A concrete fire pit is a gas burner set inside a bowl or table cast from concrete, and most of the good ones today are made from GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete). It looks like solid stone, handles outdoor heat well and lasts for years, but it is heavy, it can show hairline cracks, and the finish needs gentle cleaning, a cover and occasional sealing.
What a concrete fire pit is actually made of
Listings use the word “concrete” loosely, so read the material line before you buy. You will usually see one of three things.
GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete)
GFRC is concrete reinforced with glass fibers instead of steel. Stromberg Architectural describes a mix of portland cement, fine crushed stone, sand and glass fibers, typically cast about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Because the fibers do not rust, the walls can be thin. Concrete Decor puts 3/4 inch GFRC at about 8.3 pounds per square foot versus about 75 pounds for a 6 inch slab of regular concrete. The Prism Hardscapes FAQ says its fire features are cast from GFRC, finished by hand, and hold up to outdoor freeze and thaw cycles.
Conventional cast concrete
Traditional wet cast concrete runs about 3 to 6 inches thick, according to Concrete Decor. That is part of why older solid concrete pieces are so heavy. If a listing just says “concrete” with no mention of fiber, ask what the wall thickness and weight are.
Concrete look materials
Some fire tables have a concrete appearance but a different core. Two 60,000 BTU propane tables we carry are sold as concrete fire pit tables, yet their spec lists say the housing and tabletop are magnesium oxide (MgO). That is not a bad thing, it is just a different material, so judge it on its own specs and warranty rather than on the word “concrete” in the title.
GFRC fire pit pros and cons
Why people choose a GFRC fire pit
- The look. Hand finished GFRC has depth of color and natural variation, so no two pieces match exactly. Prism describes this variation as part of its finish.
- Lighter than solid concrete. Thin walls mean a GFRC bowl weighs far less than the same shape in wet cast concrete, though it is still heavy (see below).
- Built for outdoors. Manufacturers state GFRC holds up to freeze and thaw, UV and weather. Stromberg cites lab samples that went through 300 saturated freeze and thaw cycles with minimal flaking.
- Usually gas only. Most concrete fire tables run on propane or natural gas, so there is no ash or smoke soaking into the surface.
The tradeoffs
- Hairline cracks. GFRC fabricator Concreteworks East calls hairline cracks “an inherent characteristic of GFRC,” typically under 1/32 inch and not structural. One concrete fire pit maker, Montana Fire Pits, warns that its concrete pits will develop hairline cracks and charring over time.
- Staining and moisture. Concrete is porous. Concreteworks East notes that proper sealer care significantly reduces moisture absorption, which is what leads to stains and surface crazing.
- Weight. Even GFRC tables run from about 200 to 500 pounds in our catalog.
- Lead time. Many are handmade to order. Prism listings on our site show an estimated 7 to 8 week lead time.
Concrete fire tables we carry
All prices below are current listed prices on our site. Weights and BTU come from each product page. Prism tables are listed as glass fiber reinforced cement and ship with lava rock and key valve ignition.
| Product | Shape and size | Fuel | BTU | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prism Hardscapes Tavola 2 36″ Cafe | Square, 36″ x 36″ x 16″ H | Propane | 65,000 | 240 lbs | $2,280 |
| Prism Hardscapes Dune 42″ Ebony | Round bowl, 42″ diameter, 17″ H | Propane | 65,000 | 210 lbs | $3,510 |
| Prism Hardscapes Tavola 3 48″ Cafe | Square, 48″ x 48″ x 16″ H | Propane | 65,000 | 450 lbs | $2,954 |
| Prism Hardscapes Tavola 1 56″ Cafe | Rectangle, 38″ x 56″ x 16″ H | Propane | 65,000 | 360 lbs | $3,200 |
| Prism Hardscapes Tavola 4 66″ Cafe | Rectangle, 38″ x 66″ x 16″ H | Natural gas | 65,000 | 500 lbs | $3,456 |
| The Outdoor Plus Maya Fire and Water Bowl, GFRC | Square bowl, 24″ to 36″ options | Natural gas or propane | 45,000 to 65,000 by size | Not listed | $2,510 |
| 60″ Rectangular Dark Grey Gas Fire Pit Table (MgO) | Rectangle, 60″ | Propane | 60,000 | Not listed | $1,563.99 |
The Maya bowl is a fire and water feature meant for pools and fountains, and its listing shows several sizes, so confirm the size and price before ordering. You can browse the full Prism Hardscapes range for other finishes. If you are still deciding between a low bowl and a table, our fire pit size guide covers sizing and seating distance.
Weight and placement
A 450 or 500 pound table needs a flat, solid, level base such as a concrete pad or well compacted pavers. Plan the delivery path too, since moving one across a yard takes several people or equipment.
Be careful with decks. A heavy concrete table concentrates a lot of weight in one spot, and heat and gas lines add more questions. Read can you put a fire pit on a wood deck before you commit, and have a contractor confirm the deck can carry the load.
Gas, not wood
Nearly every concrete fire table we sell is built for propane or natural gas. Prism’s warranty, printed on our listings, says that using wood or fuels other than those specified voids the warranty immediately. Treat these as gas appliances and never toss logs or charcoal in. Gas hookups, conversions and line runs should be done by a licensed gas fitter, and your local code has the final word on installation.
How to clean a concrete fire pit and keep it looking good
Your owner’s manual comes first. Here is what the sources we checked say.
- Cleaning. Prism says to wipe surfaces with a soft cloth and mild soap, and to avoid acidic cleaners, pressure washing and abrasive pads. That rules out vinegar, lemon based cleaners and scouring pads.
- Spills. Blot food, wine and grease right away. Porous concrete pulls stains in if they sit.
- Sealing. Sealer is what keeps moisture and stains out. How often to reseal varies by maker and finish, so follow your owner’s manual and use the sealer it names.
- Covers. Prism recommends covering the unit when not in use to extend the finish. Montana Fire Pits excludes snow damage on uncovered pits from its warranty. Our fire pit cover guide explains sizing and materials.
Winter care
GFRC is rated for freeze and thaw, but standing water and snow load are still worth avoiding. Cover the table, keep water from pooling in the burner pan, and shut off the gas supply if you will not use it for months. For a broader look at fuel types and features, see our fire pit buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does a concrete fire pit crack?
It can develop fine hairline cracks over time. GFRC makers describe these as normal and not structural. Large cracks, loose pieces or gaps near the burner are different: stop using it and contact the manufacturer.
Is a GFRC fire pit better than a concrete look fire table?
Not automatically. GFRC is real concrete with a handmade finish and usually costs more. MgO or other concrete look tables can be lighter on the budget. Compare BTU, fuel, weight, included cover and warranty.
How do you clean a concrete fire pit?
Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water. Skip acidic cleaners, abrasive pads and pressure washers, which Prism specifically warns against, and reseal per your manual.
Can I burn wood in a concrete fire table?
Not in the gas models we carry. Prism’s warranty is voided by burning wood or any fuel not specified for the unit.
Questions about a concrete fire pit?
We are happy to help you compare sizes, fuel types and lead times. Orders of $999 or more ship with free freight shipping, and orders below that ship for a flat $200. Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Returns follow our return and refund policy.
