Setting up and maintaining home appliances and projects can sometimes feel like a trial by fire. This is certainly true for fire pits, which some may be unaware of how to handle. The added element of chemistry can make fire pits feel a little more unknown. One way to take better care and get more use out of your fire pit is to add sand to the bottom of it. But why?
You should put sand in the bottom of your fire pit because it can help distribute heat and protect the metal in your pit from damage.
Of course, adding sand to your fire pit can easily be confusing when it is your first time doing it. Read on why you should use sand and how to properly do it.
Why Use Sand In Your Fire Pit?
When you have a roaring fire fueled by wood, sand may seem to be completely out of place. However, there is certainly a solid reason to use sand to protect your pit.
A bottom layer of sand can absorb the heat of the fire, making it better distributed throughout the pit. Without this, heat may be concentrated into one spot, leading to the metal of your pit being damaged and burned.
Of course, this is a serious problem that faces anyone that owns a fire pit, especially if you use it often. Some assembly instructions for fire pits directly recommend using sand. If you see this, then you should follow it.
It is worthy to mention that sand should not be your only line of protection for your fire pit, as rust is something sand cannot help with. Instead, an anti-rust spray and proper covering is your best route there.
Why Not to Use Sand In Your Fire Pit
Sand has its use, but there are some that are wary against it.
Unfortunately, sand retains moisture very well, meaning that the fire pit will be exposed to more moisture than normal. This will lead to damage and corrosion over time. This can be fixed with precautionary measures, such as putting the pit indoors and changing the sand as necessary.
Additionally, fire pits with drainage holes can become clogged up by sand, blocking the circulation of air. Of course, this concern would not apply to those who have fire pits without drainage holes.
A niche drawback to using sand is that it prevents someone from gathering the ash at the bottom of their fire pit. Since ash can be used as fertilizer, gardeners capitalizing on this fact may not want to add sand. However, this is only applicable to fire puts that use wood as fuel, so gas fire pits are not included here.
How to Put Sand in Your Fire Pit the Right Way
The actual act of putting sand at the bottom should not be too hard.
Here’s how:
- Check the instructions that came with your fire pit to see how much sand you should put in. Most would recommend you use enough sand to create a 1-2 inch tall layer.
- Make sure that your fire pit is protected. As previously mentioned, a decent cover for your fire pit is a good way to keep the moisture out of your sand and keep your pit safe.
- If you only use your fire pit during a certain time of the year, then storing it in a dry place for the remainder will help you maintain it.
- Checking the moisture levels of your sand will help you figure out when you should dump and replace your sand. As a result, it is best to buy the sand in bulk so that you have it when you need it.
If you have a gas fire pit and are looking for decoration, sand is not an option as a filler. So, it is recommended that you look into lava rocks or fire glass should be done along with your sand purchases if you are interested.
Conclusion
Overall, sand can be a useful part of your fire pit, as it can keep the heat evenly distributed, protecting the metal from damage. Along with an anti-rust spray and protective cover, sand can help keep your pit in good shape and allow it to last longer.
With a few minor precautions, such as making sure sand will not clog up drainage holes or absorbing too much moisture, fire pit owners can safely use sand. If you use your fire pit frequently, sand is a great way to ensure longevity of your product.
