29 Jan How To BBQ Safely On Artificial Grass
Steps to take in protecting artificial grass against the potential hazards of using barbecues on or near the surface. Using a dedicated area or mounting on pavers.
Keep your artificial surface pristine during the outdoor cooking season
One of the main benefits of artificial grass is its ability to withstand a variety of uses and weather conditions without the deterioration natural grass is prone to. That said, certain uses require care, and barbecuing is one of them; the combination of high temperatures, hot coals, charcoal and possible greasy food debris requires a degree of attention and forward planning to keep your artificial surface in tip top condition.
Arrange a separate barbecuing area
The ideal solution all round is to locate the barbecue on a separate surface away from your artificial grass such as on a patio, a paved area or on some decking. You may even consider it worthwhile creating a dedicated area specifically for barbecues if you have them on a regular basis.
Another advantage of creating a dedicated space and some kind of outdoor kitchen is the convenience of having cooking utensils, plates and cutlery close at hand rather than having to keep nipping in and out of the main house to fetch and carry items.
An attractive and modestly priced dedicated outdoor area can soon be created using stone, wood or recycled pavers and bricks. Adding a small canopy can help provide protection and a little shelter against light showers and stiff breezes.
You may consider taking the dedicated site option a stage further by incorporating a permanent grilling area into it as opposed to using a portable barbecue unit each time.
A hard surface ‘pad’
If you haven’t got space for a permanent location, then the next option is to use a ‘pad’ for the unit to stand on using something like concrete pavers. Ideally these should be larger than the area the barbecue unit takes up so that any hot coals, ash or hot food that falls won’t land on the artificial grass.
A pad made of pavers will also help keep the barbecue unit level and stable – very important at any time but especially when mounting it on a surface such as fake grass.
Cover the grill
Cover the grill with a proper cover if near to or actually located on the grass; this will help prevent hot coals, ash and food from dropping onto the artificial grass.
Keep the grill clean
Get into the habit of cleaning the grill properly after use. If you don’t then food debris from the previous use can heat up, break off, land on the grass and potentially cause damage through burn marks unless cleared away quickly.
It’s better by far to clean the grill while still warm as food and grease is much more difficult to remove once it dries and solidifies.
Cleaning the artificial surface
Despite your best efforts, food, drink and other debris may end up on your fake grass so it’s important to clean the affected areas sooner rather than later.
A simple hosing down or maybe sweeping away loose and dry debris may suffice; any staining may require a simple mild soap and warm water mixture to remove it.
Avoid high temperature debris
Ultimately, run of the mill food and drink spillages can be dealt with at usually no cost to the condition of the fake grass. On the other hand, hot coals, charcoal or ash from the barbecue can potentially cause burns and scorch marks that can spoil the look of your artificial grass, so take care when the outdoor cooking season arrives.
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