Just got this yesterday so I have only tried it once. At first the flame was low so I had to move some of the stones to allow the flame to come from the small holes. Going to try to fill it in more later. Solid but not extremely heavy. Great space to put a drink or food although seems so warm with the flame I might need to buy the shield. Looks really pretty on my small synthetic deck. Propane tubing is the perfect length to go over the edge of the deck and be covered. The cover is perfect and works just fine after you cool the stones.