Yes, You should use a fire pit mat under the fire pit so that the heat from the fire pit does not damage the ground or deck. Fire pit mats are sheets that can withstand heat and come in various shapes and sizes. They guarantee Your safety and proper enjoyment of the fire.
Is a Fire Pit Mat Safe?
Yes, fire pit mats are safe to use.
Fire pit mats are constructed from heat-resistant materials like fiberglass or fire-retardant film. They are in charge of preventing flying sparks and embers from damaging the deck and leaving burn marks on the ground.
However, they can only be used if legs support your fire pit; if not, and the fire bowl rests directly on the ground, the fire pit will need a more rigid and durable material to protect the deck and flooring. If you have placed the wood-burning fire pit on an explosive and not fire-resistant deck, you will require a fire pit mat.
Is Fire Pit Mat Fireproof and Waterproof?
Most of the market’s fire pit mats are waterproof and fireproof, as they are made from Aluminum foil, PVC, or Vinyl. Heat protective mats are usually washable mats with high heat capacity. You can buy a fire pit mat at the local store or online.
Make sure to get one that meets USFS fire blanket regulations and is waterproof while buying. Putting a fire pit mat or pad down is a great way to keep the deck and house safe from fire disasters.
How Much Heat Can a Fire Pit Mat Take?
The heat the fire pit mat can withstand varies in every fire pit. Some brands claim to resist till 1800 ℉ and some up to 1300 ℉. And the heat-resistant quality heavily depends on the material. For example, aluminum, Copper is some strong materials for fire pit mats.
However, it is better to check the product description, consult the seller, and know customer reviews before buying a fire pit mat. Also, be sure to purchase the carpet based on your fire pit type; for example, you will need more heat-resistant mats for wood-burning fire pits than gas fire pits.
Should I Put Mat Under my Fire Pit?
Yes, to stay on the safer side, it is mandatory to use a fire pit mat if you are using the fire pit on:
- Deck
- Grass
- Ground
- Concrete Slab
The fire pit heat mat or pad is the best material to put under a fire pit. Fire pits reach exceptionally high temperatures, and repeated exposure to such tremendous heat may cause the decking to deteriorate and grass to leave ghost spots. In addition, the sparks and embers can significantly harm the decking, scorching or blackening it and perhaps starting a fire. The mat is a barrier between the wood decking and the fire pit.
Fire pit mats are a low-cost barrier often made of rubber or PVC and easy to store when not in use. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions since clearance between the bottom of the fire pit bowl and the protective mat is required. If they are too close together, the mat’s performance will decrease.
Pros and Cons of Using Mat Under My Fire Pit
If you have a blazing fire pit on your deck that could result in burnt damage and actual burning on the property, an outdoor fire pit mat is quite helpful. And just like everything else, fire pit mats have their advantages and disadvantages, which you need to be aware of before buying one.
Pros of using a mat under your fire pit;
- The mat protects the deck, grass, or concrete slab from heat damage
- It also protects from a flying spark or ember
- Easy to wash and dry.
- Affordable compared to other protective options
- It can be folded and stored easily.
- Made from several materials, from which you can select the one that will serve you best.
- Easily portable
- Most of the Firepit mats are waterproof
- 90% of fire pit mats are food spill safe, meaning you can pick up the food you spilled on it.
- It increases the comfort of sitting around the fire pit and beauty.
Cons of using a mat under your fire pit;
- Although the fire mats are heat-resistant, they are not entirely fireproof. You can use heat-protective mats only under fire pits that have legs. However, keeping a distance between the fire pit and the carpet is necessary.
- Firepits may get tipped over if the fire pit mat is not stable.
Final Verdict
If you plan to use a fire pit on the deck, grass, lawn, or concrete slab, buying and installing a fire pit mat is mandatory under the fire pit. However, you should not directly place the fire bowl or hole on the carpet if it does not have legs. The usefulness and requirement of fire pit mats will be significantly influenced by the location and intended usage of the fire pits, their height from the ground, and the type of deck flooring if you decide to use the fire pit there.
