Practical answers to help you choose, order and care for your outdoor fire pit. For help with a specific model, contact our team before purchasing.
Choosing your fire pit
1. Why choose The Veranda?
The Veranda is a Melbourne-based business offering sculptural steel fire pits that bring warmth and distinctive design to outdoor spaces. Our focus is thoughtful design, fair pricing and personal service, with local delivery and warehouse collection available.
2. How do I choose the right size and shape?
Start with the space available after allowing for safe clearances, seating and movement. Round designs suit circular seating, while angular designs complement structured layouts. Sculptural pieces create a focal point even when unlit. Check each product’s dimensions, weight and instructions. A compact fire pit still needs full safety clearances.
Plan your space with CFA guidance
Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) recommends keeping the area around and above your fire pit clear of anything that can burn, and setting it on a stable surface such as paving, gravel or bare earth. Allow comfortable space from the house, fences, overhanging trees and outdoor furniture when choosing your spot. With a little planning, a fire pit can become the centrepiece of your outdoor space.
For full details on clearances and seasonal fire restrictions, visit the CFA fire pit safety guide and the CFA ‘Can I or can’t I?’ page before lighting.
3. How much should I budget?
Allow for the fire pit, delivery, any ground preparation and compatible accessories. Prices vary by size, construction and design; individual prices and specifications are listed on our product pages. Contact us before ordering if you need help choosing a piece that suits your budget and space.
4. Should I buy a ready-made fire pit or build one?
A ready-made fire pit offers a defined design, size and price. A custom-built installation may suit a particular landscape plan but requires suitable materials, safe construction and potentially approvals. Compare the total cost, including labour and site preparation, rather than materials alone.
5. Is metal or concrete better?
Both can be suitable when designed specifically for fire use. Metal offers a wide range of shapes and finishes; concrete designs can provide a substantial architectural feature but are often heavy. Check heat suitability, weight and maintenance requirements. The Veranda’s collection is made from steel.
6. What should I look for in a quality fire pit?
Look for stable construction, secure supports, materials suitable for repeated heating and clear operating instructions. Consider the usable fire area, finish, drainage and maintenance requirements alongside appearance. Choose a product suited to your location and intended use.
Products and accessories
7. What are your fire pits made from, and will they all look identical?
Our fire pits are made from steel with a protective, rust-inhibiting finish. Slight variations in colour, texture and finish may occur between individually made pieces. Refer to the product page for model-specific details, and contact us if you have a concern about the finish of your purchase.
8. Why does my fire pit have a METALIT logo?
METALIT is our manufacturing partner. Its mark may appear on the product to identify the workshop that made it. A METALIT mark on an item purchased from The Veranda does not mean you have received the wrong product. Please contact us directly with any product or after-sales questions.
9. Does my fire pit require assembly?
Assembly requirements vary by model. Where assembly is required, instructions are included with your order. Check the product details before purchasing and follow the supplied instructions before use.
10. Can I cook on my fire pit?
Only use it for cooking if the product description specifically states that the model is suitable or compatible with cooking accessories. Use approved accessories and follow the instructions for both the fire pit and the accessory.
11. Can my fire pit double as a table?
Only if the model is designed for that purpose and has a compatible tabletop. Do not assume a lid or cover can support weight. Fit and use any tabletop only as instructed, once the fire is fully extinguished and the fire pit is completely cold.
12. Should I add sand, stones or a grate to the bottom?
Follow the instructions for your particular model. Some designs use a grate or specified protective layer; others do not. Do not add sand, stones, liners or other materials unless recommended, as they can affect airflow, drainage and heat distribution. Contact us if you are unsure.
Ordering and delivery
13. Where do you deliver, and can I collect my order?
We currently deliver within approximately 50 km of our warehouse in Mernda, Victoria. Contact us before ordering if you are unsure whether your address is covered. Collection is available by appointment once your order is ready. Ensure your vehicle has sufficient space and load capacity, and secure the product safely and lawfully for transport.
14. How long does delivery take?
Orders are usually processed within 3–5 business days. Once dispatched, local delivery is generally completed within a further 1–3 business days. These are estimates rather than guaranteed delivery dates.
