Fire Pit Materials: Carbon Steel, Brass & More

Let’s face it: outdoor gatherings and fire pits go together like s’mores and marshmallows. There’s something magical about a flickering flame on a cool evening — an instant invitation to slow down, laugh a little louder, and make memories. But before you start inviting everyone over, it helps to understand what your fire pit is made of. The material you choose affects how it looks, how it ages, how it burns, and how much time you spend worrying about it.

So grab a chair (and maybe a hot chocolate), and let’s talk about fire pit materials — in everyday language. We’ll explore popular options like carbon steel and brass, and we’ll peek at what brands like Fire Pit Art and Warming Trends are doing with these materials too. 

Carbon Steel: A Classic Name in Backyard Fire Pits

When people picture a traditional fire pit, they’re often imagining something built from carbon steel. This material isn’t flashy or exotic — but it is dependable and rugged. And brands like Fire Pit Art have made carbon steel fire pits into outdoor centerpieces that feel both artistic and timeless. 

So what exactly is carbon steel?

Carbon steel is a type of steel that contains carbon (surprise!) as one of its main components. That carbon makes the steel strong and durable. In fire pits, you’ll often find ¼‑inch thick mild carbon steel, which is strong enough to stand up to repeated use and outdoor conditions without warping or bending. 

Why people love carbon steel fire pits

Here’s what makes carbon steel a favorite choice:

• Built tough: These fire pits can take high heat without deforming.

• Weather ready: With the right finish, they handle rain, wind, and even snow without constant upkeep.

• Aging gracefully: Many carbon steel fire pits develop a rich, rustic patina (a kind of surface coloring) over time that many people find beautiful. 

Fire Pit Art: Handmade, Heavy, and Elegant

If you browse the collection from Fire Pit Art at The Fire Pit Store, one thing jumps out: these fire pits aren’t just functional — they’re pieces of outdoor art. Each one is handcrafted from ¼‑inch mild carbon steel and finished with an iron oxide patina that gives it a warm, earthy tone that develops character over time. 

Here’s what you can generally expect from a Fire Pit Art creation:

• Handcrafted quality: Each pit is individually numbered and part of a unique series.

• Heavy‑gauge steel: Carbon steel makes for a sturdy fire pit that can be left outside year‑round.

• Multiple fuel options: Whether you want wood burning or a gas setup (with burners and lava rock), these pits adapt easily. 

Take the Fire Pit Art Navigator as an example — a beautiful round fire pit crafted from carbon steel with an iron oxide finish that feels at home in any backyard setting.

Carbon steel’s natural patina — friend or foe?

One thing buyers notice is that carbon steel doesn’t stay shiny forever. That’s because it naturally forms a layer of iron oxide (rust) — but that’s not a bad thing. In fire pits like those from Fire Pit Art, that patina becomes part of the look, mellowing into a rich, permanent finish.

Some people actually love that weathered look — it says “well‑loved outdoor fixture” — while others prefer a cleaner finish and may choose to season or protect the metal more actively. Either way, carbon steel’s patina is just part of its charm.

? Brass Burners: Adding Shine and Sizzle

Now let’s shift gears from the fire pit vessel itself to an important internal component: the burner — specifically, brass burners.

When you choose a gas fire pit, the burner is what creates the flame. And not all burners are created equal. Warming Trends is a brand well known for its high‑quality brass gas burners, and if you’re aiming for an efficient, beautiful flame, brass is a material that deserves attention. 

Why brass? Isn’t steel good enough?

Brass offers a few standout qualities:

• Corrosion resistance: Brass naturally resists rust, which is a big plus for outdoor burners exposed to moisture.

• Pretty flame patterns: Warming Trends’ brass burners, like their Crossfire® models, are designed to deliver a tall, full flame that looks more like a real wood fire — bright and romantic.

• Built to last: Because of brass’s resistance to rust and corrosion, these burners often come with a limited lifetime warranty — a testament to their durability. 

Even though brass might cost a bit more up front, it’s one of those upgrades that can elevate your fire pit experience — especially if you’re investing in a gas setup you plan to use for years.

Meet the Warming Trends Brass Burners

Browsing the Warming Trends section on The Fire Pit Store, you’ll see a whole lineup of gas fire pit systems and burners — many made from brass and built to deliver impressive flame performance with efficient fuel usage. 

These burners aren’t just functional — they’re engineered so that the flame looks alive, almost like a wood fire. If you want that cozy ambiance without the smoke and mess of wood burning, brass burners from Warming Trends are a compelling option.

Other Fire Pit Materials Worth Knowing About

Carbon steel and brass get a lot of attention — and for good reason — but it’s worth touching on a few other materials you might see out there:

Stainless steel

This is another metal you’ll see in fire pits. It’s not as heavy or as rust‑friendly as carbon steel when it comes to aesthetic aging, but stainless steel won’t corrode easily and can stay shiny longer. Some premium fire pits use stainless steel bowls or burners. 

Corten steel

Often marketed as “weathering steel,” corten is similar to carbon steel but is designed to form a stable rust layer that actually protects the metal. It’s visually striking and ideal for people who want a rustic look without maintenance. However, it’s usually pricier and a bit more specialized.

Concrete and stone

These aren’t metals at all, but you’ll see fire pits made from concrete, bricks, or stones for a rugged, permanent look. They’re great for built‑in fire pits or DIY landscapes but aren’t as portable as metal models.

Copper and cast iron

Copper can look stunning with its warm tones and green patina over time, but it’s more expensive and softer (less rugged) than steel. Cast iron, meanwhile, handles heat beautifully but is heavy and — if exposed to moisture — can rust just like steel.

So Which Material Is Right for You?

Let’s break it down in a way that feels like talking to a friend.

1. Want a long‑lasting outdoor centerpiece?

Go with carbon steel. It’s thick, durable, and develops a look that feels authentic. Brands like Fire Pit Art prove that carbon steel fire pits can also be works of art, not just functional devices. 

2. Want gorgeous gas flames with less fuss?

Add a brass burner from Warming Trends. Brass is corrosion‑resistant and built to show off a fiery display that feels cozy and luxurious. 

3. Want low maintenance and unique finishes?

Consider options like stainless steel or corten steel for a different vibe — still durable, but with their own style and performance traits.

4. Love a DIY vibe or built‑in design?

Concrete or stone fire pits are fantastic for patios or landscaped spaces, though they’re not as portable as steel models.

Wrapping Up: Materials That Shape Your Fire Pit Experience

When it comes to fire pits, the material matters — not just for longevity, but for the look, feel, and experience you get every time you light a fire.

• Carbon steel offers strength, character, and a classic fire pit feel. It’s ideal for people who want something that grows into its own patina and becomes part of the landscape.

• Brass burners, like those from Warming Trends, bring out rich, tall flames with efficient performance and long‑lasting corrosion resistance — a real upgrade for gas fire pits.

• And while other materials like stainless steel, corten steel, or stone have their niches, carbon steel and brass are two of the most beloved options among outdoor fire pit enthusiasts — combining durability with beauty and performance.

Whether you’re gathering around a Fire Pit Art carbon steel bowl or watching the glow from a brass burner on a cool night, understanding your materials helps you choose the right fire pit for the life you want to create. So light it up, invite the neighbors, and enjoy the warmth — because the right fire pit doesn’t just warm your space, it warms your heart.