When my husband and I bought our first home, we noticed there were not many places to put a fire pit in our small yard. After a lot of consideration, we decided to put it on the grass in the middle of our backyard well away from trees and the house, but we needed to know what you should put under a fire pit that’s on the grass.
During my research I found a ton of great options, but the best include: water, fire-resistant mats, pop-up fire pit with heat shield, concrete, and brick pavers. There are a few things to consider when putting in a fire pit. Those things are whether you want one that is portable or if you want one that is more permanent.
If you go with the portable option, you could potentially move the fire pit wherever you like around your yard so as to not damage your lawn. Although if you plan on putting in a fire pit, but don’t feel the need or want to move it around, you could always go with the more permanent option.
Now we can take a look at the different things to put under a fire pit whether it is portable or permanent.
Using Water Under Your Fire Pit
A very low-cost solution to not damaging your lawn, is to lightly soak the grass under your fire pit with water so the grass doesn’t turn brown or wither. It is also good to continuously spray the grass under the fire pit to ensure the grass stays damp and does not dry out too much.
Keeping your grass hydrated helps it recover quickly after a fire and keeps your grass healthy.
If you use a portable fire pit and the water method, you can move your fire pit wherever you want around your yard without causing any damage to your lawn. Also, as you move your fire pit, you water your lawn at the same time keeping it looking great.
Using Fire-Resistant Mats Under Fire Pits
Fire-resistant mats can come in many sizes and are exceptionally lightweight, making it easy to move or take your fire pit anywhere. These are also great to bring when camping, as they don’t take up too much space.
If left in the same spot for too long though, the mat could smother the grass under it, so it is imperative to pick up the mat soon after you are finished using it.
These mats are pretty inexpensive, but they do a great job protecting the grass under your fire pit. Make sure to always keep the grass wet around the fire-resistant mat to ensure nothing catches fire.
When buying a fire-resistant mat, you should be sure to buy one a few sizes bigger than your fire pit to ensure it catches most or all embers that might fall out of the fire pit.
Using A Pop-Up Fire Pit With A Heat Shield
These are a bit pricier than the fire-resistant mats and they are also a little bulkier, but they don’t have to be moved around very often because they stand on four legs instead of lying flat on the ground. Pop-up fire pits are also great for camping because they are very portable.
Most heat shields have a reflective surface which helps to reflect the heat up and not down into your lawn.
The pop-up fire pit keeps the fire a safe distance from your lawn, and since it comes with an attached heat shield, you never have to worry about your grass wilting.
Using Concrete Under a Fire Pit
Concrete is a good option for your fire pit, but eventually the concrete will start to crack due to the heat from the fire if you do not use the right precautionary measures.
If you plan to build your own permanent fire pit, you can pour the concrete wherever you want in your yard. On the inside of the fire pit you can add a layer of sand, gravel, or lava rocks as it allows the heat to dissipate enough not to damage the concrete underneath.
Never use concrete blocks also known as cinder blocks for your fire pit, as they are not designed to withstand that amount of heat. Concrete blocks tend to retain a lot of moisture, and when the blocks heat up enough, steam pressure builds but cannot escape fast enough, which can make them expand and crack or even explode.
Building a concrete fire pit yourself can cost anywhere between just a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. So, keep in mind what you want and how much you are willing to spend.
Using Brick Pavers Under a Fire Pit
If you are looking for something heat resistant, strong, and sturdy for your fire pit, brick pavers are the way to go.
Brick pavers are nice to use to raise the fire pit off the ground and keep the heat off your grass, but they are a bit heavy so if you don’t move them promptly after they have cooled down it could damage your lawn.
Also brick pavers are a great option if you plan to leave your fire pit in the same spot. It will eventually kill the grass under it, but if you are one that doesn’t remember to pick up the fire pit or if you don’t have any other place to store it, this is a great option for you.
There are a few different kinds of brick pavers to choose from, kiln bricks which are made from ceramic factory material and they can withstand extremely high temperatures. Another kind of brick paver is fire brick, which is specifically designed to endure scalding hot temperatures.
The price of building a brick paver fire pit is quite similar to the cost of building a concrete fire pit.
Conclusion
A basic wood fire produces a lot of heat, anywhere between 900 degrees and 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. When using your fire pit always be sure to use safety precautions like keeping a hose or bucket of water close by the fire pit at all times. Always make sure your fire pit is level to ensure it will not tip over and scorch your lawn or start a fire. Also consider keeping your fire pit away from your home and away from trees.
Hopefully I have answered your question about what you should put under a fire pit that’s on the grass. These are only some of the great inventions that keep your fire pit off your lawn, but I hope it helps you decide what is best for you and your lawn. Always keep in mind how much you are willing to spend, and whether you want to have the luxury of bringing your fire pit with you wherever you travel. Owning your own fire pit can help you create lots of amazing memories with friends and family!
