- I've never covered mine either, going on about four years now, and it's still solid. Honestly, I think covers are mostly marketing hype—seen plenty of pits rust out even with covers because moisture gets trapped underneath.
- About the metal liner, though...mine warped pretty badly after just one summer. Not saying they're useless, but definitely skeptical about their longevity. Maybe thicker gauge metal would help, but who knows. Just something to watch out for.
"Honestly, I think covers are mostly marketing hype—seen plenty of pits rust out even with covers because moisture gets trapped underneath."
Yeah, I'm with you on the covers...seems like a lot of hassle for minimal benefit. But about the liners warping—do you think a different material altogether might hold up better? Maybe something ceramic-based? Just thinking out loud here.
Ceramic liners could definitely handle the heat better without warping, but they're usually more fragile and can crack under sudden temperature changes. I've had good luck with firebrick liners—durable, heat-resistant, and pretty affordable. Might be worth considering those instead...
Firebrick liners are generally a solid choice, but they're not totally foolproof either. I've seen them crack too, usually from moisture trapped inside or sudden temperature swings—like tossing in damp wood on a really hot fire.
If you're going with firebricks, here's what I'd recommend: first, make sure they're rated specifically for fireplaces or fire pits (some bricks sold at hardware stores aren't actually fire-rated). Next, lay your bricks with a heat-resistant mortar designed for fireplaces, not regular cement. Regular cement can crack badly under heat stress. Finally, let the mortar cure completely before lighting any fires—usually at least 48 hours.
One more tip: when starting a fire, go easy at first. Build up the heat gradually to help the bricks adjust. Sudden intense heat is usually what causes the cracking issues people complain about.
I still wouldn't totally dismiss ceramic liners though—they've improved quite a bit in recent years...but if you're looking for something reliable and budget-friendly, firebricks are probably your best bet.
Good points here, especially about the mortar. I've seen a few DIY fire pits where people used regular cement, and it didn't end well—cracks everywhere after just a few fires. Heat-resistant mortar is definitely the way to go.
I built mine with firebricks about three years ago, and it's held up pretty well. Had one brick crack last winter, probably from moisture freezing inside. But honestly, replacing one brick every few years isn't a big deal. I agree ceramic liners have gotten better, but for the price and ease of repair, firebricks still seem like the safer bet.
Your tip about gradually building up heat is spot-on too. I usually start with smaller kindling and let it warm up slowly before tossing on bigger logs. Seems to help keep everything intact longer. Anyway, sounds like you're on the right track—just keep an eye on it and enjoy your new pit.
