Grill Pad Suggestion Wanted...

[clb239]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a fire / heat resistant pad to put under my smokers on a wooden deck...I have seen the one at Lowe's and home depot but would like one a little larger...I am mainly looking for something to put under my Bandera so when I open the door to add wood any ashes that fall out won't land on the deck...

Thanks in advance...

clb239

[RonB]

I think some here use welding blankets.

[Huskee]

I use the "grill pad" cement boards from Home Depot and Amazon. I agree they could be a little larger. They seem big when you're handling them at the store and at home, but not so much when they're under your grill. The wayward red hot briquet always manages to fall just outside of it.

[DWCowles]

I used 12”x 12” stepping stones under the WSM and the PBC on my deck.

[Troutman]

You can buy 1/4” sheets of cementicious board (like Hardie) from your local lumber dealer. Sure it would work just fine.

[texastweeter]

Hardie board is a great idea.

[CaptainMike]

Completely agree. None of the commercial pads are big enough for live fire cooking. "Cementicious" is such a hard word to work into a conversation, well done Sir!

[wu7y]

Does anyone know how well unpainted Hardie backer board holds up to moisture if left unpainted? I plan on using it under my kettle on a covered wooden deck.

The company website says it "resists moisture" but says nothing about it being water proof.

During the winter we often get a little snow blowing in and I am wondering if applying an exterior paint would be worth the effort. Thanks for any advice anyone may have to offer.

[wu7y]

Thanks texastweeter. If it were warmer up here I would just do it whether it really needs it or not. But most of the paint/sealer, spray or otherwise, usually needs to be applied at 50F or above. We won't see 50 here until probably April or May and I really don't want to do that inside the house if I can avoid it.

[CaptainMike]

You will be fine for this winter. It does pick up moisture, but if you're talking a little snow or rain blowing in you will be fine.

[aladdin4d]

Where you are I'd look for Durock instead of Hardie and try Redgard to seal it.

[jlazar]

I use two of the large mats from Lowes. Agree that I wish they made one about twice the size. But these are easy for storage behind the grill on the patio. There are two mats stored in this picture.

[Attjack]

Check the hardware store for roll material. Ace hardware has some stuff that looks suitable they sell it by the foot.

[wu7y]

Thanks to all who offered help on my Hardie backerboard question. I'm just going to run a $12.95 experiment this winter and see if I need to paint a new one in the spring. It will be better than opening the house to a blizzard or sub zero temps to air it out after painting.