How To Protect Deck From Grill

What Is A Grill Canopy

DIY Deck (Part 19): Can BBQ Grill Mat protect your Azek/Trex decking from charcoal and flame?

Grill canopies are designed explicitly with barbecuing in mind.

We want you to be able to host a great BBQ for all your friends, no matter the weather. Consider a grill canopy for a quick and easy solution to keep you and your barbecue dry or shaded while cooking outside.

A grill canopy is designed to prevent possible fires, unlike using every day covers like gazebos and awnings that are flammable and do not prevent fire damage.

They look much like miniature gazeboes but are made from sturdy materials like steel that are less prone to small fire damages. A grill canopy offers sufficient ventilation for outdoor undercover cooking as well as cover from the elements for the cook.

Grill canopies offer a cheap solution to being able to barbecue outside, rain or shine, but do not offer a solution for high winds and snow-like conditions in the colder winter months.

Be Vigilant Especially When The Charcoal Is Lighting

I detail how to light a grill with a chimney starter in this post and there is one point when you should always be outside and next to your grill. That is when the flames from the chimney starter begin to shoot out of the top of the unit. As you can see from the article mentioned above, I place my chimney starter on the lower grate of my Weber Smokey Joe or my Weber One Touch .

From my experience, this is the safest and most appropriate method for lighting a chimney starter. The best part is that once the charcoal is ready to pour, all you have to do is lift it up and pour it onto the bottom grate. You dont have to move it which could result in hot charcoal from falling onto your wooden deck.

Guide To Safely Grilling On Your Outdoor Deck

You might think youre a pro at grilling a beef burger, but while you focus on getting that perfect flavor, are you also paying attention to your own safety and the safety of those around you?

If you dont protect your deck from your grill while having a barbecue, the consequences could be serious. And its not worth taking the risk. If your deck grill is improperly protected, you could end up dealing with a massive fire that causes serious damage.

In this blog post, well discuss what can happen if you dont pay enough attention to safety while grilling outdoors and consider the steps you can take to keep safely grilling on your outdoor deck.

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The Gas Grill Splatter Mat

The Gas Grill Splatter Mat has a highly effective no-frill mat to offer.

This is rectangular mat too and has dimensions of 48 inches x 30 inches. This can easily add confidence to the protection it has to offer.

It is designed with non-woven fiber and so, its easy to maintain. Also, there would be no compromise in its absorption ability or its surface protection.

It is made in a low-profile black color, thereby making sure it matches well with any combination.

Moreover, many users commend this grill mat for its durability as it lasts for more than five years too!

But, note that the material of this mat may attract debris and leaves. So, you may have to clean it quite regularly.

Placement Of Your Grill Is Everything

Drymate Gas Grill Floor Mat

The placement of your grill on the deck is everything. It will help you to control wind, ventilation and it can also help to secure your grill. When cooking on the deck, make sure that you place the deck away from any walls. The deck should be placed at least one meter away from the deck to make it easy to put out a fire in case of anything.

It is also advisable to check the direction of the wind so that you do not have to deal with excessive wind affecting your wind. The placement of your grill on the deck should ensure that you can escape in case of fire. Your deck should also have enough space to maneuver and control the fire.

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Always Keep Baking Soda Within Reach

Baking soda can be used to put out a grease fire. As mentioned in #9 above, I had to extinguish a grease fire in my Brinkmann Trailmaster Limited Edition Smoker recently by smothering the fire with baking soda. It worked like a charm. Its a simple and inexpensive solution and product you should always have on-hand. You just never know when youre going to need it!

Convelife Under The Grill Mat

Convelife has a very basic yet reliable mat to offer. The rectangular shape has dimensions of 36 inches by 60 inches.

Thus, it provides enough area to use with the largest of grills. If you want smaller or larger, you can get more options as well.

You need to place this mat directly under your grill. Thus, it offers the best protection to your wood deck below.

It is made of recycled polyester fiber and hence, it serves as an eco-friendly option, too. This also helps as it seamlessly absorbs all the liquids and grease.

The mat is leak-proof, and thus, it enhances the protection, too. It has a good grip due to being coated with a PVC film and a hole for a handle. It is convenient and handy.

Its cleaning process is even easier as it just needs a simple hosing or scrubbing in warm water. The best part? Its lightweight and easy to carry!

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How Do You Hide A Grill On A Deck

How to Hide a Grill

  • Store your grill in a corner of your yard or deck.
  • Place potted trees in front of the grill if you are renting and cant install permanent items or if you dont have a suitable corner to use.
  • Invest in a fold-up wall barbecue if you have a small yard or deck and want to save space.
  • Close All Vents When Finished

    #GrillPad Deck Protection System: By John Young of the Weekend Handyman

    Once youve brought your food inside, close all air vents to your grill. Doing so shuts out oxygen to your lit charcoal and quickly smothers the fire. If your grill has some kind of ash catching device or sweeping system, use it once the grill has cooled.

