Safety Tips for Grilling On the Deck
Grilling on the deck is usually one of the best parts of the summer and fall (best part of anything if you ask me). I mean, who doesn’t love throwing some meat and veggies on the grill and enjoying the nice weather. However, if you don’t follow these simple safety tips, it may end up being the worst part.
Centrally Position the Grill
Keep your grill away from the house and the deck railing by positioning it as centrally as possible. It should be at least 5-10 feet away from any piece of wood that may be nearby. While most grills aren’t likely to send out sparks or dangerous fire materials, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Nothing can ruin a party or relaxing day like a house fire.
Don’t Forget the Fire Mat
Many amateur grillers don’t even realize that grilling safety mats are available to purchase. These handy little fellows slide under your grill and cover a pretty wide area: many are as wide as 42 by 30 inches.
Once installed, these mats will protect your deck from the heat and fire that may come off your grill. This will keep your wood safe from damage, let alone from bursting into flames. let alone any fire damage- these mats will also keep your deck from getting scuffed or scratched.
Keep the Children Away
The last thing you need to worry about when grilling is having children (or even your best buddy, Max the Dog who will undoubtedly try to stand as close to the grill in hopes of getting some of that porter house.) scurrying around your feet. These distractions are not only annoying, but potentially dangerous. But grilling on your deck gives you the unique ability to close off access by putting up a baby-gate at the entrance.
And if the deck is accessible from the home via a door? Just lock it from the outside. You may even want to have a gatekeeper or two available to successfully keep your cooking area distraction-free.
If you have any more questions on grilling safety or deck protection, or have any questions on deck restoration or cleaning, don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible.
