Hidden Field
When raw, untreated metal is exposed to air or moisture, it oxidizes. This is a naturally occurring process. Many folks love the characteristic and distinctive patina of their custom metal product. It has a rustic, rough aesthetic. If you want to avoid oxidation, however, take the following steps:
Wipe any dust or debris from your item with a dry rag
Paint your item before assembling it (if you’re painting a fire ring, use paint designed to
withstand high heat exposure—as you use your ring, you may have to repaint it)
If you’re painting a fire ring or lid, be sure to use paint that is specially designed to withstand high heat. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that the paint won’t burn off after being exposed to a fire. You may have to reapply.
Check out the video below:
We get this question a lot, with folks reaching out from different states, asking: Are fire pits legal in New York State? What about Pennsylvania—what are the Philadelphia fire pit laws or the West Virginia fire pit laws?
Generally speaking, most cities and towns permit small, contained, supervised backyard fires. Of course, we always advise customers to check with their homeowners association (especially if you’re located in a region that’s prone to wildfires!) as well as researching the burning regulations in their home state. Also, be smart about it: burn only safe materials (like firewood), don’t start fires on windy days, and make sure to completely extinguish your fire before wrapping up the party. We are not liable if your local laws or state changes the rules regarding backyard fires.
With proper maintenance it should last you a lifetime. We have one of our own fire rings that was one of the first ever made back in 2011. It has moved homes with us and we still use it to gather for warm fires on cool nights.
No, the steel we use is not food grade material, meaning it can contaminate food when in direct contact. Not to mention that the lid will warp when exposed to high heat like an open flame.
What we can suggest is using marshmallow sticks or extendable forks to allow the food to be directly over the fire and not in contact with the metal ring or lid. Another option would be to buy a grill large enough to go across the whole diameter of the fire ring from a different retailer (this is not something we make).
Hidden Field
A high-quality fire pit is a home investment, and it’s vital to protect it from debris and leaves while discouraging children and pets from climbing in. Additionally, not only does a lid serve as a handy surface, acting as a serving tray that can easily withstand up to 200 pounds, but it’s also practical: unless you like poking around in a soggy, messy fire pit, it’s smart to shield it from rain and snow. Finally, custom designed lids and covers add a personalized touch to your yard and make memorable gifts.
Cleaning outdoor custom fire pits is a must. That debris is flammable! After every fire, wait for the fire pit to cool thoroughly. Then use a shovel or trowel to remove ashes. It’s a good idea to use a metal container to dispose of the ashes and debris.
The metal product will arrive sanded and ready to paint upon arrival. If you want to avoid oxidation, however, take the following steps:
Depending on how many fires and the weather where your fire ring is located, you will need to repaint periodically (we would suggest following the paint manufacturer’s instructions on when to reapply).
If you do not want to paint your metal product, then there is nothing more that you need to do. Just sit back let the oxidization process do its magic to create a rustic, rusty piece. Don’t worry this is just surface rust and does not impact the integrity of the piece.
Get in touch with our team for any sizing questions.
When building your outdoor fire space, it is essential to consider the number of people you want to accommodate comfortably around the fire pit. It is equally important to remember that for a smokeless fire ring to function effectively, the metal needs to get hot from the fire.
With those two pieces in mind, here is what we suggest regardless of the smokeless or conventional fire ring.
This is a guide to allow some elbow room but you can always squeeze a few people if you don’t mind being a little close.
Check out the video below:
I want X number of people to sit around my fire ring. What diameter fire ring should I get?
Hidden Field
Certainly. If you’re interested in a particular size, reach out to our team BEFORE placing your order. We’re always happy to talk you through your design options and give thoughtful advice.
No catch. No fine print. We stand behind our work 100% and strive to make delivery of our products as efficient and speedy as possible. All continental US orders are shipped for free (if we’re delivering to Alaska or Hawaii, you’ll have to help out with the extra costs).
Fire rings are a thoughtful and original gift. Whether for weddings, house warming parties, birthdays, or other special occasions, a personalized fire ring makes a big and long-lasting impression as friends and family gather around the fire to share stories and be together.
