I went with raised tiles for airflow on a client's fire pit area last year, and honestly, cleaning underneath hasn't been too bad. Sure, leaves and debris do get under there occasionally, but a quick blast with the leaf blower usually does the trick. I actually find it easier than when tiles sit flush—less buildup of dirt and grime sticking to the surface. Plus, the airflow really helps keep things dry underneath, which seems to reduce mold or mildew issues. But yeah, if your yard has lots of trees or tends to collect debris easily, I can see how it might be a bit more annoying. Maybe try spacing them just enough for airflow without creating big gaps? Worked pretty well in my experience...
I've done something similar with raised tiles around my fire pit, and I agree—cleaning underneath isn't really a big deal. But one thing I'd add is to keep an eye on the type of material you're using underneath the tiles. If you're placing them over something flammable like wood decking, even with airflow, embers can sometimes slip through those gaps, especially if they're a bit wider. I've seen it happen at a friend's place, and it was a little nerve-wracking.
To help with safety, I ended up putting down a layer of crushed gravel and sand beneath mine. That way, if anything hot does fall through, it lands on a non-flammable surface. Plus, it drains well and doesn't hold moisture, so mold and mildew aren't really a concern either. Also, spacing the tiles just enough for airflow but not wide enough for larger debris or embers to easily fall through made a noticeable difference.
Another thing to consider is wind direction and intensity. If your yard tends to get gusty, embers can travel further than you'd expect. I put up a simple windscreen on one side of mine (just a low stone wall) to block the prevailing wind, and it's helped keep things safer and cleaner overall.
Honestly, though, as long as you're mindful about what's underneath and around the pit, raised tiles are a solid choice. Just don't underestimate how sneaky those embers can be...
Totally agree about the gravel and sand underneath—makes a huge difference. Curious though, has anyone tried those ember mats? I've seen them around but not sure if they're worth it or just another gimmick...
I've seen ember mats in action at a friend's place, and honestly, they're not just gimmicks. They do catch stray sparks pretty well. But personally, I'd still trust gravel or sand more for long-term safety... mats can wear out or get damaged over time.
"But personally, I'd still trust gravel or sand more for long-term safety... mats can wear out or get damaged over time."
Yeah, that's a solid point. Mats definitely help catch sparks initially, but they're not foolproof. If you're budget-conscious like me, gravel or sand might be the smarter long-term choice—cheap and easy to maintain. Plus, there's something reassuring about having a thick layer beneath the pit that won't suddenly fail or need replacing. Still, ember mats aren't useless; it's all about balancing convenience and reliability, I guess.
