Important Information for Buyers

There are many good reasons to consider installing a copper fire pit on your property. Copper is one of the best fire pit materials available thanks to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Copper also has a high melting point, ensuring your copper fire pit can stand up to high heat without being damaged.

However, like any wise homeowner, you might have some questions about copper fire pits before deciding to purchase one. For example, you know that any outdoor fire pit or other such outdoor heating fixture will be exposed to the elements. You might thus wonder if your copper fire pit will rust over time.  Short answer? No. Copper fire pits are naturally rust resistant. This guide will explain in greater detail why a copper fire pit won’t rust or corrode easily.

Copper Fire Pit Rust Issues: Not a Problem You Need to Worry About

A quality copper pit will be made primarily with pure copper. Although some other metals may be part of the fire pit’s overall composition, they will typically be corrosion resistant as well. The reason why the answer to the question “Do copper fire pits rust?” is a fairly definitive “No” has to do with the iron content of copper.

The scientific name for rust is iron oxide. Rust forms when iron is exposed to oxygen or water. Copper contains very little iron when compared to some other fire pits materials. Thus, it won’t rust. This is an important factor to consider when purchasing an outdoor fire pit. Such an item is an investment. When buying a fire pit, you want to be confident yours will retain its visual appeal for a long period of time.

Other materials may initially seem more affordable than copper. However, when fire pits rust easily, they’re essentially wastes of money. Unless you’re satisfied with an unsightly fire pit in your outdoor living space, if yours rusts, you’ll need to replace it with another model.

That’s a non-issue when you install a copper fire pit in your home’s outdoor space. It will complement the appearance of your other patio furniture and decor for years to come, staying rust proof even when exposed to weathering elements.

This isn’t to say your copper fire pit will never change its appearance over time. A typical copper fire pit will develop a green tint eventually. Luckily, many consider this to be an attractive quality. You may feel the same.

Copper Develops a Green Patina: How This Affects Your Fire Pit

Copper doesn’t rust when it reacts with water. Instead, copper develops a green patina which serves as a protective layer guarding the copper beneath it from harm. Many feel this protective layer is actually a desirable patina which improves upon the look of a copper fire pit. That said, if you would prefer that your copper not develop this green tint, there are steps you can take to prevent it from developing as quickly as it otherwise might.

They include the following:

• Applying a wax designed for copper products which creates a layer protecting the copper from water.
• Thoroughly cleaning your copper fire pit after every use.
• Covering your fire pit with a safe tarp or other such protective cover to minimize the degree to which it comes into contact with rain.
• Drying your copper fire pit off thoroughly if it does get wet.

You can also clean your copper fire pit with gentle soap and water once a month. Dry it fully after doing so. Although a patina will still form if you do this, its color will likely be brown instead of green, which some feel is more attractive.

Maintaining Your Copper Fire Pit: Important Tips to Keep in Mind

Copper’s durability and rust proof qualities make it stand out among other fire pit materials. When you purchase a copper fire pit, you can be certain you’re buying one that is likely to stay in pristine condition for years to come. Regardless, you can still further optimize the lifespan of your copper fire pit by staying on top of basic upkeep. Proper maintenance for copper fire pits involves:

Use the right cleaners

Again, cleaning your copper fire pit every month is a good idea. Along with protecting the copper from damage, cleaning it will ensure its shiny exterior is on full display. Just be aware that harsh cleaning products can actually damage any copper item. When cleaning your copper fire pit, either use a cleaning product designed specifically for cleaning copper products, or rely solely on gentle soap and warm water.

(Tip: A hardware store or similar retailer may sell copper cleaner or another type of commercial cleaner that’s safe to use on copper. Ask the team at your local hardware store if they offer any cleaning solution that’s safe to use on copper fire pits. You should also conduct your own independent research to confirm a product that’s been recommended to you is genuinely safe.)

Choose the right material when scrubbing and drying your copper fire pit as well. Never use steel wool when cleaning a copper fire pit, as doing so can scratch it. Instead, use a soft sponge or cloth.

Store it

Copper fire pits are among the longest lasting fire pits on the market for several reasons. Primarily, they’re durable. While other fire pits may be prone to damage, copper fire pits can take a beating.

That said, there may be times of year when you won’t have any use for your copper fire pit. For example, even though a fire pit can help you stay warm outdoors during the colder months of the year, if you live in a northern region where winters can be particularly harsh, winter might be a time when you’re unlikely to be lounging in your outdoor space.

Consider storing your copper fire pit in a shed or other such location during these months. True, copper may remain strong even when exposed to the elements, but any outdoor use item can eventually wear down if it’s left outside for long periods of time. It’s best to move your copper fire pit to a safe indoor spot if you know you won’t be using it for a few weeks.

Doing so is also quite easy. While other materials may be somewhat heavy, copper is surprisingly light. Moving it from its current location is therefore a low-effort task.

Remove ashes

Some types of fire pits rely on propane or natural gas for fuel. Copper fire pits are different. Typically, starting a fire with a copper fire pit involves burning wood in the pit’s deep bowl.

This highlights one of the many benefits of a copper fire pit. Wood is often a relatively inexpensive fuel source for a fire. When you burn wood in your fire pit instead of using another fuel source, you can potentially save a lot of money over time.

That said, burning wood will naturally leave behind ashes in your fire pit’s copper bowl. Letting those ashes sit there can have a negative impact on your copper fire pit’s appearance. Avoid this by safely cleaning away and disposing of the ashes after using your fire pit.

Conduct visual inspections

Like all other types of fire pits, copper fire pits benefit from regular visual inspections. This is an easy task that you can perform virtually every single time you head out to relax among your outdoor furniture. Simply take a quick look at your fire pit from all angles and keep an eye out for any signs of rust, damage, etc. If it appears your fire pit is rusting or otherwise changing its appearance in ways you hadn't expected, you may need to clean it more often or take other such steps to further protect it from harm.

Do Copper Fire Pits Rust? No, Almost Never.

Fire pit rust can transform something that was meant to be an attractive piece of decor into something that’s less visually appealing. Fortunately, copper fire pits don’t rust. They’re also durable fire pits that stand up to wear and tear much more reliably than various other types of patio heaters. Additionally, they can withstand extreme temperatures, making a copper fire pit a worthwhile purchase.

However, you must remember that copper fire pits will often change in appearance as the years go by. This is only natural. If you stay on top of basic upkeep, though, you can ensure your copper fire pit’s appearance changes in a way that boosts its aesthetic. Choose a CopperSmith fire pit for your home. Consider having a suitable center piece for your kitchen, having a range hood is a game changer on home design!