Serving as a focal point, the fire pit not only adds warmth but becomes a centrepiece for cherished moments. However, to fully improve and safeguard this important backyard feature, it’s important to choose the best outdoor fire pit cover for your specific needs.
Besides aesthetic purposes, water damage is serious, so unless you live somewhere it never rains or snows, you’ll need to protect your fire pit. Another reason to cover it is to ensure safety. If you have children, you know they tend to get into different sticky situations. Even if you believe your six-year-old is incapable of striking a match, covers can deter a great deal of mischief.
So, from the fundamentals of size and design to the complexities of materials and installation, let’s navigate the terrain to keep your outdoor fire pit clean, safe, and ready to use.
Material Selection
source: milkcan.com.au
Enhance the appearance of your patio while keeping your fire pit safe and sound with a stylish and durable pit cover. Given the plethora of options and technical terms thrown around in the market, finding the ideal material can be a daunting task.
Vinyl is a common solution for protecting outdoor fire pits and is often less expensive. This lightweight fabric is highly resistant to water, making it suitable for various weather conditions, including heavy rain and light snow. However, extended exposure to sunlight can cause cracking and brittleness in vinyl over time.
Another great alternative many homeowners take advantage of is woven polyester. This material offers enduring strength, eliminating concerns about cracking even with extended use.
When exploring polyester covers for fire pits, you’ll commonly come across the phrase “denier,” which indicates the material’s weight and correlates with its durability. For maximum protection, get a cover with a denier of at least 300, ideally 900, as these are best for high-quality protection.
Size and Shape
When choosing a cover, consider the size and shape of your fire pit or table. Whether standard circular, rectangular, or custom-designed, it will impact the cover’s cost and availability.
Regardless of your fire pit style and shape, a good-fitting cover shouldn’t look like a giant messy tarp thrown over the top. A secure fit means no water infiltration, so it’s worth the minor effort of taking accurate measurements to get it correctly.
Before taking measurements, make sure your fire pit is on an even surface. If it has flat sides, like a square or rectangle, measure its height, breadth, and length. On the other hand, if you have a round or bowl-shaped pit, you should measure both the height and the diameter.
First, measure the bowl’s height with a conventional measuring tape. This will be a straight line from the bowl’s top edge to the bottom. Next, measure the bowl’s diameter. This is a straight line drawn through the centre of the bowl.
If your fire pit has a unique shape, like an octagon or hexagon, check out some measuring diagrams as they can be extremely useful. They show you exactly which lines to follow for precise measurements.
If you’re struggling to find a model that fits well, don’t settle for standard-sized options as they may not be available in the right size. Choosing a custom-sized model allows you to enter your measurements and receive a perfect-fitting cover without any fuss.
In addition to style, if you’re a company owner looking to cover the fire pits at your restaurant, hotel, or other location, you may personalise the cover with your logo. Or if you are not a business owner, adding your family crest can make it even cooler.
Fire Pits that Require Cover
Although fire pits are available in a range of outdoor-friendly materials, it is still a good idea to protect them from the elements. Steel, concrete, and cast iron all have different maintenance requirements and aesthetic aspects that you will want to preserve.
When it comes to stone or concrete pits, if left uncovered, they can discolour or sprout mould and mildew. Metal fire pits, on the other hand, will rust with time and therefore should be replaced.
Weather Considerations
source: milkcan.com.au
Understanding the local climate and weather conditions will help you choose a cover for a fire pit that will provide suitable protection. Look for a protective covering that can resist the extremes you frequently encounter, such as excessive UV exposure, severe rain and snowfall, and strong winds. If you face a wide range of unpredictable weather conditions or want to be prepared for everything, you should opt for a high-quality material that can handle different situations.
Ease of Installation and Removal
Consider how easily the cover can be installed and removed. Choose covers with easy-to-install features, especially if you plan to use and store the fire pit often.
Look for features such as an elastic or drawcord hem, which will keep it secure while requiring little effort to set up and remove. A cover that is easy to manage adds to the overall convenience of maintaining your patio.