    However, resist the urge to dump your ash into any kind of garbage container right away. Instead, wait at least 24 hours after youve cooked to empty your ash from your grill.

    Even then, it is a good practice to have a metal container you store your ash in after emptying your grill. Bag it and put it out to the curb on garbage day.

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    Hot Water Heater Drip Pan

    Hot water heater drip pans are placed under a hot water heater to prevent leaks from damaging your home. They measure 24 in diameter and 1-3/4 deep, just the right size to hold a WSM.

    Like the undercar oil drip pan, a hot water heater drip pan will not rust, can be cleaned easily with soap and water, and can be stored away after use.

    David Ward sent in this photo of such a pan in use.

    About $20 at home improvement stores.

    Is It Safe To Keep A Gas Grill On A Wood Deck

    Using a grill on a wooden deck can lead to unwanted fires. Sparks might ignite wood decking boards or railings. Windy conditions can increase the danger from stray sparks. If you grill on a wooden deck, have a fire extinguisher handy and keep your eyes on the grill and surrounding deck area at all times.

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    Napoleon Grills Commercial Grill Mats For Decking

    If youre looking for grill mats for smaller grills, then go for this one.

    The commercial grill mats are a healthy contender. Theyre ideal for charcoal grills, with high fire resistance.

    This is a heavy-duty repellent mat and is extremely easy to clean. It responds well to extreme conditions.

    It has dimensions of 47 inches by 32 inches, ideal for standard-sized grills. The higher price is worth it, owing to the excellent design, durability, and build.

    Theres one slight problem with this mat. The silver color may get distracting at night due to its brightness.

    Check The Weather Forecast

    Protect Your Deck And Investment With A BBQ Grill Pad

    I love to grill in all kinds of weather but there is one weather condition that will make me avoid using my charcoal grill. And that one is high winds! High winds can easily blow over a charcoal grill which could be a disaster especially when the charcoal is lighting in the chimney starter. Its a simple situation to avoid and you should never use your charcoal grill when high winds are forecasted.

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    Get The Right Deck And Dock Protection Accessories

    Need some help finding the right deck and dock accessories to maximize safety while you grill? Get in touch with the for all your deck and dock supply needs.

    Weve got a wide range of products for you to choose from, and our friendly staff is always happy to help you find whats right for you.

    Give us a call or visit our website for more information. Were here to ensure you get the best use out of your deck while staying safe.

    Our Locations

    Is It Safe To Put A Charcoal Grill On A Wood Deck

    A wood deck around an above ground pool is economical, convenient and easy to install. A wood deck has a soft warm and natural feel to it. The pool deck serves many purposes. The ability to grill on the deck is certainly one of the important ones. But is it safe to put a charcoal grill on a wood deck?

    You can put a charcoal grill on a wood deck provided you take all the safety precautions.

    Ensure safe distance from your home & flammable materials, protect the deck & railings with a grill mat and wet blankets, keep a fire extinguisher and a bucket of water handy and you should be fine.

    Grilling outdoors, especially on a deck, is certainly a lot more fun than cooking in a kitchen. But it does bring many more variables into play. You could create an unsafe situation for yourself, your family & friends and your property, if you are not mindful of the risks.

    A charcoal grill on a wood deck further increases the risk level. However, a charcoal grill on a wood deck is fairly safe, provided you have a healthy respect for open flames and act responsibly.

    Err on the side of safety, if you must!

    In this post I will discuss the 8 safety tips that you must keep in mind while enjoying grilling on the deck. To be honest these tips are relevant to all types of grills and decks, but are even more important when using a charcoal grill on the wood deck.

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    Can You Grill Under An Awning

    You can grill under an awning if your awning structure meets specific requirements designed and put in place for safety precautions around barbecuing.

    Grilling under an awning is not usually recommended and is not advised for anyone wanting to protect their property, family, and guests from possible and avoidable fire damage if the awning were to catch fire.

    The materials that awnings are typically made from are highly flammable. If embers get too close to your awning, stopping the fire once it gets started isnt an easy feat. We recommend avoiding this situation by not using your barbecue under an ill-advised awning that isnt designed with grilling or barbecuing in mind.

    Awnings are a great source of shade and protection from harsh weather. Still, when it comes to using a BBQ safely, youre better off in open space, away from combustible and burnable materials, such as decking, furniture, and the flammable fabrics awnings are made from.

