How Long Does A Corten Steel Fire Pit Last?

When it comes to fire pits that offer the best value for money, it’s hard to overlook a corten steel fire pit.  The thing that makes it so worth the money is the fact that it is so durable.  So, how long does a corten steel fire pit last?

Let’s dive into answering that question and get to know corten steel just a little better…

What is Corten Steel?

Corten steel, also known as weathering steel, is known for its striking aesthetic of a deep coppery red and orange that comes from the layer of rust that accumulates over the surface of the metal.

The rusting is completely intentional and is what is known as controlled rust.   The rust actually forms a protective layer over the steel when it is left to fight the natural elements. 

Corten steel and its unique style have become incredibly popular in modern landscaping. As a result of this stylish appearance (not to mention many other benefits), corten steel is now used for all kinds of outdoor fixtures, from outdoor fire pits and fireplaces to planters and even wood storage. 

Moreover, this unique rusting characteristic also helps to make a corten fire pit one of the most durable options available. This makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a firepit that is built to last!

Below is the GrillSymbol Chiaro as delivered (un rusted).

What Makes a Corten Steel Fire Pit So Durable? 

Durability is one of the key selling points of corten steel. Simply put, this is steel with one of the longest lifespans around. 

The reason for this is thanks to its unique rusting effect mentioned above. While rust is usually considered a bad thing for outdoor furniture and fixtures, it is actually a good thing for corten steel. 

The rusting that occurs on corten steel is stable oxidisation of the outer layer of the metal which occurs naturally when left outside in the wind, rain, and sun.

Unlike the rust that continues to corrode your metal, gradually destroying it over time, the rust that covers corten steel actually acts as a protective layer over the top, keeping the steel underneath safe from harm.  This is what makes corten steel so durable!

It really is an incredible creation and one that is ideal for building a long-lasting and durable fire pit. 

So when you get your corten steel fire pit and you see it start to rust you can rest assured that’s it doing exactly what it should.

There are maybe even instances when you want to help your fire pit rust quickly to create that protective layer quicker! 

How Long Will a Corten Steel Fire Last?

So, the big question – how long does a corten steel fire pit last?

There are many variables that make it hard to predict the exact lifespan of every fire pit, but we do have a good idea of roughly the amount of time you can expect to have with your corten steel fire pit.

For corten steel that is 2mm-3mm in thickness, you can easily expect it to last for at least 25 years, if not more. 

All of our corten fire pits are 3mm thick or more, so you can rest assured that you will be able to enjoy your fire pit for many, many, years to come!

Some additional considerations for your corten fire pit

While you can easily expect your corten steel fire pit to last for a long time, there are a few things you can do to help prolong that further if you wanted to.

• Rust your firepit faster – When you receive your new corten fire pit there won't be any rust on it.  Because of this, and as we’ve mentioned above, you may very well want to speed up the rusting process as it can take several months if not up to a year to get just the right covering of rust.
• The added benefit of speeding up the rusting process is that you also get that gorgeous deep red/orange aesthetic that makes corten steel so unique faster!
• Clean regularly – While one of the big benefits of having a corten steel fire pit is the lack of maintenance it requires and the fact that you can just leave it out all year round, but it is still worth taking time to clean it as often as you can.

There are a couple of reasons for this:

• Cleaning will ensure a better, more uniform, layer of rust is produced
• It will prevent weak spots from forming in the rust layer
• You’ll also get the added benefit of a little less smoke!

Cleaning your corten fire pit is actually incredibly easy.  All you need is a good steel brush and give it a good rub all over.

Our Favourite Corten Steel Fire Pits Built To Last

While we are incredibly proud of our range of corten steel fire pits and wanted to highlight a few of our favourites.

• Adezz Forno

The Adezz Forno is your classic bowl-shaped fire pit that is simple, honest and is perfect for building a fire that will last you long into the night.

The fantastic thing about the Forno range is that they come in many sizes so you can be confident that you will be able to get one to fit your outdoor space no matter what size it is.  They even have one that is 200cm in diameter which is the largest fire pit on offer in the UK.

• GrillSymbol Luna

The Luna is a gorgeous outdoor wood burning fire pit that makes a simply stunning centrepiece in your garden.  The fire pit is actually made from two parts, the exterior panel, and the interior fire pit, both of which are made from long-lasting 3mm corten steel.

The unique design offers something a little different from the traditional fire pit bowl, and really does create the perfect atmosphere for long nights making great memories with friends and family.

• GrillSymbol Piazza

An absolutely stunning square-sided fire pit, the GrillSymbol Piazza really is a striking addition to your garden.

It’s ideal for those smaller outdoor spaces that you are looking to create a cosy spot to keep warm on a cold night.

The Celtic motif on the side also adds a lovely level of design that really stands out at night with the fire roaring.

Final Thoughts

We think it’s safe to say that if you are looking for a fire pit that can (and will) last a lifetime then a corten steel fire pit is your ideal choice.

Corten is designed to last, is incredibly durable, easy to move around, and looks absolutely stunning. What more could you ask for!