Yes and no, so it depends. If you want to return something, please e-mail us at bonfirebydesign@gmail.com within 30 days of receiving your item.
We do not accept returns for the following:
For return shipping, it is your responsibility unless we make a mistake (we are human, after all).
The amount refunded depends on and is determined after the piece is received by us and inspected with the ability to resell that piece. You will receive a refund in the original form of payment up to the original amount but not including the initial shipping cost. This is a case-by-case evaluation, but we will communicate with you what your options are depending on your situation.
Hidden Field
A fire pit without a ring insert is always a bit of a gamble. That’s because fire rings maintain the structural integrity of your fire pit while simultaneously containing the fire, which prevents it from spreading to your yard and home.
Can’t wait for your order to arrive? We can’t, either. That’s why we aim to have it shipped in 3‑5 business days.
First, be sure to contact us right away at bonfirebydesign@gmail.com or use the contact us form at the bottom of this page. Please send us pictures of the damaged area(s), including the box it came in. Next, keep all packing material, as you will need it if the item needs to be shipped back to us.
It is really a case-by-case basis on what the best plan of action is to remedy the problem, but we will work with you to make sure the item(s) is precisely what you were hoping to get, damage free too!
Hidden Field
Ever struggle to start a fire? We’ve all been there. This handy gadget helps everyone start a successful fire every time with a few simple steps. No boy scouts or girl scouts badge required.
The instructions here are similar to what you will see in the video.
When it comes to fire starters, you’ll find both welded and non-welded options available. Welded fire starters come as a single unit, while non-welded ones require some simple assembly. Before placing the fire starter inside your firepit, place a layer of newspaper or fire starter material like small dry leaves and sticks in the center of your fire ring. Once you’ve assembled your fire starter carefully position the fire starter in the center of the fire ring, directly above the fire starter material. Start by placing smaller sticks around the fire starter, leaving some space for air and your match to go. Ignite your fire and gradually add larger logs as the fire grows. When your fire is well lit, go ahead and carefully remove your fire starter with your fire porker using the top hole. Place it in a safe area away from walking paths and combustible materials, as it will be hot.
Check out the video below:
Inside you find the lid, handles with screws, and instructions. The instructions here are similar to what is in the video. Be careful as the handles and instructions are in the saran-wrap around the lid. The only thing you will need is a Phillips screwdriver.
The four screws needed for assembly have already been placed into the handles (this helps protect them during shipping). You will first need to remove the four screws within the handles that will be used again in the assembly. Next, find the bottom side of the lid by locating the tapper side of the holes. If you have a monogram or design attached to your lid it makes this even easier. The taper allows the screws to be flush with the bottom of the lid and let your lid lay flat. Align the handle to the top of the lid and secure the two screws through the bottom, and tighten to ensure a snug fit. Repeat for the other side. Now place your lid atop your fire ring and enjoy.
Check out the video below:
If you are missing bolts or screws (your package was prepared by a human and not a robot so it can happen but rarely does), please let us know, and we will ship more out ASAP. Sometimes the bag they travel in gets missed through the excitement of opening your product. We get it! So be sure to look at the bottom of the box. Typically, you will find a bag with instructions and bolts inside taped to the bottom. In the case of a lid, that bag is where the handles and screws are, but they are typically saran-wrapped to the lid.
Hidden Field
The instructions here are similar to what you will see in the video.
It’s simple to assemble with just two 7/16th wrenches or a crescent wrench set to remove the shipping bolts (don’t throw them away you need them later) and tighten each bolt during assembly. If you want to paint it, now is the time. Be sure to check out that FAQ if you are interested in that further customization.
Begin by setting each panel in a circular formation, ensuring the correct order and orientation. Don’t be afraid at this point if the panels don’t make a perfect circle. Once the bolts are in place, it will make a fire ring circle. Take a moment to align the holes between the panels. Take the bolt with one washer, the two panels, and a washer and nut inside the fire ring circle to fasten each panel together. Once all bolts are in, and you have tightened them by hand, go back around with the wrenches and down nice and secure. Now place your fire ring and enjoy.
