Blog – Page 14 – Backyard Virtuoso

The fire-pit scene has changed a lot over the past few years. What started off as backyard bonfires in the fall has evolved into an evening tradition that most families enjoy year-round. As more people have adopted this tradition, many tweaks and new trends have popped up. Most neighborhoods aren't going to allow a simple bonfire since it can get out of hand really quickly. So we turn to the faithful fire pit...whether a built-in model or a portable one, there are so many variations that you'll surely find something to suit your family's needs. Up-cycling is more than a passing trend...so many people have started downsizing and finding ways to use basic items in multiple, interesting ways. When it comes to a fire pit, a galvanized bucket (or tub) might be exactly what you’re looking for! Here are 10 reasons why a galvanized bucket might be the best fit for lounging in the backyard with your family: Galvanized metal construction is durable and long lastingCan be used for a large fire pit (galvanized tub)or small fire pit (galvanized bucket)Easy to set up, no tools required! Portable Wide opening makes it easier to add larger pieces of wood Can store firewood when not in use Perfect for up-cycling Can be used for storing items in your shed, basement, garage or barn. Great for campingEasy to clean and maintain Perfect for small spaces If you're looking for a more traditional portable fire pit, I've written a complete guide to portable fire pits...check it out! Galvanized Metal Is Durable And Long Lasting Galvanized metal is metal that has been treated with a thin layer of galvanizing material (usually zinc) to protect it from rusting or corroding. On average, galvanized metals can last up to 50 years in the right conditions. Galvanized Buckets Come In Various Sizes Galvanized buckets come in sizes between five and fifty gallons, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your family's needs. Smaller, bucket-sized options are ideal for portable fire pits while larger, "tub" sized ones can be set up as permanent structures. Galvanized Buckets Require Very Little Effort To Convert To A Fire Pit Galvanized buckets and tubs can be used as fire pits all year long. They don't require any special tools or installation to set up, making them a great option for those that want the look of a custom structure without all the work. If you plan to leave yours out year-round, then you may want to either clean them out and flip them upside down or drill several small holes in the bottom so that rainwater can drain out. They're also super easy to take down and store away between seasons! Galvanized Buckets Are Very Portable Galvanized buckets weigh as little as five pounds, making them easy to carry from your home's garage or storage shed to the backyard. Larger, 50-gallon models weigh around 80 pounds so you'll want to get a little help moving these around. But they can still be easily carried by two people and stored when not needed. Some galvanized buckets will have built-in handles making them very easy to carry. For larger models that don't, you may want to use a wheelbarrow or drill holes in the top so that you can attach make-shift handles. Large Opening To Accommodate Large Pieces Of Wood The wide opening on galvanized buckets makes them easy to work with, especially when you want to toss in larger pieces of wood. A small bucket will have a diameter of about 18 inches while a larger one's opening is about 21. 80 gallon galvanized tubs are traditionally oval-shaped so they will have a diameter of about 24 inches wide by 48 inches long. The narrowing walls on the bucket keep your firewood (and wood chips or kindling) in place without blocking airflow into the pit itself, making it easier to get that perfect, healthy flame you're looking for. If you want to ensure that your fire is safe, then make sure to use small pieces of wood in the beginning stages and work your way up as it starts burning down. This will help prevent an out-of-control flame from getting too large and posing a potential hazard. Galvanized Buckets Are Great Multi-Taskers If you only use a fire pit a few times a year, or only during a particular season (I'll assume fall) then you'll want to think of something else to use your bucket for. Since you're already using it as a fire pit, then a great use is as firewood storage through the winter season, use them as planters in the spring, fill them with ice and drinks for outdoor meals in the summer...the possibilities are limitless! Galvanized Buckets Are Trendy And Perfect For Up-Cycling A great trend that seems to be sticking around is minimizing the amount of stuff people buy and instead find multiple ways to use single items. We've seen pallets repurposed into furniture, clay pots turned into pizza ovens, and now galvanized buckets used as fire pits. They Provide Extra Storage When Not In Use Okay, this is another "multi-tasker" but it's a good one. If you only use your bucket as a fire pit in the fall and/or winter, then use it as leakproof (unless you've drilled holes in it, of course) storage in the summer. Since these buckets are so lightweight yet extremely durable, you can load them with almost anything and then set them up on a shelf, in the basement, or up in an attic. Fill them up with small garden tools or building materials to use around the garden in the summer. Fill them with sand or salt and leave them next to your front door to de-ice your front walkways in the winter. Galvanized Buckets Are Very Easy To Clean And Maintain One of the best parts about galvanized buckets is how easy they are to clean. You can either use a brush or stiff broom if there's dirt or ash left in the crevices, or you can give it a good scrub-down with soap and water when needed. Just keep in mind that the extreme heat from the fire will discolor the inside of the bucket, but this is only cosmetic and will not affect its performance. However, it's still a very good idea to periodically give a thorough cleaning to keep ash and soot to a minimum. This will keep the risk of rogue ash going air-born and causing a potential fire hazard. It also keeps fire glass looking colorful and bright, for more information on fire glass and lava rock, check this article out. Speaking of excessive ash, there are some creative ways that you can put ash to use. Here's an article I wrote covering 19 ways you can use firepit ash. Perfect For Small Yards And Patios Even a small galvanized bucket will put out a decent amount of heat, so if you live in an apartment or zero-lot-line home and don't have that much outdoor space a galvanized bucket will be a perfect solution for a fire pit. Rather than spending a lot of money on an expensive fire pit, make one yourself and save some cash. These buckets are also great for camping trips...fill it up with wood chips or kindling before you leave home and then take the bucket right to where your campfire will sit. Final Thoughts A galvanized bucket is a great purchase for anyone looking to have an outdoor fire pit or are just trying to find other uses for it throughout the year. They can store small garden tools or act as planters in the spring and summer. Galvanized buckets look great and add a splash of rustic flair to your home's aesthetic. They are fairly inexpensive when purchased new, and are a common bargain find at most second-hand stores and flea markets.