Ah, the joys of summer! Warm weather, long days, and of course – backyard gatherings around a cozy fire pit. There’s nothing quite like spending time with friends and family while enjoying the great outdoors. But if your preferred location for your fire pit is on grass, there are some important considerations you need to take into account. Namely: what should you put under your fire pit to protect your lawn and ensure everyone’s safety? In this blog post, we’ll explore various options for protecting your grass from the heat of a fire pit while also maximizing safety for all those gathered around it. So grab a cold drink, find a comfy spot in the shade, and let’s dive in!
Why You Need Protection Under Your Fire Pit
Before we get into the different materials that can be used as protection under your fire pit, it’s essential to understand why this is necessary in the first place. The main reason is pretty simple – heat from the fire can damage or even kill your grass.
When you place a fire pit directly on grass, the intense heat generated by the flames can scorch or burn it within minutes. This damage can extend beyond just aesthetic concerns; dead patches of grass may leave bare spots where weeds can quickly take over.
In addition to keeping your lawn looking lush and green all season long (or avoiding an angry landlord), protecting against potential hazards that come with an open flame is crucial. Sparks or embers from a wood-burning fire pit could ignite dry grass nearby if proper precautions aren’t taken.
So now that we know why it’s important to have something under our fire pits let’s explore some options!
Option 1: Portable Fire Pit Mats
One popular solution for protecting both grass and patio surfaces is portable fire pit mats. These heavy-duty mats are designed specifically for use under fire pits and are made from heat-resistant materials such as woven fiberglass or silicone-coated fabric.
These mats work by creating a barrier between the fire pit and the grass below, preventing direct heat transfer. Fire pit mats also provide some protection against stray sparks that may land on them, reducing the risk of an unintended grass fire.
To use a fire pit mat, simply unroll it and place it on your grass before setting up your fire pit. Be sure to choose a mat that’s large enough to accommodate your specific fire pit size, with at least a few extra inches around all sides for added safety. Keep in mind that while these mats are designed for high temperatures, they’re not completely indestructible – excessive heat or direct flame contact can cause damage over time.
Option 2: Pavers or Bricks
If you prefer something more permanent (or just want something different), pavers or bricks can be an excellent alternative to portable fire pit mats. When arranged beneath and around the perimeter of a fire pit, pavers or bricks create a stable surface for your fire pit while protecting your lawn underneath.
Begin by marking out the desired area where you plan to put your pavers/bricks under your fire pit; this should be slightly larger than the diameter of your actual unit. Next, remove any turf within this marked area down to bare soil before leveling and compacting it using either hand tools like trowels/rakes or power equipment like tillers if needed.
After leveling the soil, lay down landscape fabric (optional but recommended) to prevent weeds from growing through gaps between stones. Then proceed with installing individual pavers/bricks into position according to manufacturer instructions as necessary; ensure each piece is level before moving onto subsequent pieces until complete coverage has been achieved.
Finally, fill any gaps between pavers/bricks with sand or fine gravel (polymeric sand works well). This helps keep stones from shifting and aids in drainage. This option can create a more permanent fire pit area, adding an attractive feature to your backyard landscaping.
Option 3: Metal or Stone Fire Pit Rings
Another fantastic option for protecting your grass under a fire pit is using a metal or stone fire pit ring. These rings serve as both functional heat barriers and decorative accents, making them perfect for those who want an aesthetically pleasing solution that doesn’t sacrifice safety.
Metal fire pit rings are typically made of steel or cast iron, providing excellent durability and resistance against high temperatures. They’re available in various sizes and designs, so you can choose one that best suits your fire pit’s dimensions and style preferences.
Stone fire pit rings are constructed from natural stone or precast concrete blocks designed to withstand extreme heat exposure. Like their metal counterparts, they come in different sizes, shapes, and colors – ensuring there’s something out there for everyone!
To install either type of ring under your fire pit on grass:
- Mark the location where you plan to place the ring.
- Remove any turf within the marked area down to bare soil.
- Level the soil if necessary.
- Assemble and position the metal or stone ring according to manufacturer instructions.
- Place your fire pit inside the ring while maintaining proper clearance between all surfaces.
Using a metal or stone fire pit ring not only helps protect your lawn but also adds an extra layer of stability when placed on uneven ground like grassy terrain – ensuring optimum safety during use!
Option 4: Gravel Beds
Our final suggestion for what to put under a fire pit on grass is creating a gravel bed as insulation against high temperatures produced by open flames! This approach offers several benefits: it’s affordable; easy to install; allows easy drainage after rainfall; plus deters weed growth around/underneath units themselves (when landscape fabric is installed).
To create this barrier:
- Mark out the area where you plan to place your fire pit.
- Remove any turf within the marked space down to bare soil.
- Level/compact exposed earth as needed before laying down landscape fabric (optional but recommended).
- Pour 2-4 inches of gravel (pea gravel, crushed rock, or river rocks) onto the fabric and spread it evenly.
- Position your fire pit on top of the gravel bed while maintaining proper clearance around all surfaces.
This simple yet effective solution helps distribute heat more evenly across grassy surfaces – minimizing potential damage caused by direct exposure!
What To Put Under Fire Pit On Grass Final Thoughts
So there you have it – four fantastic options for what to put under a fire pit on grass! Whether you opt for a portable mat, pavers/bricks, metal/stone rings, or a gravel bed, taking these precautions will help protect your lawn and ensure everyone’s safety while enjoying those summer nights gathered around the fire.
Remember always to follow manufacturer guidelines when installing or using any outdoor heating equipment; never leave fires unattended; and be aware of local regulations regarding open burning/fire pits in residential areas. With these measures in place, you can sit back, relax and enjoy countless memorable moments with friends and family around your cozy fire pit!
