Good points, but now I'm wondering—does the copper patina actually make it safer, or is it mostly just aesthetic? Just got my first custom home and the last thing I need is a surprise bonfire on my patio...
Copper patina is mostly aesthetic, honestly. It forms naturally as copper oxidizes, creating that greenish layer, but it doesn't really add much in terms of fire safety. If you're worried about safety, focus more on proper placement—keep it away from flammable materials, use a fire-resistant pad underneath, and always have a fire extinguisher handy. I've had mine for years without issues by just sticking to basic precautions... better safe than sorry.
Copper patina might be mostly aesthetic, but I wouldn't completely dismiss its protective qualities. A few years back, I worked on a development project where we installed copper roofing on some outdoor structures. We noticed the patina actually helped shield the copper underneath from further corrosion and weathering. Sure, it's not exactly fireproofing, but it does add a layer of durability. Still, totally agree that placement and basic precautions are key—can't rely solely on the material itself to keep things safe.
"Still, totally agree that placement and basic precautions are key—can't rely solely on the material itself to keep things safe."
Yeah, that's pretty much where I'm at too. I just put in a copper fire pit myself and honestly, the patina looks cool and all, but I'm still a bit skeptical about relying on it for protection. Good to hear your experience though—makes me feel a little better about durability at least. Guess I'll still keep the extinguisher handy just in case... better safe than sorry, right?
I hear you on the extinguisher—definitely smart to keep one close by. I picked up a budget-friendly steel fire pit last summer, and even though it's held up pretty well, I still get a bit nervous every time we have friends over. Had a scare once when some embers popped out onto dry grass nearby... learned my lesson real quick about clearing the area properly. Materials help, sure, but nothing beats being careful and prepared.
