Premium
Outdoor BBQ Fires,
Storage &
Garden Sculptures
Welcome to The Metal Effect. We build custom Corten steel products right here in Cromwell, NZ, designed to elevate your outdoor entertaining space. From our heavy-duty outdoor BBQ fires to our signature log pods and stacked metal dice art, our pieces are built tough to look great year after year.
Handcrafted Metal Art: Outdoor Cooking Fires, Fire Pits and Sculptures
Highlander Fire
As Seen on Grand Designs 3rd May 2026
The Living Patina:
The Beauty of Corten Steel
Unlike ordinary steel that degrades, our Corten steel is designed to age gracefully. It develops a stunning, self-protecting 'living patina' that reacts to the Central Otago elements. This deep bronze-to-orange layer isn't just for looks—it forms a protective barrier that prevents deep corrosion, ensuring your piece lasts for decades without the need for painting or maintenance.
Your sculpture or fire pit will arrive in a raw or partially weathered state and will continue to evolve and deepen in character, making every piece truly
one-of-a-kind
ARTISTIC EVENTS
Art in the Park Auckland 2024
September 2024
We are getting a bit excited around here.
I have been invited to attend The Art in the Park at Eden Park Auckland, in September 2024. I have two sculptures that are coming with us. It will be exciting to see how people will react with my sculptures as well as seeing what others are doing. So many talented people out there. I feel very privileged to be doing this.
Nigel Longman
Wanaka A & P 2025
August 09 2024
We are starting some planning for the up and coming Wanaka A & P Show. Amongst or daily stuff we are doing. We are hoping to get some new items made and hopefully we will have a waterwheel again, may not be the biggest size but we know from past shows this has been a show stopper that young and old enjoy. So watch this space.