A fire pit should never be used in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation, as you run the risk of hotboxing yourself with dangerous fumes like carbon monoxide. In other words, covered patios are a definitive no-go. (We wouldn’t stick a fire pit under a gazebo, pergola, or umbrella, either, because you risk singeing whatever’s above it.)
Some brands say their fire pits are safe for use on wood or PVC decks if you put them on some sort of stand, base, or heat shield, which is typically sold separately from the unit itself. This includes Solo Stove, Fireside Outdoor, and Breeo. However, this requires militant supervision and we generally wouldn’t recommend it — stick with gravel, concrete, pavement, stone, or dirt that’s free of debris just to be safe. Sand works, too, so long as the pit stays level.
