Grill in Style with the Best Concrete Patio Mats

The warm weather is here, and it's time to fire up the grill! But if your grill sits on a pristine concrete patio, you may be hesitant to get cooking. Grease drippings, sauces, and marinades can stain and damage concrete surfaces. Not to mention the potential for cracks from exposure to intense heat. Investing in a grill mat is the simple solution to keep your patio looking great all season long.

Grill mats sit between your grill and concrete patio to protect from stains, burns, and more. We'll also recommend three of the top-rated grill mats for concrete and provide tips for mat care. Let's get grilling!

Why Use a Grill Mat on Concrete

Using a protective mat while grilling provides a barrier between food spills/drippings and your concrete patio. Without a mat, these issues are likely:

Protect Surfaces from Stains and Burns

High temperatures and spills lead to permanent damage on bare concrete:

• Grease and cooking oils cause dark, unsightly stains that are practically impossible to remove.
• Intense heat from gas or charcoal grills can scorch, crack, and discolor concrete.
• Spilled marinades and sauces leave lasting colored patches.

A grill mat prevents stains and burns by providing a protective layer. Messes stay on the mat surface instead of soaking into the concrete. Mats also diffuse heat to prevent cracking.

Make Cleaning Easier

Without a mat, you'll have a sticky, messy cleanup each time you grill. Grease and food remnants get lodged in concrete pores. Power washing or harsh chemicals are needed to remove grime from unprotected concrete. Using a mat contains the mess in one place for easy cleaning:

• Food, grease, and oils stay on the mat instead of being absorbed by concrete.
• Spills and drips wipe right off the mat with soap and water.
• No need for heavy-duty cleaners that might fade or etch concrete.

Just roll up the mat and wash it off to get your patio back to pristine condition.

Provide Safe Grilling Surface

Grill mats create a smooth, even grilling surface for safety and convenience:

• Mats lay flat to prevent tripping on an uneven concrete surface.
• Materials grip well and stay in place while walking around the hot grill.
• Mats provide traction even when dealing with slick grease.

Forget about balancing on an unstable surface. Grill mats let you focus on the food, not your footing.

What to Look for in a Concrete Grill Mat

With heavy use over high heat, grill mats take some abuse. Look for these durable features:

Durable and Heat-Resistant Materials

Quality grill mats are made from high-performance materials designed for outdoor use:

• PVC - Waterproof and flexible yet tough. This plastic withstands sun, rain, grease, and heat without cracking or tearing.
• Recycled rubber - Made from tire rubber, provides a slip-resistant surface and insulates from heat. Won't fade or deteriorate.

Thinner, cheaper mats may shrink, melt, or break down when exposed to high grill temperatures. Look for a material thickness of at least .25 inches for durability.

Proper Dimensions

Choose a grill mat size that provides ample coverage beneath your grill:

• Standard kettle and gas grill sizes range from 300-500 sq. inches.
• Measure your grill's footprint and allow an extra buffer of 6-12 inches per side.
• Optimal dimensions are at least 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep.

Mats that are too small won't sufficiently protect the surrounding concrete from accidental spills and splatters.

Waterproof and Weatherproof

Look for a grill mat that allows outdoor use in any conditions:

• PVC materials are waterproof and won't absorb moisture.
• Avoid bamboo or recycled cardstock mats that disintegrate when wet.
• Mats maintain performance through sun exposure, rain, snow, and humidity.

You don't want to have to run out and cover your mat every time it rains. Choose a mat built to withstand the elements.

Positive Reviews from Customers

Before purchasing a grill mat, look at feedback from actual owners:

• How easy is it to install and remove the mat each use?
• Does the mat lie flat and stay in place without buckling or shifting?
• Does it really protect concrete from grease stains and burn marks?
• How long does the mat last before needing replacement?

Customer reviews reveal how mats hold up in real-world conditions over time. This helps identify the top performers.

Top 3 Concrete Patio Grill Mats

Based on materials, performance, and reviews, here are our top 3 recommendations:

GRILLTEX Protective Deck and Patio Mat

Key Features:

• Made from 100% recycled rubber
• Heat resistant up to 500degF
• Dimensions of 39 x 72 inches
• Easy soap and water clean-up
• 1-year warranty

Benefits:

• Durable recycled rubber withstands heat and resists stains/damage
• Large size fits most grill types with room to spare
• Textured surface provides traction
• Doesn't retain heat that could damage concrete

Considerations:

• Some users note it can have wrinkles at first that smooth out
• Not ideal for very rainy climates/locations

With excellent materials and performance, this is one of the best grill mats to protect concrete patios.

RESILIA Under Grill Mat

Key Features:

• Made from heavy-duty PVC
• Waterproof and skid-resistant
• Grooved texture
• Available in different color options

Benefits:

• Tough PVC construction stands up to weather and heat
• Grooves help channel away spilled grease and liquids
• Easy to clean with just soap and water
• Lies flat and grips concrete well when in use

Considerations:

• Some users report edges may curl a bit when exposed to heavy rain
• PVC can get slippery when wet if grease spills on it

The Resilia mat is a great value option that protects concrete patios in all conditions.

ExtremeMat High Heat Grill Mat

Key Features:

• .5 inch thick fiberglass construction
• Withstands up to 1,800degF
• NBR rubber bottom layer
• 47 x 29 inch dimensions

Benefits:

• Can handle extremely high temperatures from charcoal or fires
• Doesn't produce toxic fumes or smoke when heated
• Prevents concrete pitting from charcoal dropping
• Contains heat and embers to protect concrete

Considerations:

• Smaller size may require 2 mats for larger grills
• Rubber backing prone to cracking over time

This specialty mat is ideal for hardcore grilling with charcoal or very high heat.

Using and Caring for Your Grill Mat

Follow these tips to get the most out of your concrete patio grill mat.

Proper Installation Tips

Proper placement prevents mat damage and concrete staining:

• Sweep dirt and debris from concrete surface first
• Position mat to cover entire area beneath grill
• For stability, use corner grommets to secure mat in place
• Avoid pulling or dragging mat when hot or greasy

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning preserves your mat for longer use:

• Let grill fully cool first before attempting to clean
• Use warm water and gentle soap, rinse completely
• Allow to fully air dry before storing or reusing
• Roll up mat neatly when not in use

Replace mat immediately if you notice:

• Cracks or tears in material allow leaks through
• Significant staining, warping, or deterioration
• Rubber mats should be tossed when melted or fused in spots

Grilling is one of summer's greatest pleasures. But it can wreak havoc on pristine concrete without proper protection. Investing in a durable grill mat shields your patio from unsightly stains and burns to maintain its aesthetic appeal.

The GRILLTEX Protective Mat is our top overall recommendation thanks to its resilient recycled rubber material and generous size. Just roll it out before grilling then roll it up for cleaning once you've eaten. It's the foolproof way to grill while keeping your concrete patio in flawless condition all season long.

Don't let fears over mess and damage stop you from enjoying delicious BBQs outdoors. With the right grill mat for your concrete patio, you can grill with total peace of mind and style!