Fire pits usually last for years if proper care and maintenance are done. May it be a wood-burning, propane, or gas fire pit, the prime factor to increase the lifespan of a fire pit is to take well care of it.
How Long Do Gas Fire Pits Last?
A gas fire pit’s longevity depends on maintenance and care. A stainless steel fire pit is the best if you want the gas fire pit to last more than 30 years. However, if the gas fire pit is covered and kept clean, it will last around 30/40 years. And about the fire, if the BTU is higher, it can run for 9 hours.
Natural gas fire pits usually function similarly to propane fire pits. The critical difference is that propane is stored in tanks, while natural gas is provided with a fixed connection.
How Long Do Propane Fire Pits Last?
Proper maintenance means a propane fire pit can last between 15 and 60 years. However, improper maintenance and care will render a propane fire pit useless.
Propane fire pits are usually stainless steel, wrought iron, or aluminum. Here is a guide in the case of the durability of every material
- Aluminum is rust-proof and the lightest metal. This metal can be a durable and lengthy solution when choosing a fire pit; its rust-proof quality makes it more appealing in the longevity
- The most popular choice is stainless steel. This material is rust-proof and rough. A stainless steel fire pit will last more than 30 years if proper maintenance such as cleaning and the covering is done. It would be best if you do not let it get wet, though it’s resistant to rust.
- Wrought iron looks good in Garden spaces. This material is the same as stainless steel in case of toughness; however, it will get rusty if left open.
- Concrete or masonry material is mainly used for a fixed fire pit; set fire pits usually have a long lifespan of 50-60 years, though maintenance and cleaning are necessary.
How Long Do Wood-Burning Fire Pits Last?
The most primitive type of fire pit is the wood-burning fire pit, which gives an authentic campfire experience and natural warmth. However, as you may already know, wood-burning fire pits can not be used indoors or in a covered space, as they produce smoke. Therefore, most wood-burning fire pits tend to be fixed backyard, but portable fire pits are there too.
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According to the Type of Portable and Fixed Fire Pit, the Lifespan May Differ
Fixed stone(Concrete, brick, or masonry) fire pit:
This fire pit’s outer layer is made of brick, concrete, or stone and usually has cast iron or stainless steel. These fire pits tend to last longer than 50 or 60 years. Fixed wood-burning fire pits need to be covered after usage. A sudden shower may leave it wet and rusty. Also, they need proper cleaning, as wood produces ash and coal.
Portable fire pit:
Whether cast iron or stainless steel, a portable wood-burning fire pit is an affordable option, this fire pit can be enjoyed in the backyard or on an open patio; after usage, it can be stored in the house. This type of fire pit will also last years with good cleaning and maintenance.
To ensure a long lifespan of your wood-burning fire pit, here are a few types of wood that you should avoid burning in a fire pit:
- Painted wood
- Treated lumber
- Anything coated with a flammable substance like varnish or paint.
Are Backyard Fire Pits Worth It?
Yes, a backyard or open patio fire pit can be a perfect focal point and a gathering place. It gives a traditional warm look to the backyard and creates a relaxation zone within or house. Providing natural warmth in the winter or colder months is also a benefit of a backyard fire pit. You can even cook and grill in a fire pit. So, if you are considering installing a fire pit in the backyard, don’t hesitate to try it!
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Do Fire Pits Go Rusty?
If you leave the fire pit open in the backyard or even under an open sky for a longer time, it will get rusty—the possible chance of a fire pit getting rusty increases when it’s exposed without a covering. In addition, rainfall or simply high air moisture can make the fire pit rusty. Though all fire pits will get rusty once, they can be delayed by taking good care and effort.
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How to Maintain Fire Pit for Long Lasting?
The secret to enjoying a fire pit for a lifetime is to take proper care of it. Here are some tips on how you need to maintain the fire pit ;
- Use a Fire Pit Cover
Never leave the fire pit uncovered after use; may it be a fixed or portable one. Your fire pit may get caught in a sudden rainfall shower, leaving it wet for the next 24-48 hours. Also, the fire pit will get rusty in a short time. So, a good fire pit cover, for example, fabric, vinyl, PVC, etc., will protect the fire pit from air moisture, dirt, and water.
- Store the Fire Pit While not in use
If you use a portable fire pit, store it when you are not using it. Many of us think that only covering a portable fire pit will help it keep fine; however, it is better to store the fire pit inside the house for more excellent protection.
- Keep Your Fire Pit Clean
How to Clean a Fire Pit?
Cleaning is one of the essential tasks to keep a fire pit adequately maintained, and it differs in every type of fire pit.
For a cast iron fire pit:
- Remove ash and coal from the bowl.
- Scrub and rinse the bowl with wire wool
- Rinse with water
- Dry it with a dustcloth
For a stone or brick, concrete fire pit:
- Remove ash and waste from the bowl
- Scrub the interior with the solution of muriatic acid and water. The ratio is 1:9 for muriatic acid to water.
- Rinse with water
- Let the fire pit dry for 2-3 days
For a copper fire pit:
- Remove ash from the bowl.
- Apply soap water and clean thoroughly using a pipe or line
- Let it dry for 2-3 days
For a steel fire pit:
- Throw away the ash from the bowl.
- Wash the bowl with a soap and water solution.
- Turn the bowl upside down and let it dry for 2-3 days
For a gas or propane fire pit:
Gas fire pits are reasonably low maintenance; however, the gas pipe and burner must be checked and cleaned correctly. A blockage in the line or burner may cause low heat and lousy performance. Also, leakage in the pipeline may lead to a severe fire disaster.
Be careful about what you burn.
For a propane or gas fire pit, please do not put anything else on the fire, it will clog the burner, and the life span will decrease accordingly.
If you have a wood-burning fire pit installed in your backyard, do not burn the following things:
– Polythene
– Debris
– Leaf
– Paper
– Green wood or softwood
– Painted wood
– Magazines
-Treated lumber
Clean the grate
If your fire pit is used for cooking, clean the grate before and after cooking. Also, put vegetable oil on it to make it easier to clean.
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How Do You Prevent a Fire Pit From Getting Rusty?
You can stop the fire pit from rating b simply by following these three steps;
- Use a fire pit cover
Always dry the fire pit after use, and put a cover according to its diameter. If your fire pit is a portable type, store it inside the house after use and put a cover on it.
- Coat your fire pit
Use kitchen vegetable oil to coat the surface and inside of the fire pit whenever you finish using it.
If the fire pit is wet, clean it and dries it following the below steps:
- Use a soft cloth and scrub the fire pit with soap water.
- Rinse the solution thoroughly
- Finally, use a dry cloth to wipe the pit
Ensure there is no sitting water, which may cause the metal pit to rust.
