5 Best Fire Pits for Grass (to Avoid Burning Your Lawn)

If you want to avoid your grass from getting torched, then use a portable, elevated fire pit.

But pick the one designed to direct the heat away from the ground and use a base layer of sand to separate the heat from the grass.

Best fire pits for grass come with a deep bowl design and spark screen and are far raised off the ground.

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Best Fire Pits for Grass

1. Sunnydaze Copper Raised Outdoor Fire Pit Bowl

Highlights 

  • The 7” height gives the clearance needed to prevent grass from getting scorched
  • The deep bowl design has enough room for a layer of sand for extra protection
  • The spark screen keeps embers from burning the grass
  • The stable legs will prevent it from tipping over
  • The solid metal bowl keeps burning wood safely enclosed

Why It’s Great for Grass 

This is one of the best raised fire pits for grass. I liked that it has 4 legs for added stability, preventing the risk of tipping over and burning the grass.

Its solid, deep bowl has plenty of room for a roaring fire while keeping the burning wood safely away from the grass.

The spark screen is an extra layer of protection, keeping the burning material where it belongs without ruining the grass. 

One thing that could be improved is removing the holes in the bottom of the bowl. There’s a chance that burning embers could fall through and burn the grass. 

MaterialSteel
Fuel SourceWood
Weight23 lbs (10.43 kg)
Height25.75 in (65.41 cm)
Diameter32.25 in (81.9 cm)
Grass Distance7 in (17.78 cm)
Package IncludesFire bowl, stand, spark screen, wood grate, poker

2. Sunnydaze Cast Iron Fire Pit with Built-In Log Rack

Highlights 

  • Fire bowl is high above the ground, so there’s no risk of radiating heat
  • Wood shelf underneath adds an extra layer of insulation for the grass
  • Sturdy construction will keep the fire pit from tipping over and burning grass
  • Cast iron will last for years without developing holes
  • Broad fire bowl will handle large pieces of wood without them spilling 

Why It’s Great for Grass

This is probably the best elevated fire pit for lawns. The fire bowl is a full 12 inches (30 cm) above the ground, making it easy to avoid burning your lawn.

The log shelf that sits below the fire bowl adds an extra layer of insulation between the fire and the grass.

I like that the cast iron construction will last for years without developing dangerous holes that embers could drop through.

It did require assembly but the instructions were easy to follow.

However, it does not come with a spark screen, which would provide protection from flying sparks that could burn the grass.

MaterialCast iron
Height24 in (61 cm)
Weight40.6 lbs (18.42 kg)
Diameter19 in (48.26 cm)
Fuel SourceWood
Grass Distance12 in (30 cm)
Package IncludesFire bowl, stand

3. Sunnydaze Rope and Barrel Gas Fire Pit Table with Lava Rocks

Highlights 

  • The controlled flame is far away from the grass
  • A gas fire has no embers or sparks to burn the grass
  • Ceramic construction cannot catch fire and damage the grass
  • The flat, stable base resists tipping to prevent accidents
  • The simple, safe ignition means no need for matches or lighters

Why It’s Great for Grass

This is the best gas fire pit table for grass because it’s basically impossible for the flame to come in contact with the grass.

The flame is 24 inches (60.96 cm) above the ground, which will keep the fire pit from killing grass.

As well, the sturdy ceramic construction is fireproof. And because there are no sparks or embers with a gas fire, you don’t need to be concerned about them flying out and landing on the grass.

However, it’s quite heavy, at 74 lbs (10.43 kg). It isn’t easy for one person to move, and if it sits too long in one spot, it will kill the grass underneath.

MaterialCeramic
Height24 in (60.96 cm)
Weight74 lbs (10.43 kg)
Diameter29 in (73.66 cm)
Fuel SourcePropane
Grass Distance24 in (60.96 cm)
Package IncludesFire Pit, Burner, Rocks, Hose, AAA Battery, Cover

4. Sunnydaze Faux Stone Fire Pit Ring with Spark Screen

Highlights 

  • Fiberglass-reinforced concrete keeps the heat away from the grass
  • Spark screen prevents embers from flying out and burning the grass
  • The wide, low shape is very stable and won’t tip over
  • Built-in handles make it easy to move so the grass can get sunshine
  • The bottom has no holes for ashes to fall through and burn the grass

Why It’s Great for Grass 

This model is the best portable fire pit for grass. When you set this wood-burning fire pit out on your lawn, it will look like a permanent structure. 

