Can You Put a Fire Pit on Artificial Turf

Short answer: No. EcoSmart, who make the bioethanol fire pits we sell, say never to place their fire pits over grass, artificial turf, carpet, rock or any uneven surface. Stand yours off the turf, on a level surface that cannot burn, such as paving or concrete, with its adjustable feet in place. Turf has a weakness of its own: heat, embers or flames can melt its synthetic fibres permanently.

EcoSmart give artificial turf the same answer as lawn, in the same sentence; what turf adds is the risk of permanent damage. Our EcoSmart Fire range covers the compact fire pits this guidance applies to.

Why EcoSmart rules out turf specifically

EcoSmart's guidance names artificial turf alongside natural grass as unsuitable bases for a fire pit like the Pod 30 or Mix 600. The clearance guidance gives no separate reason for each surface, but it does set out what the ground under one of their fire pits must allow. The height-adjustable feet stay on, because they provide airflow to the underside. They are set to leave at least 12.5 mm of air space between the ground and the underside of the sidewalls, with the fire pit perfectly level and stable. The fire must also sit away from flammable materials. Rock and any uneven surface are ruled out in the same line as turf, so a loose gravel pad will not do either.

The real risk is permanent, not cosmetic

Ezy Decking, an Australian artificial grass supplier, says turf does not catch fire easily, but intense heat, embers or flames can melt or damage its synthetic fibres. It warns that heat can cause permanent damage: once damaged, the affected area often cannot be restored. Lux Lawn Turf Solutions, an Adelaide turf installer, puts it just as plainly: turf won't melt in the sun, but a hot ember from an open fire pit will. Ezy Decking's guidance is to put a fire pit on a fire-resistant surface such as concrete or stone pavers, always with a ten-foot gap, about 3 metres, between it and the turf. For a wood-burning fire pit, which may throw sparks and embers, Ezy Decking suggests a grate with an ember catcher or a spark screen.

Where to put the fire pit instead

Off the turf altogether. For a bioethanol fire pit such as the Pod 30 or Mix 600, that means level paving or concrete, with the feet set for the 12.5 mm air gap. For a wood fire pit, the fire pit safety advice from Victoria's CFA asks for a flat, stable surface that won't catch fire, such as gravel, bare earth or paving, with the area 3 metres around and above the fire pit clear of anything that can burn. A small paver circle set into the turf does not give a wood fire pit the ten-foot gap Ezy Decking asks for. For either kind of fire pit, the simple answer is the patio or courtyard, away from the turf.

The honest verdict

Artificial turf and fire pits do not mix, whatever the fuel. Stand the Pod 30 or the Mix 600 on level paving or concrete, off the turf and clear of its edge, with the feet in place. Keep a wood fire pit about 3 metres from the turf.

Every EcoSmart fire pit ships free Australia-wide, backed by our price-beat promise and owner after-care. Get a quote and Hayden will help you work out the right spot and surface for your fire pit before you order, on 1300 515 620.

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Hayden Pearson

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About the author:
“I have a real passion for helping transform outdoor spaces so people can relax, connect and entertain with confidence and pride. With My Acre, I love guiding homeowners to create beautiful and functional outdoor living areas."