"One thing I've found helpful is adding a layer of sand beneath the bricks."
Yeah, sand definitely helps. I built a pit a couple years back using thinner gauge steel, and even with fire bricks lining it, warping was inevitable. Eventually, I ended up welding in some angle iron supports underneath to reinforce the base. It's held up surprisingly well since then—still not perfect, but way less noticeable warping overall. Might be worth considering if you're handy with a welder...
"Eventually, I ended up welding in some angle iron supports underneath to reinforce the base."
That's a solid idea—I hadn't thought about angle iron supports before. Sand helps distribute heat evenly, but extra structural reinforcement could really extend the lifespan. Might give that a shot next time I'm tweaking mine...
"Eventually, I ended up welding in some angle iron supports underneath to reinforce the base."
That's a smart move. I've built a couple fire pits over the years, and reinforcing the base is definitely worth the extra effort. Sand is great for heat distribution, but it won't stop metal fatigue or warping over time—especially if you're using thinner gauge steel.
One thing I'd suggest if you're going the angle iron route: make sure you leave a bit of space between your supports and the pit's bottom surface. A small gap (maybe half an inch or so) lets air circulate underneath, which helps keep things cooler and reduces stress on the metal. Learned that one the hard way after my first pit warped badly within a year...
Also, consider drilling a few drainage holes in strategic spots. Rainwater pooling inside can accelerate rust and corrosion, weakening your structure faster than you'd think. Just a couple small holes near the center usually does the trick.
Anyway, sounds like you're on track for a solid setup—good luck with it!
Good call on the drainage holes—I overlooked that at first and ended up with a rusty mess after one rainy season. Also,
is spot-on advice. Airflow really does make a difference."make sure you leave a bit of space between your supports and the pit's bottom surface"
I learned the hard way about airflow too. When I first set mine up, I thought it was just about keeping the fire going, but after a few uses, the bottom started warping pretty badly. Turns out that little gap underneath isn't just for looks—it actually helps prevent overheating and damage. Like you said:
"make sure you leave a bit of space between your supports and the pit's bottom surface"
Wish I'd read that sooner... would've saved me from having to replace the whole thing after one summer.
