What is the best fire pit material for you? Our guide to fire pit materials

The material of your outdoor fire pit informs not only its look and style but also its longevity, maintenance, and price. Heavier materials like concrete are potentially heavy, making them ideal for more permanent fixtures, while materials like cor-ten steel take on a patina over time.

Carbon steel is an exceptionally durable and low-maintenance material that can resist high heat and intense weather conditions. Fire Pit Art offers sculptural carbon steel fire pits handcrafted in Tennessee and available in a variety of sizes and unique shapes. (Inquire for custom options.) Carbon steel is a great option for both wood-burning or gas fire pits. Most carbon steel fire pits will take on a beautiful, maintenance-free patina that will darken over time.

Often referred to as “weathering steel,” COR-TEN steel oxidizes and takes on a rustlike patina, which serves as a protective coating and works to prevent corrosion (full oxidation takes close to six months). Cor-ten steel fire pits are also incredibly durable throughout all four seasons and are ​​available in wood, natural gas, and liquid propane fuel types.

Stainless steel is an ideal material for withstanding head and weather—as well as resisting rust. Stainless steel fire pits are generally higher priced—but this is due to their high quality and durability. You’ll typically find stainless steel fire pits in brushed or powder-coated finishes. Stainless steel will also last for years with the proper care.

Concrete fire pits are not only attractive, but they’re also incredibly durable and don’t chip, patina, or peel over time. Concrete is typically best suited for natural gas and liquid propane fuel systems. Because concrete is a heavier material, it’s typically not advised to place concrete fire pits on raised wooden decks. However, brands such as DEKKO Concrete produce lighter-weight concrete fire pits that are less than half the weight of other concrete options, making them easier to ship, move, and install.

Marine-grade polymer is made with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is extremely durable and resistant to rotting, swelling, fading, and warping.  A well-known producer of HDPE furniture, POLYWOOD’s proprietary HDPE lumber is made using landfill-bound and ocean-bound plastics. When it comes to fire pits, the polymer content allows marine-grade polymer fire pits to be made in a variety of colors.

Natural stone is most commonly used for permanent fire pit installations. This material features a naturally textured finish and is also highly durable throughout almost any weather conditions. You’ll typically find both wood-burning and gas stone fire pits. R&R Living fire pits feature high-quality, beautiful handmade finishes.