Should You Cover Your Outdoor Fire Pit and Kitchen for Winter?

NYCO Concrete: Outdoor Design Inspiration & Tips

January 12, 2026•8 min read

If you live in Colorado Springs, you already know winter likes to show up early, disappear for a week, then come back with wind and sideways snow.

So it’s normal to look at your backyard setup and wonder:Should I cover this stuff or just let it ride until spring?

This article will help you decide whether to cover outdoor fire pit and kitchen for winter (and your outdoor fireplace too), what kind of cover actually helps, and what can backfire if you do it the wrong way.

Why winter is harder on outdoor living features in Colorado Springs

It’s not just the snow. It’s the constant switching between warm and cold.

Colorado Springs averages about 52 freeze-thaw cycles per year, which means moisture can freeze, expand, thaw, then do it again and again. That’s tough on stone, concrete, grout, caps, and even metal parts.

Winter also brings:

Wind that can rip loose covers or turn them into sandpaper
Ice and snow that sit on flat surfaces and seep into tiny cracks
UV exposure (yes, even in winter) that fades finishes and dries out some materials

Covering helps most when it reduces moisture exposure and keeps grime out. But not every feature benefits the same way.

Pros of covering your fire pit, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor kitchen

1) Keeps water out of seams, joints, and small cracks

Water is the main enemy in winter. If it gets into a hairline crack or joint and freezes, it expands and can slowly worsen the damage.

A good cover reduces how much moisture gets into:

Decorative caps and coping
Concrete pads and seat walls near the fire feature
Countertop seams and outdoor kitchen doors

2) Reduces staining and spring cleanup

Snowmelt can carry dirt, leaves, and even de-icer residue. Covers help keep:

Rust stains from metal frames
Ash stains from fire pits
Grease residue on counters and grill lids

When spring hits, you’ll have less scrubbing and less surprise “what is that spot?” moments.

3) Protects finishes and accessories

If you have a nice setup, it usually includes details that don’t love winter:

Stainless steel doors and drawers
LED lighting and switch panels
Fridge and sink components
Decorative stone veneer

Covers help slow down fading, corrosion, and grime buildup.

4) Helps keep critters from moving in

Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces can become winter condos for mice, birds, and wasps.

Covering does not guarantee they stay out, but it removes the “dry sheltered nook” that attracts them.

Cons of covering your fire pit, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor kitchen

1) Trapped moisture can cause mold, mildew, and corrosion

This is the big one.

A cover that is not breathable can trap moisture underneath. Then you get condensation. And condensation leads to:

Mold or mildew on cushions, covers, or cabinet interiors
Corrosion on metal components
Musty smells inside storage areas

This is why a “cheap tarp pulled tight” often causes more problems than it solves.

2) Wind damage is real

Colorado wind can turn a loose cover into a flapping mess.

That flapping can:

Scratch stainless steel
Wear down paint or protective coatings
Fray corners of the cover fast

If you cover anything, make sure it’s strapped down and sized correctly.

3) Covers can hide small problems until they get worse

If you cover your fireplace and ignore it until April, you might miss:

A new crack in a cap
Loose mortar joints
Water intrusion that’s already happening
A settling issue around the base

A quick mid-winter peek (even just once) can prevent bigger repairs.

4) Some items should not be covered the way people think

For example, propane safety is often misunderstood.

A key reminder: Never store a propane tank indoors. If you move a grill inside for winter storage, the tank should stay outside in a safe, ventilated spot.

What to cover (and what usually doesn’t need it)

Fire pit: usually worth covering

Most fire pits benefit from a cover, especially if:

You have a burner pan and ignition components (gas)
You have a metal insert that can rust
The pit has a flat surface where snow sits

Best approach:

Use a fitted, weather-rated cover
Look for vents or breathable materials
Keep it snug so wind can’t lift it

Outdoor fireplace: depends on the design

A full masonry fireplace can handle winter well, but certain parts still take a beating:

The firebox opening
Decorative stone or veneer
The cap/crown area
Any metal doors or screens

If the fireplace is wood-burning and tied into a chimney system, winter maintenance is not just about covering. Annual inspections are a smart move for safety.

