Consider making this practical yet budget-friendly DIY fire pit table made out of stacking stones as your next DIY project. Perfect for relaxing with family or entertaining guests. Details matter when it comes to creating a cozy space, from string lights and outdoor rugs to creating an inviting patio oasis.
Materials
A fire pit table is an innovative outdoor fireplace design that blends the functionality of both patio tables and a fire feature into one outdoor design feature. Available in various styles and sizes ranging from petite 20-inch models designed to fit small spaces to larger 45-inch ones designed as centerpieces for seating areas, fire pit tables can add warmth and atmosphere to any seating area or event.
Planning a DIY fire pit project requires taking into consideration several key materials. Your choice will ultimately affect how much money is spent and whether or not it fits within your budget.
Concrete fire pits offer the most cost-effective option, as it's durable enough to withstand intense heat from gas fire pits while remaining affordable on any tight budget.
For an eye-catching aesthetic, stone and paver blocks may be your answer. These cost-effective materials come molded to look like real stone and can easily be stacked in layers to achieve your desired effect. To save yourself from mortaring hassles and time consuming process, there are also premade fire pit tables. These kits usually consist of steel bases with propane tanks for fuel and an easy ignition mechanism like match or push button technology for effortless ignition of their burner.
Add some flair and make the experience complete by installing a metal cover over your fire pit if possible, as this can reduce ash buildup, moisture accumulation and debris entering the burner system. In areas prone to rain or snowfall it might also be wise to invest in draining solutions to protect against potential water damage or clogs in your fire pit.
Along with your chosen materials, it's also crucial to have the appropriate tools before beginning construction of your DIY fire pit. Most fire pit projects require both power and hand tools for building their base, support structure, and top components - as well as a garden rake for digging the soil foundation for construction. Once ready for use, add a layer of gravel by lightly wetting and dispersing evenly using your garden rake; once tamped down with hand tampers to compress and level out its appearance.
Design
If you want to bring warmth into your craft space, there are numerous ways you can add coziness. From adding soft blankets or pillows for immediate coziness to using ergonomic crochet hooks or knitting needles for increased comfort. Even better is trying a warm and soothing beverage like tea, coffee or hot chocolate while experimenting with citrus fruits or herbs for additional flavor enhancement!
One way to elevate your craft is by crafting a customized fire pit table. These multifunctional pieces of furniture combine dining table and fireplace into one compact unit. Available in various shapes, colors, and sizes as well as different materials like glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), they can bring added charm to any outdoor living space.
To create a fire pit table, first determine what material will be used - paver blocks, bricks or recycled stones may all work. Customization options such as chairs or barstools allow for custom height settings if desired. It is important that any chosen material be heat resistant and noncombustible for safe use in your fire pit table design. Secondly, determine and plan accordingly the size of your pit - gas-fueled pits require tanks of propane or natural gas and gas lines must be laid out to connect them directly to its location for safe use.
Building a fire pit doesn't have to be complicated or challenging; the base of your table acts like an enclosure that contains all of the parts required. It houses the burner; conceals all components of the gas system including regulator and gas lines; and provides support for tabletop. Depending on the size and nature of your project and whether or not you will use natural or propane gas systems, adjustments may need to be made between stones or accommodate specific ignitors used.
Once you've selected your final design and materials, it's time to start building. Before beginning any actual construction, it is a good idea to lay out the initial block layer and ensure it is level; breaking some blocks may be necessary if it is too large or uneven. Once the first layer of stones have been laid down, re-level the sand base before measuring gaps which need filling with filler material.
Build
Constructing a fire pit table might appear daunting at first, but the good news is that it can actually be quite straightforward. Simply purchase materials and follow instructions, although basic construction skills and some basic tools are helpful in taking on such projects.
Step one is to ensure there are no flammable materials present and dig a 6-inch deep circle for your pit. Use metal rings, homemade compasses or spray paint cans to outline its shape - just ensure the circle is precise so when paver stones are laid they fit snugly and form a nice round shape!
After marking your circle, start digging with a shovel or mattock. Once you've reached approximately 6" depth, remove any roots or grass that have come through the surface and any roots or grass below the surface that has surfaced. Next step should be laying out an equal ring of bricks around the hole while making sure all gaps are equal between bricks - then gently wiggling each brick so there are no gaps left behind!
Once your ring of bricks is complete, you can install your burner and gas line. If using propane as your source of energy, enlist the assistance of a qualified technician when connecting tank and regulator as this will ensure all connections are secure and will function safely.
Once your burner and piping are in place, it is time to install your fire pit stone. A variety of stones such as concrete, lava rock or paver blocks may be suitable. Make sure that it is fireproof to ensure safe operation - crushed glass or fireproof gems could add some decorative flourishes for further customizing and visual enhancement of your project.
Finish
Fire pit tables bring warmth and ambience to outdoor spaces, making them great for entertaining. Depending on how you style it, fire pit tables can also become cozy spots where family can gather for relaxation or intimate conversations - perfect all year-round activities to keep warm during spring through fall or tucked into corners during the colder winter months!
Though gas fire pit tables can cost thousands of dollars to purchase, you can build one yourself for much less. A simple match-light fire pit table typically costs just several hundred dollars to construct; however if additional lines or electronic ignition systems need to be run then your cost may skyrocket.
Foundation is of utmost importance when undertaking any DIY project, from digging a pit and filling it with rocks for firewood to using prefabricated gas fire pit bases, the foundation must always remain safe and sound. Before starting any such work, consult your local building department or home owner's association as many communities have restrictions as to where a fire pit may or may not be placed, as well as requirements for safety features like screens or fences.
Once your table structure is in place, the next step should be adding features that make the table more user-friendly. A Blissful Nest's DIY S'mores Bar Cart makes roasting marshmallows and melting chocolate easier without needing to bring around an entire fire pit tray. Other additions could include covers to prevent embers from floating off of the table, protective surfaces like glass or metal table tops and lanterns as well as decorative accents like iron mesh covers or lanterns.
DIY fire pit tables typically use natural materials like stone or concrete as their bases; however, you could also repurpose an object such as a stainless steel washing machine drum as an ingenious fire receptacle. The steel can withstand high heat levels while being designed with holes for oxygen flow that ensure a successful flame. Fuel the flame with gel fireplace fuel canisters or low-combustion pressed wood logs without sparks for an efficient flame source.