By purchasing a fire pit with a thicker gauge of steel. Many models have a steel thickness of 1/8 inch or less. It has been found that if you have a thickness of 1/4 inch of mild carbon steel or more that rust will become your friend and form a coating of what is called “Patina”.
What gauge steel is good for fire pit?
Higher grades of steel (e.g. Corten or Stainless) will last longer, but do cost a lot more. Thicker steel fire pits will last a lot longer as it can take decades for the steel to rust through. You should get a fire pit with a minimum of 4mm thick steel.
How thick should a metal fire pit be?
For most pits, hot rolled steel is sufficient. You will need steel sheet for the ring, most likely around 1/8” thick, but preferences will vary in terms of thickness.
What kind of steel do you use for a fire pit?
Painted steel is the most economical type of steel fire pit. Expect the finish to last about a year. You can restore the original look by applying heat-resistant paint. With a naturally high melting point, stainless steel fire pits offer durability and a corrosion- and stain-resistant surface.
How thick should fire pit be?
The optimal size for a fire pit is between 36 and 44 inches inside diameter. That will create enough room for a healthy fire but still keep gatherers close enough to chat.
Can you use mild steel for a fire pit?
Treating your mild steel fire pit
It will keep your fire pit from oxidising further by giving it a layer of protection against the elements. It will also bring out the patina in the metal. Be aware though that this natural layer will burn off when the fire pit is lit.
Should fire pits have a drainage hole?
In-ground and metal fire pits need a drainage hole for water to drain out. If you have an open and in-ground fire pit in your backyard, you must have drainage for your fire pit. Otherwise, water will pool inside your fire pit causing it to rust. It can severely damage your fire pit burner making it difficult to light.
What do I put in a metal fire pit?
The main benefits of using sand are that it helps to soak up the heat and evenly distribute the heat throughout the fire pit. Sand is also great for protecting the actual metal bowl from the intense heat the fire can put out. At the end of the day, there is no harm in putting sand in the base of a metal pit.
How long will a steel fire pit last?
A fire pit can last anywhere from 1 year to a lifetime, it all depends on how well you maintain it. If you don’t maintain your fire pit properly it will get damaged and start to rust in about a year.
What do you put in the bottom of a metal fire pit?
A layer of sand is meant to protect the metal at the bottom of the bowl from the extreme heat of the fire. The sand absorbs the heat and distributes the heat throughout the entire base of the pit evenly. Without the sand, the heat can become concentrated in one specific area.
Is cast iron or steel better for a fire pit?
Cast iron fire pits offer several advantages over their counterparts made of different materials. First, they’re extremely sturdy and durable. … Steel fire pits are also quite popular, and with good reason. They’re weather resistant, lightweight, durable and relatively inexpensive.
What metal is good for fire?
Inexpensive, strong and incredibly versatile, sheet steel is a very popular choice for fire pit creation.
Is iron or steel best for fire pit?
If gathering around the fire pit on a cool autumn evening is one of your desires, choose either cast iron or stainless steel. Their heat conductivity is about the same except the stainless steel will keep the heat longer after the fire dies.
What is the average size of an outdoor fire pit?
The average fire pit is 4 feet wide and 6 feet long. The dimensions of a small fire pit are 3 feet by 3 feet, while a larger group-friendly fire pit can be 6 feet wide. These figures include the wall thickness, so do not believe that the total width of the fire pit is also 6 feet wide.
Do fire pits need a metal ring?
DO install a steel ring in the fire pit.
As a non-combustible material, the steel will ward off heat and keep the wall itself from prematurely dehydrating and crumbling; this will preserve the looks and structural integrity of your fire pit longer.