April 24, 2025

Can You Use a Barbecue Under a Pergola?

Can you use a barbecue under a pergola?
Short answer: Yes—but only if you're smart about it! From fire risks to smoke escapes, grilling beneath your aluminium pergola takes a bit of planning. Stick around for sizzling tips on staying safe, stylish, and smoke-free while cooking up a storm outdoors.

The Question of Safety: Barbecuing Under a Pergola

There’s something magical about grilling in the garden—the smoky aroma, the sizzle of burgers, the clink of cold drinks.
But throw a pergola into the mix, and suddenly there’s a little more to think about.

Before you wheel your barbecue underneath and fire it up, it’s worth getting clued up on the safety side of things.
Even the most beautiful setup can quickly turn into a risky one without the right precautions.

Let’s break it all down.

Understanding the Risks Involved

Fire Hazards and Flammable Materials

A barbecue is an open flame, and flames and flammable materials don’t play nicely together.
If your pergola is made of wood, or has fabric curtains or a cloth roof, you’re upping the fire risk big time.

It’s not just sparks you need to worry about—heat radiating upwards can cause long-term damage or even ignite nearby surfaces.
Always be aware of what’s above and around your grill.

Smoke and Ventilation

Even if flames aren’t licking the rafters, there’s still smoke to think about.
Grilling under a structure without decent airflow can trap smoke, making it hard to breathe—and hard to see what you’re cooking!

Worse still, gas and charcoal grills can produce carbon monoxide, which is both invisible and deadly.
Proper ventilation is a must.

Heat Damage to the Pergola Structure

Even if your pergola is made from something heat-resistant like aluminium, that doesn’t mean it’s heatproof.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to discolouration or warping over time.

The closer your grill is to the structure, the greater the risk.

General Safety Guidelines for Outdoor Cooking

Here’s a golden rule: treat outdoor cooking like indoor cooking, but with extra wind and wildlife.

Use a flat, stable surface for your barbecue.
Keep kids and pets at a safe distance (even if they’re on marshmallow duty).
And never—ever—leave the grill unattended, not even for a quick trip inside.

Factors to Consider Before Barbecuing Under Your Pergola

Not all pergolas—or barbecues—are created equal.
Before you plan your perfect garden party, check that your setup suits the situation.

Pergola Material

Wood Pergolas: High Fire Risk

Timber looks gorgeous in the sun, but it’s also highly flammable.
One stray ember can turn your rustic retreat into a bonfire.

If you're set on using a wooden pergola, you’ll need extra clearance and careful positioning of your grill.

Metal Pergolas: More Heat Resistant but Still Considerations

Aluminium pergolas are a safer bet when it comes to fire.
They don’t burn, and they’re built to last—perfect for modern garden designs.

Still, too much heat can cause fading or damage, especially if the barbecue is right underneath.

Fabric or Canvas Elements: Highly Flammable

Got curtains, canopies, or fabric shades?
Keep them well away from the grill—or better yet, remove them entirely while cooking.

Even a light breeze can blow a curtain into danger.

Barbecue Type

Charcoal Grills: High Heat and Embers

These give amazing flavour, but they’re the most fire-prone.
They throw sparks, they burn hot, and they’re harder to control.

Make sure there’s plenty of clearance and always keep the lid down when possible.

Gas Grills: Direct Flame and Heat

Gas barbecues are cleaner and easier to manage, but the flame is still real—and still dangerous.

Always check your hose connections, and never cook too close to pergola beams or overhangs.

Electric Grills: Lower Heat Output, but Still Caution Needed

If you’re working with limited space or want the safest option, electric grills are your friend.

No flame, lower heat—but still worth treating with care. They get hot, and ventilation is still essential.

Ventilation and Airflow

Ensuring Smoke Can Escape Safely

Your pergola should allow smoke to escape naturally.
Open sides, slatted or louvered roofs, or even a retractable canopy can all help.

Avoid fully enclosed designs unless they’ve been built specifically for outdoor kitchens.

Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Buildup

This one’s simple: never use a charcoal or gas grill in a fully enclosed space.
Always cook in open air, or where air can flow freely.

It could literally be a lifesaver.

Safe Practices for Barbecuing Near or Under a Pergola

Maintaining a Safe Distance

Keep your barbecue at least a metre or two away from posts, beams, and roof panels.
Check your grill’s manual for clearance guidelines—they’re there for a reason.

Using Heat Shields and Protective Barriers

A heat-proof mat under your grill and a reflective barrier behind it can help protect your decking and pergola structure.
It’s a small investment for a lot of peace of mind.

Never Leaving a Barbecue Unattended

We get it—someone always needs more ketchup.
But never walk away from a lit barbecue, even for a minute.

Get someone to swap shifts or wait until you’re done cooking.

Having Fire Safety Equipment Nearby

Keep a fire extinguisher, fire blanket, or even a bucket of sand close by.
Hopefully, you’ll never need it—but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.

Alternatives and Safer Pergola Uses

Positioning the Barbecue Away from the Pergola

Want the safest route? Set your barbecue up nearby—not underneath.
This way, you get the shade and style of your pergola, without the fire risk.

It’s the best of both worlds.

Using the Pergola as a Shaded Dining Area

Let your pergola be the perfect chill-out spot.
Set up a dining table, some comfy seating, and a few string lights for evening vibes.

You can cook nearby and serve up under the shade.

Creating a Separate Outdoor Kitchen Space

Thinking of a big upgrade? Design a custom outdoor kitchen with heat-resistant materials, purpose-built units, and all the ventilation you need.

You can still add a pergola for shade—just keep the flames safely distanced.

Conclusion: Prioritising Safety When Combining Barbecues and Pergolas

Barbecuing under a pergola can be done—and done well—but only with care.
Start by knowing your pergola’s materials, choose the right grill, and always prioritise ventilation.

Add a few fire-safe practices, and your garden becomes a haven for relaxed, alfresco dining.

So yes, your aluminium pergola and your barbecue can absolutely be friends.
Just make sure safety’s invited to the party, too.

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