Frequently asked
Have a burning question? Here are the ones we get most. If yours isn't here, write to us — a person answers.
Last updated: September 2026
How much is shipping?
Orders over $99 ship free within the United States. Under that, standard shipping is $9.99. Every kit clears the free-shipping line on its own, and the cart shows exactly how close any order is.
When will my order ship?
Orders placed Monday through Friday ship the next business day. Weekend orders go out first thing Monday. You will get a confirmation email with a tracking number as soon as it leaves — allow the carrier about 24 hours to start showing movement.
Which grate size fits my fire pit?
Measure straight across the inside of your pit, at the height the grate will rest, then choose the next size down so it sits inside the walls rather than on the rim. The Original Fire Grate comes in 24" and 29.5"; the Wagon Wheel in 29", 33" and 35"; and the BBQ and Stainless grilling grates in 30" and 36".
What's the difference between the 33" and 46" Stoker Poker?
Length, and how far back you stand. The 46" keeps you well clear of a big pit or a tall fire; the 33" is easier to handle around a smaller pit or a fireplace. Both work the same way — blow through the hardwood handle and a one-way valve sends air down the shaft to the coals, so smoke can never come back up at you.
Do the kits actually cost less than buying the pieces?
Yes, and every kit page shows the math itemized — what the pieces cost separately, what the kit costs, and the difference. The Fire-Side Chats™ deck rides along in every kit free, and it sits outside that savings figure on purpose, so the number is what the components alone justify.
Can I build my own kit?
Yes. Pick any three or more eligible products and the discount applies automatically at checkout: 10% at three items, 12% at four, 15% at five or more. Nothing to enter — the cart shows the savings as you add.
Can I return something?
Within 30 days, unused and in its original packaging. Email connect@waldenbackyards.com with your order number first and we'll send a Return Authorization Number — please don't ship anything back without one, because a package without it can't be matched to your order.
Something arrived damaged. What now?
Email connect@waldenbackyards.com with your order number and a photo. Damaged or defective items get replaced — that one skips the returns fine print entirely.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, from $10 to $200, and you can enter a custom amount. They arrive by email and never expire. Gift cards are the one thing that can't be returned or refunded.
Where's my order?
Your shipping confirmation email carries a tracking link. If tracking hasn't updated yet, give the carrier about a day. If something looks wrong, email connect@waldenbackyards.com with your order number.
An item I want is out of stock.
Sizes sell through at different rates, so a size being unavailable doesn't mean the product is gone. Email connect@waldenbackyards.com and we'll tell you where that size stands.
Where do you ship from, and do you ship internationally?
Everything ships from Grand Rapids, Michigan, packed by the people who own the company. We currently ship within the United States only.
Still stuck?
Email connect@waldenbackyards.com, or see the contact page. For how to use and care for what you bought, the Walden Almanac goes deeper than an FAQ can.
See also: Contact · Shipping · Returns & Exchanges