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However, it is best to opt for a fire pit wind guard for maximum safety and protection.
As the name says, it is a glass wind guard that protects the surroundings of the fire pit. These fire pit guards are also becoming increasingly popular. This blog post is all you need to know about making a fire pit wind guard using a DIY method. So, let us get started!
Table of Contents
Tools and Materials You Will Need
Before you begin your DIY project, gather the necessary materials. Building a custom wind guard requires specific heat-resistant components to ensure safety and longevity.
- 4 Panels of Tempered Glass: (Thickness: 3/16” or 1/4″). Must be tempered; standard glass will shatter under extreme heat.
- 8 Fire Pit Wind Guard Brackets: (4 top brackets, 4 bottom brackets). Look for brackets made of heavy-duty aluminum with heat-resistant rubber feet.
- Screwdriver: (Usually a flathead, but check your specific bracket hardware).
- Measuring Tape: For precise sizing.
- Soft Blanket or Cardboard: To lay the glass on during assembly to prevent chipped edges.
- Glass Cleaner and Microfiber Cloth: For finishing.
What is a fire pit wind guard?
A fire pit wind guard is a protective wind guard that protects your fire pit and its surroundings. It doesn’t let the flame touch the nearby placed items. Further, it also blocks the passage of direct relying on a cleaner and smoother fire flame.
This not just contributes to the safety aspect of the fire pit but also enhances its aesthetic appeal.
How to Make a Custom Glass Flame Guard for your Gas Fire Pit?
A standard fire pit wind guard won’t fit all types of fire pits. That’s because each fire pit has different dimensions. Therefore, making a custom glass frame guard is best for the best looks and maximum safety. Here is a brief step-by-step guide on how to make a custom flame guard for any gas fire pit:
Step 1: Measure for Safe Clearance
The most critical part of this DIY project is ensuring the glass is not too close to the flame. Do not measure the exact size of the burner pan opening.
- Measure the length and width of your burner pan.
- Add exactly 2 to 2.5 inches of clearance to every side. For example, if your burner is 20″ x 20″, your wind guard should have inner dimensions of at least 24″ x 24″. This prevents the glass from overheating and allows proper oxygen flow to the fire.
Step 2: Factor in the Hardware Deductions
A common DIY mistake is forgetting that corner brackets add width to the final assembly.
- Depending on the style of corner brackets you purchase, they generally add about 1/2-inch to 1-inch to the overall width of the structure.
- Ensure the final outer dimensions (glass + brackets) will fit securely on the flat ledge of your fire pit table without hanging off the edge.
Step 3: Determine the Height
The standard and most effective height for a fire pit wind guard is 6 inches. This is tall enough to block the breeze from blowing out the flame, but low enough to allow the heat to radiate outward to warm your guests. If you live in an exceptionally windy area, you can opt for 8 inches.
Step 4: Choose the Right Glass (Tempered Only)
Never use standard (annealed) glass or acrylic/plexiglass near a fire pit; they will crack, shatter, or melt. You must use Tempered Glass. We highly recommend 3/16” thick tempered glass with flat polished edges for a clean, safe finish.
Step 5: Order your Chosen glass panels
Once you have noted the size, thickness, and height, it’s time to order the custom cut glass panels. It is best to use custom tempered glass panels for maximum safety and protection.
That’s because these glass panels can bear high-temperature ranges without breaking. Also, tempered glass is impact resistant to a great extent.
We recommend buying custom tempered glass panels from Fab Glass and Mirror. Here, you can order your chosen glass panel in any size and thickness.
How to Assemble Your Fire Pit Wind Guard (Steps 6-9)
Once your custom glass and brackets have arrived, it’s time to put it together.
Prepare Your Workspace
Lay down a thick blanket, towel, or large piece of cardboard on a flat surface. Tempered glass is very strong against flat impact, but its edges are vulnerable. Never assemble the wind guard directly on concrete or tile.
Attach the Bottom Brackets
Take your four bottom brackets (these will have rubber feet on the bottom to allow airflow under the glass). Slide a bottom bracket onto the bottom corner of one glass panel. Slide a second glass panel into the other side of the bracket at a 90-degree angle.
Connect the Top Brackets
While holding the two panels steady, slide a top corner bracket onto the top corners to lock the 90-degree angle in place. Repeat this process for the remaining panels until you have formed a square or rectangle.
Tighten the Screws (Crucial Safety Tip)
Using your screwdriver, tighten the set screws on all brackets to secure the glass.
PRO TIP: Do not overtighten the screws! Turn them just enough so the glass feels secure. When glass gets hot, it expands. If the screws are cranked too tight, the glass will have no room to expand and may shatter.
Benefits of Installing a Fire Pit Wind Guard
A glass wind guard offers many exciting benefits. Here are a few of these benefits:
1: Requires Low Maintenance!
Glass wind guards require no to little maintenance. That’s because they are made of quality safety standard glass which is also scratch-resistant. So, to clean it up, you need a clean microfiber cloth. Further, for deep cleaning, you can use any glass cleaner.
2: Keeps Flame From Going Out!
That is the obvious reason and benefit of choosing fire pit wind glass guards. They offer the best protection and prevent the flame from spreading around. This gives you peace of mind, and you can enjoy the warmth of the fire pit.
3: Enhanced Safety
When a glass wind guard surrounds all the fire flames, there is nothing to worry about here. So, installing a glass wind guard helps you get the most out of any fire pit. It keeps you and your loved ones safe and protected from any kind of fire hazards.
4: A Great Value Addition
A fire pit without a glass wind guard looks incomplete. A glass wind guard makes it a safe, easy, and convenient way to warm up any living space. Moreover, it’s a perfect value addition to any home interior or exterior.
5: Aesthetically Appealing
As highlighted earlier, glass wind guards also look great. Provided that you have installed them right, they will definitely enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property. Further, their clean and minimalistic looks make your cold evenings a joy to remember.
Essential Safety & Maintenance Tips
Not for Extreme Weather: While a wind guard protects against moderate breezes, you should not operate your fire pit during high winds or extreme weather conditions.
Wait Before Cleaning: Fire pits create soot that will stick to the inside of your glass. Always wait until the glass is completely cool to the touch before attempting to clean it. Spraying cold glass cleaner on hot glass can cause thermal shock and breakage.
Airflow is Mandatory: Ensure the bottom brackets you use have rubber feet. These feet create a necessary gap between the fire pit table and the glass, allowing air to flow under the glass and feed the flame.
Final Thoughts!
So, now you know all about making a fire pit wind guard. As mentioned, it is not a tough process. You just have to take the right measurements and order your chosen glass panels from Fab Glass and Mirror. This will help you get the best out of your glass wind guard. Furthermore, the glass wind guards from Fab Glass and Mirror also improve your property’s worth. Plus, they look equally good.
