It is not every day that someone calls to replace their second concrete fire pit, but it happened last week. In Florida, there are no freeze and thaw cycles, no wild storms, just heat and a few years.
I have spent over two decades building outdoor features including signage, sculpture, and furniture, and I have seen what lasts and what fails. That experience led to the creation of Modofire.
While we still craft pieces in corten steel, concrete, and other materials, our focus, and what I believe the outdoor industry truly needs, is aluminum. It is not only for its weather resistance but for its design potential, its precision, and its ability to perform in the harshest environments without compromise.
From coastal estates to desert courtyards, our clients expect more than beauty. They expect permanence. And while we continue to offer refined designs in concrete and steel, our dedication remains fixed on marine grade architectural aluminum. Here is why.
The Case for Aluminum: Light, Strong, and Built to Last
Aluminum has quietly become the foundation of exterior grade products in industries ranging from aerospace to architecture. It does not rust, warp, or crack the way steel or concrete can.
Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it ideal for coastal, humid, and high salinity environments.
Thermal Stability: It expands and contracts with heat but returns to its original form without structural damage, making it perfect for high temperature fire features.
Sustainability: More than seventy five percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. It can be recycled endlessly without losing strength or quality, making it one of the most responsible material choices available.
Weight Advantage: Aluminum offers strength without bulk, simplifying shipping, installation, and placement without sacrificing structural integrity.
We have seen clients replace concrete fire tables that cracked simply from heat exposure, even in Florida’s mild conditions. With aluminum, that is not a concern.
The Allure and Limits of Concrete and Steel
We respect the raw beauty of concrete and the strength of steel. Both have earned their place in design, but science reminds us of their limits.
Concrete: Porous and prone to microcracking, concrete absorbs moisture and can expand or degrade under temperature changes. It requires sealing and maintenance to perform well outdoors.
Steel: Clean, strong, and industrial, but vulnerable to corrosion over time. Even powder coated surfaces can rust from the inside out at weld points or where drainage is inadequate.
We continue to use both materials when appropriate, but aluminum remains our preferred choice for lasting performance.
Elevated Design with Aluminum
After more than twenty years of outdoor fabrication, what sets Modofire apart is not only craftsmanship but what we can achieve with aluminum. Through chemical patinas, powder coatings, and artisan finishing, we create surfaces that emulate the richness of oil rubbed bronze, brushed brass, corten steel, or blackened steel.
The result is a collection of pieces that look like forged metal or aged stone yet perform with the strength and resilience of aluminum.
Designed for Designers, Built for the Elements
Architects and designers work with Modofire because we share their mindset. We focus on proportion, shadow lines, material behavior, and precision detailing. Whether it is a sculptural fire vessel or a modern architectural centerpiece, each piece is created to exist outdoors permanently.
Our mission is not only to build fire features but to craft legacy grade furnishings that resist time and trends alike.
The Modofire Standard
At Modofire, we believe material is the message. Aluminum represents refinement, resilience, and responsibility. We will continue to offer concrete and steel when it serves the design, but for fire features built to last a lifetime, aluminum is not just an option. It is the standard we hold ourselves to.