Boxhill's Bloq Fire Pit Table

Traditional concrete, known for its heft and solidity, has been a cornerstone of construction for centuries. Its substantial nature imparts a sense of permanence and luxury, making it a favored choice for statement pieces in landscape design.

Composition of Traditional Concrete:

Traditional concrete is a composite material composed primarily of aggregates (like sand and gravel), Portland cement, and water. The proportions and types of aggregates can vary to achieve different textures and strengths.

Advantages of Traditional Concrete in Outdoor Furniture and Fire Pits:

• Durability: It’s highly resilient and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it ideal for permanent outdoor furniture and fire pits.

• Weight: Its substantial weight makes it suitable for stable installations where movement is not desired, like in public spaces or windy environments.

• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, retaining its quality over time with basic cleaning.

• Timeless Appeal: Offers a classic aesthetic that ages well and fits into various design styles.

• Luxurious Feel: Its substantial weight and feel convey a sense of luxury and grandeur, perfect for high-end design projects.

Disadvantages of Traditional Concrete in Outdoor Furniture and Fire Pits:

• Weight: While the heaviness can be an advantage, it also makes transportation and rearrangement of furniture challenging.

• Cracking: Can develop cracks over time, especially in fluctuating temperatures.

• Limited Design Flexibility: Heavier and less versatile for intricate designs compared to lighter materials.

As you shop for outdoor products you may find some made from “cast stone.” Cast stone is a product more akin to traditional concrete but with a high level of refinement and control over its aesthetic qualities. It's typically made from fine and coarse aggregates, cement, and a mix of natural sands, and it may also contain color pigments. One of the defining characteristics of cast stone is its texture and appearance, which can be fine-grained and smooth, achieved often through acid etching.

Here are some of our favorite traditional concrete and cast stone outdoor items from Boxhill:

Boxhill's Libra fire Pit

Choosing between GFRC and traditional concrete depends on the specific needs of your space. Both materials have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and functional requirements.

1. Consider the Location and Usage:

• Balconies and Rooftops: GFRC is ideal for balconies or rooftop gardens where weight limitations are a concern. Its lighter weight makes installation easier and doesn't put excessive stress on the structure.

• Ground-Level Patios and Gardens: For ground-level installations where weight is less of a concern, traditional concrete offers a sense of permanence and solidity, suitable for garden benches, large planters, or fixed installations.

2. Think About Mobility and Flexibility:

• Need for Rearrangement: If you anticipate frequently changing the layout of your outdoor space, GFRC's lighter weight provides the flexibility to move pieces around with relative ease.

• Permanent Installations: For areas where furniture or features are not expected to move, like a fixed fire pit area or a garden path, traditional concrete's heft and stability are advantageous.

3. Aesthetic Considerations:

• Modern and Sleek Designs: GFRC can be molded into more intricate and modern designs, making it suitable for contemporary spaces that require a more refined look.

• Rustic and Robust Feel: Traditional concrete, with its naturally rough texture and substantial presence, suits outdoor spaces that aim for a more rustic or traditional aesthetic.

4. Climate and Environmental Factors:

• Harsh Weather Conditions: In areas with severe weather conditions, traditional concrete's robustness can withstand harsh elements better. It's ideal for regions with heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.

• Mild Climates: GFRC is well-suited for milder climates where extreme weather durability is less of a concern. Its composition makes it resistant to most weather conditions while maintaining a lighter form.

5. Specific Use Cases:

• Outdoor Seating: For movable chairs and lounges, GFRC offers a balance between durability and ease of movement.

• Architectural Features: Traditional concrete is excellent for creating permanent architectural features like water fountains, statues, or large planters that anchor a space.

6. Longevity and Maintenance:

• Ease of Maintenance: GFRC typically requires less maintenance due to its manufacturing process, making it a good choice for those looking for low-maintenance options.

• Long-Term Durability: If the outdoor space will see heavy use, traditional concrete's inherent durability and resistance to wear make it a practical long-term choice.

