Question
I have used metal wood-burning fire pits for several years.  The problem is that after a year or two, the metal bottom of the circular pit develops holes and burns through.  I have to purchase a replacement.  I now have a new fire pit and want to know what I can do to make the metal fire basin resistant to the heat.  Is there some type of material that I can put as a liner or base inside the metal bowl that doesn't transfer heat?
Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Jean - I was thinking of various solutions, but as metal is a corrosive element, it will over time dissolve under heat and acids present is the ash of pinewood or briquettes.  When you say 'pit' it seems as though you are referring to a fire bowl or cauldron, and not a fire 'ring' with an open bottom placed directly on the ground, like you'd find in a campground.  

If you line the bottom of a larger fire ring with bricks it will last a bit longer, but again, metal and ash are not compatible over time.  A non-ferrous (non-iron) lining such as clay, copper, or brick may work to add a few years of life, and I have used 'fire bricks' (that you make a potter kiln out of ) as a liner in larger fire rings.  But if yours is a small patio-type bowl there isn't enough room for this thick of a liner.

There are stainless steel insert pans you can add, but they too will wear out over time, may not be attractive up close, and are not a permanent solution.  Here are some:

https://www.ringoffirepit.com/

http://www.hellsfirepit.com/

~Marc