Install fire pits under a patio or roofed alfresco sounds like the perfect recipe for cosy winter nights and relaxed weekend entertaining. But there is a right way to do it. In Western Australia, heat, smoke and clearance all matter, and the type of patio roof you choose can make or break the plan. If you are weighing up a feature fire pit or a serious barbecue set-up beneath a Patio Factory structure, here is a practical guide to help you get the look you want without compromising safety or comfort.
First, let us clear up the big question. Can you install fire pits beneath a patio roof at all. In many cases, yes, provided you treat it like a controlled heat source and design the space around it. That means thinking about where the flame sits, how close it is to posts and beams, and how rising heat will behave under your roof sheets or insulated panels. Treated correctly, you can enjoy the ambience of a real flame while keeping your patio in top condition.
Safety starts with distance. A common mistake is placing a hot feature too close to structural steel, furniture or glazing. When you install fire pits below a roof, you want generous horizontal clearance from posts and walls, and a vertical separation that keeps radiant heat away from roof materials. Fixed seating should be set back far enough to avoid singed cushions and accidental kicks into the fire bowl. Pair your layout with a non combustible hearth zone such as pavers or concrete so stray embers cannot find timber or synthetic decking.
Ventilation is non negotiable. If you plan to install fire pits under a covered space, you must let smoke and hot air escape quickly. High open sides are your friend. Where privacy walls or screening are part of the design, add gaps and choose louvre or slat profiles that breathe. Consider roof ventilation accessories and the strategic use of skylights or polycarbonate infills to encourage buoyant hot air to move up and out. The goal is simple. Keep fresh air moving so you enjoy the flames without smoky eyes or carbon monoxide risk.
Material choice matters. Patio Factory works with durable steel frames and offers either Colorbond style roofing or insulated roof panels. If you want to install fire pits beneath the roof, talk to us about heat behaviour and the best panel choice for your layout. Insulated panels help regulate underside temperature, which can improve comfort around a central flame. For the floor, think large format pavers or concrete, and consider a purpose built inlay under the fire bowl to clearly mark a safe zone. Protective mats can look smart but always verify their heat rating.
Now let us talk barbecues. If you plan to install fire pits or use a gas or charcoal barbecue, remember it is fundamentally a controlled fire, so many of the same rules apply. Keep your hooded barbecue well clear of posts, use a sturdy non combustible bench or trolley, and never position it directly below low roof sections. If you intend to build a full outdoor kitchen, plan for a ducted rangehood that vents to outside, not just a recirculating unit. For smaller spaces, a compact hooded gas barbecue with side clearances and strong cross ventilation is the safer pick.
Style and layout go hand in hand with comfort. When you install fire pits near the centre of a gable or skillion patio, you often gain better airflow and head height, which reduces heat build up. On windy Perth evenings, orient your patio to block prevailing breezes, then use screens sparingly so you do not trap smoke. Lighting also deserves attention. Recessed downlights and fans should be positioned well away from rising heat and smoke. If you add ceiling fans, choose models rated for outdoor use and mount them clear of the flame plume.
Council approvals are a common sticking point, so plan early. Patios typically need drawings and documentation for council, and any built in kitchen or vented appliance may require added detail. Sorting this at the beginning saves time and stress. Patio Factory handles in house design and site check measures, so your patio is manufactured to suit the exact conditions on site, which helps avoid awkward compromises later when you add your fire or barbecue feature. Our team prides itself on old fashioned customer care, guiding you from first chat to installation so you feel confident at every step.
Finances do not have to hold you back. If your dream patio includes clever provision to install fire pits or a safe, showpiece flame, ask about our interest free options and flexible finance deals. Spreading payments can make it easier to choose the right roof, integrate ventilation and power, and leave room in the budget for quality finishes. It is a smart way to future proof the space now rather than retrofitting later when access is harder and costs are higher.
Design tips to make life easier. If you plan to install fire pits in a family home, consider a portable, lidded model that can be moved or closed when children are around. Mark out seating with generous circulation so guests are never forced to sidle past the hot zone. For barbecues, factor in a natural place to set trays and utensils, a bin, and safe gas bottle storage with easy access. If you choose an in built kitchen, leave space for future appliances and ensure your benchtops resist high heat and grease. A neat service cavity for gas and power lines can keep the look clean while making future maintenance straightforward.
DIY or professional help. Some owners are tempted to buy a fire bowl and wing it. That is fine for an open yard, but if you install fire pits beneath a roof, it pays to get a professional involved. Patio Factory’s designers can help plan clearances, ventilation, and lighting, and then fabricate a patio that suits your site and your entertaining style. Our installers work with the drawings you approve, which helps everything fit first time and keeps your project on schedule. That way your smart new patio and your outdoor cooking plans come together without surprise headaches.
Future upgrades start with foresight. Even if the immediate plan is a portable barbecue, consider wiring for task lighting and weather protected power points now. If you expect to install fire pits later, design the roof and structure with the central opening, skylight or clearance you will need. That approach costs little upfront and saves you from pulling things apart down the track. Combine this with smart storage for wood or charcoal that stays dry and tidy, and you will enjoy a cleaner, safer set up all year.
What about bushfire zones. Location matters. Some areas have specific requirements for materials and construction, and that can influence choices like screening, roof panels, and whether you can install fire pits or use open flames at all. Patio Factory can advise on compliant designs for your address and help you plan alternatives like gas fire tables or electric heaters if open flames are restricted. The big idea is to achieve the same welcoming vibe while respecting local rules and your home’s safety profile.
Bringing it all together. Yes, you can install fire pits or run a barbecue beneath a Patio Factory roof and love the result. Prioritise ventilation, clearance and non combustible finishes. Get your layout right so people flow is natural. Tackle council approvals and documentation early so there are no hold ups. And lean on our in house design, manufacturing and installation to deliver a sturdy, good looking patio that makes entertaining in Perth effortless. When you are ready, ask about finance to get the project moving sooner rather than later, and then gather the family for the first sizzling cook up.
One last checklist for confidence. If you want to install fire pits under your new patio, confirm your clearances on the plan, choose a roof profile that suits heat movement, lock in a safe hearth surface, plan fresh air pathways, and place lights and fans well away from the flame plume. For barbecues, double check bottle placement, ventilation and hood clearance. With those boxes ticked, you will have a comfortable, compliant and stylish alfresco that works in every season.
Ready to chat about the perfect patio for your place. The Patio Factory team is happy to assess your site, recommend the ideal roof style and layout, and coordinate fabrication and installation from start to finish. If a future outdoor kitchen or the desire to install fire pits is on the cards, we can design with that in mind so your alfresco looks stunning and performs brilliantly from day one. Call us, send a message, or drop by for friendly expert advice and a design that makes entertaining at home feel easy.
