Are you wondering about what to put at the bottom of a fire pit?

If yes, then stay with us. We are going to discuss the best products that you can put under the fire pit and enjoy without worrying about unwanted fire or damage to your valuable deck.

Nowadays, people prefer to have a portable fire pit. You can use a portable fire pit wherever you want and store it with ease. You can enjoy it in your backyard, patio, or campsite. But while using a portable fire pit, you need to be careful about the surface under the fire pit. Fire pits can reach extreme temperatures that can burn the wood, damage the grass, or start an unwanted fire. You need to take safety measures; otherwise, it will ruin your deck or lawn. It can also catch fire in the worst cases.

It’s not difficult to overcome this problem. People who have gone through this problem or know about it ask what to put at the bottom of a fire pit? There are hundreds of products available that can keep the floor safe and clean. You only need to put them at the bottom of the fire pit. They will prevent fire and burn marks on the floor.

Do I need to Put Anything in the Bottom of a Fire Pit?

Yes, it’s necessary to put a pit mat or heat shield at the bottom of a fire pit. You need to use anything that can protect the surface/ground that is under the fire pit. Fire pits can reach extreme temperatures that can start a fire or burn the surface under it. If you are using a pit on a wood deck, then it can burn the wood under it. It’s extremely dangerous because it can lead to an unwanted fire.

Many people love to use wood fire pits. Wood pits are excellent to enjoy winter nights, but you need to be careful while using them. The first problem with a wood fire pit is that you cannot control the heat precisely. Therefore, they usually reach a very high temperature, which is dangerous for the surface under it. It can damage the deck or grass. Moreover, the flying embers and sparks from a wood fire pit are also hazardous. They can leave burn marks or the wood or start a fire. So, you need to take safety measures before you use a wood fire pit.

What Should I Use to Protect My Wood Deck?

People ask, “What to put at the bottom of a fire pit on a wood deck?” There are many methods to protect your wood deck. The simplest method is using a fire pit mat. You can easily get a mat to put under the pit. Fire pit mats are usually fire and heat resistant, so they prevent any damage to the wood deck. If the mat is large, then it can also protect from embers and sparks. But most of the mats can pass heat through them, which is dangerous for the deck. They cannot protect the deck completely. So, you need to use a fire pit heat shield or reflective pad with them.

A reflective pad is also a mat, but it has a reflective surface that can reflect radiant heat. These pads can protect the wood deck, and if you have put a reflective pad under the fire pit, then you don’t need to worry about the deck. It will be safe and sound. On the other hand, a heat shield is a metallic shield that prevents the passage of heat. It’s durable and can withstand high temperatures. You can use a heat shield and reflective pad alone, but if you want to protect the wood deck from embers, then you also need to use a large mat with any one of them.

Best Products to Put at the Bottom of a Fire Pit

1)  Newtex FirePad Deck Protector 24”

This is a very-high quality reflective fire pit pad that is perfect for protecting the wood deck, decorative stones, and grass. It is made up of two layers; one is for reflecting the radiant heat, and the other works as a heat barrier. It reflects almost 95% of the radiant heat to protect the wood or grass.

The coating at the top of the pad is of Z-flex, which can withstand high temperatures up to 3000˚F. Therefore, it can protect from fire burns. Although the pad is heat resistant, you cannot put a pit bottom surface directly over the pad. There should be a clearance of at least 6 inches.

The fire pit pad is large enough to protect the surface under the fire pit. You can use it with pits that have legs. It can also be used with a grill. It is durable enough because it’s made of high-quality materials that are used for aircraft firefighters.

Pros:

• High-quality materials
• Versatile
• Provides excellent protection
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• It only covers the area under the fire pit.

2)  Infinite Heat Solutions DeckProtect 24-Inch Octagon Outdoor Fire Pit Pad

This is one of the best pit pads that is made of basalt, which is a heat and flame-resistant material. The fiberboard can bear high temperatures. You only need to put the fiberboard under the fire pit, and it will protect the ground.

The fireboard is engineered with perfection to offer optimum performance. It has an aluminum frame, which makes it more durable. There are some holes in the frame that helps in releasing the moisture from the board. For ventilation, there are a few rubber feet at the bottom to keep the pad at a distance from the ground. It stays cool and provides excellent protection.

The pad is durable; it can last for a long time. It’s perfect for different types of fire pits, especially wood fire pits. It provides optimum performance, so if you are using it under the fire pit, you don’t need to worry about any damage to your wood deck or grass. It prevents fire and heat transfer. But you need to use gloves while moving the pad because basalt can cause skin irritation.

Most importantly, the fiberboard is backed by a one-year warranty from the manufacturer, so you don’t need to worry about its long-lasting.

Pros:

• Optimum protection
• Durable
• 250lb weight-bearing capacity
• No moisture under the board
• One-year warranty

Cons:

• Expensive
• Can cause skin irritation

3)  Diversitech Outdoor Gas Grill BBQ & Fire Pit Mat

This is a pit mat that you can use under your fire pit. It’s a versatile pit mat that is also suitable for grills and fryers. It can protect the ground from fire burns, spills, stains, sparks, and greases. It can work for different surfaces, such as wood, concrete, stone, composite, and tile.

The mat is 48” x30”, so it can easily protect the surface under the pit. It can offer protection up to 600˚F. It is made of high-quality heat-resistant material, so it will not crack or curl.

The mat can work for a long time. It’s made of durable materials to withstand under high temperatures. The manufacturer also offers a ten years warranty for the product, which is more than enough.

Keep in mind; you need to maintain a clearance of 12 inches between the fire pit and the ground. If the clearance is not enough, the mat will burn out.

Pros:

• Large size
• Long-lasting
• Perfect for different surfaces
• 10-year warranty
• High-temperature protection

Cons:

• 12-inch clearance is required

4)  ANG BBQ Grill Mat, Fire Pit Mat

This is a portable mat that you can carry and use anywhere you like. You can fold it and zip it like a bag. It’s suitable for multipurpose use, such as a grill, stove, or pit. It will protect the ground, whether it’s grass, concrete, or wood.

The mat is made of silicone fire-resistant material. It will not catch fire and can protect the surface from burn marks and damage. Even if there’s an ember on the mat, you don’t need to worry. It is available in three sizes; you can select the appropriate one according to your needs. The mat is large enough to protect from embers and sparks.

The mat requires a little maintenance. You can clean the mat with ease; it’s waterproof and oil proof. There is no need to worry about the surface or grease; it keeps the area clean.

Pros:

• Portable
• Large size
• Excellent protection
• Affordable price
• Multipurpose

Cons:

• The mat is not thick.

Closing Thoughts

No doubt, you need to put something at the bottom of the fire pit that can protect the wood deck, grass, decorative stones, or any other expensive flooring. Therefore, people usually ask, “What to put at the bottom of a fire pit?” We have answered the question in detail and shared some of the best products that you can put at the bottom of your pit. These products ensure safety and keep your flooring safe. We have shared the features, pros, and cons of each product to help you understand what you need to look for while buying a product.

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