Outdoor Fire Pit On Grass – Keep Your Lawn Fresh and Green

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
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Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: August 23, 2023
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There is nothing as exciting as having a fire pit Trusted Source Fire pit - Wikipedia fire pit or a fire hole can vary from a pit dug in the ground to an elaborate gas burning structure of stone, brick, and metal. The common feature of fire pits is that they are designed to contain fire and prevent it from spreading. en.wikipedia.org in your backyard.

While relaxing with family and friends, we always want that warm cozy feeling and a sense of belonging.

Well, fire pits are designed for the purpose, and they suit homeowners who wish to enhance comfort in their yards.

Usually, most of them are entrenched on the ground. And they can come in the form of gas-burning structures made of metal or stones.

Experts say sire pits are specialized in containing fire and keeping it from spreading.

Well, if you look at online marketplaces, you’ll see lots of them, from contemporary styles to the Dakota fire pit.

As a homeowner seeking to purchase a fire pit, you should understand how to build a fire pit on the grass and the other basic knowledge revolving around fire pits. And that’s why we created this guide.

Why Install a Fire Pit in Your Yard?

Outdoor Fire Pit On Grass - Keep Your Lawn Fresh and GreenThere are several reasons why you should install a fire pit in your yard.

Fire pits are the most convenient way of warming yourself up while you chill in your yard. You’ll enjoy the convenience of obtaining warmth from the natural fire.

Notably, they are the most recommended method of performing extensive warming around the yard.

Outdoor fire pits are preferable for their functionalities in heating. And with the right guidance, you’ll quickly set up an outdoor fire pit on grass professionally.

Also, fire pits are advantageous for their affordability, portability, and convenience.

We noted that they have varying price tags. You can easily buy a decent fire pit, spending no more than $200. There are more expensive fire pits that cost more than $1000, as well. Homeowners consider several factors when choosing the best one for their needs.

Affordability stands top on the list. When it comes to selecting fire pits based on pricing, we recommend the KINGSO Fire Pit. It’s budget-friendly and relatively safe. Furthermore, you’ll get the operating instructions and tools for assembly. Other fire pits rarely match the features and affordability of this product.

Another reason to get a fire pit is portability. Most of the models available online are easy to set and carry around.

Portable fire pits are convenient when you need to distribute heat to specific parts of your yard. You have a variety of choices to make on the location of your fire pit. Overall, your outdoor team’s position will determine whether you’ll shift your pit’s location or not.

Well, fire pits are also convenient, and they come in handy during both winter and summer. For the best experience, you should supplement your fire pit with the right gear. You can also get additional items like fire pit covers to protect their pits in stormy weather. These covers are also essential for outdoor fire pits which can’t be carried around.

According to experts, the Sunnydaze is the best cover for fire pits.

The product has high-quality fire pit protection, it’s sturdy and comes with a professional design.

Additionally, it comes in multiple sizes including 30×12 Inch, 36×12 Inch, 40×18 Inch, 48×18 Inch, 60×24 Inch, and 80×24 inch. These are the most common sizes of fire pits in the market.

Is It Safe to Put a Fire Pit on Grass?

It would be best if you considered the safety of fire pits before thinking about purchasing one.

This equipment may be fantastic for homes and be one of the inexpensive methods of warming homesteads.

However, you know that when setting them up, you’ll be dealing with fire. Hence, be extremely careful when handling fire pits to prevent the onset of fires.

You should be careful enough to avoid destroying your property and making the grass catch fire and endanger others.

In the section below, we will look at different safety precautions you should consider when handling fire pits.

Positioning

Position determines the safety of fire pits for both portable or permanent ones.

It’s vital to survey your area and select the most suitable positions for your pits.

Typically, the best positioning is about ten feet away from structures or nearby yards. If your yard is big enough, place it twenty-five feet away. You should also place it 10 to 20 feet away from plants.

It is also important to avoid positioning the fire pit under tree branches or uncovered surfaces like porches.

Remember, fire pits burn with high heat intensity. Therefore, their flames may jump to nearby material and cause a fire outburst.

It is also essential to place the pits on non-flammable surfaces. And avoid placing it on wooden decks or grass.

Preparing the Pit

The first thing you ought to do before setting up a fire pit is to remove all flammable materials from the pits.

You may consider placing the material five feet away or keep them away if you do not use them at the moment.

It is also vital to peel rocks and dirt from the pit and prevent the fire from escaping. We recommend placing the fire pit two feet across and six inches deep to contain the flames.

Lighting the Fire Pit

The direction of the wind plays a crucial factor in flaming up the fire pit.

It is essential to check where the wind is coming from before setting the fire pit on fire.

Ensure you remove anything flammable that may be in the direction where the wind is blowing.

