A custom fire feature is any gas fire element built to a specification that doesn’t correspond to a freestanding product — a fire pit integrated into a hardscape, a linear burner set into a seating wall, a fire column anchored to a deck, a fire and water element built into a pool surround, or a burner trough running through an outdoor kitchen island. Castin Crete Designs designs and builds custom fire features in GFRC concrete for residential and commercial projects throughout southeast Wisconsin and ships nationally for projects where local fabrication isn’t an option.

The difference between a custom fire feature and a custom fire table is scope. A custom fire table is a discrete object with a defined form — a table with a burner. A custom fire feature is an element that lives inside a larger hardscape or architectural design: it has a relationship to the surrounding structure, it may not be removable, and its dimensions are driven by the project rather than by a product specification. These builds require more coordination upfront but produce results that a freestanding product can’t replicate.

Types of Custom Fire Features CastinCrete Builds

Fire pit surrounds and integrated fire pits are among the most common requests — a round or square GFRC concrete ring with a gas burner, set into a hardscape at grade or slightly raised, surrounded by a seating wall or paver field. CastinCrete builds the concrete element; the burner, ignition, and gas supply are integrated during fabrication and coordinated with the site’s gas contractor.

Linear fire features — a burner trough set into a horizontal surface, a fire ribbon running along the edge of a pool deck, a flame element in an outdoor fireplace surround — are a second major category. These builds are specified by burner length, fuel type, and the surrounding structure’s dimensions. GFRC is well suited to linear applications because it can be formed at length without the weight penalty of solid cast concrete.

Fire columns and fire pillars are vertical applications — a freestanding or wall-anchored column with a burner at the top. The Fire Pillar is an example of what CastinCrete builds as a standard product; custom variations in height, diameter, and base configuration are available for projects where the standard form doesn’t fit.

Fire and water combinations — where a recirculating water element and a gas burner share a single GFRC form — can be built at custom dimensions and configurations beyond the standard Fire and Water Fountain Set. Pool surround applications, courtyard focal points, and commercial entry features are common contexts for this type of build.

How Custom Fire Feature Projects Work

Custom fire feature projects typically involve a landscape architect, hardscape contractor, or outdoor living designer alongside the homeowner. CastinCrete is comfortable working at any point in that chain — directly with the homeowner in early planning, with the trade professional on specification, or as a subcontractor to a larger project where the fire feature is one element among many.

The process starts with a consultation. Bring drawings, site photos, dimensions, and your fuel type preference (propane or natural gas). CastinCrete will review the project scope, advise on what’s feasible in GFRC, identify any coordination required with the gas contractor or hardscape installer, and provide pricing based on the finalized spec. For projects still in early design, CastinCrete can participate in the design conversation before dimensions are locked.

Lead times for custom fire features vary by complexity. Simple variations on standard forms — a standard burner in a custom surround — can move quickly. Complex integrated builds with site coordination requirements take longer. Lead time is confirmed during the consultation after scope is defined.

Pricing for Custom Fire Features

Custom fire features are priced individually based on size, complexity, materials, and fuel configuration. There is no fixed price list for custom work. Call (262) 501-9966 or visit the Hartland, WI studio to discuss your project. If you’re working with a design or build team, CastinCrete can provide a spec and price to that team directly.

Serving Waukesha County, Greater Milwaukee, and Beyond

Castin Crete Designs is located in Hartland, WI and builds custom fire features for homeowners, landscape architects, hardscape contractors, pool contractors, outdoor kitchen designers, and commercial clients throughout southeast Wisconsin — including Waukesha, Brookfield, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Delafield, New Berlin, Muskego, Menomonee Falls, Germantown, Mequon, and across the greater Milwaukee metro. We also ship nationwide via freight carrier with liftgate delivery.

Castin Crete Designs
N77 W31144 Hartman Court Ste. E
Hartland, WI 53029
(262) 501-9966

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a custom fire feature and a custom fire table?

A custom fire table is a freestanding object built to non-standard dimensions. A custom fire feature is an element that integrates into a hardscape or architectural structure — a fire pit, a linear burner in a wall, a fire column, a fire and water element in a pool surround. If it’s attached to or built into something, it’s a fire feature project. If it’s a standalone table at a custom size, it’s a custom fire table project. Either way, the starting point is the same: a call or visit to discuss scope.

Can CastinCrete work with my landscape architect or hardscape contractor?

Yes. CastinCrete regularly works as a supplier to landscape architecture and hardscape firms. We can provide specifications, drawings, and lead time information to the design team, and we can work directly with the contractor on site coordination for delivery and installation of the concrete element. The gas connection is always handled by a licensed gas professional on site.

Do custom fire features require a permit?

Typically yes, especially for natural gas connections and permanent installations. Requirements vary by municipality. Most Waukesha County communities require a permit for new gas connections and for permanent outdoor fire features. CastinCrete can advise on typical requirements in the communities we serve; your gas contractor or general contractor will handle the permit process.

Can CastinCrete build a fire feature for a commercial project?

Yes. CastinCrete has built fire features for commercial hospitality, restaurant, and mixed-use projects. Commercial projects require early coordination on lead times, delivery logistics, and installation access. Contact the studio to discuss your project timeline and requirements.

How do I get started?

Call (262) 501-9966 or visit the showroom at N77 W31144 Hartman Court Ste. E, Hartland, WI 53029. Bring dimensions, site photos, and any drawings you have. If the project is still in early design, a conversation before dimensions are finalized is fine — CastinCrete can advise on what’s feasible and what coordination is required before the spec is locked.