Protect Your Fire Pit with a Lid or Snuffer Cover

What Should I Know Before Buying a Snuffer Cover or Lid?

Recreational fires are trending in backyards across America. In fact, outdoor fire pits are the most requested design feature, according to landscape architects, and for good reason: they enlighten the senses. It's no secret that people enjoy spending their time with friends and family around the warm blaze and dazzling visuals of an open-air fire pit. Before you step out and purchase your own fire pit, it is important to understand fire pit design, safety, and local fire regulations. You must also consider investing in the appropriate fire accessories to protect your family and fire pit. Having the proper fire pit snuffer cover or lid is essential for extinguishing flames and prolonging the life of your fire pit.

1. Be Aware of the rules pertaining to open burn fire pits. In some states, the definition of a “recreational fire” is a camp-style fire using charcoal or firewood for cooking or entertainment. Some locations may not permit an open wood-burning fire, while a gas-burning fire is allowed. Laws vary by state, county, and city, so look up your local fire code to know the guidelines in your area.

2. Understanding Fire Safety.

• A fire pit should be 10-25 feet from any structure, including your home, plants, or bordering properties. Check with local laws on required distances in your area. Assess your space to ensure there is plenty of non-flammable area in all directions, including above and below the intended placement of your fire pit.
• Never place a fire pit beneath any type of enclosure, such as a covered porch or dangling branches, or fabrics. 
• Always position a fire pit on a level, stable, and non-flammable surface; patio blocks or concrete are good options. 
• If you live in a fire-prone region, consider surrounding your fire pit with materials that will not ignite, such as crushed stone, brick, or sand. 
• For wood-burning pits, cut logs to a length less than 75% of the pit diameter. Only burn natural, 6-month seasoned wood. Soft woods like pine are safer because they do not crackle or spark. Avoid plywood, composite woods, or other construction materials as they release toxic fumes when burned. 
• Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to ignite a fire in your fire pit.
• Keep a bucket of sand or water, or a hose, handy for rogue sparks. 
• Use fire gloves and position furniture at a safe distance. 
• Keep children and pets away from fires. 
• Always completely snuff out your flame to prevent burns or keep the fire from reigniting. A good fire pit snuffer or cover is the easiest and most reliable way to extinguish a fire quickly and completely.

3. Choose a well-made fire pit.  Choose a fire pit constructed from materials that withstand high heat, repeated use, and variable outdoor conditions. Durable fire pits are made of quality time-tested materials such as high-grade steel, iron, copper, or stone. Purchasing a fire pit is an investment that should be protected by proper use. It is recommended to use a fire pit lid or cover to keep water, falling debris, and critters from compromising your fire pit.

What is a Fire Pit Snuffer?

Fire pit snuffer lids provide a safer way to enjoy a fire by completely snuffing out the flame by depriving it of oxygen. A snuffer is a fast, reliable, and safe way to extinguish a flame. It is vital to be aware of fire hazards and take proper safety precautions to avoid unintentional burns and accidental fires by quickly snuffing out the flame and keeping the fire pit covered until it cools down. There are various types, sizes, and styles of snuffers, covers, and lids to choose from, each with distinct design advantages. Snuffer lids protect you and your family from fire hazards and your fire pit from outdoor elements, such as rain, branches, and loose debris that may fall or blow in. Depending on the style of your fire pit, so will be the type of fire pit lid or snuffer cover needed.

How Do I Measure For a Fire Pit Snuffer or Lid?

Fire pit makers recommend 2-4” of excess around the perimeter of the lid to the opening of your fire pit. Measure the inner diameter of your fire pit opening, then add 2-4”, this will give you the recommended lid size.

What Is The Best Outdoor Snuffer or Fire Lid for me?

Metal Dome Fire Pit Snuffer Lids

Apart from being visually appealing a dome style fire pit snuffer is used for open wood burning fire pits. It’s a convenient option because you can pre-stack your fire wood above the rim into the perfect teepee and the snuffer lid will provide plenty of room to accommodate, just simply lift off and it’s ready to be ignited. Dome fire pit lids are primarily used to quickly snuff out flames and protect your fire pit from the outside elements, including wind, rain, critters, and debris.

Metal Folding Fire Pit Snuffer Cover

Folding or foldable snuffer lids feature a centered hinge that allows them to fold in half. This helps one tend the fire by accessing only one panel, rather than removing the entire lid. This may be particularly necessary on large fire pits because the lid may be too heavy and large to lift frequently. The hinged snuffer cover also helps for more compact transport and storage when not in use. For in-ground or underground wood-burning fire pits, adding a sturdy fire pit lid is essential to block the hole and prevent someone from falling in.

Flat Fire Pit Lids for Gas Fire Pits

Flat fire pit lids are an incredible multi-purpose accessory. They protect your gas fire pit from rust and tarnish while also serving as a coffee table for food or drink when the flame is not in use. A quality gas fire pit lid or cover will also protect your burners and inserts, which can be expensive to replace if clogged or corroded. Gas fire pit inserts are often made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is an excellent metal for burners, but eventually, even stainless steel will corrode, causing the gas ports to clog. It’s good practice to keep your fire pit clean and check often for even gas flow from the ports, making sure there are no obstructions. Again, always cover your fire pit when not in use with a lid or cover to prevent rain, snow, and dirt from pooling in your burner pan or entering your burner kit assembly, which will eventually corrode the metal. Most burner and insert manufacturers require a lid or cover to remain compliant with their warranties, especially for electronic or automatic ignitions.

About Yard Couture

Yard Couture is a family-run business located in the scenic Wasatch Mountains of Salt Lake City, UT. We enjoy artistry in all its forms and are inspired by the pure, organic beauty of our planet, which is why we strive to preserve it through eco-friendly practices, functional design, and hand-made pieces. We believe any space can cultivate enjoyment with the addition of exquisite, highly functional pieces.

Yard Couture is honored to provide the best fire pit snuffers, lids, and gas fire pit covers on the market today. We have several sizes and shapes to choose from, including round, square, hinged, and dome-shaped. Our fire pit spark screens, grates, lids, and snuffer covers are all made from the highest-quality materials and manufactured using the highest standards. These fire pit accessories are proudly made in the USA by artisans with a passion for creating both beautiful and functional products. 

If you are in search of the perfect fire pit snuffer lid or cover, YardCouture.com offers many options for any type of fire pit. We can also customize any lid or snuffer cover to fit any fire pit opening. CONTACT US for further information!