How to salvage a neglected fire pit

Before you leave for home, clean the fire pit out completely

By Observer Staff
| 1:49 p.m. December 10, 2014

Winter Park - Maitland Observer
Neighborhood

Q: My parents have a freestanding copper fire pit in their backyard that they never use — except when we visit. They refuse to cover it up, so the pit fills with water, the copper discolors and the grates rust. Every year I end up buying replacement grates so we can enjoy the fire pit. It's something my wife and kids look forward to when we visit Arizona, since it's far too cold in Minnesota to sit outside in the winter. Is there a better way to protect the fire pit long-term when we're not around? — Derek M., Duluth, Minn.

A: To be honest, it's really your parents' call as to how well they want to take care of their fire pit. Do they take care of the rest of their outdoor equipment and their yard? If so, chances are that they keep that pit there just for you.

I'd recommend that you talk with them first about taking care of it. Do they use it at other times during the year? Would they prefer that it be stored completely away when you're not visiting? Or do they like it and just never get around to using it? Finally, when it fills with water, is it too heavy for them to empty right away?

It sounds like a good-quality fire pit, since you haven't had to do any repairs on the copper pit itself. What I'd recommend is that you purchase a replacement grate and grill top as usual, but look for products that resist rust.

Before you leave for home, clean the fire pit out completely (making sure first that all the ashes are stone cold). Brush the grill and grates free of ashes and melted marshmallow, and store them in a shed or garage.

After your talk with your parents, if they keep it around only for you, then store the fire pit in a sheltered spot or in a shed. If they want to keep it outside, buy a cover for it. I'm presuming that the bottom of the fire pit does not have an outlet for ashes or drainage. If it does, leave that outlet open.

Home tip: Pressure-treated wood emits toxic gasses when burned. If it has a greenish tint, it may be pressure treated. If you're not sure, don’t burn it!