What’s the Difference Between a Precast Fireplaces and a Firebox?

If you've been comparing our outdoor fireplaces with our firebox range, you might’ve noticed something curious: It’s only a little more to get the full fireplace than just the firebox. So, what gives? 

We’ve had a few questions about this, and it’s a great one to ask, because the answer highlights the flexibility and value of our fireplace range. So let’s unpack the differences between the T-Series Fireboxes and our precast concrete outdoor fireplaces, and help you choose the right option for your project. 

What is a Firebox? 

A firebox is the heart of the fireplace, the steel fire chamber where the flames burn, logs crackle, and heat is generated. Our T1200 and T1600 fireboxes are designed as standalone components. They’re popular with: 

• Homeowners doing custom landscaping 
• Builders and architects designing feature walls 
• DIYers looking for flexibility in layout
• And they can be used indoors if air quality rules allow

The fireboxes are made from durable, heat-resistant 6mm Steel, with the option to be made from stainless steel. What the fireboxes don't include is the structure to surround it. This is something you (or your builder) will need to design and build in accordance with the specifications or the AS/NZS2918 standard.  

What’s Included in a Trendz Outdoor Fireplace? 

Our precast fireplace range (like the Mini Burton, Burton, Hudson and Douglas) comes complete with: 

• A built-in 6mm steel firebox  
• Precast concrete surround 
• Chimney flue (Burton and Mini Burton) and rain cap
• Optional accessories like wood boxes, swinging cooking grill etc

It arrives ready for installation, and ready to become the centrepiece of your outdoor living space. All that’s left is choosing your finish: paint & plaster (you can choose this to be done before delivery), schist, or brick. 

Why Is the Full Fireplace Only Slightly More? 

That’s the part people are surprised by, and it comes down to efficiency and amount of steel used. 

We design and manufacture our concrete surrounds in-house, we can streamline production. Also the concrete surround is the housing to hold the steel firebox and direct smoke up into the chimney. The T-series Firebox insert option uses more steel as it needs to be able to direct the heat and smoke up the chimney without affecting the surrounding structure. In effect, the surrounding structure is a facade around the inner working firebox. This means that a lot more work is required to create this gathering.

So when you compare the firebox price to the complete fireplace, it’s not that the firebox is expensive, it’s that the full fireplace structure offers incredible value for what you’re getting. 

Which One is Right for You? 

As we often say, you will always struggle to beat the cost effectiveness of dropping into place a precast, turn key, ready to go outdoor fireplace solution. However the fireboxes only do have their place and below is some points for you to consider what will work best. And of course, the team at Trendz are always ready and happy to help walk you through the process of selecting the best option.

Choose a Firebox Insert: 

• You have a custom outdoor kitchen or wall design
• You need flexibility in shape and finish 

Choose a Trendz Prefabricated Fireplace:

• You want a quick, stylish fireplace solution
• You want a turnkey option that’s easy to install
• You love the look of Trendz fireplaces as they are 

Same Quality, Different Approach 

Whether you choose a standalone firebox or a full fireplace unit, you’re getting the same high-performance 6mm steel firebox at the core. The real difference lies in how you want it to look, how much creative control you want, and how involved your build will be. 

Still unsure which is right for your project? Contact our team - we’re happy to help!