Outdoor kitchen: often the biggest “yes”

Outdoor kitchens have the most components that hate moisture:

Cabinets and hinges
Side burners
Grills
Refrigeration units
Sinks and plumbing

If you do one thing, cover the kitchen. It can save you from replacing parts that are expensive and annoying to track down.

What kind of cover works best in Colorado winters

Here’s a simple rule:Waterproof is good, but breathable is better.

Look for:

Vented panels or breathable fabric to reduce condensation
Straps, buckles, or drawcords so wind doesn’t whip it around
A snug fit (not oversized)
Durable material that can handle UV and cold

Watch out for:

Plastic tarps pressed tight against surfaces
Covers that pool water on top
Covers that rub against stone edges and flap

If you need to use a tarp temporarily, add airflow. Even a small gap at the bottom can help reduce condensation.

A simple winter prep checklist for your backyard features

For fire pits and fireplaces

Remove ash and debris
Check for visible cracks or loose caps
Make sure the drain (if you have one) is not clogged
Cover with a fitted, secured, vented cover
After big storms, brush off heavy snow so it doesn’t sit and melt slowly

For outdoor kitchens

Clean grease and food residue (this helps prevent pests)
Shut off water lines and winterize plumbing if needed
Unplug and protect small appliances
Close cabinet doors and check for gaps
Cover the entire unit with a breathable, secured cover

When it makes sense to leave things uncovered

Sometimes the best choice is to leave it alone, especially if:

The item is built from durable masonry with proper drainage and slope
A cover will flap constantly in a high-wind area
You can’t secure the cover properly
The cover traps moisture and causes more problems than snow does

In those cases, focus on two things instead:

Keep surfaces clean so moisture doesn’t sit on grime
Check drainage so meltwater moves away from structures

Colorado Springs note: freeze-thaw and “small cracks” are a big deal

A tiny crack in a decorative cap or concrete surface might not look like much in October.

But after a winter of freeze-thaw, that crack can widen, especially if water sits there.

If you spot cracking, settling, or movement around your fire pit, outdoor fireplace, seat wall, or outdoor kitchen pad, it’s worth having it looked at before it turns into a bigger repair.

This is exactly the kind of thing our team at NYCO Concrete & Landscape Design deals with all the time, because we build these features to survive real Front Range winters, not just look good in the photos.

FAQ

Should I cover my fire pit in the winter in Colorado Springs?

In most cases, yes. A fitted, vented cover helps keep moisture out and reduces rust, staining, and freeze-thaw wear.

Can I cover an outdoor fireplace for winter?

You can, especially to protect the opening, doors, and decorative surfaces. Just make sure the cover is secured and does not trap moisture.

Do outdoor kitchens need to be covered in winter?

Usually yes. Outdoor kitchens have more moving parts, metal components, and surfaces that can trap water. Covering helps prevent corrosion and springtime repairs.

What’s the biggest mistake people make with winter covers?

Using a tarp or non-breathable cover that traps condensation underneath, or using a loose cover that flaps in the wind and scratches surfaces.

Should I bring my propane tank inside for winter storage?

No. Never store propane tanks indoors. If you store a grill inside, disconnect the tank and keep it outside in a safe, ventilated area.

Our final thoughts

Covering can be a smart move, especially for outdoor fire pits and kitchens in Colorado Springs. It’s not about babying your backyard. It’s about keeping water out, preventing freeze-thaw damage, and saving yourself a spring repair bill.

If you’re planning a new fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or outdoor kitchen (or you’re not sure your current setup is built to handle Colorado winters), you can request a free quote from NYCO Concrete & Landscape Design.

Or call 719-644-3985 to schedule an on-site consultation and talk through your ideas. We’ll give you straight answers and help you make a plan that fits your yard and your budget.