Do you put anything in the bottom of a fire pit?

Do you put anything in the bottom of a fire pit?

2023-02-17 17:32:38

There is something very satisfying about having a fire pit in your backyard. If you have one and are wondering about some of the best ways to maintain it over the years, you may be curious about using sand in your fire pit.

KEYO FIRE PIT FACTORY.jpg

Why do you put sand in the bottom of a fire pit? 

If you're wondering why you should put sand in the bottom of your fire pit, you'll be glad to know that the answer is straightforward to grasp. This is to protect the metal of the fire pit from the heat of the fire.

You know the fire can get really hot and some parts might end up being more desirable than others. When you put sand on the bottom of your fire pit, it distributes the heat more evenly.

If you're too lazy to put sand in the bottom of your fire pit as suggested, the heat may be too concentrated in one spot. This can cause substantial problems that could make your fire pit dangerous.

For example, a fire may burn through the bottom of a fire pit over time. This happens when metal deteriorates because it is not properly protected.

Sand can be a powerful insulator that prevents this from happening. Your fire pit is safe to use for a longer period of time and you can enjoy your fire pit as intended.

What kind of sand do you put in the bottom of a fire pit?

Silica sand is highly recommended when placing sand on the bottom of a fire pit for an added layer of heat protection. Silica sand is also known as the most affordable type of sand available for purchase, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy plenty of firepowers year-round.

How much sand do you need to use for the bottom of your fire pit?

It depends on the design. Since different fire pits can be made in different sizes, some fire pits may require a little more sand than others.

However, an inch or two of sand in the bottom of the fire pit is usually acceptable. Most of the recommendations you'll see from manufacturers use an inch or two of sand as a barrier.

If sand isn't the best, are there other options?

Yes. Thankfully, nature offers a range of solutions when it comes to starting and managing a fire, no matter what kind of fire pit you have. If you don't have access to silica sand, some alternatives can help create barrier protection inside your fire pit, including:

  • bricks
  • cement block
  • gravel/rock
  • dirt (dry dirt)
  • A metal grate (even one for your grill will suffice)
 

 What are some drawbacks to using sand in a fire pit?

While using sand is one of the best ways to keep your fire pit from collecting too much heat or burning too quickly, there are some downsides if you're not careful about using it, including:

  • Moisture Collector: Sand is a well-known moisture collector that will keep your fire pit space damp and ineffective for long periods of time. Depending on your location, properly covering and storing your fire pit when not in use is the best way to reduce moisture buildup in the sand in your fire pit during the rainy season of the year.
  • It causes fire pit rust: If you allow the sand in your fire pit to sit and collect water, the moisture can eventually cause your fire pit to rust. Remove any wet sand from the fire pit, and keep the surface of the fire pit as dry as possible.
  • Weight: Masses of sand are so heavy that it's nearly impossible to move when it's being held down by the water. Too much sand in a waterlogged fire pit can be a huge nuisance.
 

smokeless fire pit.jpg

In most cases, it's a good idea to use sand when you're trying to protect your fire pit. Keep in mind that not all fire pits need a layer of sand on the bottom, as they may be designed differently. Like this smokeless fire pit, it has holes in the bottom, so there is no need to place sand or any other substitute to create a protective layer on the bottom of the pit.

Discover more fire pits design in KEYO BBQ now.

 

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