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The Daily Insight

Where should I put my grill in my backyard

Author

John Parsons

Updated on May 13, 2026

Always place grills on a flat, clean surface away from any potentially flammable debris such as rubbish bins or mulch. The same goes for low-lying trees and hedges. Make sure there are no low-hanging branches in the vicinity of your BBQ.

Where should a grill be placed in a yard?

Set up your grill at least 10 feet away from buildings and other structures, as well as dry vegetation that potentially could catch fire. This includes awnings and porch overhangs; while it may be tempting to cart the grill under cover to cook during rain, it’s not a safe idea, as flare-ups could lead to a house fire.

How close can a grill be to a fence?

It is recommended that the grill should at least be 3 feet away from the house, fence, or any structures. Regardless of what type of grill you have, see to it that you follow the 3-foot rule when you set up the grill outdoors.

How far should a grill be from the house?

Grilling Safety Tips Grills must be 10-feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer’s instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches. Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).

How much clearance does a grill need?

Maintain proper clearance to combustibles. As per the manufacturer’s suggestions, we recommend 20 inches to the rear of the grill, 7 inches from the sides, and 24 inches if the grill is placed near vinyl siding.

Is it safe to grill next to house?

Although gas grill manufacturers suggest a clearance of 3 feet from buildings, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises a clearance of 10 feet. Gas or charcoal grills should be located a minimum of 10 feet from a house or other structures.

Where should you not put your grill?

  1. Never use your grill indoors, in a garage, or under anything that could catch fire.
  2. Place your grill at least ten feet away from your home, or any other structures or buildings.
  3. Make sure your grill is not located near any deck rails, siding, or low hanging tree branches that could catch on fire.

How far should a grill be from siding?

Fired-up grills must be placed at least 10 feet away from the house, or vinyl siding will melt (which also releases toxic gases). A close proximity to wood siding could easily lead to the wood catching on fire and burning (since that’s what wood does).

Can Neighbours complain about BBQ smoke?

Your local council can investigate complaints about smoke from residential premises that cause a statutory nuisance. … The council will look at the amount of smoke caused, how frequent the barbecuing is, how long it lasts and if the activity is unreasonable. Smoke caused by cooking is unlikely to be a statutory nuisance.

How far away should a gas grill be from the house?

Not Giving the Grill Enough Space Floating embers can easily spark a fire! Your grill—whether it’s charcoal or gas—should be at least 10 feet away from deck railings and any structures, like your home, garage or sheds.

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Can you grill under a patio?

You probably can grill on a screened-in porch with a propane grill, but you probably don’t want to. … Additionally, there may be local rules, regulations, and ordinances that prevent a grill from being used inside a screened-in porch. Even with proper ventilation, you still run the risk of an uncontrolled grease fire.

Can you put a grill under a covered porch?

Grill Placement Never place a charcoal grill in an enclosed area, such as a screened porch or balcony. Also, be careful when using a charcoal grill on a wood deck; embers from the grill can scar the wood and might even cause a fire.

Where is the best place to put a BBQ?

Always place grills on a flat, clean surface away from any potentially flammable debris such as rubbish bins or mulch. The same goes for low-lying trees and hedges. Make sure there are no low-hanging branches in the vicinity of your BBQ.

Can you BBQ in your backyard?

The 2016 and 2019 versions of California Fire Code do allow grilling in “one- and two-family dwellings,” as well as structures “where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.”

Can a Neighbour stop you having a BBQ?

If you’re having a BBQ in your garden or on your private property, there aren’t any laws preventing you from doing so when you please. … To avoid annoying your neighbours with the smoke from your BBQ, it’s best to let them know in advance that you are going to be having a BBQ. They may want to get their washing in first!

Can I put my grill on my deck?

Same as with a gas grill there is always a risk of fire when cooking over live flame, but with the proper safety measures, a charcoal grill is perfectly safe on your patio. Read on to discover a few top tips for preventing any damage to your wooden deck while grilling.

How do I stop my siding from melting on the grill?

Use a 4×8 Panel of Fireproof Drywall Simply purchase a panel from your local lumberyard and securely place it against the side of your house between the siding and your grill, and your vinyl siding should be protected from melting.

How hot can siding get?

The ignition temperature of vinyl siding is approximately 720-750 °F (380-400 °C). This is well above any temperatures reported to have been caused by even the most extreme cases of concentrated sunlight reflected from windows.

How do I protect my deck railing from the grill heat?

The simplest way to protect deck railing from the grill is a wool or welding blanket before firing up the grill drape the blanket over the railing, protecting it from heat and flames. Then after the grill has cooled down, fold up and put away returning your railing to its former beauty.

Can I grill in my garage with the door open?

Grilling in the Garage will create Carbon monoxide As with any fire, the flame is creating carbon monoxide. … Just opening your service door or garage door may not be enough ventilation to keep high levels of carbon monoxide out of the garage. This is a great reason to not start grilling in the garage.

Can you grill on balcony?

Grills on balconies must be at least 30 inches from the building. … You can only use gas and charcoal grills at least 15 feet from buildings. Electric grills are usually acceptable for balcony use.

Can you grill in the rain?

Never fear: as you move the party indoors, you can still grill in the rain. … Short of moving the cooking inside along with your guests, you can still use your trusty charcoal or propane grill in the rain.

Can I grill under a pergola?

There’s no better way to prepare a meal than in the beauty of the outdoors under your residential pergola. … The fully-extruded aluminum design of StruXture residential pergolas is heat-resistant and grill-friendly, making it the perfect spot to prepare and enjoy a meal.

Can you use a green egg under a covered patio?

You will be fine. Like others have said, you will get black soot on the ceiling. I have my egg under a metal pan roof against the house. So the smoke hits the pan roof and soffit area.

Where should a BBQ deck be placed?

Keep the gas grill on the deck away from overhead tree branches. Trees around the deck may be great, providing shade while you grill. But make sure that there is at least 10′ (3m) between the top of the grill and the tree branches. Hate to burn those trees while frying your steaks.