Do fire pit mats work?

A fire pit mat is an essential part of any outdoor living space. It provides protection for your deck, patio or porch from the heat and sparks that are generated by the fire. A good mat should be made out of a material that is durable, easy to clean and able to withstand extreme temperatures.

Do I need a mat under my fire pit?

Permanent fire pits have heat proofing built in, but freestanding models need to sit on a fire ring, cement pavers, a heat shield, or a fire-retardant mat to protect the patio or grass. For wood or trex decking, you'll need a thermal barrier such as DeckProtect™ to ensure you don't cause damage.

What should I put under my fire pit?

What do you put in the bottom of a fire pit? You'll want to start with a layer of sand at the bottom of the pit, and then top the sand with gravel, lava rocks, fire pit glass, paving stones or even bricks for your fire pit. Alternatively, you can simply use dirt.

How do I protect my ground from a fire pit?

Heat shields are another good option if a patio slab doesn't work. Heat shields can be used on your grass, wooden decks, concrete surfaces, and many other surfaces. Heat shields are portable and easy to assemble. You just place one under the fire pit on a flat surface, and light your fire without worry.

What is the best surface to put a fire pit on?

Hard rocks like granite, marble, or slate are much denser, and therefore less likely to absorb water and explode when exposed to heat. Other rocks that are safe to use around and in your fire pit include fire-rate brick, lava glass, lava rocks, and poured concrete.

Fire Pit Mat

Why did my fire pit explode?

Concrete blocks, pea gravel, river rocks and other materials that are often used in DIY fire pits can trap water inside. When they are heated up, this can cause an explosion. Here's a demonstration of what can happen when the building materials hold a little too much water and pressure builds up inside.

Should you put sand in bottom of firepit?

The main benefits of using sand are that it helps to soak up the heat and evenly distribute the heat throughout the fire pit. Sand is also great for protecting the actual metal bowl from the intense heat the fire can put out. At the end of the day, there is no harm in putting sand in the base of a metal pit.

How do I stop my grass from burning under my fire pit?

Before lighting your fire pit, mist the grass on the entire perimeter of the fire pit with water to minimize heat stress on the surrounding grass. Keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby for additional applications as the water evaporates.

Is it OK to put a fire pit on grass?

Are you wondering if fire pits go on grass, and if so, how can you do it safely? Fire pits can be placed directly on top of grass. However, without proper precaution, there can be major damage to the grass. It is recommended to place a mat or other material underneath to avoid damage.

Can you put pavers under fire pit?

Yes, patio pavers are safe underneath fire pits. What is this? However, the heat can discolor patio pavers depending on the type of materials used. If you're concerned about discoloration, simply install a fire pit mat (like the one linked above).

Should I put rocks in my fire pit?

A big advantage of stones is that you can use them as an additional layer of protection for the ground beneath the fire pit. For example, if you place stones above dirt or sand, this can act as an additional protective layer. Stones can also look very beautiful at the bottom of a fire pit.

Is it safe to put an outdoor rug under a fire pit?

While you can place some outdoor rugs underneath a wooden fire pit, you shouldn't place just any rug near a fire. If the rug is rated as flame-retardant (or you have a comprehensive fire pit mat or pad) you'll be okay. If it isn't, you're inviting trouble!

Does a stone fire pit need a liner?

Rocks are beautiful accents but most cannot withstand the constant heat of a fire so be sure to use a fire pit liner. Plus, liners will keep logs contained as they burn while the rocks add a rustic element to your outdoor gathering.

How far away from house should fire pit be?

Place your fire pit at a safe distance (10-25 feet) from any flammable structures or surfaces. This includes your house, trees, shed, vehicle, neighbors' property, and wood deck, among other things. Keep your fire pit away from overhanging branches. A 21-foot clearance is standard for most municipalities.

Can I burn weeds in my fire pit?

You might be tempted to dispose of yard weeds in your backyard fire pit. Don't! Burning the irritant oil in the plants, called urushiol, releases fumes into the air. This can cause lung irritation and severe allergic respiratory problems.

Where should I put a fire pit in my yard?

Fire pits should be placed on a level surface, no less than ten feet away from any structure, 20-25 feet or more is best, in a wide-open space, away from trees with low hanging limbs, woodpiles, bushes, and other materials that could ignite if contact with a flame is made.

How many bags of sand do I need for a fire pit?

To calculate the amount of heat-proof sand needed to fill a circular fire pit, use the following equation: Diameter X Diameter X Depth, divided by 24 = pounds of sand needed. We recommend a minimum 2” of material depth for most installations.

What rocks are best for a fire pit?

Porous or wet stone, such as sandstone or river rocks, may crack or explode when they reach high temperatures. Hard rocks like granite, marble or slate are suitable for use in fire pits. Lava rocks are another popular option.

What is the purpose of the metal ring in a fire pit?

An outdoor fire pit ring, also known as a campfire ring, is a fire-proof framework set directly on the ground to contain a fire. Its primary task is to prevent fires from spreading outside the perimeter and accidentally starting a wildfire.

Can you use fire glass instead of lava rock?

When planning an outdoor fire pit, you may find yourself wondering which material is better to use. Fire glass can produce more heat than lava rock, while lava rock is typically cheaper. Both have aesthetic values, and the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference.

Can marble chips be used in a fire pit?

Yes, you can use marble chips in a fire pit because although marble is porous it is dense enough not to trap too much water and air that can cause the marble to explode in the fire pit.

Does concrete explode when heated?

If a fire breaks out in a tunnel, heat has limited escape routes and can increase temperatures to over 1,000°C (1,832°F) in a short time, causing concrete to explode like popcorn.

Can you burn carpet outside?

Do NOT Burn Toxic Materials. Most importantly, do not burn materials that are toxic. That includes painted materials, plastics, PVC, couches, rugs, carpets, or decorative items. Treated plywood is NOT ok to burn, nor is composite board.