Yes; it's pretty close to an ideal material for a fire pit, since it won't rust away after multiple fires. The hexavalent chromium isn't released before the stainless steel melts, which requires a much higher temperature than any fire pit can attain. More on reddit.com

Hey, great questions — I’ve been down this rabbit hole myself when building fire pits, so here’s what I’ve learned: Heat-Resistant Finishes – Is There Anything That Actually Lasts? Regular paint is a no-go — it’ll burn off fast. But there are some options: • High-temp paints like Rust-Oleum High Heat or Stove Bright can handle 1200°F–2000°F. These work decently on the outside of your fire pit but won’t hold up where the fire directly hits. • Some people use vegetable or linseed oil and heat it in like seasoning cast iron. It creates a blackened finish and adds a bit of rust protection, though not long-term. • Or, you can go with the “let it rust but in a controlled way” route — think Corten steel. Regular mild steel will rust more aggressively, though, and eventually rot out if left exposed to the elements. Is Stainless Steel Worth It? If you’ve got the budget, I’d say yes. • It doesn’t need paint, it develops those cool heat colors (blues, golds, purples), and it’s way more corrosion-resistant. • 304 or 316 stainless are solid picks. • Downsides? It’s more expensive and not totally immune to heat damage or discoloration — but it won’t fall apart from rust like mild steel. Will Stainless Warp Under Heat? Yep, especially if it’s thin. • If you’re using 16–18 gauge stainless, expect some warping. • Thicker stuff (like 11 gauge or even 1/4”) holds up way better. • Avoid wide, flat surfaces without support — curves or rolled edges help resist heat distortion. My Recommendation: • On a budget? Use mild steel, hit the outside with high-temp paint, and let the inside take the burn. Repaint every season or so. • If you want longevity and low maintenance? Go stainless — just design around potential warping (thicker metal, bracing, curved shapes). • Or meet in the middle: a mild steel frame with a stainless insert for the burn area works really well too. Hope this helps More on reddit.com