Your backyard fire pit is not only a gathering point and centerpiece for your yard, but also an investment. The goal is to enjoy sitting by the fire more than the work of making and maintaining the fire pit. Here are six simple ways to make it a positive equation.
Invest in Durability
Heat, dust, ice, snow, and rain are all elements most fire pits will endure daily. They take a beating, and the biggest cost is replacing your fire pit.
Today, there are many options made to withstand frequent use. To find weather-resistant stainless steel, look for heat-treated and powder-coated pit options that resist corrosion.
Also, choose a company that offers a satisfaction guarantee or warranty for their products. Most businesses provide customer service teams to assist with inquiries and concerns.
Remove That Ash
A problem with fire pits is the buildup of ash that damages the inside which can hurt its performance. This is a problem for any wood burning fire pit, but there are solutions.
To improve the fire pit's lifespan, remove ash from the pit as often as possible. However, it can be a hassle and a mess to do so. Find a removable ash pan, the the ones on TIKI® Brand Fire Pits, to make cleaning easier.
Check out this article for more information on how to remove the ash from the TIKI® Brand Smokeless Fire Pits.
Keep it Covered (When Not in Use)
Once cooled, cover your fire pit to protect it from rain, sunlight, and other weather conditions when not in use. A weatherproof cloth cover that fits snugly around your pit is the best option for protection. Some fire pits (including TIKI® Brand Pits) have a cover included with initial purchase.
Remember to use a cover that provides some ventilation to help reduce condensation and wind lofting.
Prepare for Uneven Ground
Stone or concrete fire pits can sink over time because the ground natrually shifts. Sand leveling helps, but it's inevitable that you'll need to repair or rebuild a DIY fire pit.
A fire pit insert or movable fire pit has the advantage of not changing shape over time. This means you won't have to worry about it getting damaged quickly. Having a pit with legs or a pedestal also can be helpful with uneven ground.
Feed the Fire
The key to a smokeless fire is to create a hot fire that achieves secondary combustion. To achieve secondary combustion, you need a lot of wood. Some people have wood in their yards that they can cut and dry, but others must buy it.
A tip is to use a good fire starter. Products like the TIKI Brand Wood Packs or Fire Starter Packs use soaked wood pellets to achieve a hot fire in minutes. Customers expect a fire to start quickly and that's what the Wood Pack or Starter Packs offer.
Clean Your Pit Regularly
You already spend a lot of time cleaning inside your house, so you don't want to worry about cleaning outside too. If you are looking for a low maintenance option, TIKI® Brand offers several to choose from and TIKI® Brand Fire Pits are simple to clean.
Just wait until the fire pit cools completely, and then gently wipe it down with soap and water. Watch a simple how-to video here: How to Clean the TIKI Brand Fire Pit (youtube.com).
Once the pit is dry, put on the cover and wait until you want to have a fire again.
Whichever optoin you choose, we hope these tips help you have a safe and relaxing fire pit experience.
