Fire Pit Covers: The Ultimate Solution for Year-Round Outdoor Entertaining

There is nothing more pleasant than spending precious moments in front of a warm fire in the company of your spouse, or friends under the starry sky. A glass of wine, a relaxing chat, or just time for reflection and rest, these all create memories that we can cherish forever. But, when the evening is finished, and the fire is put out, reality steps in and says – it’s time to clean up and keep your fire pit safe from the elements.

Should You Cover Your Fire Pit?

It doesn’t matter if you have an above-ground or in-ground fixture, a durable and weather-resistant pit cover is perhaps the most useful accessory you can use. In fact, there are several reasons why this particular investment can ultimately save you time, money, and effort in the long run.

Protects From the Elements

Rain, snow, ice, all these elements have a detrimental influence on the pits. The intense sun makes the colour fade away, while moisture and water in any form make gas and metal fire pits rust. So, a high-quality fabric pit cover, for example, is a necessary part of your maintenance kit if you want to use your pit longer. When you’re not using your pit, a cover can keep it dry and clean, significantly reducing the amount of time and effort you need to spend on cleaning.

Keeps It Neat and Tidy

A good cover is always a great solution if you are too tired to clean the pit after a pleasant evening with a few glasses of wine. Just put the fire out safely and cover the pit up. It won’t let any wind or breeze spread around the ashes until cleaning time.

And when all burned remnants of wood, coal, and ash are taken away and the pit is clean, the fire pit cover will keep it neat until the next use. No fallen leaves, no dirt and dust, and no unnecessary cleaning.

Keeps the Bugs and Rodents Away

Bugs and rodents always look for holes or places where they can build their nests or keep themselves warm and hidden. So, cover your pit, if you don’t want to find any unwanted co-users in the form of insects, rats, or mice. Gas models in particular are a special treat for wasps that clog the pipes, or mice which are very good at eating out all the rubber elements and cables.

Types of Fire Pit Covers

There are three main categories of fire pit covers metal screens, metal snuffer lids, and fabric covers. Of course, the exact materials and design may vary from product to product, but the overall purpose of all these covers is essentially the same. Some models may require additional accessories, such as bungee cords or tie-downs, to properly secure the cover in place.

Metal Screens

Also known as spark arrestors, these metal covers are made of steel or stainless steel mesh, and prevent flying sparks, embers, or larger particles from escaping from the pit. Given the nature of the material, it doesn’t provide full protection from the elements since there are still openings between the mesh but it does offer sufficient airflow for the fire to continue burning.

Metal Snuffer Lids

Metal snuffer lids are massive and serve to safely put out the wood-burning fire. Typically made of carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or some other metals, they can also be table tops on which you can prepare food, or just dome lids for covering round fire pits. They feature heat-resistant handles for easy moving around and tend to be relatively heavy, which makes them less suitable for frequent use.

Fabric Covers

These are the most practical, cost-effective, and most common covers of all. Made of weather-resistant materials like polyester or vinyl, they are lightweight, easy to store, and much cheaper than solid metal lids. Divided into two main types, full-length and top-only, these covers can be found in different dimensions, styles, and colours to fit your outdoor look.

Full-length fabric covers protect the entire fire pit, from top to bottom. They protect the leg base and are ideal for gas-powered pits that contain metal and electronic parts. Excellent for intense weather conditions, they won’t allow any moisture, insects, or rodents, to enter underneath.

Top-only fabric covers are ideal for stainless steel metal, and stone pits that don’t need so much protection from the weather conditions. They are shorter, but still keep the pit free from any debris, water, and unwanted guests.

How to Choose the Right Fabric Cover for Your Fire

Think About the Weather

Different climates require different materials. More rainy and wet weather conditions, need full-length fabric covers with bottom ventilation openings to prevent accumulation of moisture. This is necessary for fire pits that contain metal parts that easily rust.

On the other hand, dry climates with a lot of sunlight require covers that are light-coloured and UV-resistant. They tend to absorb less heat, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the fire pit. If you live in an area with moderate weather conditions, then you can go for any cover that is durable and resistant to both water and sun.

Consider the Material 

The two most often used materials for fabric fire pit covers are vinyl and polyester. The former options are cost-effective, water-resistant, and suitable for a lower budget. If you decide to buy a high-quality vinyl pit cover, look for one made of thick, commercial-grade vinyl because it lasts longer.

The higher-quality, more durable, but more expensive fabric cover material is polyester, and a key element you should look here for is fabric denier. The higher the denier, the stronger the fabric, and for fire pits in intense weather locations, it should be a minimum of 600.

Carefully Measure the Pit

If you have a round fire pit, you will need the diameter and height, and if it is rectangular, measure the height, length, and width. Most covers are within the standard range of dimensions, so you can easily find one for your pit, but if this isn’t the case, you can always find online stores that make and sell custom-made fabric covers.