Updated 6 April, 2024
If you’ve ever wondered how to stop a fire pit from rusting, you are not alone! Keeping your new custom fire pit in top condition requires some basic equipment and a little bit of extra effort. A lot of our customers prefer the weathered , rusty patina look on their fire but if you’d rather keep your fire pit like new and stop it from rusting, this article may help you.
Check out our Ultimate Fire Pit Guide for all the expert knowledge on getting the most out of your fire pit experience.
“We’ve had our fire pit out in the backyard, in all the elements for about six years now and it’s still going strong. Of course, there’s some surface rust but I actually don’t mind that look.”
Adele, Founder of MAX Fire Pits
Why does my fire pit rust?
Even though steel is one of the most versatile and useful materials on earth, it does have one flaw and that is that is rusts quite easily. Made up largely of iron, these particle naturally begin to corrode after exposure to oxygen and moisture caused by humidity, water vapor or being hit with a garden hose.
This rust begins on the surface and discolours the exterior finish of the material, and will gradually eat away at the iron particles.
Fire Pit Tip : NEVER hose your fire pit under any circumstances, it will cause warping and rust!
Basic Fire Pit Maintenance
If you don’t mind the rust look, but still want to make sure your fire pit is well maintained, there’s a few simple things you can do to keep it in good shape for years to come.
1. Keep water and moisture away from the fire pit
The simplest way to protect your fire pit from getting surface rust is to prevent it ever getting wet from rain or a garden hose or sprinkler. This moisture on the surface of the steel, will start to form surface rust very quickly. If your fire pit does get wet, it’s best to disassemble it, dry it with an old towel or rags and place it in the sun to dry thoroughly.
2. Move your fire pit under cover after use
The simple act of moving your fire pit under cover ( after it’s completely cooled, of course! ) can help to prevent a lot of exposure to moisture and the elements. Our unique locking design means that you can effortlessly move your fire pit once it has cooled without having to disassemble it, or have any of the charcoal and ashes fall out.
3. Coat your fire pit after use
The best method to prevent the oxidation of the iron particles and rusting on your pit is to use a coating to insulate the steel from moisture and oxygen. The most common coating is regular kitchen spray oil, the type used in cooking. It’s quick, and cheap to buy too!
A quick spray onto all of the surfaces and a rub with an old rag will thoroughly coat each part and form a barrier that prevents rust forming. Another great coating is WD-40 or RP-7 type of mechanical spray, although these do smell a bit worse =)