However, it can be moved to keep the grass underneath from getting yellow from lack of sun. 

The concrete outer wall is thick enough to insulate, and so will protect grass from the fire pit. I also like that it came fully assembled; all it took was dropping the fire bowl into the concrete outer wall.

One possible problem is that it weighs 50 pounds, and so may require 2 people to move. A lighter construction would be easier to work with. 

MaterialConcrete, steel
Height21.25 in (54 cm)
Weight50.8 lbs (23 kg)
Diameter35.75 (90.8 cm)
Fuel SourceWood
Grass Distance5.5 in (14 cm)
Package IncludesFire Pit, Fire Bowl, Spark Screen, Wood Grate, Poker

5. Sunnydaze Outdoor Cast Stone Propane Gas Fire Pit with Lava Rocks

Highlights 

  • The controlled gas flame is centered at the top, far from the grass
  • There are no embers or sparks to fly out and burn the grass
  • Sturdy ceramic construction is flame-proof for extra safety
  • Handles make it easier to move from one spot to avoid smothering grass
  • Stable, low construction makes it impossible to tip over and damage the grass

Why It’s Great for Grass 

This is one of the best gas fire pits for lawns. The controlled gas flame is isolated in the middle of the fire pit, 9 inches above the ground level, so there is no way that it can come in contact with the grass.

To further protect the lawn from the fire pit, there are no embers or sparks with a propane flame that could otherwise burn the grass around the fire pit. 

It is, however, fairly heavy at 64 lbs (29 kg) and may require 2 people to move it. If it stays in the same spot too long, the grass underneath will be killed.

MaterialCeramic
Height9 in (22.86 cm)
Weight64 lbs (29 kg)
Diameter30 in (76.2 cm)
Fuel SourcePropane
Grass Distance9 in (22.86 cm)
Package IncludesFire Pit, Burner, Rocks, Hose, AAA Battery, Cover

Wood Burning vs. Gas Fire Pit

Gas fire pits are safer to use, which is of course a big plus. You also don’t have to worry about having wood on hand, just the fuel canister, which can last much longer than one night.

However, a wood fire pit throws off that cozy heat that we expect from a lawn fire pit.

They are also less expensive, even though you do have the extra work of keeping the fire fed with logs. You also have to deal with the ashes when you’re done for the night.

Choosing a Wood Burning Fire Pit for Grass?

The key requirement for a wood-burning fire pit is the clearance between the bottom of the fire pit and the ground to prevent damage to the grass. Aim for 5 inches minimum, ideally 7+ inches.

Material 

A wood-burning fire pit must be made out of fireproof material. Metal is the best option for a fire pit on grass, as it won’t be too heavy to move around when needed.

Select a fire pit made of a metal such as copper or cast iron with sturdy legs to keep it from tipping over and damaging the grass.

Distance From Deck 

The most important factor for a wood-burning fire pit is how far it is raised off the ground. Otherwise, you run the risk of the fire pit burning grass.

While there is no hard-and-fast rule, the higher it is elevated, the better. Look for a model with legs that are at least 5 inches high.

Deep Bowl Design 

For a wood-burning fire pit on the lawn, it’s best to get one with a deep, wide bowl without large holes on the sides.

That way, you have room to pour a couple of inches of sand at the bottom of the bowl, providing an extra layer of heat shield for the grass underneath.

Spark Screen 

A spark screen is an essential safety feature with a wood-burning fire pit. This will keep burning embers from flying up and landing on the grass or flammable objects nearby.

It will also protect the people gathered around it. Never have an open flame without covering it in a temporary fire pit on grass.

Fire Pit Pad 

A fire pit pad will add another layer of protection for your grass, including from heat, sparks, and ashes.

These lightweight mats will sit on the ground, with your wood-burning fire pit sitting on top. Do not set your fire pit bowl directly on the pad; always use the base that came with it. 

FAQ

Can you put a fire pit on the grass?

If you want to put a fire pit on grass but avoid burning your lawn, then pick a fire pit with a deep bowl design, a spark screen, and which is raised off the ground by at least 5 to 7 inches. Also, use a base layer of sand to minimize the heat toward the ground.

What to put under a fire pit on grass?

Use a fire pit pad under a fire pit on grass. This will add another layer of protection from the heat, sparks, and ashes. Also, use a base layer of sand to minimize the heat toward the ground.

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