Concrete is a common surface for fire pits to be set on.
It is automatically assumed a fire pit that is installed on concrete is going to last for a long time. Yes, the fire pit is going to be stable on a surface such as this but that does not mean you can overlook specific details to keep the concrete safe.
Will a fire pit crack concrete?
Yes, a fire pit can crack concrete. It’s best to avoid this by setting up a heat-resistant pad underneath the fire pit and also building a small wall around it. Fire pit owners are also recommended to maintain a few feet of distance between surrounding elements and the fire pit while ensuring it’s level.
The fire pit can be dangerous for the concrete when you are unsure about how it is going to stay safe. This includes how the flames are going to work from the fire pit.
If you are not doing this, you will find it difficult to manage the fire pit on concrete.
Table of Contents
How To Manage A Fire Pit On Concrete
1. Use A Heat-Resistant Pad
The main issue tends to do with what is under the fire pit.
You cannot have a situation where the fire pit is left exposed to the concrete. The overwhelming and continuous heat of the fire pit is going to take a toll on any surface and concrete is no different when it comes to this aspect.
You will always want to use a heat-resistant pad in a situation such as this.
It’s going to let you control how the heat is managed and what is required to ensure it lasts a long time. People that don’t do this are the ones that end up seeing subpar results.
It’s essential to use a robust heat-resistant pad that is going to help quell the heat and make sure it does not damage the concrete.
If you have a refined fire pit pad, this is going to go a long way in keeping the concrete safe underneath.
2. Maintain Distance Between Surrounding Elements And The Fire Pit
What about the distance between the surrounding elements and the fire pit?
One of the reasons you end up dealing with issues has to do with the fire pit getting too close to other elements. This can include something as simple as the seating area around the fire pit or the house.
You do not want it to be too close.
This is when the fire pit is going to be exposed to those elements and that is when the concrete starts to break down depending on how the flame spread.
This is dangerous regardless of the surface you have set the fire pit on but it is still important to think about these details as best as you can.
3. Create a Wall For The Fire Pit
You will want to take the time to create a wall for the fire pit.
Unfortunately, the flames that come out of the fire pit are going to ruin the concrete. This can get worse with time if no barrier is blocking the flames from the fire pit.
Most people do not think about this and that is when the fire pit becomes dangerous for the concrete.
Your goal should be to set up a wall that is going to stabilize the fire pit and make sure it does not impact the concrete underneath.
4. Make Sure The Fire Pit Is Level
Is the fire pit balanced?
You can’t have a situation where the fire pit is unbalanced because that is going to cause the weight to put pressure on the concrete.
Yes, concrete is strong but the heat of the fire pit is going to do damage. This is why you are going to notice cracks in the concrete due to the fire pit.
Even though concrete is robust, it is still going to have a moment when cracks become evident. Don’t let this happen.
Always take the time to make sure the fire pit is leveled. This is a must.
Final Thoughts
Will a fire pit crack concrete?
Yes, a fire pit can crack concrete. This happens due to excess heat exposure. It’s essential to set up a heat-resistant pad underneath the fire pit and also the walls around the fixture. It’s best to make sure the fire pit is level and does not sit too close to the property or other elements.
Protecting a fire pit is all about taking the necessary precautions to avoid damaging surrounding elements. This includes the surface underneath.
As long as you are doing this, the fire pit is going to do well on the concrete and is not going to create major hurdles along the way. Focus on this when managing the fire pit.
