That's a tough lesson, but you're definitely not alone. I've seen quite a few warped fire pits over the years—usually because folks underestimate how crucial airflow really is. Another tip that might help is placing a layer of sand or gravel at the bottom to absorb some heat and prevent direct metal contact with hot coals. It worked wonders for mine... still going strong after three summers now. Hope your next one lasts longer!
I've actually wondered about the sand or gravel thing myself... does it really make that big of a difference? I built mine last spring and just left it bare metal at the bottom. Haven't noticed warping yet, but now I'm curious if adding a layer might extend its life. Do you think regular play sand works, or is there a specific type that's better suited for heat absorption? Might give it a shot this weekend just to be safe.
Regular play sand should be fine, but personally I'd lean toward something coarser like construction sand or pea gravel. It drains better and seems to handle heat more evenly. Plus, adding a layer definitely helps protect the metal from direct heat exposure, extending its lifespan. Have you thought about airflow too? I noticed mine burned cleaner after I raised it slightly off the ground—just a thought if you're tweaking things anyway...
Good points about drainage and airflow—I second the pea gravel recommendation. I've had sand turn into a soggy mess after rain, which isn't fun to clean up. Also, raising the pit slightly made a huge difference for me too; it definitely burns cleaner and seems safer overall. Curious though, has anyone experimented with heat shields or mats underneath? Wondering if that extra layer adds noticeable protection for decks or patios...
Yeah, pea gravel definitely beats sand for drainage—learned that the hard way last summer. About the mats, I've been using a heat-resistant mat under mine since it's sitting on a wooden deck. Honestly can't say if it helps a ton with heat transfer, but it does catch stray embers nicely. Has anyone noticed an actual difference with heat shields specifically? Wondering if they're worth the extra bucks or just marketing hype...
