Summer BBQ season is almost here, and if you want to protect your lawn from chairs, tables, foot traffic and the inevitable spillages, garden ground protection is the smartest investment you can make. Whether you're hosting a small family gathering or a full-scale garden party, the right BBQ area matting keeps your grass healthy and your outdoor space looking great all season long.
Why Your Lawn Needs Protecting This BBQ Season
A healthy lawn can take weeks to recover from a single large garden event. The combination of heavy foot traffic, outdoor furniture legs sinking into soft grass, and heat from BBQ equipment causes compaction, bare patches and even dead zones. For anyone who takes pride in their garden, this is a nightmare scenario.
Grass protection mats work by distributing weight evenly across the surface, preventing individual pressure points from damaging the grass roots beneath. They allow air and water to still reach the soil, so your lawn does not suffocate — it simply gets a shield against the chaos above.
The good news? Modern rubber and plastic ground protection solutions are easy to lay, quick to roll up after, and tough enough to withstand repeated use across an entire summer season.
Best Ground Protection Options for BBQ Areas
1. Rubber Matting Rolls
For a defined BBQ zone — around the grill, prep table and serving area — rubber flooring rolls offer excellent protection and a clean, professional look. They're heat-resistant, easy to clean (hose down after the party), and grippy underfoot even when wet. Typical roll widths of 1m and 1.5m make it easy to create a functional zone without cutting up an irregular area. Simply roll out, position your furniture, and you have an instant BBQ "room" in your garden.
2. Interlocking Tiles
If you want to cover a larger area in a specific shape, interlocking rubber tiles are the most flexible option. Connect them together like puzzle pieces to create any footprint you need — L-shapes around a pergola, wide rectangles for dining areas, or a full outdoor kitchen zone. They disassemble just as easily, so storage over winter is simple.
3. Grass Protection Mats
For softer areas of lawn where you want guests to walk, mingle or set up garden furniture, grass protection mats are the top choice. These heavier-duty grids distribute load across a wide surface area, preventing ruts and bare patches even on soft summer ground. They're particularly useful for repeat events on the same patch of lawn, where cumulative damage would otherwise become severe.
🌿 Shop Garden Ground Protection
From grass protection grids to weather-resistant rubber mats — browse our full range with Free UK Delivery on qualifying orders.
Shop Grass Mats → Shop Rubber Matting →Grass Areas vs Patio Areas: Different Protection Needs
Not all outdoor areas need the same solution. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right product.
On Grass or Lawn
- Priority: preserve grass health while withstanding foot traffic
- Best option: ground protection grids or open-cell grass mats
- Key feature: drainage holes to allow water and air through
- Avoid: solid rubber sheeting on grass for extended periods
On Patio, Decking or Hard Standing
- Priority: protect surface from scratches, heat, and spills
- Best option: solid rubber mats or interlocking rubber tiles
- Key feature: heat resistance and easy cleaning
- Bonus: adds grip to smooth patio surfaces when wet
For mixed areas — where the party spills from patio onto lawn — combining both types gives you seamless coverage with the right protection everywhere it is needed.
Setup Tips for Summer Garden Events
Plan Your Layout First
Measure the area where your BBQ, table and chairs will sit. Add at least 0.5m clearance on each side to account for movement and guests standing around. This gives you the total mat coverage you need.
Lay Mats 24 Hours Before
If you're covering grass, lay mats the day before the event. This gives any moisture under the mat time to settle, and allows the mat to conform to the contours of the ground for a stable, even surface.
Secure Edges on Slopes
On sloping ground, use ground stakes or tent pegs through drainage holes to prevent mats from sliding. Most ground protection grids have pre-made holes designed for exactly this purpose.
Create Zones
Define clear zones: cooking area (rubber mat for heat and spill resistance), dining area (interlocking tiles or ground protection), and guest mingling areas (grass grids). This keeps the event organised and the damage contained.
Maintaining Your Mats All Summer
Quality rubber and plastic ground protection is built to last for many seasons. Basic maintenance keeps them looking great:
- After each use: Hose down with water, scrub with a brush if needed, allow to dry before rolling or stacking
- For rubber mats: A dilute washing-up liquid solution removes grease and BBQ residue effectively
- Storage: Store flat or rolled (never kinked) in a dry location over winter
- Inspection: Check for cracks or damage at the start and end of each season
Properly maintained, our rubber matting can last 10+ years even with regular outdoor use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave rubber mats on grass all summer?
Solid rubber mats should not be left on grass for extended periods as they block sunlight and can cause yellowing or die-back. For permanent coverage, use open-cell grass protection grids which allow light, air and water to reach the grass below. For occasional events, solid mats laid for a day or two are generally fine.
What is the best ground protection for a BBQ area?
For directly around a BBQ grill, a heat-resistant rubber mat is the best choice — it protects the surface beneath from grease, fat and heat, and is easy to clean after. For the wider dining and socialising area, interlocking rubber tiles or grass protection grids work well depending on whether you are on hard standing or lawn.
How much ground protection do I need for a garden party?
Calculate based on your dining table footprint plus at least 1m on each side for chair movement. For a standard 6-person garden table (approx 1.8m x 0.9m), you would want at least a 3.5m x 3m area covered. Add separate coverage for your BBQ station — typically 2m x 1m minimum.
Are rubber mats slippery when wet outdoors?
Quality rubber mats are specifically designed to provide grip when wet — the texture and natural properties of rubber increase friction in damp conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor use where rain or spills are expected. Look for mats with a textured or studded surface for maximum grip.
Can I use rubber matting on decking?
Yes, rubber mats work excellently on decking. They protect the wood from scratches caused by furniture legs, provide additional grip on smooth or painted decking that can become slippery when wet, and are easy to remove and clean. Ensure you allow the decking to dry fully before replacing mats after rain to prevent moisture build-up.
How do I stop garden chairs from sinking into the lawn?
Garden chair legs concentrate a person full body weight onto a very small area, which easily penetrates soft summer lawn. Ground protection grids or interlocking rubber tiles distribute this load across a wider surface area, preventing individual legs from sinking. Even a single layer of rubber matting under a dining set makes a significant difference.
✓ Free UK Delivery on qualifying orders | ✓ Expert Advice Available | ✓ Trade Accounts Welcome
About the Author
Rubber Matting Direct Experts — Our team of rubber matting specialists brings hands-on experience with domestic, commercial and industrial rubber flooring applications. All guides are reviewed for technical accuracy against current UK standards and supplier specifications.
Shop Featured Products
Commercial Entrance Rubber Grass Mat | DDA Compliant | 15mm
From £19.99/tile
Commercial Rubber Grass Mat DDACamping Ground Rubber Grass Mat | Glamping & Events | 15mm
From £15.99/tile
Event Ground Protection Grass MatFree UK delivery on all orders. Browse full range →