Whether you opt for the innovative GFRC or the classic allure of traditional concrete, both materials offer distinct advantages for outdoor furnishings. We invite you to explore Boxhill's collection, where you'll find an array of products that beautifully embody both the strength and elegance of these materials, tailored to fit your unique design needs.

While some may question the higher cost, Boxhill's commitment to excellence is evident in the 3-15% crucial mixture of ingredients that define our GFRC. These elements, often trade secrets, involve polymers and specialized materials, reflecting the Boxhill dedication to delivering outdoor masterpieces that stand the test of time.

In conclusion, whether you choose the timeless charm of our precast concrete fire pits or the innovative allure of Boxhill's GFRC collection, your outdoor space is destined for greatness. Shop at Boxhill and elevate your outdoor experience with fire pits that embody the perfect blend of aesthetics, strength, and longevity. As Boxhill leads the way in outdoor design, our commitment to innovation ensures your space is not just adorned but transformed.

We’ve compiled a list of common terms used to describe different types of concrete products. These are general definitions and the specific composition and application may varry from maker to maker.

Air-Entrained Concrete: Concrete that contains tiny air bubbles intentionally introduced during mixing. These air pockets increase the freeze-thaw durability of the concrete, making it suitable for colder climates.

Cast Stone: A highly refined architectural precast concrete used to simulate natural cut stone. It's made from a mix of white and/or grey cements, natural or manufactured sands, and crushed stone. Cast stone is used for aesthetic applications where a stone-like appearance is desired.

Fiber Reinforced Concrete: A concrete mix containing fibrous materials to improve structural integrity and reduce cracking. Fibers can be synthetic, natural, or glass fibers. This type of concrete enhances overall energy absorption and durability.

Fiberglass Reinforced Concrete: Similar to GFRC, it involves the use of glass fibers for reinforcement. It's typically used for creating more intricate and aesthetic designs in concrete products.

GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete): A type of fiber-reinforced concrete that uses glass fibers for reinforcement. It is known for its lightweight, strength, and design versatility. GFRC is commonly used in architectural applications, including outdoor furniture and decorative panels.

GFRC Waterproof: This refers to GFRC products that are treated or manufactured in a way to make them resistant to water penetration. This feature is essential for outdoor items to ensure longevity and durability against weather elements.

High-Performance Concrete: This concrete type is characterized by properties such as high durability, increased strength, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. It's commonly used in specialized projects like nuclear power plants and offshore structures.

High-Strength Concrete: A type of concrete with a compressive strength higher than standard concrete, often exceeding 40 MPa. It's used in structures that demand high load-bearing capacity, such as skyscrapers and bridges.

Lightweight Concrete: Concrete that uses lightweight aggregates such as expanded clay, shale, or slate, resulting in a lower density compared to traditional concrete. It's often used in applications where reducing the weight of the structure is important, like rooftop gardens or balconies.

Precast Concrete: Concrete that is cast and cured in a controlled environment, usually at a manufacturing plant, and then transported to the construction site. This method ensures higher quality control and faster construction time. Precast concrete is used for various applications, including wall panels, beams, and staircases.

Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC): A highly flowable type of concrete that spreads and settles into place without the need for mechanical vibration. It's used in complex forms or where reinforcing bars make traditional concrete placement difficult.

Shotcrete: A method of applying concrete projected at high velocity onto a surface. It's often used for curved or thin structures and in applications where conventional molds are not feasible.

Stamped Concrete: A decorative concrete type where freshly poured concrete is stamped with patterns or textures before it sets, often resembling natural materials like stone, brick, or wood. It's popular for patios, driveways, and walkways.

Traditional Concrete: A composite material composed of aggregates (like sand and gravel), Portland cement, and water. It's known for its heaviness, solidity, and wide range of applications in construction, including outdoor furniture and structures.

Waterproof Concrete: Concrete that has been treated or formulated to prevent water penetration. This is crucial for structures exposed to moist environments or where water resistance is a key requirement.