Fire Pit Tarpaulin Protect Stonework and Contain Sparks When Not in Use

A fire pit tarp serves a few key purposes. Firstly, it helps protect the stonework or surface of your fire pit when it's not in use. The pits can often be made of materials like stone, concrete, or metal that are vulnerable to weathering or corrosion over time if left unprotected. By covering the fire pit with a Tarpaulin, you can shield it from rainfall, snow, and UV light exposure that may otherwise cause damage.

Contain any Stray Sparks

Secondly, a fire pit tarp helps contain any stray sparks or embers that could blow out of the pit when the fire has been extinguished for the night. Sparks from dying wood embers can smolder for hours and be easily carried by wind, potentially igniting dry leaves or grass and causing a wildfire.

Ashes and Debris

Lastly, a tarp helps reduce the amount of unwanted ashes and debris that can spread out of the pit. Ashes from a fireplace or pit need regular cleaning up, and a tarp makes this easier by containing the mess in one consolidated area instead of having it blown or tracked across your yard.

Important Tarp Features to Check

When purchasing a fire pit tarp, there are some key features to look out for that indicate better quality and usability:

Grommets:

Heavy-duty plastic or metal grommets securely anchored along Heavy Duty Tarpaulin edges allow for easy staking or weighting down in high winds. Check spacing is 6-12 inches.

Reinforced seams:

Double-stitched seams and heat-bonded edging add strength where tears often start. Vinyl welded seams outperform sewn.

High-temperature fabric:

The material and any coatings/treatments can withstand repetitive exposure to 500°F or more direct heat from a still-glowing fire pit.

UV protection:

UV stabilizers prevent fabric degradation from sun exposure over multiple outdoor seasons.

Waterproof backing:

A backing or coating creates a fully waterproof barrier, protecting against water seepage that can damage materials.

Carry handles:

Handles make transport and unfolding/positioning of the Clear Tarpaulin easier for one person. D-rings work much better than fabric loops.

Reflective trim:

Optional safety feature that makes the covered pit more visible after dark for passersby.

Size tabs:

Reinforced fabric tabs along each corner clearly indicate sizing/dimensions for accurate measuring and ordering online.

Warranty:

Reputable brands like Firepit GearTM offer 2-3-year limited warranties for material defects.

Choosing the right fire pit tarp material

When choosing a fire pit tarp, the material is one of the most important considerations. Here are some of the most common options:

Vinyl Tarps

Vinyl tarps are affordable and waterproof but have less temperature and UV resistance compared to other options. They may start to crack or degrade after a single season of use.

PVC Tarps

PVC tarps are thicker than vinyl for added durability against heat and weathering. They hold up better over multiple years but can become brittle if exposed to sub-zero temperatures.

Canvas Tarps

Canvas Tarpaulins is a natural fiber choice that is breathable and exceptionally resistant to flames. However, canvas absorbs water more readily than synthetic options and will mildew or rot if not properly dried after wet weather.