A fire pit on the lawn is a terrific way to stay warm while creating a cozy atmosphere. However, it can often cause damage to the area where you put it.
If you care about the beauty of your lawn, you know how damaged grass can ruin the beauty of the whole place. So, you might wonder what to put under fire pit on grass to prevent damage.
Heat shields, fire-resistant mats, patio slabs, etc., are all practical heat barriers that you can put under the firepit. However, you must also ensure a level surface to put the firepit and wet the grass underneath to prevent fire pit damage to your lawn.
If you keep in mind a few things, it is possible to prevent fire pit damage on the lawn. So, in this article, I’ll discuss a few tips to avoid fire pit damage, along with some other information you might find helpful.
What Should You Put Under Fire Pits On The Grass?
Heat shields are one of the best things to put under a firepit to protect the grass. Besides, fire-resistant mats, patio slabs, brick or wood bases, etc., are also effective options.
It would be best to create a barrier between the grass and the fire pit’s base for safety. So, let’s go over a few products you can put under a fire pit on grass:
Heat Shields
Heat shields are one of the most effective products to protect your lawn. You must buy a heat shield for your fire pit if you’re organizing a BBQ in your backyard. It is intended to safeguard grass against potential damage from heat or fire. However, heat shields are particularly simple to utilize when you use them with transportable fire pits.
You only have to put the heat shield beneath the fire pit, and you are done! It may be a highly effective way to safeguard your property. Besides, manufacturers use heat-resistant substances that can withstand extremely high temperatures for making heat shields.
But different Heatshield companies make products with a range of heat capabilities. So, remember to check the details of a heat shield’s high thermal stress capability before applying it to a surface.
Generally, high-quality heat shields may guard your lawn against roaring fire pit fires that can produce temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees. However, the majority of heat shields are somewhat heavy.
Patio Slabs
You can utilize patio slabs to shield your lawn to the greatest extent possible from heat and harm. They evenly distribute the weight of the fire pit across all four of their legs when you place them on a surface. So, they offer the most solid solution to protect your grass.
Manufacturers use high-quality materials for making patio slabs. So, these may shield the ground from spark screens and burn marks. Furthermore, sand can function as an insulator and assist in reducing the temperature. So, add a little sand to the area beneath your fire pit for even more significant effects.
However, it would be best to wait at least a day before touching the slabs after grilling. It is because they may reach an extremely high temperature that can burn your hands.
Ember Or Fire-Resistant Mats
Ember mats offer proper heat shielding for grass surfaces and serve as a more portable option to heat shields. Manufacturers often construct them from heat-resistant materials like carbon fiber and volcanic rock. Some also claim extra insulating capabilities, such as air gaps built into their core design.
Additionally, various sizes and shapes are available for fire mats and pads. Therefore, you can pick one the same size as your fire pit. Fire-resistant rugs are the best option for avoiding burning flames during any outdoor adventure. You may easily fold and store them in your backpack beside the picnic blanket.
Furthermore, the use of fire-resistant mats is simple. Set it down on the lawn, then put your fire pit over it. Again, in addition to being portable, the size of fire-resistant mats makes them a popular option. They can protect a broader surface than heat shields since they’re larger.
5 Amazing Tips To Prevent Fire Pit Damage On Lawn
Besides putting a heat shield or fire-resistant mat underneath your firepit, you must also keep in mind a few things to prevent damage to your lawn. So, the following are a few tips to avoid fire pit damage on the grass:
1. Level the Surface
A level grass area is where you should place your portable fire pit. If you set it up on uneven or bumpy grass, it could fall over. As a result, it would badly burn the grass or start a fire.
Furthermore, after setting the fire pit on top of barriers, you must inspect it again to ensure it is stable.
Your fire pit may become unsteady even though it was initially leveled on the lawn if heat shields and patio slabs aren’t installed correctly.
Look for concrete pavers to create a level space and shield most of the surface from intense heat. By doing this, you’ll prevent your barbecue from toppling as well as any potential yard damage.
2. Move Your Fire Pit Frequently
The firepit’s compression will result in dead areas. So, avoid leaving your transportable fire pit in one location on the lawn for an extended period.
Instead, shift it across the yard every few days to new areas.
3. Spray Water on the Grass
Spray the selected grass section to wet it before putting a fire pit over it. By offsetting the intense heat from the fire pit, the wetness will minimize heat stress damage to the grass.
However, only spray the amount of water necessary to wet the grass blades and lawn soil. Putting too much water in your yard can cause waterlogging.
Moreover, a fire pit needs a sturdy base, which damp lawn soil cannot offer.
4. Keep The Necessary Distance
Be careful to leave adequate space between your fire pit and the grass while you install it to safeguard the grass and other items.
It will lessen the likelihood that heat and blazing fire will harm the grass’s roots.
5. Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
Whenever you use a fire pit on grass, a fire mishap could happen regardless of your great effort. So, to be prepared for unforeseen events, you must always put a fire extinguisher nearby to your lawn.
Are Heat Shields Effective in Preventing Weed Growth Under Rocks?
Heat shields are undoubtedly one of the top solutions for preventing weeds from sprouting under rocks. By effectively blocking sunlight and creating a hostile environment for weed growth, heat shields deny them the chance to invade your rock areas. These shields act as a reliable barrier, leaving your landscape weed-free and well-maintained.
How To Repair Damaged Grass From A Fire Pit
The temperature from the fire pit could still harm the lawn even after taking safeguards. However, don’t be alarmed if this occurs, as you can repair damaged grass.
Firstly, you must replace the fire pit in the affected grassy field as soon as possible. Next, determine the extent of the damage the fire caused.
You can ignore it if there is only minor damage to a tiny portion of the lawn. If you water the affected area on a regular basis, you will soon notice that new, green grass has replaced the damaged ones.
Again, fire pit damage may cause ugly bare lawn areas, promoting soil erosion and weed growth.
However, adding fertilizer will hasten the regrowth of the grassroots, which are typically still alive.
Besides, lightly rinse the barren patches after fertilizing to help the nutrients soak into the ground. It will help the fertilizer particles sink deeper into the roots and encourage new growth.
Nevertheless, you’ll need to think about planting new grass on the bare patches if neither of the alternatives above is successful.
You can do this by sowing grass seeds or laying down brand-new sod.
How Can I Protect My Lawn from Fire Pit Damage?
When considering how to protect your lawn from fire pit damage, it’s important to evaluate outdoor fire pits durability factors. Choosing a fire pit made from sturdy materials, such as steel or cast iron, can help minimize potential damage to your lawn. Additionally, placing the fire pit on a heat-resistant pad or pavers can further protect the grass underneath.
Conclusion
If you are not cautious, fire pits can damage the grass on your lawn. By now, you’ve got to know what to put under fire pit on grass. I’ve also discussed a few other tips to protect your lawn. Thanks for reading through. Hopefully, you’ve found this article helpful. Best wishes!