Fire Pit Covers – The Buyer’s Guide
By John Funk, August 12, 2025
A fire pit can make your backyard feel warm and welcoming. However, without proper protection from harsh sunlight, heavy rain, and falling debris, your fire pit may wear out much sooner than expected. That’s where a fire pit cover comes in handy. Here, you’ll find all the important insights to make sure you pick the right fire pit cover for your needs.
Why Do You Need a Fire Pit Cover?
Many people think that fire pits are made to withstand all weather conditions. While most are durable, leaving them exposed to rain, snow, dust, or strong sunlight can damage their finish and reduce their lifespan. Water can cause rusting in metal fire pits, while moisture buildup in stone or concrete pits can lead to cracks over time.
A good fire pit cover prevents rainwater from collecting inside, stops leaves and dust from settling in, and protects your fire pit from UV rays that cause fading. It keeps your fire pit looking clean and ready to use whenever you want.
Types of Fire Pit Covers
When you start shopping, you will find different types of fire pit covers. Each has its own benefits. Let’s take a look at the different types you can choose from:
Soft Covers
Made from tough materials like polyester or vinyl, soft covers provide a practical option.
They’re simple to handle, bend easily, and won’t weigh you down when covering or uncovering your fire pit.
They come with adjustable drawstrings or elastic hems to fit snugly around your fire pit.
They do an excellent job shielding your fire pit from sunlight, dust, and rain.
The drawback is that in regions with heavy snowfall, these covers may struggle to handle the extra weight and could fail to keep your fire pit fully protected.
Hard Covers
Hard covers are made from metal or wood. Some fire pits come with their own hard cover that matches the material and design. These covers are durable, can handle snow or debris, and even double up as a tabletop when the fire pit is not in use.
However, they are heavier, bulkier, and often more expensive than soft covers. If your fire pit is in an open space with no shelter, a hard cover provides better long-term protection.
Custom Covers
If your fire pit has a unique shape or size, getting a custom-made cover is the best option. Many manufacturers and online stores offer custom sizing to ensure a perfect fit, giving you maximum protection and a neat look.
Which Material Should You Choose?
The material of your fire pit cover plays a big role in how well it protects your fire pit.
- Polyester: This is the most common material for soft covers. Look for polyester with a PVC or polyurethane coating for added water resistance. You’ll find it light to handle, simple to maintain, and budget-friendly too.
- Vinyl: Vinyl covers are completely waterproof. Still, if they sit in direct sunlight too long, they may weaken and start to break apart. Choose a cover with UV protection if you pick vinyl.
- Canvas: Some covers use treated canvas. These are durable and water-resistant but heavier than polyester.
- Metal: Hard metal covers, usually made from stainless steel or powder-coated steel, are rust-resistant and sturdy. They can withstand the heavy weight of snow or falling branches.
Measuring Your Fire Pit for the Best Cover
Before buying, measure your fire pit’s diameter (or length and width if it is square or rectangular) and its height. Your cover should be slightly larger than your fire pit for easy fitting, but not too loose. A tight fit prevents wind from lifting it away.
If your fire pit has side handles or design elements that stick out, factor these into your measurements to avoid a poor fit or torn seams.
Features to Look For
Here are some features that make a fire pit cover more practical:
- UV Resistance: Protects the cover itself from fading and cracking due to sunlight.
- Waterproof or Water-Resistant: Essential to prevent rust or moisture buildup inside the pit.
- Vents: Some covers come with air vents to allow airflow, preventing mold and mildew growth.
- Elastic Hem or Drawstring: Helps keep the cover snug around the base of your fire pit.
- Handles: Makes it easier to remove or adjust the cover.
- Tabletop Feature (for hard covers): Some hard covers are designed to double up as a table surface, adding functionality to your patio when the fire pit is not in use.
Maintenance Tips
Even your cover needs a bit of care to last long. Always remove the cover and let your fire pit air out after heavy rain or snow. Clean your cover regularly using mild soap and water to remove dirt and bird droppings. Let it dry completely before putting it back to prevent mildew.
If your cover is starting to fade or crack, replace it. A damaged cover will no longer protect your fire pit effectively.
Should You Cover a Fire Pit That Has a Lid?
If your fire pit already has a metal lid, you might think an additional cover is unnecessary. However, lids mainly keep debris out but may not be fully waterproof. Having a quality cover gives your fire pit added defense from the elements, which is especially important when it stays outside throughout all seasons.
What Makes Seal Skin Fire Pit Covers a Great Choice?
If you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting cover, Seal Skin fire pit covers are worth considering. Seal Skin is known for making high-quality covers for various outdoor equipment, and their fire pit covers are no exception.
Here’s why many homeowners prefer Seal Skin fire pit covers:
- Durable Multi-Layer Design: Seal Skin covers are designed with multiple layers that combine waterproof protection with breathability. This helps keep moisture out while preventing mold and mildew from forming under the cover.
- Excellent Weather Resistance: Whether it’s heavy rain, snow, or harsh sunlight, Seal Skin covers provide strong protection. They are UV resistant, which helps prevent fading and cracking even if your fire pit is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
- Custom Fit Options: Seal Skin offers covers in various sizes and shapes to suit round, square, and rectangular fire pits. This ensures a snug fit that doesn’t blow away during windy conditions.
- Soft Inner Lining: Their covers come with a soft inner lining that protects your fire pit’s surface from scratches and scuffs, keeping it looking new for longer.
- Easy to Use: Seal Skin fire pit covers are designed for convenience. They are lightweight enough to handle easily, and many come with elastic hems or adjustable straps for a secure fit.
Overall, Seal Skin fire pit covers provide a balance of durability, protection, and ease of use. If you want a cover that will withstand different weather conditions and last for years, Seal Skin is a trusted choice to keep your fire pit clean and protected all year round.
Our products are not just reasonably priced, but we will also ship your order right to your doorstep at no additional cost, without any delay. We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty with every purchase.
You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST), and we will help you find the right fire pit cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.
