We’ve been using fire pit mats to protect the surface under our various fire pits for many years now. We could be without them!
If you want to move your fire pit or fire bowl around your yard or deck, rather than having a dedicated spot for it, the best way to protect what’s underneath it is with a fire pit mat or pad.
These heat-resistant mats can be used to protect wooden decks, patios, lawns, and any other surface you put your fire pit on. If you don’t use a mat or an alternative, you will damage what’s underneath your fire pit – whether it’s wood, grass, or tile.
We have the round SafeParty heat-resistant mat which is pictured throughout this article. We can highly recommend it (ours has had a ton of use over 2 – 3 years now). Links in the table below.
Fire Pit Mat Reviews
 | Safeparty Round Fire Pit Pad |
| 26-Inch On Amazon48-Inch On Amazon |
 | DocSafe Square Fire Pit Mat |
| View On AmazonRound Version On Amazon |
 | Campfire Defender Large Fire Pit Mat |
| View On AmazonView On Home Depot |
This is what happens when you put a fire pit on grass without a mat 👇… it completely kills the lawn!
We recently bought a medium-sized cast iron fire pit. We’ve really enjoyed sitting around it as a family on cool evenings. However, it puts out a ton of radiant heat underneath – it’s no wonder it kils the grass completely.
However, when we use our Safeparty Fire Pit Mat, it totally protects the law. We’ve used it with the hottest fires, including burning very dry, well-seasoned hardwoods, and it has stood up to everything.
That’s why it’s our number one pick for the best fire pit mat, but here are some other good choices in different shapes and sizes.
1. Safeparty Fire Pit Pad
- 26 or 48-inch diameter
- 3 layers – aluminum fiber, thermal insulation, waterproof silicone
- Long-lasting and easy-to-clean
This heat-proof mat for fire pit can withstand temperatures of up to 1200°F. More than enough for fire pits, grills, and other outdoor cookers.
We’ve been using this fire pit mat for many years now and it still looks new. Though we’ve dropped the odd ember on it, and it’s no doubt had sparks, it still looks new after a clean.
This mat requires a gap of 6 inches between the bottom of the fire pit and the mat, though ours has less than that and it hasn’t been a problem at all.
The Safeparty mat is easy to fold up and store away, though we usually hang it up to dry for a day or two in the garage first. Because they have multiple sizes, you can choose one that is best suited for your fire pit or grill.
Pros:
- Fits nicely under fire pit
- Strong heat-resistant rating
- Very little trip hazard
- Reasonably cheap
- Extremely easy to store
Cons:
- Too small for very large fire bowls
- May not catch all sparks, depending on the size of your fire pit
2. Campfire Defender Protect Preserve Ember Mat
- 67 x 60 x 60 inches
- Food-grade silicone coating
- USFS & BLM fire blanket regulation approved
This fire pit mat for grass and decks is one of the most popular items out there.
It’s one of the largest ones you’ll find, which has its pros and cons. The good thing is that it will more than likely catch any sparks and embers that fall to the ground. The negative part is that it’s more likely to be a trip hazard than some of the smaller options.
That being said, it does have stainless steel eyelets that can be used to peg it into the ground. You can just use tent pegs if it’s on grass, and staple nails if it’s on the deck. This could make it less of a hazard.
The outside edge is also a reflective strip, so it should catch the light from the fire even at night.
This ground ember mat is heavy-duty (made of hi-temp fiberglass) and will withstand being walked on and all the other things you’d expect from being around a fire pit or grill.
They say you still need about 10 inches of space between the bottom of your fire pit and the mat to prevent some heat transfer. If the bottom of your fire pit is very low, you will need to consider raising it on bricks or pavers.
While it is heat resistant, it is not heatproof. Too much heat at too close a distance will damage or ruin the heat pad. However, when used as it is supposed to be used, it’s one of the best fire pit mats for wood and composite decks, or for the lawn.
Pros:
- Large size catches most sparks and embers
- Food safe coating means you can pick up dropped food safely
- Easy to pay up and store
- Easy to hang on the line to dry off
- Very well-reviewed and rated
Cons:
- Could be a tripping hazard
- Conspicuous
3. DocSafe Square Fire Pit Mat
- 40 x 40 inches
- Four layered non-itchy silicone-coated fiberglass
- 95% heat-reflecting up to 2000F
Docasafe has both this 40-inch square fire pit mat, and they also have a top-selling round version (in many sizes) as well.
Like our Safeparty mat, this one is very portable and highly protective. It has four layers and can withstand up to 2000℉, making it more heat-resistant than other brands.
