What To Put Under A Fire Pit On Grass

A fire pit can be an interesting addition to your lawn. You can enjoy the chilly nights outside with family and friends and get those campfire vibes. However, a fire pit placed on grass in your lawn or backyard can easily spoil its color and freshness through the intense heat. Therefore, it is crucial to create a protective layer underneath the fire pit to shield the grass and prevent damage. The following are some of the things you can put under a fire pit on grass:

Patio Slabs

Patio slabs can be used as fire pit surface as they are highly effective due to their flat and stable structure. They can also absorb heat which radiates from the fire pit; thus, preventing the lawn from any heat damage.

You should arrange your patio slab according to the shape and size of your fire pit. Each leg of the fire pit should be on top of a patio slab and be secured in place. Once the patio slabs and the fire pit have been placed, make sure that you don’t try to move it or touch it as it can get very hot.

However, you will have to move the patio slabs every couple of days because it flattens the grass if left on the same spot.

Heat Shields

The purpose of using heat shields is not just to protect the grass; they can also be placed on wooden decks, concrete surfaces and other floor services as well. Despite the location of the fire pit, the heat shield will protect the surface from fire or intense heat damage.

Heat shields are easy to use because there is no assembly required. All you have to do is place it under the fire pit on a flat surface and lit the fire without worrying. However, you cannot place burning fire on top of a heat shield as they are only recommended for use with fire pits.

When you purchase a heat shield, make sure that you get a high quality brand with maximum capacity. This is because if the heat exceeds its given capacity, it could easily damage the shield itself as well as the grass and surrounding area.

Heat Resistant Mats

One major advantage of using a fire or heat resistant mat is that it is easily movable as well as foldable. You can conveniently fold and stuff it into your bag and it won’t get damaged. Heat resistant may is also very easy to set up because the only thing you have to do is lay it on the grass and place your fire pit over it. These mats are designed specifically to protect against fire so they won’t burn even if your fire pit accidentally falls over.  Fire resistant mats are also bigger in size compared to heat shields so they can easily protect a larger area around the fire. One single fire resistant mat can hold up to at least three average sized fire pits.

Brick Blocks

Another way of protecting your grass from the heat of a fire pit is by raising the pit through a platform of bricks. These blocks of bricks will create an extra space between the ground and the fire pit and act as a barrier. Make sure that the bricks are flat and stable before placing the fire pit on them. However, you will have to remove the fire pit as well as the blocks of brick from the ground so that the grass does not flatten out.

Fire Pit Pad

This works similarly as a fire resistant mat. The fire pit mat can catch any ho =t drippings and prevent a fire breakout. These pads are made with heat resistant materials such as carbon fiber or volcanic rock fiber or a combination of different materials. A fire pit pad often comes with a reflective surface which provides extra protection. These pads have multiple layers of metal with spaces between them which allows insulation. A fire pit pat does not burn, melt, or allows heat to pass through it. It is also very durable if you take extra precautions while using it.

Fire Pit Heat Stress

Heat stress is a common problem for the general look of the lawn. Heat stress is caused by hot weather conditions during the summer which causes the grass to look dry. Similarly, fire pits on grass can also cause these conditions in a particular section of your lawn or backyard especially if you don’t try to protect it. Shielding your grass from exposure to direct heat by the use of fire pits can help the damaged area recover quickly. 

Best Practice

Fire pits can be great if you want to spend some time outside on the lawn or backyard with your friends and family. However, a fire pit must be used with caution while keeping the safety measures in mind. One important rule to remember is to never leave a burning fire unattended. Make sure that you completely put out the fire before going inside even if you are using any of the above methods to prevent damage. If you take proper precautions and follow the rules, your grass and the surrounding area should remain unharmed by the fire pit.

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About the Author: Doug Smith

Doug has been working around the house fixing stuff for years with a smile on his face. Let's just say he is an avid DIYer. Recently, he has decided to share some of the lessons learnt and knowledge gained from fixing things online. Hope you like what he has to say.