Protecting my turf

[yukoff]

Literally, i need some ideas to protect the artificial grass that is right next to the firebox You see, the other day I was testing out my smoker, figuring out the ins/outs of the firebox with wood and charcoal, and I accidentally dropped a hot coal onto the artificial grass, and it burned a nice hole in it.

The smoker itself sits on a concrete patio, and the firebox opening is ~2' away from the turf. Of course i wanted to protect the turf, so i put large pieces of cardboard underneath the firebox, so it extends another 2-3' onto the turf to guard against what i had just done. Problem is, over time, while dinking around inside the firebox, the cardboard moved a bit, to the point where it was maybe 1-2' onto the turf. So when I emptied a chimney of hot coals into the top end of the firebox, i peered in, with my hand/chimney extended out for balance, not knowing there was still a single coal in it, thus right when my hand/chimney was over the turf, the single coal fell out onto the turf.

So, while the cardboard is nice - it catches a lot of charcoal dust form getting onto the patio/turf, i also realized it is very flammable Nother major, but as little bits of hot coals fell onto it, it would begin to smolder/ignite/etc. So it did protect the turf multiple times, but it's a bad idea.

Until I find a better location for the smoker, i will try to move it in a bit more so i have more clearance between the firebox and turf. At the same time, is there anything else other than cardboard i can lay on the ground that would protect the turf? I was thinking maybe using one or two of those cheap welders blankets from Harbor Freight. I'm not anticipating dropping coals every time, it's just to protect the stupidities that happen from time to time.
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Greg

[SoEzzy]

A sheet of steel or a couple of those concrete pavers.
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Here's a change Robert.

I still work here!

[Tony]

[Smokin Mike]

I had posted up another topic about a BBQ area on a wood deck and MissionUSMC mentioned using a fireproof mat that can be had from Lowes. So credit goes to him for the idea.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_117446-18889-GP-42___?productId=999904481&pl=1&Ntt=grill+mats
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[biker.chef]

+1 on the fireproof mat.
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[missionsusmc]

[1MoreFord]

Also look at stores that carry wood stoves. They sell pads that go under the stoves for the same purpose.
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Joe

[Mr Tony's BBQ]

cement backer board for tile etc. Lowes / home depot etc.
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[Alien BBQ]

Go with the grill pad as suggested.
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