One key thing to consider when setting up your outdoor space is what to put under a propane fire pit. Making a good choice in this department will help ensure that your fire pit works as it is designed and also that your investment will go a long way. Selecting the right materials is important for many reasons – firstly, it will help your fire pit maintain its footing. It’s also important for protecting the surface under the fire pit from the base’s heat and will make your fire pit area more enjoyable overall.
Why You Need a Suitable Base for Your Propane Fire Pit?
Selecting an appropriate base for your propane fire pit is essential for a number of reasons. Initially, it plays an important role in preventing accidental fires and minimizing heat damage to surrounding surfaces. Propane fire pits can produce a high amount of heat, so it is important to place them on non-flammable materials. Not only can this help prevent a fire, but it will also improve the stability in use and limit the probability of the fire pit tipping over.
Secondly, it will also contribute to the longevity of your fire pit, and the surface underneath. By providing a sturdy base, it will evenly distribute the weight of the fire pit, reducing stress and potential damage over time. This helps sustain the viability of your outside area, ensuring that both the propane fire pit and the surrounding space remain in good condition for many years. Selecting the optimal base material is therefore an essential step in obtaining the best safety and performance from your propane fire pit.
Best Materials to Put Under a Propane Fire Pit:
Choosing the ideal materials to place under your propane fire pit is an important part of ensuring safety, longevity, and optimal performance for your propane fire pit. There are multiple options on the market with different benefits, depending on your set-up and personal preferences:
Concrete:
Concrete is commonly considered to be one of the best materials for fire pit bases due to its non-combustibility and durable properties. It provides a resilient and level surface suitable for high-temperature applications that will not crack or warp. Concrete is readily available and cost-effective, making it suitable for both permanent and transportable fire pit configurations.
Stone:
Natural stone, such as slate or flagstone, offers a visually pleasing and fire-resistant base for propane fire pits. It is an excellent heat insulator and is able to maintain long-lasting reliability without heat damage. Stone, with its natural textures and hues, can harmonize outdoor aesthetics and enhance the look of your open-air environment.
Fire Pit Mats:
Fire pit mats are intended to protect surfaces, such as wooden decks or grass, from heat damage created by propane fire pits. They are built from heat-resistant materials and are available in different sizes for a variety of fire pit sizes. They effectively block heat transfer and are flexible enough to be moved or adjusted when needed.
Heat Shields:
There are multiple options for heat shields, with one option being metal heat shields. These heat shields are placed underneath the fire pit and block heat from reaching sensitive materials, such as wood or composite decking. They are durable and can be simply installed, providing protection for outdoor settings.
If you are considering putting your fire pit on deck, consider our dedicated blog “Can I put a Propane Fire Pit on my Deck“
Bases to Avoid for Propane Fire Pits:
Do not choose these materials or conditions, they could detract your fire pit from its safety and performance:
Wood:
Avoid putting your propane fire pit on wood surfaces. Wood is highly combustible and can be easily ignited or even damaged from the heat of a propane fire pit, making this an unsafe and careless option. To avoid this, the propane fire pit must have a fireproof barrier between it and the wood, which could be made of concrete, stone, or a fire pit matting.
Grass:
Placing your propane fire pit on grass can result in scorched ground or it can burn the grass and kill it. Grass was not designed to survive high temperatures like those released from a propane fire pit, and can ignite fairly quickly with continuous exposure to high temperatures. It is recommended to use a fire pit mat or a base as a non-combustible surface to set the propane fire pit on to help prevent damage to the grass.
Uneven Surfaces:
Do not place your fire pit on an unstable or shifting surface or material, such as gravel or a surface that is inclined or prone to shifting. An uneven or shifting surface risks the fire pit becoming unstable, which can result in tipping the fire pit over and creating a fire hazard.
Important Considerations Before You Choose a Base for Your Propane Fire Pit:
Choosing the right base for your propane fire pit involves several critical considerations to ensure safety, durability, and optimal performance in your outdoor space:
1. Drainage Considerations:
When installing a propane fire pit, it is extremely important to avoid water accumulation beneath or around the components, as this could eventually cause corrosion of the metal. When constructing the base for your fire pit, be sure it allows for proper drainage by choosing a material such as gravel, or create a slightly sloped concrete surface to accommodate water flow in the right direction, away from the fire pit for durability.
2. Ventilation:
Whatever the base, propane fire pits must have ventilation to operate safely. A fire that is consuming gas without movement of air will result in build-up of gas fumes which can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. It can also cause the burn of the gas to be less clean. Avoid locating your fire pit in a fully enclosed space where there is no air movement, and consider installing the fire pit in an open area outside where the air can move around the propane fire pit.
3. Additional Considerations:
When selecting a base for your propane fire pit, consider the outdoor environment and how it will be utilized. Many factors should guide your choice, such as local regulations, aesthetic appeal, and how easy it is to maintain. For example, natural stone would look great, but, if you’re looking for something to protect your decking and offer the flexibility to move the fire pit around, fire pit mats may be a good solution.
In conclusion, a non-combustible base choice like concrete, stone, or fire pit mats is recommended for safety and to protect the investment in the propane fire pit. Consider the ventilation, drainage, and any local regulations that may pertain to your area for a safer and more efficient propane fire pit. Whether on a deck or patio, prioritize these factors to enjoy your fire pit securely and make the most of outdoor relaxation.
