Have you actually tried installing those low-voltage kits yourself? I've seen a few homeowners struggle with connections that aren't as waterproof as advertised, especially if they're DIY-ing it for the first time. They're definitely easier than traditional wiring, but I'd still recommend double-checking the seals and maybe adding some extra weatherproofing tape or silicone. Better safe than sorry, especially around a fire pit area where moisture and heat fluctuations can cause issues down the line...
"They're definitely easier than traditional wiring, but I'd still recommend double-checking the seals and maybe adding some extra weatherproofing tape or silicone."
Good call on the extra sealing. Have you found silicone holds up long-term around heat? I've used it around outdoor lighting before, and while it's great for moisture, it seemed to degrade quicker near heat sources. Maybe a high-temp sealant would be better for a fire pit area? Curious if anyone else has run into similar issues or has recommendations on specific products that worked well...
Good thinking about the silicone and heat issue—I ran into something similar a while back with an outdoor kitchen setup. Regular silicone started cracking and peeling after a season near the grill area. Switched to a high-temp RTV sealant (I think it was Permatex?) and it's held up way better. Definitely worth considering something specifically rated for heat, especially around a fire pit...better safe than sorry.
Had a similar issue myself when I built my first fire pit a few years back. Thought regular silicone would do the trick since it said "outdoor use," but nope... after just one summer, it started cracking and peeling like crazy. Ended up redoing the whole thing with a high-temp sealant—think it was Rutland brand, specifically made for fireplaces and stoves. Been rock solid ever since, even through some pretty intense bonfires and harsh winters.
Honestly, it's one of those things you don't really think about until you see it fail firsthand. Regular silicone just isn't designed to handle that kind of heat cycling. Learned that lesson the hard way, haha. Better to spend a bit more upfront on something rated for high temps than having to redo your work later on.
Yeah, Rutland's stuff is pretty reliable from what I've seen. But honestly, even with the right sealant, safety comes down to more than just materials. Did you also check your ventilation setup? A lot of people overlook airflow when building fire pits, and poor ventilation can cause smoke buildup or uneven heat distribution, which isn't exactly safe or pleasant.
When I helped a friend redo his pit last year, we made sure there were small gaps between some of the lower bricks to allow air circulation. It made a noticeable difference—fires burned cleaner, and the bricks stayed cooler overall. Also, did you line the bottom with sand or gravel? That extra layer helps absorb heat and protects the base from cracking over time.
Curious if anyone else has tried different venting methods or base materials...
