How long does a wood fire pit last?

Plus 5 Maintenance Tricks to Help Them Last Longer. Fire pits bear witness to some of our most memorable times, but how long do they last? Depending on who you ask, fire pits can last barely a year, or they can last forever.

How long do fire pits last?

The average gas fire pit will last from 3 to 6 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank. Depending on your fire pit BTU rating a tank can last you as long as 9 hours, or as little as 1-1/2 hours. A 20 pound propane tank contains approximately 430,000 BTU's.

How do you stop a fire pit from rusting?

Keeping a cast-iron fire pit covered is a must and even that might not do the trick completely. Make sure the fire pit is dry before covering. Applying a coat of vegetable oil to the surfaces after cleaning, particularly the inside, can help slow rust from developing.

Do fire pits go rusty?

Most fire pits are made out of steel or other metals, and these are very susceptible to rust. Help prevent rust by cleaning it regularly. What is this? Do not try to clean the fire pit or remove any ash until the fire is completely extinguished.

Are fire pits worth it?

Investing in a fixed or portable fire pit is a great idea. Not only do they create a focal point for your outdoor space, but they also keep you warm, double as a grill, and keep mosquitoes away. Realtors say they also add value to your home, so buying a fire pit is a good choice on many levels.

7 Common Questions Regarding Fire Pits

Can you use a fire pit in the winter?

Often we forget that fire pits can still be utilized in the winter time. Winter can be just as enjoyable as long as one has a nice, warm, cozy spot to plant yourself and enjoy nature. Fire pits have fire, therefore exude warmth, right? So get creative and put your fire pit to use in the cooler weather months.

Does a fire pit increase home value?

An easy win in terms of home resale value is adding a fire pit. Most estimates see homeowners recouping 78% of the costs associated with building a fire pit, especially one with natural gas running to it.

How do you take care of a fire pit?

Use hot, soapy water and a soft cloth to scrub the interior of the fire pit. Rinse the soap and water thoroughly. Use a dry cloth to wipe the fire pit dry. Sitting water can cause a metal fire pit to rust, so make sure not to leave water sitting after cleaning.

What is the best material for an outdoor fire pit?

Cast Iron. Cast Iron is one of the most common materials used in construction and fire pits are no different. Cast iron is inexpensive, easy to work with and light enough to move around when needed. Cast iron is not as strong as wrought iron nor as heavy, but to some the lightweight nature of cast iron is desirable.

How can rust be prevented?

Should I put sand in my 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 do you restore an old fire pit?

How do you season a fire pit?

Coat the grill grid or grates of your fire pit with a moderate layer of vegetable oil before its first use to season. If you have a gas fire pit, set the thermostat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to operate for one hour.

Is it OK to leave fire pit burning overnight?

There are several reasons why a fire pit should never be left unattended at any time, including overnight. In every jurisdiction within the United States, it is illegal to leave a recreational fire unattended. Even a small gust of wind can easily spread hot ashes or embers a significant distance.

Can you leave a fire pit out in the rain?

Conclusion. Propane fire pits that are designed for outdoor use are able to come into contact with water without being damaged. However, long periods of exposure to rain and water can cause buildup in the burner, damaging it and rendering it useless.

How often should I clean my fire pit?

What wood should you not burn in a fire pit?

Trees like pines, firs, or cypress have "soft" wood, which burns fast, leaves few coals, and makes a lot of smoke that can coat your chimney with soot (not a safe thing in the long run).

Should I put stone in the bottom of my fire pit?

What do you put in the bottom of a fire pit? You'll want to start with a layer of sand at the bottom of the pit, and then top the sand with gravel, lava rocks, fire pit glass, paving stones or even bricks for your fire pit. Alternatively, you can simply use dirt.

Is a 30 inch fire pit big enough?

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.

Why should you cover your fire pit?

Fire Pit Protective Cover

A protective cover is a must for any fire pit. Once your fire pit has cooled down, a protective cover will shield it from rain, sunlight, and wildlife. Using a protective cover will prolong the life of your firepit by preventing rust and discoloration.

What can I do with fire pit ashes?

Can I leave ash in a firepit?

Once the ashes have been allowed to cool for several days, it's safe to assume they are completely cooled and can be disposed of. You can bag them and throw them away with your regular garbage, or you can find many ways to reuse your fireplace ashes around your home.

What is the average return on investment for a fire pit?

Homeowners who install an outdoor fire pit will not only create delightful memories, but will also realize a 67 percent return on investment.

How can I raise my home value for $50000?

“Consider white tile, chrome or nickel fixtures, a white porcelain shower and tub, and efficient low-flow toilets and new piping,” says Dogan. “A renovated bathroom can add up to $50,000 to the value of your home,” for a dream renovation with top-of-the-line additions.

Is an outdoor fireplace a good investment?

Adding a fireplace to your outdoor space is a great investment, and it can increase the value of your home by as much as you spend. For instance, installing a $3,500 outdoor fireplace can boost the value of your home by $3,500. Now that's a good investment!