Thoughts and concerns / design ideas for using a grill on a deck?

  I  am building a new deck (hopefully myself) and will be using the new
blended (part wood, part plastic) decking material that has been on the
market a few years now. Currently our BBQ grill, which I use every day in
the mild and warm months is out the back door, down the upper & lower deck,
down a small set of steps onto a concrete patio near our garage. Total
distance and steps 40 ft plus 15 stair steps. My wife would like it closer
to the house on the upper deck so she could help with the cooking more
easily. I would like any and all thoughts on this; I wouldn't mind the
shorter walk, but would need to design in safety features to allow safety,
prevent fire and deck damage but still be attractive in appearance. I am
sure someone has approached this challenge before. The current grill which
is very functional is a typical portable propane on a rolling cart ($200
ish). I am not opposed to spending more on a grill if necessary to meet the
long term safety and appearance issues for the deck.

Thanks in advance -- Any and all advice welcome.  I am looking for concerns
and ideas regarding both the deck and the grill.  Also, how close to the
siding on the home is it reasonable to have the grill?

 1_Patriotic_Guy wrote:
Also, how

Place your grill on the far edge of the deck, oppisite from the house. This
offers the best protection, not only for the siding, but also away from any
overhanging eves.

I've seen a handful of failed regulators on gas grills, and the resulting
fire will destroy a house in minutes.

Larry

  Exactly what happens when a regulator fails?  Is this when the grill is lit,
or just sitting there between uses?  In general what makes a regulator fail?

Thanks in advance

 We have some good friends who piped their grill to natural gas and
had it protected under the eave overhang.  Something went wrong
and they needed to replace some brick and eave.  Due to their
experience, I would not keep it under the eave.

If you are worried about stains on the deck, you might consider a
sheet of Hardie siding (comes in 4x8 and 4x10) under the grill.
If and when it is stained, replace it instead of deck boards.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG  (remove the sevens)
dgriff237@7cox.net

 

How close depends on how big the inevitalbe flare up will be.   Put he grill
on the far side of the deck out in the open.  No way would I put mine
against the house or under an eave or near a window.

My grill has been on the deck for 25 years with no problems. But, stuff
happens and flare-ups do happen. Mine is only inches from the deck rail and
has not caused any overheating or burning problem.  Being in the open, there
is no grease or smoke splatters on the house either.

Rare, but it does happen that a propane tanks gets on fire or a grill
otherwise loses control.  With 12' to the house, it minimizes any potential
problems. Next to the house could end up costing the house.

Next is a good grill. For the $200 it will cook a burnger, for for anything
more serious, look at Vermont Castings, BroilMaster, MHP or Weber.  They are
far superior to cook with. Plan to spend $600 to $1500