15. Where will my order be delivered, and do I need to be home?
Delivery is to the kerbside or ground-floor entrance only; it does not include moving the product inside or positioning it in your garden. Someone must be available to receive and inspect the order. Redelivery charges may apply if nobody is available. Arrange enough assistance or suitable equipment to move the heavy product safely.
16. Can I change or cancel my order?
Please contact us as soon as possible. If your order has not been dispatched, we will do our best to accommodate your request. Changes or cancellations are not guaranteed; this does not affect your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Placement and safe use
17. Can I use a fire pit in my backyard, and do I need a permit?
Check your local council’s requirements and current fire restrictions before use. Requirements can differ by location and installation. In Victoria, wood-burning fire pits must not be used on a Total Fire Ban day applying to your location. During a declared Fire Danger Period, CFA conditions cover wind, a properly constructed fireplace, combustible clearances, fire size, continuous supervision and complete extinguishment. Check the current CFA guidance before lighting. [1]
18. Where should I place it, including on a patio or deck?
Use a stable, level, non-combustible surface such as suitable paving, concrete or gravel. CFA advises keeping three metres around and above the fire pit clear of anything that can burn. Consider the house, fences, furniture, trees and overhead structures. Follow any greater manufacturer or local requirements. Do not place it directly on timber or composite decking, and do not assume a mat or barrier makes a deck safe. Check the model’s instructions and the suitability of the surface. [2]
19. What wood should I use, and how much will I need?
We recommend dry, seasoned, untreated firewood, such as well-seasoned red gum or packaged firewood from local retailers such as Bunnings or Anaconda. Start with a small amount of kindling and a modest fuel load, adding wood gradually. The amount needed depends on the size of the fire pit, the wood and how long you use it. Avoid overfilling, keep logs within the intended burning area and store spare wood away from the fire.
20. What safety precautions should I follow?
Check restrictions before lighting. Keep children and pets away, never use petrol or other accelerants, and keep a responsible adult supervising the fire. Have a hose or at least 10 litres of water nearby. Before leaving or going inside, extinguish the fire completely with water; do not leave it unattended to burn out. The fire pit and ashes can remain hot after flames disappear. [2]
Care and customer support
21. Can I leave my fire pit outside, and how do I maintain it?
Our fire pits are designed for outdoor use, but exposure to weather will affect the finish over time. Once the fire and ashes are completely cold, remove ash and debris, keep drainage clear and avoid stagnant water. Clean using the model’s care instructions. If using a suitable cover, fit it only when the fire pit is fully cold and dry. During long periods without use, keep it dry and ventilated.
22. Will my fire pit rust, and can I restore the finish?
The Veranda fire pits are finished with heat-resistant paint and baked at 250°C for eight hours as part of the finishing process. This helps protect the steel, but does not make it rust-proof or maintenance-free. Normal wear from heat, use and weather can occur over time. Remove cold ash regularly, prevent water from pooling and keep the fire pit dry when not in use. Contact us for advice on compatible touch-up paint and preparation before repainting. Significant or premature corrosion should be assessed, and you should stop using the fire pit if corrosion has weakened the bowl, base or supports. Your consumer rights remain unaffected.
23. Do you accept change-of-mind returns?
We do not offer refunds or exchanges for change of mind. Please check dimensions, access, finish and suitability before ordering, and contact us if you need help choosing. This policy does not limit your rights if the product is faulty, unsafe, not as described or otherwise fails to meet Australian Consumer Law guarantees. [3]
24. What if my order arrives damaged or develops a fault?
Contact us promptly with your order number, a description of the issue and clear photos. For visible delivery damage, please let us know within 48 hours where possible so we can investigate quickly; this is a reporting request, not a limit on your consumer rights. We will assess the issue and provide the remedy required by Australian Consumer Law. For a major failure, you can choose a refund or replacement. Other faults will be addressed as the law requires. [3]
Still have a question? Email support@theveranda.com.au. Visit theveranda.com.au to explore the collection.
Updated 18 October 2026
Official guidance
Check current restrictions and model instructions before use. These sources support the safety and consumer-rights answers in this FAQ.