If you are looking for a way to protect your outdoor patio area or backyard from the threat of fire, then you need to consider investing in fire-resistant mats.
They are easy to install…most just lay flat on the ground…and add protection to your yard or back deck without the need to lay pavers or stones down. Best of all, if you are using a portable fire pit, a fire-resistant mat is just portable.
Fire pits are great year-round, from brisk autumn evenings to summer hangouts, to snowy winter days (I grew up in Alaska…fire pits are a year-round thing up there.) I’ve come up with 9 reasons why this purchase needs to happen sooner rather than later.
- Cost is Low
- Very Light and Portable
- Protect Your Patio From Fire and Ash Damage
- Protect Your Backyard From Fire Damage
- Flexibility To Use Many Sizes of Fire Pits.
- Several Options In Colors and Designs.
- Easy to Keep Clean
- They are Easy to Use and Install
- They’re Not Permanent Structures
How Much Does A Fire Resistant Mat Cost?
In general, a fire-resistant fire pit mat will cost around $30 for a 24″ to 36″ inch silicone mat while larger 60″ mats will cost around $60.
Checking out several smaller fire pit mats I noticed that pretty much all of them range between $25 and $35 with the bell curve putting the majority at the $30 mark.
This isn’t really a huge surprise when you start to notice how similar the different brands are…they’re almost all-around 36 inches, most are circular, and they’re almost universally made of the same materials.
Fire-resistant mats for fire pits are almost always made up of a layer of thermal insulation sandwiched between a layer of fireproof aluminum fiberglass and silicone-coated fiberglass.
Some of the smaller mats are quite thin so many people tend to use them with smaller fire pits that sit on longer feet, offering more air circulation around all sides.
For larger, 60″ fire pit mats you’ll end up paying around $60 or so for most brands. This isn’t too bad when you consider that these will not only go under your fire pit, protecting your patio or deck, but they’ll serve as a protective barrier for your grass and plants from the fire pit’s hot embers.
Fire-resistant mats aren’t just for fire pits either, many people will use them under smokers and grills…basically, anything that puts off a flame, embers, or sparks.
Are Fire Resistant Mats Easy To Move And Store?
Fire-resistant mats are designed to be rolled or gently folded up when you need to move or store them. They can easily fit in the trunk of a car and take with you to campsites.
If you don’t want the mat in your way when not using it…or if you’re going to be taking down your outdoor furniture for storage over winter…then simply roll up the mat and put it away until next year.
For larger fire pits that sit on longer feet, the mat can be rolled up and tied with a cord or small bungee.
Smaller mats will weigh in between 2 to 3 pounds and the larger mats will come in around 5 pounds so they are a piece of cake to pick up, move, and store.
Will A Fire Resistant Mat Protect My Deck?
Fire-resistant mats are designed to protect your deck or patio from embers and heat that is put out by fire pits, grills, and smokers. The top layer of most mats is made from aluminized fiberglass, which deflects heat while the bottom layer of silicone helps spread the heat out.
This way you won’t have burned or discolored spots on the wood of your deck or cement of your patio.
If you cook a lot over your fire pit, or you’re using a mat under your grill, then it will also help prevent grease and food stains from splattering onto your deck.
If you’re looking to keep your outdoor furniture free of burn marks then be sure to pick up an extra mat or two and lay them on top of any pieces that might come in contact with the heat source.
If you and your family frequently use your firepit then you have likely built up quite a bit of wood ash…good news, there are actually quite a few uses for this ash, here are 19 that I came up with!
Will A Fire Resistant Mat Protect My Lawn?
In general, fire-resistant mats can serve as a protective barrier for your grass and plants from the fire pit’s hot embers. The thick silicone coating on the bottom of most mats helps prevent heat transfer to anything beneath them, like a lawn or garden bed.
This is extremely important if you live in a dry climate as I do here in North Dallas. Lush green grass is a little tougher to catch on fire, but grass clipping from your last mowing or dried leaves start to turn your yard into a tinder box.
A fireproof mat is going to displace and deflect nearly all of the heat from your fire pit, this way you don’t have to worry about dead vegetation getting too hot and smoldering.
Remember, most people are likely going to have a 36-inch diameter mat with their fire pit sitting directly in the middle…this only leaves about a foot of mat sticking out, depending on the size of the fire pit.
If you are burning wood, rather than propane, you’re going to have some rogue embers that catch a breeze and float further away. Any moisture in the wood is going to cause popping too, which can send coals or chunks of burning wood out of the fire pit.
You can also buy fire-resistant mats that are specifically made to protect gardens and lawns, just keep in mind that these will be more expensive (since they are usually larger) than the standard mat you might use under your outdoor furniture.
