Introduction: The Most Common Question in Outdoor Design

Across the U.S., outdoor living is shifting from “nice-to-have” patios to fully designed year-round outdoor rooms—complete with pergolas, swings, heaters, outdoor kitchens, and fire features.

And naturally, everyone asks:

“Can I put a fire pit under my covered patio?”

The short answer:
Yes—but only if you set it up correctly.

We’ve walked hundreds of homeowners, designers, and contractors through this question, and there are a few key factors that determine whether your fire feature is safe—and whether it will actually perform the way you want it to.

This guide gives you everything you need:
clearances, ventilation, gas type, burner choice, wind/elevation considerations, and specific do/don’t scenarios.

Yes, You Can Put a Fire Pit Under a Covered Patio — If It’s Gas

Vertical Clearance (The #1 Most Important Factor)

Every gas fire pit requires a clear vertical space above the flame. For covered patios:

Best product types for low-to-mid ceilings:

• Yellowstone 36″ Fire Table
  
• Olympic 42″ or 60″ Fire Table
  
• Glacier 56″ Fire Table

Ventilation: The Make-or-Break Safety Requirement

BTUs don’t make a fire pit unsafe—a lack of ventilation does.

Your covered patio must have:

• At least two open sides
  
• Free airflow under the fire table
  
• Adequate vent openings in the enclosure or structure
  
• No glass or vinyl walls trapping heat
  

This is where many designs go wrong. A closed sunroom? Not safe. A 3-season vinyl window system? Not safe. But a pergola? Almost always safe.

Gas Line Size Matters More Under a Roof

Weak flames + covered patio = wasted money.

Since a roof traps more heat, you need:

• Proper BTU supply
  
• Proper pipe diameter
  
• Fewer elbows + restrictions
  

Typical gas line sizes for covered patio setups:

• Up to 150K BTU → ½” line
  
• Up to 250K BTU → ¾” line
  
• Over 300K BTU → 1″ line recommended

Propane vs Natural Gas Under a Covered Patio

Natural Gas

Best choice for patios with high BTU burners or long run distances.

Propane

Works great — IF you meet ventilation + tank placement rules.

Tank Rule:

Do not store a propane tank inside an enclosed cabinet unless the fire feature is specifically engineered for it.

Burner Type Matters Under a Roof (Crossfire® Performs Best)

Under a covered structure, you want a burner that:

• Resists wind
  
• Burns clean
  
• Produces tall flame at lower throttle
  
• Mixes oxygen efficiently
  
• Minimizes yellow-tipping and soot

This is exactly what the Warming Trends Crossfire® Brass Burners do. Your recommended burner models for covered patios:

Linear Burners

• CFBL90 / 110 / 130 / 150 / 190 / 210 / 250
  
• CFBH “tree-style” linear burners for wide tables

Safest Under Fire Tables For Roofs (Here Are the Best Options)

For Small or Low-Ceiling Patios

Yellowstone 36″ Fire Table

For Modern Covered Patios

Glacier 56″ Steel Table

For High-End Covered Outdoor Rooms

Venture Series Custom Builds

If You Have Wind—Go Up One Burner Size

Even under a cover, crosswinds can pull heat away from the seating area.

Wind-adjusted rule:

If your patio gets consistent wind, choose the next burner size up or use a wind guard.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can Absolutely Have a Fire Pit Under a Covered Patio — If You Build It Right

Done correctly, a covered-patio fire pit becomes one of the most beautiful, cozy, and functional parts of your home.

If you want help sizing:

We can help.

• Explore the Venture Series
  
• Shop Crossfire Burners
  
• Read the Gas Line Sizing Guide
  
• Read the Fire Pit Ventilation Guide
  
• Read the BTU Guide

Clearance & Safety Checklist

✔ Roof clearance = at least 72–120″
✔ Two open sides for ventilation
✔ Burner properly sized for the pit opening
✔ Gas line sized for total BTUs
✔ Non-combustible surfaces nearby
✔ Shutoff valve within reach
✔ Propane tank correctly placed
✔ No enclosures that could trap heat
✔ Fire media not overpacked
✔ Burner not installed below grade
✔ Manufacturer’s ignition placed correctly

FAQs

Q: Can I use my propane fire pit under a pergola?

Yes—as long as your enclosure has proper ventilation and meets clearance guidelines.

Q: How high should a ceiling be over a fire pit?

At least 72″, but ideally 96–120″.

Q: Is it safe to use a fire pit under a louvered roof?

Yes, if the louvers open and the structure meets ventilation + clearance requirements.

Q: Can I put a wood-burning fire pit under a covered patio?

No—never.

Q: Which fire pits work best under a patio cover?

Lower-profile gas fire tables like the Olympic 60“, Yellowstone 36“, and Glacier 56“.