The WSM on a Trex deck

[Gary H. NJ]

We just moved into a new house and it has a Trex composite decking. It’s basically plastic. Should I be concerned about using the smoker on the deck itself? Thinking about putting in some bricks next to the deck on the lawn to do the smoking there.
What are peoples experience with the Trex deck and their smoker? I don’t wanna melt the thing.

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

I would be careful, to the extent that I’d either find a second spot to put the smoker or lay an area with pavers or cement board or something.

 

[LMichaels]

Yeah, I'd be wary of anything that burns wood based fuel on a deck of any kind

 

[GrantT]

Not just burns, but oil/grease can leave some very ugly stains on it too...

 

[Chris Allingham]

All of the above. If you've got the 2009 or newer WSM with the heat shield installed between the legs, you should be OK in terms of fire/melting/scorching, but it's always a good idea to place the smoker on some protective surface to catch the inevitable drips that come out of the bottom vent dampers or something you drip while loading/unloading meat.

Protecting Patios & Wooden Decks - The Virtual Weber Bullet

Tips for protecting patios and wooden decks while using the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, including a variety of pans, pavers, and mats.

www.virtualweberbullet.com

 

[timothy]

Whatever you do decide to use, move it occasionally to let the deck breathe. They trap moisture underneath and that causes premature fastener corrosion along with fading issues.
Yesterday I pressure washed a 2 year old trek deck. It had a round silicone bbq mat in one corner.
After two passes with the PW and scrubbing with a brush with a multi surface cleaner I could still see the faint outline of the round mat.
Oh and watch how you handle the chimney. Our Son's trex deck has some melt spots from hot embers dropping out of the chimney.