Can I Use A Fire Resistant Mat With Any Type Of Outdoor Fire Pit?
Fire-resistant mats are designed for nearly any type of outdoor pit, grill, or smoker. They come in various sizes to fit different models and most will accommodate custom-made pits too.
No matter what size your fire pit is there’s a mat that can help protect it from catching the ground on fire. If you’re worried about embers flying out of your fire pit, you need a mat with a larger diameter.
If you have a smaller fire pit that is just 36 inches, then you can get away with buying one mat that has the same diameter as your fire pit. If it’s larger than this I would recommend getting multiple mats and stacking them together to create a thicker barrier between your decking or patio and the heat of the fires on top.
The best thing about fire-resistant mats is that they are very versatile. You can use the same one for cooking with charcoal or wood over an open flame as well as using it underneath gas grills, smokers, and fire pits.
You can even use them as a protective barrier for your grill grates, this is very helpful during the winter months when ice and frost start to build up on metal surfaces. Just place a fire-resistant mat between any cold surface and your grill or smoker…this will help prevent rust from occurring while you’re not using it over the cold months.
Do Fire Resistant Mats Come In Different Shapes Or Colors?
Typically, fire-resistant mats come in three different shapes: circles, rectangles, and octagons. You can pick the size that is best for your needs or you can buy multiple of one shape to create a larger barrier between your fire pit and patio/decking.
36-inch circular models seem to be the most prevalent, but larger models are out there in case you need to protect more surface area.
As far as different colors, you’re going to find that most mats are black or silver in color. This is done on purpose since these colors are best at deflecting heat luckily, many companies are at least starting to offer various colors of stitching or borders to help customize to your aesthetic.
Is It Easy To Keep A Fire Resistant Mat Clean?
Keeping a fire-resistant mat clean is rather simple since most versions are silicone-coated. The best method to clean a fire-resistant mat is with soap and water. If you must scrub, use a soft brush or sponge instead of harsh chemicals since this may harm the materials and render them ineffective.
If there are any soot stains on the mat, try scrubbing it with a paste made from baking soda and water. Make sure you thoroughly rinse your mat after using this method to remove the chemicals before letting the mat sit in direct sunlight for at least one hour…this will help ensure that all of the soap is removed and any stains are gone too.
Always make sure that your mat is completely dry before using it again or storing it.
If you simply cannot get the stains out of a fire-resistant mat, then there are other options available to help protect your decking and patio from heat damage such as pavers or bricks. Just make sure that whatever alternative surface you choose does not burn easily…you don’t want anything catching on fire!
Are Fire Resistant Mats Easy To Use?
In general, fire-resistant mats are very easy to use. They usually have a slip-resistant bottom so they won’t slide around when in use and most will conform well to any uneven surfaces.
There is no preparation required before using your mat…simply lay it down under the pit or grill you plan on cooking with once it’s set up. For the most part, you will not have to adjust your fire-resistant mat while cooking which is a huge plus!
If you ever need to move your grill or fire pit, just pick up one side of the mat and roll it up…this makes transporting or storing them very easy once they are cooled off.
Fire Resistant Mat Vs. Permanent Structure: Pros And Cons
Both options are going to have their fans…but really it comes down to what your needs are. Fire-resistant mats have a lot of benefits over permanent structures such as pavers or bricks, but they also have some negatives too.
Pros
- They are extremely versatile, lightweight, and easy to clean.
- They also come at a fraction of the cost when compared with other heat-resistant surfaces which can be expensive.
Cons
- You can’t use them in really windy conditions since they are not heavy enough to stay in place. However, if you have a very calm outdoor space or can weigh down your fire resistant mat with something like rocks (though this could introduce a tripping hazard) or sew in some tent steak loops to pin the edges down.
- A permanent structure is going to look better since they are way more customizable and can better match what your homes aesthetics are.
Luckily, even if you’ve already invested in pavers and have a nice setup that your whole family enjoys there is no reason you can also get a fire resistant mat. Since they are so inexpensive you won’t break the bank having one around for future use. You may decide to get a portable fire pit to use on camping trips, or you may want to use it to protect some outdoor furniture.
Final Thoughts
Fire-resistant mats are a great option for anyone who wants to protect their outdoor space from damage due to heat and flames. They come in various sizes and colors as well as at an affordable price point which makes them worth considering.
A permanent structure like pavers or bricks is going to be more heavy-duty and better looking, but it is also more expensive and requires more time to put in.
A fire-resistant mat will still look great even if you already have a permanent structure on your patio or deck, so this makes them an ideal option when buying new outdoor essentials.