Under-Grill Mats: How to Protect Your Deck and Patio

Why your deck needs protection

A grill is messy by nature. Fat drips off steaks and chops, marinade runs off the grate, and a flare-up can throw embers further than you expect. On a wood deck that means grease stains and scorch marks; on paving it means dark patches that need scrubbing; on grass it means dead, burnt patches that take weeks to recover.

A mat catches all of that before it reaches the surface underneath. It also gives you a defined cooking zone: the grill sits on the mat, your tools and trays sit on the mat, and everything that falls lands on something you can clean instead of something you have to repair.

What to look for in a grill mat

Not every mat is built the same, so check these points before buying. The size matters most: the mat should cover the full footprint of your grill plus a margin around it, because drips rarely fall straight down.

The material decides what the mat can handle. Fiberglass with a silicone coating is the common build for fire-resistant mats: the fiberglass gives it structure and heat resistance, while the silicone keeps grease and water sitting on the surface instead of soaking in. A mat that is fireproof, waterproof and oil-proof covers the three things that actually damage a deck.

• Size: measure your grill's footprint, then add space around it for drips and for your feet.
• Fire and heat resistance: the mat should be made for sitting under a hot grill, not just for catching crumbs.
• Waterproof and oil-proof: grease and rain should sit on the surface so you can wipe them off.
• Double-sided: a mat you can flip lasts longer, because wear and stains spread across both faces.
• Stitched edges: precision-stitched edges keep the mat from sticking, tearing or curling.
• Easy to clean: a smooth silicone surface wipes or hoses clean; a rough fabric one holds grease.
• Lies flat: a mat that curls at the edges is a trip hazard and lets drips run underneath.

Quick picks

For most backyard setups, one mat covers it. Our pick below is the mat we recommend for a standard charcoal, gas, electric or smoker grill on a deck or patio.

• RERAMDO 48 x 30 inch under-grill mat — our pick for standard grills.

Our pick: RERAMDO 48 x 30 inch under-grill mat

This mat suits anyone grilling on a deck or patio with a standard-size charcoal, gas, electric or smoker grill, and it also works under a fire pit or an indoor fireplace, and for camping. It is double-sided, so you can flip it when one face starts to show wear, and the silicone-coated fiberglass surface is fireproof, waterproof and oil-proof, which means grease, water and embers sit on top instead of soaking through to the deck. It resists heat up to 2000°F, and its precision-stitched edges stop it from sticking, tearing or curling.

Its strength is coverage for the price of one mat: at 48 x 30 inches it covers a full standard grill plus a margin around it, and it wipes or hoses clean after cooking. Its limitation is size: that 48 x 30 inch footprint fits standard grills, so if your setup is oversized — a very large grill, a grill with wide side tables, or a big fire pit — measure first and consider a larger mat. One safety note from the maker: do not place the heat source directly on the mat — keep at least 10 inches between the mat and the heat source.

How to choose the right size

Measure before you buy. Put your grill where it will stand, then measure the full footprint including wheels, legs and side tables. Add at least a few inches on every side for drips and for where you stand while cooking. A mat that only just covers the legs will miss most of the mess, because grease and embers fall outside the legs as often as inside them.

If you grill on grass, a larger mat also protects more lawn from heat and dripping fat. If you grill on a small balcony or patio, measure the space first: a mat that has to be folded to fit will curl and let drips run underneath it.

How to look after your grill mat

Shake off loose ash and food after each cook, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth or hose it down. For stuck grease, warm water and a little dish soap is enough; avoid harsh scrubbers that can wear the silicone coating. Let the mat dry fully before you roll it up and store it. It folds flat for carrying and storage, which makes it easy to take camping or put away between cooks.

Frequently asked questions