The short answer is yes, but it’s not always recommended. Allow us to explain. Technically speaking, it would take quite a lot for your decking boards to set alight if that’s what you’re worried about, but it’s definitely not impossible. Having a safe BBQ on your timber decking really depends on many factors, such as the size of your decking, where you intend to put the BBQ, how big your BBQ is, etc.
If your deck is relatively small, enclosed, and close to the entryway to your house, where the BBQ would be near any kind of fabric, it’s best to avoid having a BBQ. Not only do you not want chalky black soot up the side of your wall, which will be a pain to get off, but you also don’t want smoke billowing into your home, and you certainly don’t want to create a fire hazard.
If your decking is rigid or uneven in any way that could potentially cause the BBQ to topple if it was accidentally bumped into or a strong gust of wind blew, avoid having a BBQ on your decking. Not only will this destroy your decking if it was to happen, but it also presents a fire hazard and safety hazard for your guests; we’d recommend taking it down onto a stone patio or grass if possible.
As a standard rule of thumb no matter where you are, the advice from the London Fire Brigades BBQ Safety page states that you should set up your BBQ on level ground and keep it well away from anything that may catch fire such as sheds, fences or trees. Believe it or not, they actually advise against setting your BBQ up on decking. However, like we said earlier, this isn’t a one size fits all approach, and that doesn’t mean that you’re at high risk if you do decide to have one.
If your deck is large and flat enough to hold a BBQ while keeping it away from walkways, walls, fences, trees, and sheds, and if you’re okay with the possibility of it getting a few burn marks from hot coal pieces that might bounce off the grill while cooking, then you should be good to go. One way to minimise the likelihood of this happening is to give your decking a light misting of water from your hose before you start cooking. (It’s also worth noting that you may get grease and sauce stains on your decking from serving and eating the food you prepare, which will need to be cleaned up before it leaves a permanent stain).
It’s wise to exercise caution and properly evaluate the scenario before you attempt anything—it’s always better to be safe than sorry. We recommend getting a heat mat to stand your BBQ on top of. Not only will this absorb excess heat and protect your deck, but it’ll also give your BBQ more grip so that it won’t budge as easily. You’ll also want to pay attention to the weather conditions of the day. If it’s super windy, then it’s best to leave it for another day.
Those are the ins and outs and it all really comes down to your better judgement. However, if you’re in doubt, it’s always best to leave it out! And, if you have any questions about our timber decking don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts for a chat on 0345 0268 799. Or if you’d like to pop down and see us in person at one of our stores, you can find us in Blackpool, Wigan, Bradford or Preston!
