WSM on wooden deck


 
M

Marcus

New member
I am getting a WSM but the only place i can put it will be on the wooden deck at the back of the house. So i was wondering what people have done to avoid burning the deck. If it is even an issue.

Thanks
 
I've had mine on my wooden deck for many years. Heat rises, so no burning chance, and I have nothing under mine. Never has scorching either. Mine is unpainted so no paint issues; I imagine that could be a problem.

Though I don't use one, an oil drip pan, or something similar, is convenient as it allows you to to place the cooker on it and/or have a place for the lid or chimney starter.
 
+1 on what Kevin said.

Also, some concrete pavers under the WSM would look great and be very functional.

My WSMs sit on a wood table I built for them. I have dropped the stray coal from time to time and have some burn marks on it, but I don't really care. It's there for function, not for looks.
 
You can get high heat resistant mats from most big box hardware stores. You shouldn't have a heat problem anyway but it will catch stray coals, dripped juices and sauce spills and they usually just rinse off with a hose.
 
Marcus, welcome to the group. I have my WSM on rock so no wood problem. I have managed to drop hot coal pieces on the rock and they have burnt holes in my saddles and slippers. What, you cook in slippers? Well this is, Kalifornia, ya know. I know that you will never drop hot coals on your deck so all is well.

Mark
 
3 or 4 squares of slate will do the trick. There were a few left after putting in my fireplace and they work well.
 
I have mine on bricks - the ones with holes in them - turned sideways. My neighbor is a builder and he dropped off a bunch. I have a brick pad for my charcoal chimney and one for the WSM.
 
Cheapest option is probably 4 12x12 pavers or the oil pan. But like others have said, not a necessity. Especially on the new ones with the heat shield.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about heat. I'd be more concerned with any ooze on the outside dripping down on to the deck. There are lots of options for that.

Newer models have a heat shield so even better these days.
 
To me the issues are more of the logistics as to where to place the lid and the occasional drip.
I've stains on my asphalt driveway from that...
(Well worth it, just saying.)
 
While the WSM doesn't present much of a heat issue and any "BBQ Mat" would be sufficient.

BUT ... you don't want to be starting your chimney close to the deck. That will scorch as one poster showed with the pics of his burned deck. I'd use your Performer to start the chimney.
 
I have a fireproof BBQ mat that I got from Home Depot. I use it to keep any grease from getting on my deck as well as the fireproof feature. It is also useful for setting the top of the WSM while I am basting, etc.
Mine was about $30 3 years ago.
Ray
 
I agree the biggest issue is drips and WSM drools and what to do with the top. I have a couple of pieces of 1/2x1/2x20" hardwood is set beside the smoker to protect the deck from the grease buildup on the bottom edge of the lid.

And the chimney IS a whole different issue. I've scorched my deck (minor but visible) by trying to set it on an upside down SS pan (circle), on a terra cota saucer (real good burn mark) and burned a few nearby leaves when sitting it in my gravel driveway. And ash fall is always an issue.

The best bet is to fire the started on top of the coals, but if you use newspaper, that dumps lots of paper ash on top of your unlit charcoal. What works well is the tablespoon or so of cooking oil on a full sheet of paper towel. Almost no ash and a terrifically hot starter.

Rich
 
Marcus. A deck is a big investment so IMO protect it at any cost. Mats, pavers , metal pans or even a pile of sand will protect your deck from drips or a dropped coal.
But any of these will trap moisture underneath which will cause premature aging to your deck and fasteners. It's best to move them around occasionally so your decking, and your structure has a chance to dry out.
HTH

Tim



Tim
 
Tim is correct. I do not leave my pad down after cooking. I stand it up on its edge so I will not get the moisture and discoloration on my wood deck.

Ray
 
Go to the hardware store and look at water heater pans, you may find one big enough to set the lid down next to the WSM.
 
I can't imagine it'd be an issue. I did a high-heat prime rib on a snow covered patio and the only spot underneath that the snow melted was in the little drain hole in the heat shield.
 
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