Practical and Beautiful: Step Up Your Firepit Game with These Accessories
Having a fire pit in your backyard or on your patio can provide you with the perfect spot for entertaining and relaxation. It can be a place you can enjoy on your own or host gatherings with your friends and family. And adding a few fire pit accessories can greatly improve the experience.
These practical additions can transform the fire pit into a grill or a table, give you the right storage space for the firewood and protect the fire pit from external damage. Investing in them is worth every dollar.
Firepit Lids
A firepit on its own is a delightful sight in any setting. It looks rustic, elegant and cosy. However, you probably won’t be using it all the time. To prolong your investment, you should keep it protected when not in use.
One of the ways to do this is to get a lid. Lids come in many shapes and sizes and can be made of different materials. They can have different features and functions depending on your preference.
One of the most elegant and practical lids is the tabletop one. They can improve all firepits and turn them into beautiful and practical fire pit tables. These lids are usually made of hardwoods like ash, oak, beech, mahogany or maple. They’re often framed with galvanised steel to give them structure and support.
Tabletop lids are very stylish and built to last. Plus, they’re easy to clean and maintain. All they need is an occasional wash and protective coating from time to time.
There are also solid metal lids that provide complete coverage of the firepit. They’re made of cast iron, stainless steel or carbon steel. These materials make the lids strong and durable enough to act as a barrier between you and the embers. Once you put them on, they can safely extinguish the fire. They’re solid enough to withstand the natural elements and prevent water from going inside the firepit.
If you want something rounder and softer, you’ll benefit from dome-shaped lids. With their circular shape, they’re one of the most popular options. They can be made of steel or aluminium and are perfect for keeping rain and wind away from the firepit. Of course, you can have the lids custom-made for your needs.
If you have a strangely shaped firepit, the pre-made designs might not suit it. That said, some manufacturers can offer you a custom solution. All you need is to send them the dimensions of the firepit and the material you want it made from. This may depend on the exterior design and style, the weather conditions and how often you use the grill. Some materials are more suitable than others, and some shapes are more practical than others.
BBQ Grill
If you don’t have a BBQ in your backyard, your firepit can be a great replacement. All you have to do is buy a BBQ grill. This simple yet practical addition can transform the firepit in one second. When it’s time to entertain your guests, you can cook a whole meal made of meat and veggies.
These grills are made of stainless steel, which is durable, rust-resistant and won’t change the flavour of the food. In most cases the grill’s centre is removable, so you have easier access to the fire when you need to add firewood. It’s also easy to clean and when you’re not using it, just store it in a dry place, away from the elements.
Ember Screen
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting around the firepit watching the fire burn and sipping a glass of wine or a warm cuppa? However, being aware of the potential fire hazards is a must. Sparks and flying embers can cause damage to your floors, carpets, and clothes and even hurt you, your kids or pets. And if no one is watching the fire, it can cause even greater damage.
This is where the ember screens come into play. They won’t act as fire pit tables but have a much better function. They prevent sparks and embers from leaving the firepit. There are several types of screens. The dome spark screen has a very basic design. It’s made of wire mesh and has a handle at the top.
It doesn’t have any movable parts, so you’ll have to take the whole screen off to add firewood. This makes it perfect for smaller firepits. Hinged screens have “doors” one part of the screen has hinges and it opens up so you can reach the fire and not remove the whole screen.
There are also pivot screens where one end of the screen opens up and you have access to the whole firepit. And last but not least, square screens. They’re specifically made for square firepits and have a hinged door at the front access panel. You can also get custom-made ember screens and fit them perfectly in your settings.
Firewood Storage
Having the right firewood storage space will help you maintain the fire longer and more efficiently. It’ll keep you organised, and you won’t have to walk to the shed to get firewood. The first thing to consider is the material the storage is made of. The most common ones are wrought iron, steel, wood and in some cases, plastic.
All of them have their pros and cons. Steel and iron are strong, durable and weather-resistant. Plastic is lightweight and comes in many colours, but not as durable. Wood has a rustic, elegant feel to it and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Just like with the outdoor fire pit table, the material you choose depends on the weather conditions and personal preferences.
The size of the firepit and how often you use it will determine the size of the storage you need. If it’s too small, you’ll make a mess. If it’s too big it’ll take up unnecessary floor space, so consider your needs carefully. Measure the space you have available and get the proper dimensions.
Firewood racks can be plain and functional or elaborate and very aesthetically pleasing. Your outdoor surroundings will look better if you choose the right design. Get something that will complement the exterior in terms of shape and material.
You can also get a portable firewood storage with handles so you can move it around depending on your needs. At the end of the day, no matter what you choose, the most important part is for you to feel cosy and comfortable in your surroundings.