I'm shopping for a fire pit as a gift to a family member, and a local guy does some 4 and 6 sided CNC pits on a stand. His prices are good, but he uses 3/16 steel.

Am I risking short life, warping, etc by going with 3/16?

FWIW...this is going to someone who will only use on the patio in the winter months. Not to cook. Not huge fires. Only a 30" diameter pit.

3/16 for this application ok, or look for something better?

I use 3/16 for the sides of fire pits but use 1/4for the bottom. Having said that, if it's cleaned out after every fire and kept dry it should last a few years.

If they clean out the ashes and don't let them sit in there wet then 3/16 is adequate, won't rust through or warp from heat.

Appreciate it.

Anything I'm forgetting before I order?

4 sided, 30" wide CNC, welded to a low stand. Handles on side for moving.

IMO, foot rests are never used, as most folks sit further away to avoid smoke/too much heat.

The bottom on any fire pit will eventually rust out.
If you have any influence on the design, being able to cut out old steel and weld in a patch would make life easier.