Check out the video below:
Unboxing & Assembling a Bonfire by Design Customizable or Pre-designed Fire Ring
The instructions here are similar to what you can see in the video.
It’s simple to assemble with just two 7/16th wrenches or a crescent wrench set to remove the shipping bolts (don’t throw them away you need them later) and tighten each bolt during assembly. If you want to paint it, now is the time. Be sure to check out that FAQ if you are interested in that further customization.
Begin by setting each panel in a circular formation, ensuring the edges of the top lip touch in each panel and the lip is at the top of the fire ring. Don’t be afraid at this point if the panels aren’t in a perfect circle. Once the bolts are in place, it will make a fire ring circle. Take a moment to align the holes between the panels. Take the bolt with one washer, the two panels, and a washer and nut inside the fire ring circle to fasten each panel together. Once all bolts are in, and you have tightened them by hand, go back around with the wrenches and down nice and secure.
As a reminder, this insert is only part of what you need to make a smokeless fire pit. Once assembled, insert your smokeless fire ring into your fire pit blocks and enjoy smoke-free fires.
Check out the video below:
Unboxing and Assembling a Bonfire by Design Smokeless Fire Pit
Inside the box is a small instruction card that will guide you, similar to what you see in this video. You won’t need any special tools or gadgets for this assembly.
Hold up one side with a design cut out of it, take the handle (shortest piece), and slide it through the single slot at the top of the side piece. The handle should extend about 1/4 inch past the side so the slots in the side and handle align with each other. Repeat for the second side so the handle is parallel to the ground and supported by both sides. The side pieces will be at a slight angle as you do this, but you’ll need to rotate the handle 90 degrees, where the largest part of the tab from the handle is facing down, and the handle is now perpendicular to the ground making it easy to grab and transport. Finally, take each bottom piece (there are two) and slide them into each side piece bottom slot where the bottom pieces are parallel. The larger part of the tab for these pieces should be facing down when you assemble it.
Once your lid holder is assembled, you can easily move it around by picking it up with the top handle. Hint here: You must remove the lid first to ensure it doesn’t fall off when moving.
Check out the video below:
The instructions here are similar to what you can see in the video.
The instructions for this smokeless fire ring and lid can be found on this page.
This will take a little bit of work on your end to acquire the 38 retaining wall blocks from the local gardening or landscaping store. (They need to be 12 inches at the widest point by 4 inches tall by 7 inches back to the front face. Otherwise, this kit may not fit as designed.) If using retaining wall blocks, use a hammer and a swift hit to knock the black lip off of the block. This does not need to be perfect (no one will see it) just enough that the brick will sit fully flat on one another.
Use the FAQs or included instructions within your kit for how to assemble the smokeless fire ring and lid.
If you want to paint any part of the kit, now is the time. Be sure to check out that FAQ if you are interested in that further customization.
Begin by setting out the 8 retaining wall blocks and two vent blocks in a circular formation about 40 inches across when measuring the outside of the retaining wall blocks. Use the assembled fire ring as a guide to lay your first row of 8 blocks + 2 vent blocks. Place the two vent blocks on opposite sides of the fire ring, fitting 4 blocks between them. Adjust the placement until all the blocks and vent blocks fit and a gap of about a ½ to 1 inch between the back of the blocks and the fire ring.
You can either remove the fire ring or keep it in place as you stack the remainder of the 3 rows of blocks (10 blocks in each row), staggering the blocks for stability and maintaining that ½ or 1 inch gap. You can use contact cement if you like, but it is not required.
If you removed your fire ring, replace it in the center of your stacked blocks. The fire ring should be flush with the ground and the top row of the blocks. Take time to make any adjustments to accomplish this.
Check out the video below:
Building a Smokeless Fire Ring Pit Tips and Tricks with Help from Bonfire by Design
Looking for more products or options? Tell us what you’re searching for and we’ll do our best to make it happen! Please attach photos or clip art of your dream design, and don’t forget to tack on your zip code and ideal timeline so we can get your product to you stat!