It’s extremely well-reviewed, with users liking the size, weight, and effectiveness of it. People use it for all sorts of things other than fire pits; meat smokers, grills, chimineas, in front of outdoor fireplaces, or even as patio mats for when smoking cigarettes.
Pros:
- Perfect for square fire pits
- High fire rating
- Easy to clean and store
- Can withstand embers to a point
Cons:
- Some people have found it ineffective (see the negative comments on Amazon)
- Fiberglass breaks down over time with use
4. Solo Stove Stand
- Comes in a size for each model
- Made of stainless steel
- Lifts the fire pit 2.75 inches
The Solo Stove Stand (also for sale on SoloStove.com) is the best option for these fire pits.
They are designed especially for each model – Bonfire, Yukon, Ranger, and Cayon – and other fire pit mat solutions may not be suitable.
The stands are also very portable and actually lift the fire pit up off the ground making them suitable for use on decks and patios. If you are still in doubt, place a round fire pit mat underneath the stand for extra protection.
Solo Stove Fire Pits are designed for use on the ground/earth rather than on wooden decks, and they warn that charring may still occur even with the stand.
Pros:
- Designed for use with Solo Stove so it matches well
- Well-designed and made from stainless steel
- Give more height to fire pit
- Still allows for air flow
Cons:
- Doesn’t give full protection for any and all surfaces
- More expensive than most fire mats
5. Breeo Fire Pit Base
- Raises fire pit 3.5 inches
- Different sizes for each Breeo fire pit
- Stainless steel construction
For those this brand of smokeless fire pit, the Breeo Base is the best choice.
There are 3 sizes:
- X19 – 20.6 x 20.6 inches
- X24 – 25.6 x 25.6 inches
- X30 – 31.6 x 31.6 inches
The design is a flat stainless steel surface that your Breeo fire pit sits on top of. It raises the unit up off the ground even further than the Solo Stove Stand.
The Breeo Base is made in the USA and is very well-reviewed. The only downside is that it’s very expensive compared to the cheap fire pit mats we’ve already looked at in this round-up.
Pros:
- Looks great
- Tough durable build
- Made in America
- Matches the Breeo fire pits
Cons:
- Quite heavy and not as portable
- Very expensive in comparison
Fire Pit Mat Tips And Tricks
Fire pit retailer Sunnydaze Decor shares these tips for using a fire pit mat:
- Wooden decks are more susceptible to burning
- Place your fire pit at least 10 ft away from the house and other items
- Don’t put it near other things that can easily catch fire
- Avoid using fire pits when windy, they’re best in calm weather
- Use a fire pit pad to prevent scorching
- Don’t place a fire bowl on top of the pad directly
- Get a spark screen for additional protection
- Have a poker tool on hand to control logs
- Create a base of sand in the bottom of the fire pit for additional heat protection
- Fire pits with sturdy legs are best (tighten screws before use)
Other things you can use to protect the grass, include:
- Raising the fire pit up higher on bricks (though this doesn’t look great)
- Create a platform of bricks or tiles for the fire bowl to sit on
- Using a fire pit pad
Or, if you desire to have a permanent fire pit area, laying fire pit pavers is a really good idea.
It’s especially important to use a pad or another heat-resistant device when you are using your fire pit on a wooden deck. You will quickly ruin a wooden surface with a fire pit like this.
Best Fire Pit Mats For Grass Or Deck
For smaller fire pits, the Safeparty Fire Pit Pad is really good – we’ve been really happy with it.
The best fire pit mat for your deck, lawn, or patio will depend on:
- Budget – how much do you have to spend?
- Space – do you have room for a large heat pad?
- Height of your fire pit – pick the correct tolerance
- Aesthetic – which do you like the look of the most?
- Shape – do you have a square, round, or rectangular fire pit?
We really like the fire pit mat from Campfire Defender Protect Preserve for those needing a large one, but it won’t be right for everybody.
The square mat or the circular mat will be better for those wanting a less obvious solution that fits snugly under their fire pit.
Let us know if you have any questions or comments down below – if you have none, it’s time to light the fire pit!
Heat resistant mats seem to be the best option for looking after surfaces under fire pits, but they aren’t much to look at, unfortunately. A bit ugly in my opinion. Putting the fire pit on stones, gravel, or something like that might be better if you’re concerned about that!
Yep, I agree they are a bit ugly, but I don’t mind too much. You get used to them and it’s better than burnt grass patches!
Other than having a permanent fire pit area set up with outdoor pavers or something like that, a fire pit mat is the way to go. I like the larger ones because they protect well even when you have a raging fire on the go.