Any suggestions for a cover for a fire bowl?

Question

I have a fairly standard copper fire bowl with a screened dome. When I leave it out rain fills the basin. Would drilling a few small holes at the bottom damage it? Most tarps are too big.

Answer 1

I would not drill any holes. Hot ashes might fall through and burn the ground or start a fire and small holes won't work well anyway. Wet ash is like cement...

Here's what I did:
1) Go to a fabric store and buy a yard of waterproof nylon and a few feet of waistband elastic.
2) Cut the fabric into a circle about ten inches larger than the bowl.
3) Fold the fabric in about two inches and sew all the way around leaving about an inch open.
4) Feed the elastic through the opening and tie the ends together.

You'll end up with a big showercap-looking-thing for your fire bowl.
Just be sure not to put it on until the bowl is completely cooled down! =)

Good luck,
Paul

Answer 2

Certainly drilling will help, and without knowing it's diameter you might contact the manufacturer of that particular pit. I put one together for my ex, and it came with a tarp as well as the screen dome. It was also substantial in cost and is a quality pit, though not copper.

I might suggest a couple of easy fixes, but again, it depends on the diamter of the fire bowl.

You might find a stainless bowl, from a restaurant supply dealer? Or even a plastic one?

The size of the tarp, and it's aesthetics hopefully are not an issue. It's not much different than a grille cover tarp, in its purpose. If it seems offensive that it's large, then perhaps you might consider the main reason, and purpose for using it...No offense.

Rev. Steven

Answer 3

Holes in the bottom won't cause a problem. Make sure to drill at the lowest point or you will get a small puddle.

A good idea for a cover would be a slightly larger copper bowl. Tarps can also be trimmed to any size, because they won't fray. You might have to put weights on the edges.

Answer 4

Small weep holes won't hurt anything, and will actually help burn.

How about an old metal garbage can lid? It can be put on without having to worry about it burning up or melting.