Who is Markus Brodnig?

Markus Brodnig is a certified master craftsman and trained metalworker from Carinthia, Austria. For over 35 years his life has revolved around steel. In his workshop in Brückl, he crafts every piece himself – from the first sketch to delivery. His rule is simple: he builds everything as if he would buy it himself. "Would I buy this myself?" – if not, he starts over.

What is AlpStahl?

AlpStahl is the umbrella brand of Markus Brodnig's manufactory. Feuerschalenkunst.at is our well-known name from past years – strong in fire bowls. AlpStahl covers the whole product world: planters with AquaDepot, grills, fountains, garden furniture and design objects. Two words, one philosophy: Alpine for the homeland. Steel for eternity.

What sets AlpStahl apart from other suppliers?

Three things: First, Markus crafts every piece himself in his own workshop in Carinthia – no outsourcing, no imported goods. Second, we use massive material thicknesses, significantly more robust than typical market standards. Third, we offer 10 years warranty against rust-through. A piece like that lasts a generation.

Why are the pieces so massive and heavy?

That's intentional. While the market often uses thin sheet metal, Markus builds massive and for eternity. The benefits are concrete: The bowls don't warp in fire, they stand firmly even in wind, and they last a generation. You'll feel the difference immediately – this is real craftsmanship, not mass production.

How does the Corten steel patina develop?

Corten steel is weather-resistant structural steel. After a few weeks outdoors, a dense rust protection layer forms – the typical warm reddish-brown color. This patina develops within 3 to 6 months depending on weather conditions, then stabilizes. It protects the steel underneath and only becomes more beautiful with age. Rusting through is impossible – that's why we offer 10 years warranty.

Can I accelerate the rusting process?

Yes, with saltwater. This is how Markus does it himself: Take a glass of water and stir in 2 tablespoons of salt until completely dissolved. First clean the Corten steel surfaces with a degreaser, otherwise water beads off and rust becomes patchy. Apply the saltwater every other day for one week with a brush or spray bottle. After a few days, you'll see the typical warm edelrost color.

What care do the products need?

Corten steel requires no care. No oiling, no painting, no treatment. The patina develops naturally through weather and only becomes more beautiful and protective over the years. For fire bowls, simply scrape out the ashes after burning – that's all.

How long does delivery take?

We craft every piece on order in our workshop. Delivery times:

• Standard products: 2 to 4 weeks from payment receipt
• Custom-made pieces: 3 to 6 weeks from order confirmation

For time-critical inquiries, call Markus directly for an exact date.

What does shipping cost?

Within Austria and Germany shipping is free – no minimum order value. Whether an 80 kg planter or a fire bowl over 100 kg – you pay nothing extra. For deliveries to other European countries, we'll happily prepare an individual quote.

Which countries do you ship to?

We ship throughout Europe. Free shipping within Austria and Germany. For other EU countries, we create an individual quote. Heavier pieces are delivered by Gebrüder Weiss forwarding on pallets. Standard is curbside delivery – tracking and insurance included.

How can I pay?

We offer various payment methods:

• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
• PayPal
• Shopify Payments
• Instant bank transfer
• Bank transfer (prepayment)

For larger orders or custom pieces, we arrange a down payment and the rest on delivery.

Will I receive an invoice with VAT number?

Of course. Every order comes with a proper invoice – on request with your VAT number. Simply write the VAT number in the order notes or send it to us beforehand. We regularly work with hotels, garden designers and architects.

How does AquaDepot work?

AquaDepot is our built-in water reservoir in planters. In the lower area lies an approximately 10 cm layer of gravel as water storage. At the same level sit so-called snorkels that drain excess water downward. The plant roots grow into this area and draw the stored water themselves. Depending on temperature and season, the plant can go up to three days without watering.

Important in winter: Remove the drain plug so no water remains in the depot and freezes.

How do I fill a planter correctly?

For planters with AquaDepot, first the gravel layer (about 10 cm) as water storage. Then a separating fleece so soil and gravel don't mix. Then normal potting soil.

For planters without AquaDepot, a few centimeters of drainage layer (expanded clay or coarse gravel), separating fleece and soil are enough. Which plants? You're free to choose – from grasses to perennials to small shrubs.

Which fire bowl is right for me?

It depends on how many people usually gather and which style fits your garden. Our most popular classics are Orbis (timeless, robust), Apex (modern form) and Octavus (octagonal, distinctive). For lovers of special pieces, we recommend Gothica, Ignis, Solidus or Magnus. If unsure, call Markus – he'll give you clear advice.

What surface can a fire bowl stand on?

A fire bowl gets hot underneath – so not directly on wooden terraces, lawn or heat-sensitive surfaces. Suitable are pavers, stone, gravel or soil. For wooden terraces, there are fireproof underlays of steel or stone available.

Safety distance: at least 3 meters from walls, plants or anything that could catch sparks.

Do fountains and planters need to be winterized?

Yes, absolutely. Corten steel itself is fully weather and frost resistant, but water inside is dangerous:

• Planters with AquaDepot: Before the frost period, remove the drain plug and let water out.
• Fountains: Drain water completely, empty pump and pipes, store frost-free.

Freezing water expands and can burst pipes or shapes. We provide no warranty for frost damage – this is a user error and unavoidable in any material.

How do I anchor a plant wall correctly?

Plant walls and privacy elements must be firmly anchored – either directly concreted or screwed to a concrete base. This is not a recommendation but a requirement.

A plant wall full of soil and plants quickly weighs several hundred kilos and has a large wind contact surface. Without firm anchoring, it can fall over in a storm – a real danger. Markus is happy to advise on the right anchoring for your ground.

What warranty is provided?

We offer 10 years warranty against rust-through on all Corten steel products. Additionally, the statutory 2-year warranty from handover applies. We can do this because Markus builds massive and for eternity – with material thicknesses well above market standard.

What happens with returns?

For standard products, you have the statutory 14-day right of withdrawal without reason.

Important exceptions and notes:

• Custom-made pieces are excluded from withdrawal (§ 18 Abs. 1 Z 3 FAGG, Austrian law)
• For fire bowls already used: 50% value replacement
• For visible scratches or dents beyond normal transport traces: 30% value replacement
• Return shipping costs are borne by the buyer (approx. €100-150 in AT, €200-250 from DE)

Do you have a partner program for resellers and B2B customers?

Yes, we regularly work with garden designers, landscape architects, hotels and resellers. We discuss conditions personally – depending on industry and volume. Markus will get back to you directly.

Find all details and the inquiry form on our partner page: Become a Partner

Or write to us directly at info@feuerschalenkunst.at.