    Here are a few reasons why it isnt safe to grill under an awning that hasnt been designed with a barbecue or grill in mind:

    Awnings were designed to provide a solution for protecting people from the elements while still being able to spend time outdoors. Restaurants, for one example, provide awnings in their outdoor areas so they can still host guests in outdoor areas while its raining. Awnings werent initially designed for people to be able to barbecue or grill underneath them.

    Have A Fire Extinguisher Nearby

    How to Protect your Deck – Ace Hardware

    You may consider yourself a grill-master, but dont let your ego get in your way always have a fire extinguisher readily available if you need it. Dont keep it in the box in the basement, and always make sure its fully charged and ready to use. We keep ours in our kitchen which is just off our patio.

    In addition to a fire extinguisher, baking soda can be used to smother a grease fire. I actually used some earlier this summer when I had some fat from a pork shoulder go up in flames on my grill . I tried simply putting the cover on to smother the fire, but it persisted. Within 5 seconds of sprinkling the baking soda on, the fire was out.

    Above all else, never pour water on a grease fire.

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    Required Features For Railing Blanket

    Not all wool blankets are made alike. You dont want just a nice wool blanket. You want one that is fire resistant.

    A lot of wool blankets are not 100% wool but a blend. Synthetic fibres are added to increase the strength of wool or make it more workable. A wool fire blanket you want at least 70% wool, but more is better because of wools natural resistance to fire.

    Check the labelling of the blanket. If the wool blanket is intended to be fire retardant, it will be labelled as such. Conforming to Federal Flammable Fabric Acts CS-191-53 in the United States. Other countries will vary in legislates but should meet or exceed the American Standards.

    Finally, you want a blanket large enough to protect the railing. A blanket 60 by 84 is a good size as it will easily drape over the railing. I remember my mother drying blankets hanging over the railing. The same concept accepts this time its protecting the railing.

    It can be hard to find a quality wool blanket at times. Ektos manufactures quality wool blankets that can be ordered online from the convenience of your home.

    Premium Quality Blankets at Affordable Price

    EKTOS

    If I were recommending wool blankets for comfort, there would be many things to discuss, for wool blankets are phenomenal products trusted for thousands of years.

    From shepherds to kings, all have enjoyed wools comfort and warmth.

    But for now, we are looking for deck railing protection from the grill.

    Ektos blankets meet or exceed these requirements.

    Safe Setups For Deck Furniture

    The Rockport Club 6 Piece Deep Seating Conversation Set is the perfect addition for entertaining on your deck. If you are planning to grill on the deck as well, you will need to keep the perimeters of your cooking station clear so your guests and furniture are protected from any stray flames. As a general rule of thumb, position your outdoor lounge, and dining set at least 10 feet from the grill.

    The last thing you want after a long day by the grill is a plate of patties on the ground because youve bumped into a poorly placed planter. Ensure there is an unobstructed path from the grill to the dining table to safely and quickly deliver the grilled goods to your guests. Dress your deck with our Yacht Club 9-Piece Farmhouse Side Chair Dining Set, offering plenty of elbow room and space for the fresh-squeezed lemonade, patties, buns, and all the fixings. A few seat cushions made with high-performance fabric are the finishing touch your deck needs, making your outdoor space the life of the party.

    Hamburger or hot dog? Charcoal or natural gas? Natural wood decking or HDPE composite lumber? Whether youre a grill master or a barbecue novice, youre faced with several choices when grilling on your outdoor deck. However, when cooking with an open flame, taking the proper precautions should never be in question.

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    Where To Place A Grill On A Terrace

    Keep the gas grill on the terrace away from the tree branches overhead. Trees around the bridge can be great, providing shade while you grill. But make sure there is at least 10 between the top of the grill and tree branches. I hate burning those trees frying your steaks.

    Can I Have A Barbecue On My Composite Decking

    Metallic Gas Grill Mat For Patio 32 x 47 Inch Deck Protection Gas ...

    When it comes to bringing people together, not much comes close to the classic barbecue. Family, friends, the scent of those succulent meats its the perfect way to spend a summers day. With your brand-new composite decking, you now have an ideal location to host your guests, but you may also be wondering whether or not its safe to do. If you want to ensure that both your guests and decking remain safe, whilst also hosting an amazing barbecue, here is everything you need to know about barbecuing on composite decking.

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    Have An Extinguisher Nearby

    Even master grillers experience the occasional unruly grill flame. Make sure you always have a fully charged fire extinguisher or baking powder nearby to prevent the spread of flames. In the event of a grease fire, baking powder is a common kitchen staple that can be sprinkled on the flames to put them out.

    Because water only provides fuel for grease fires, the presence of these extinguishers is crucial to prevent severe damage.

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