Also, we don’t recommend lighting up your fire pit when it’s too windy.

Another factor you should consider is the type of lighting material you’ll use. Lighter fluids are not recommended. Instead, use a commercial starter fire stick. You should also avoid using flammable fluids like gasoline to relight fires.

The Usage of your Fire Pit

There are vital factors you must consider when using a fire pit.

First, never leave your fire pit unchecked. Fires may start at any time in your presence.

It is also essential to watch fire pits to avoid onsets of fires. Ensure children or pets don’t come too close to the fire pit. They may knock it off and harm themselves or cause a fire breakout.

Overall, you should follow these recommendations when asking how safe it is to use a fire pit.

The efficiency of your pit will depend on how you operate it. You should always ensure your fire pit is safe to use in any outdoor setting.

Drawbacks of Putting a Fire Pit on Grass

Outdoor Fire Pit On Grass - Keep Your Lawn Fresh and GreenCan you put your fire pit on the grass?

Many homeowners find themselves in this dilemma every time they want to get a fire pit for their yard.

Notably, several backyards comprise huge grass growth. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the techniques of using fire pits and know your surroundings to determine whether you can put the fire pits on the grass or not.

Among the first steps you should take is to learn how to use fire pits safely on the grass. However, carelessness can cause significant losses, especially when there’s a fire outbreak.

Your grass can burn severely if you leave your fire pits unattended.

One factor to consider when setting up fire pits on grass is to place a mat or any other recommended material under it to avoid burning the grass.

You should also avoid keeping the pit in one designated area. Instead, move it around regularly.

This process is vital in preventing fire sparks in your backyard. By moving your pit around, you’ll ensure there’s sufficient airflow in your pit.

We also recommend you get an elevated fire pit.

To be specific, those with fire pit spark screens are the best and offer the necessary protection.

But if yours doesn’t come with one, you can buy a spark screen like the Sunnydaze KF-HDS36. It’s 7.5 inches tall x 36-inch diameter and is relatively easy to use. This spark protector tool will keep your fire pit safe. You’ll also get a one-year warranty.

As previously mentioned, safety must be considered first when setting fire pits. Preferably, position it a safer distance away from flammable material.

Remember, heat stress and ghost prints are the main drawbacks of using fire pits, and we’ll cover them in the section below.

Heat Stress

Heat stress is a major cause of problems in yards.

It affects the health of grass, leading to the deterioration of lawns.

Well, heat stress is usually common in the summer season when temperatures are high. The “dryness” weakens the grass and inhibits its growth. Notably, heat stress can also fasten the development of weed and make the grass inhabitable by insects.

Experts say that summer warmth combined with the heat from fire pits is a major cause of heat stress.

Therefore, it remains among the most vital factors that discourage the placement of fire pits on the grass. The high temperatures burn the grass beneath and, at times, destroys it.

Ghost Prints

Ghost prints occur when fire pits are left on the grass for long periods.

The grass finds it difficult to recover quickly without the right aeration.

Well, placing fire pits on top inhibits the possibility of aerating the grass beneath. Additionally, the pressure is not conducive to plant growth.

Therefore, fire pits leave grass flat and discolored. So, ensure you find a proper method to protect your grass from the excessive heat and pressure from your fire pit.

How to Protect Grass from Damage

There are several methods you should consider to protect your grass against heat and pressure.

You would not want to have an ugly lawn due to the extensive use of fire pits.

As noted earlier, it is essential to place your fire pit on a level area before you start operating it.

It limits the chances of the fire pit toppling over and gives it a firm stand.

Should you spot that your fire pit is unbalanced, fix it immediately as these pits present safety hazards and can spark fires at any time.

The other factor to consider is space. Make sure the area you’ll place your fire pit is spacious enough.

You should get a barrier that offers good space allowance between the edge and support as it assists the fire pit to remain intact.

Once you learn how to protect your grass, you can warm up your yard at your convenience.

Overall, safety practices are essential in maintaining the healthy condition of your entire home.

You should relish the fact that you can provide both comfort and safety at the same time.

The easiest method of protecting grass from heat stress and ghost prints is placing fire-resistant material under the fire pit and wetting the grass.

Put a Fire-Resistant Material under the Fire Pit

Outdoor Fire Pit On Grass - Keep Your Lawn Fresh and GreenThere are a couple of materials you can use to stabilize the fire pit and protect the grass.

You should place the protective material underneath your fire pit at all times. This safety procedure is helpful in the long run as it enables the healthy growth of grass.

Furthermore, placing the protective material enhances balancing as you can manually shift the material’s position to align with that of the fire pit.

Before you place any material underneath your pit, ensure that they are fire-resistant. You can use patio slabs or brick pavers, heat shields, and fire-resistant mats, among others.

