An outdoor fire environment gets more enjoyable and comforting when it assures you safety and allows you to sit back and relax completely.
Firepit spark screens come to your aid to minimize the risk of fire hazards and ensure a safe and secure fire ambience. Also known as a spark arrestor or spark guard, it is a cover that prevents sparks or hot embers from flying around and causing mishaps.
Wondering how to make a fire pit screen without spending a fortune? Make sure to stick to the end to find out!
Today, we will provide you with a simple, easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction guide to help you make your own customized fire pit screen within your budget. Choose your style, and design and enjoy the rising, glowing flames sitting around a fire pit in a safe, comforting environment.
Let’s get started!
Step-by-step Instructions To Make Fire Pit Spark Screen
Using only a few basic tools, make a custom fire pit screen to fit any fire pit just by following these simple, easy steps!
Step 1: Take Measurements
Your fire pit screen won’t be of any use if it doesn’t fit your fire pit perfectly. Therefore, the first and foremost step is to take the measurements of your fire pit’s perimeter. If you want to take the measurements accurately, follow these simple steps!
- Measure the diameter from one outer edge of the fire pit to the other outer edge.
- Then, measure the diameter from one internal edge to the other internal edge
- Buy according to the outer edge diameter if you want the maximum size for your fire pit. If you want the minimum size, buy one inch larger than the diameter of the internal edge.
Kindly note, if you make the spark screen according to the exact diameter of the internal edge of your fire pit, your screen might fall in and cause you trouble.
Step 2: Select Height & Shape
Unlike the diameter of the spark screen, you are allowed to choose the height of the spark cover freely. The taller the screen is, the more logs you can pile up on your fire pit. Therefore, select the height according to your preference and requirement.
Kindly note, you won’t have to constantly tender the fire pit if you choose to make the screen taller. However, the taller the screen is, the heavier it will be. Therefore, make sure to consider your outdoor spot and purpose as well.
Now that you have fixed the measurements of your fire pit spark screen, it’s time to decide the shape. If the shape of the spark cover doesn’t match the shape of the fire pit, the cover won’t fit properly.
There are two kinds of common shapes you can go for: round and square; select according to your requirement.
Step 3: Choose Material
Once you have confirmed the measurements (diameter and height) and selected the shape of the spark screen, now it’s time to select the material.
Firepit spark covers need to be made from heat-resistant metal, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, powder-coated steel, cast iron, etc. Among all these, stainless steel is your best option as it is rust-proof, super durable, and can withstand intense heat without any massive damage. You can also go for iron as it is cheaper and requires minimum maintenance.
Step 4: Get the Ring & Necessary Tools
Now, get a ring of your chosen material with the exact perimeter as the fire pit’s measurement. It will form the base of the spark screen.
Before we jump into the action, don’t forget to get the necessary tools from any local hardware store. If you are confused about which ones to get, here’s a list to make it easier for you!
- Measurement tape
- Metal hardware cloth
- Sheet metal
- Gauge metal wire
- Welding machine
- Clamps
- Hammers
Step 5: Make the Frame
Weld two strips of metal sheet (each should be one inch wide) to the ring you got earlier. The metal should be conjoined to the ring. It would be best if you set the strips eight inches longer than the ring’s diameter and align them perpendicularly to form an X-shape at the center (check the picture given below to get an idea about the X-shape).
Step 6: Make the Mesh Cover
Spread the metal hardware cloth over the frame you have already made with the metal sheet and ring. Make sure to use the hardware cloth with no more than ⅛ inches mesh opening. The smaller the openings between the wires, the more beautiful and efficient the cover will be. you are using is no more than an
Step 7: Wrap the Mesh Cover
Wrap or spread the metal mesh around the ring in a way so that it loops under the bottom of the ring and backs up to the top. Use gauge metal wire to stitch the two layers of mesh to the ring to enclose it. When you are done, the ring will be enclosed in a casing of metal mesh.
Step 8: Attach a Metal Eye
Screw a metal eye into the top of the fire pit screen at the point that the two metal sheets cross. The eye forms the handle to lift the screen while the fire pit is running. If you are new to this, it’s never too late to learn how to select and install eye bolts.
Step 9: Paint Your Project
This is the final step before you finish your project.
Paint the spark screen after assembling it. Coat the spark cover both inside and outside with heat-resistant paint to make it durable. The paint tends to fade away over time, so make sure you re-coat the screen from time to time to make it last for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few additional pieces of information on the Solo Stove that you might be interested to know!
1. What can I use to make a fire pit screen?
Fire pit spark covers are usually made with heat-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, powder-coated steel. It would be best if you go for stainless steel as it is super durable, fade-resistant, rust-resistant, and can withstand intense heat without massive damage. Stainless may cost you a bit more than the cast iron, but it’s lighter and more durable.
2. Do fire pit screens work?
Fire pit spark screens prevent sparks, hot embers from flying around and burning your favorite piece of cloth, pet, or the surrounding area. Flying sparks can ignite a fire and cause fire hazards by landing on dry leaves or combustible materials. A spark arrestor can prevent such unwanted situations and ensure you a safe, reliable, comforting fire environment.
3. How do you fix a fire pit screen?
If your fire pit screen is made of a durable, heat-resistant material such as steel or iron, it tends to sustain for an extended period. So, if your spark arrestor is not in good shape, we would recommend you buying or making a new one instead of trying to fix it to ensure the maximum safety of your fireside.
However, you can repair your fire pit screen by following the same guide for making it.
4. When should you put a fire pit screen on?
A fire pit spark screen (also known as a fire pit spark arrestor, spark guard, spark cover, etc.) serves you two purposes:
- Preventing sparks and hot embers from flying around and burning things or causing fire hazards
- Ensuring protection to children, pets, or people sitting or roaming around the fire pit.
Therefore, you should always use a spark screen whenever your fire pit is performing. In this way, you can enjoy a safe, warm fireside without any worries.
5. How do you stop sparks from the fire pit?
The primary thing you can do to stop sparks from breaching the fire pit is to use a premium quality, efficient fire pit spark screen. It will confine the sparks and hot embers within the fire pit. There is another thing that you can also consider- using the right wood.
If you want to minimize the sparks, we would recommend you burn softwoods, such as cedar. It can assist in repelling unwanted insects and prevent sparks from flying. You can also use hardwood pellets as your fuel source. It produces the minimum amount of sparks and ashes.
Conclusion
Let’s have a quick look at what you have acquired so far. You have a step-by-step instruction guide on customizing your fire pit screen. You have also got information regarding which material to choose and how to maintain your spark screen.
