Can you Put a Fire Pit on Grass? And How to Keep a Safe Fire Pit at Home
Can you put fire pit on grass? This could be one of the main questions that people have when trying to figure out the right place to build a fire pit at home. What about the backyard, where there lots of grass? If you’re wondering how you can place a fire pit in the backyard safely, then you have come to the right place!
Today, we will look at how you can put a fire pit on grass safely and easily. Sit back and take notes!
Can you put fire pit on grass?
The quick answer is that you can place a fire pit directly on grass. However, there are still some things to keep in mind and precautions to consider. If you are not careful, you may end up damaging the grass and causing a real hazard.
Of course, although you technically can put fire pit on grass, it doesn’t always mean that you should. One of the main concerns is safety and damage that you might cause to the greeneries. Heat stress is also worth thinking about, as hot and dry conditions may weaken your grasses.
This is why we always recommend using a fire mat underneath your fire pit before placing it on grass. The heat-resistant material will help protect the grass from damage and burning. Other than that, you might want to avoid overheating and dry grass by lightly misting the fire pit surround with fresh water.
How do I protect my grass from a fire pit?
The easiest and quickest way to protect the gras from a fire pit is by using a fire pit mat. Make sure that you choose the best fire pit mat and get the right one that can fit the entire fire pit. This will ensure that the mat can absorb most of the heat and sparks that fall, therefore protecting the grass underneath!
Another tip is to build a fire ring, cement pavers, or even heat shield. These options work for free-standing fire pits that you may have in your backyard.
What is the best surface to put a fire pit on?
While it’s possible to put a fire pit on grass and employ same preventative methods that can protect it from the heat, we still advise against doing so if you can. The best place to put a fire pit is a patio slab.
It’s because patios are flat, stable, and more able to absorb heat. This means they are also more resistant to damage and can be much safer for you to use. It will help protect your lawn from getting scorched and damaged.
If you don’t have a patio slab or are looking for another alternative, consider using a heatshield. You can use this on wooden decks, grass, and any other type of surface. Not to mention that they’re portable and easy to set up!
What can I put my fire pit on?
We have talked about how you can put a fire pit on grass in the safest way possible. However, let’s briefly discuss some other options of materials that you can use to place below your fire pit for a safer structure! These are materials which are able to withstand heat while being able to sustain the flame in your fire pit.
Sand
When digging your fire pit, you can provide a sand layer that will help contain the fire and fill in any cracks. Even just one inch can make a difference! The heat-resistant material of sand can act as a barrier shield for the bowl. Plus, if you ever need to put out a fire quickly, you can just shovel the sand and dump them on the flame.
Gravel
Gravel is an especially excellent choice for a permanent fire pit. It’s much more compact, can last longer, and become more stable as time goes.
Glass rock
You can choose glass rocks if you want something more decorative in addition to functional. But they may be more suitable for a gas fire pit rather than wood-burning ones. It’s because the smoke will cause the shiny exterior to become dull and fade away over time.
Rocks
Finally, you can use rocks to line your fire pit. Keep in mind that not all types of rocks can be used, like sandstone and river rocks. They might even explode when they get too hot – so, be careful!
Instead, go for hard rocks such as granite and marble, which are perfect even for a permanent fire pit. They’re more suitable to use around fire.
How far away does a fire pit have to be from a house?
In essence, you need to place a fire pit at least 10 feet from the house or any combustible structure.
We’d recommend keeping a fire blanket nearby so you can smother the fire when necessary. If you have a gas fire pit, always remember to turn off the gas before you start extinguishing the fire. Also, don’t light an outdoor fire in windy conditions! They may blow ember and cause a huge fire.
How to light a fire pit safely
Now that you have your fire pit ready, whether on grass, deck, or patio, it’s time to learn about the crucial safety precautions!
The first step is to check the weather forecast and avoid lighting a fire if it’s windy. Then, look over the area around the fire pit for any combustibles. This may include branches, debris, and loose leaves. They may set on fire if an ember land on them.
Here are some more quick tips:
- Make sure it’s level. Your fire pit has to be on a level surface so that it doesn’t tip over.
- Don’t leave a fire unattended. There should always be someone manning a lit fire pit, just in case an unexpected incident occurs.
- Watch the kids. If you have littles ones at home, never leave them alone and unsupervised near an open fire. Watch your children, especially if the fire pit is on grass.
That’s all we got for you today. To summarize: yes, you can put a fire pit on grass!