Fixed fire pits are usually built in a heat-proof way, sand and gravel are also used in them. But for the portable fire pits, you should place them atop cement pavers, a heat mat, or a fire-protective mat to protect the patio or grass. To avoid causing damage to wood or combination decking, employ a sound heat barrier. Never put any unstable or uneven rock or stand beneath the fire pit.
Things that are Safe to Put Under a Fire Pit
The following things are safe to put under your fire pit:
- Concrete or Pavers
- Gravel or Sand
- Fire-Resistant Mat
- Fire Bricks
Things that are NOT Safe to Put Under a Fire Pit
The following things are NOT safe to put under your fire pit:
- Grass or Wood Deck
- Combustible Surfaces
- Non-Heat Resistant Surfaces
- Plastic
- River Rocks
- Rug or Carpet
Now we have discussed the ins and outs in detail.
What to Use When Placing the Fire Pit on a Concrete Base?
Engraved concrete can crack when exposed to high temperatures unless it is protected.
So, the things you can use under a fire pit on a concrete base are:
Sand: The most accessible and most available solution for a household is to use sand. You can put a thick layer of sand under the fire pit. This thickness of sand is determined by the quality of your firepit and the sort of concrete flooring you have. In this regard, sealed concrete may need a thinner layer than a block of polished concrete.
You can read our complete article on putting sand under fire pit here.
Fire bricks: Lay the concrete pavers or fire bricks between the fire pit and your concrete-floored patio. One step further would be to stack them with small spaces between them, allowing for increased ventilation and a place for heat to escape.
What to Use When Placing the Fire Pit on Wood Deckings?
Enjoying a fire pit on a composite or wooden deck can be dangerous, especially if you are lacking in safety measurements. Because wood burns easily, a wooden deck might fuel the fire you’re attempting to start.
The experts recommend that a fire pit should never be placed directly in a wooden or composite deck. However, there are different types of fire-resistant composite decking. So if you plan to sit a fire pit on composite decking, better check this fire-resistance rating.
Here are a couple of easy options for your wooden deck:
Landscaping tiles: These tiles can be used as permanent flooring and heat-resistant surfaces to safeguard your hardwood deck.
Using Sand: Spread a fine layer of sand behind your heat pit to provide additional screening on top of your wooden deck. Sand protects your wooden floor by absorbing and evenly transferring heat above it.
Heating pad: Heat pads are very easy to use and can be folded over when not in use. They work as a barrier between the deck and the fire pit.
What to Use When Placing the Fire Pit on Grass?
To put a fire pit on the grass, you need to consider some factors before doing it so;
Heat damage and ignition are the two main factors that you should consider before putting a fire pit directly on the grass. Heat damage does not only damage the lawn; instead, it kills the grass and also affects the soil and insects living there.
In addition, it stresses the ground and the grass. Also, ghost prints will emerge if you put a fire pit or anything for a long time on the grass. Moreover, embers or sparks may cause ignition if your lawn is full of tall, dry grass, which may lead to a severe fire disaster.
The things that you can use between grass and the fire pit:
The firepit pad: This heat repellent pad protects your grass and keeps embers from falling on it. Raising your fire pit on a pedestal produces a heat screen for the grass below.
Sand: putting sand beneath your heat pit helps disperse heat and evenly acts as an insulator.
Marble: If you want a more semi-permanent base, marble, slate, and granite may be good options. Because these are thick materials, they are less prone to crack and explode when heated.
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Things You Should NOT Put Under Your Fire Pit
It is essential to know about the things which you should not put under the fire pit, and man people are becoming the victims of fire pit tipping or fire disasters due to setting something under the fire pit that should not be-
River rocks: You may put the available river rocks or pea gravel under the fire pits as a barrier between the ground and the fire pit, but remember, river rocks contain more moisture and water than normal gravels or pebbles. River rocks may blast when exposed to high heat.
Plastic stool: Do not put the fire pit over any plastic furniture; the plastic will melt or become damaged, even if you use a heating pad.
Rug or carpet: Never put any wood fire pit on rugs. The outdoor carpet may catch fire if there is too much heat from the flame or logs of wood around your fire pit.
Do I Need a Mat Under My Fire Pit?
Yes, fire pit mats protect the surface of the grounds or deckings from the heat of the fire pit. Fire pit mats are heat-resistant sheets in different shapes and sizes.
A fire pit mat can be found in the markets; remember to buy the one which meets USFS fire blanket regulations. Placing a fire pit mat or pad is an excellent choice to protect the deck and home from fire disaster risks.
To check the best fire pit mats on amazon click here.
Is It Safe to Put an Outdoor Rug Under a Fire Pit?
You should never place a wood fire pit on an outdoor rug since it is harmful and unsafe. The outdoor carpet may catch fire if there is too much heat from the flame or logs of wood around your fire pit. You’ll be fine if the rug is flame-resistant
What Is the Best Surface to Put a Fire Pit On?
Setting your fire pit on concrete pavers or patio slabs is a beautiful idea. Concrete is durable and solid enough to offer stability. Placing the fire pit on grass or decking will significantly harm the surface and the possibility of catching fire. However, concrete slabs will not be seen into fire easily; instead, it has much more tolerance to heat than grass or decking.
So, making a concrete slab in the patio or backyard is good if you plan to use a fire pit outdoor. In addition, it will create a focal point for the backyard and garden.
What Is the Best Material to Put Under a Fire Pit?
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. Therefore, it is mandatory to use a fire pit pad. This serves as 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 suffer.
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How Big Should My Fire Pit Mat Be?
Fire pit mats are generally composed of fire-resistant fabric, PVC, or rubber material and come in sizes ranging from 30′′ x 48″ and 36′′ x 48′′ for rectangular mats and 24′′ to 36′′ diameters for circular rugs.