Patio slabs are perhaps the most cost-effective solution. These materials are easy to transport and are quite simple to use.

Some homeowners manually make their designs from stones and use them underneath the fire pits. This method might be cheaper than the actual brick pavers.

However, they do not offer the convenience that comes along with professional fire-resistant material.

Brick pavers are regular in shape; thus, they allow you to balance your fire pits easily. Furthermore, once you have finished using fire pits, you can remove patio slabs or brick pavers to protect the grass from excessive pressure.

It is also vital to note that it is not a must to move them when done. It would help if you only considered this when you suspect that your grass is endangered.

Heat shields are handy in shielding surfaces from heat. You can use them on several types of surfaces, including wood, grass, and concrete.

Heat shields substantially reduce the possibilities of heat stress. They are placed under fire pits and are fireproof.

Therefore, once you fix them in position, you do not need to worry about excessive heat damaging your lawn.

According to experts, the best heat shield is the A-Team Performance 010402. Experts recommend it since it’s easy to install. Additionally, it can withstand 500 degrees of direct heat.

On top of that, fire-resistant mats are good alternatives to heat shields.

While heat shields may be bulky, fire-resistant mats are considerably leaner and portable. Hence, you can easily maneuver around these mats.

They are highly portable and suit outdoor camping. At the same time, their qualities are unquestionable. It is vital to note that these products are bigger than heat shields and are best suited for large fire pits. However, sizes vary, and you can also find suitable ones for medium-size pits.

Wet the Grass

Outdoor Fire Pit On Grass - Keep Your Lawn Fresh and GreenThe easiest method of protecting grass from damage is to wet the grass.

Before lighting the pit, soak the grass with water.

It is essential to keep the underneath of the fire pit cold or warm. This is especially important because fire pits heat up fast and emit high pressure.

Operation on a warm or hot surface increases the risk of the pit overheating and may result in higher than required warming.

However, it’s unnecessary to saturate the grass to the extent where it becomes waterlogged. Therefore, sprinkle small amounts of water on the grass, enough to protect the grass from heat. This method is efficient in keeping the grass healthy under high temperatures. As the pit heats up, the water evaporates and cools the grass.

How to Use a Fire Pit Safely

After purchasing a fire pit, the next thing you should consider is the safety precautions to take when operating the pit.

Hence, take time to learn fire pit safety procedures before operating them to prevent self-harm or damage to your property. These are the safety you should consider when handling fire pits:

  • First, acquire a wire mesh to cover your pits and prevent injury to your children.
  • Then, you should have the correct quantity of fuel. Avoid using more fuel than necessary to prevent fire outbursts.
  • Avoid placing paper products in the fire.
  • You should always wear protective clothing when operating close to the fire pit.
  • Avoid burning pine or cedar in the fire pit. Additionally, avoid any material that pops or throws sparks.
  • Once you finish using the fire pit, extinguish it using water.
  • Hot ash should never be disposed of in a paper bag or any combustible material.

These fire pit safety tips should be followed under all circumstances for the best outdoor warming experience.

FAQ

These are some of the most asked questions about fire pits.

  1. Who is most suited to install my fire pit?

There are professional installers and plumbers with the best fire pit installing expertise.

  1. Which is the best material to place under fire pits?

While using fire pits on grass, you might consider using fire-resistant material. This is dependent on your budget.

  1. Which tools are the most crucial when burning fire pits?

Bricks and stone pavers are the best for building fire pits. It is vital to build your fire pit using non-combustible material.

  1. Can fire pits be used for burning wood?

It is not recommended to use wood in fire pits. These give out intense heat that may damage the pit. Instead, use a wood-burning fire pit to burn wood.

Final Thoughts

Fire pits are the best equipment to perform extensive heating in lawns.

As a homeowner, you should consider purchasing one to get the best out of your yards.

Additionally, it would be best if you learned how to install the fire pit on your own to have the convenience of operating it at any time.

Also, maintaining fire pits is an easy process. All you need to do is inspect your pit for defects and wipe it regularly.

Experts add that most fire pits are affordable, portable, and a convenient method of warming up in the backyard.

Furthermore, you must consider safety when operating them.

Lighting the pit and the specific usage for your fire pit are also essential elements that must be considered.

Remember, using fire pits on grass has several drawbacks that you should consider, and the methods to mitigate its effects must be implemented.

So, it is vital to protect your grass from damage and understand the safety measures of operating the equipment.

Have a pleasant lawn warming experience with your friends and family.

References

1.
Fire pit - Wikipedia
fire pit or a fire hole can vary from a pit dug in the ground to an elaborate gas burning structure of stone, brick, and metal. The common feature of fire pits is that they are designed to contain fire and prevent it from spreading.

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