Screed Off The Excess Concrete
Slide a 2×4 across the surface to scrape off the excess concrete. Wiggle it back and forth as you go, but try not to shake the whole form too much. That could also cause the remesh wire to sink and create shadow lines. Let the concrete harden a bit before you smooth it out with a trowel or taping knife. It doesnt have to be perfectly smooth because nobody will ever see it.
Know Your Fire Pit Size
This DIY fire pit is the perfect height for chatting around with friends and family on a cool evening.
Having this bit of information will make a world of difference when it comes to planning out your project. Weve written up a comprehensive guide answering the question How Big Should My Fire Pit Be?, so well provide just a brief summary of it below. Check out the full article for all the nitty gritty details.
Fasten The Trim Boards
Set your table saw to a 5-degree angle and rip the 1×4 down to 2-1/2 in. That will create a beveled edge to help shed water. Cut the side trim boards and the back trim board to length, but hold off cutting the front. Apply construction adhesive to the frame and set the trim board on two 1-in. spacers. Drive 2-1/2-in. screws through the frame and into the back side of the trim board. Angle the screws a bit to prevent them from poking through the face of the trim board.
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Stunning Outdoor Fire Pit Ideas
It’s the perfect time of year to get your fire pit area ready. In this post I’ll show you 53 gorgeous outdoor fire pit ideas for every style including modern, rustic, boho and traditional. I’ll also show you the best fire pits in every type including propane, wood burning and natural gas. Plus, inspiration to design the perfect outdoor area to hang out with friends or family. Read to the end to see the item I found that will wow your guests!
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase using my link, I make a small commission at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
Best Tabletop: Outland Living Square Fire Pit Table
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The tabletop on this fire pit table extends past its skinny body, giving you more area to rest your feet, snacks, and drinks on. With a push-button spark system and a manual control valve, its easy to use and customize. It also comes with a decorative glass rock set and a clear glass wind guard.
Has a heat output of 42,500 BTUs Compatible with Outland Livings accessories, including the cover Comes with a long three-foot hose
Can hit your legs on the extended tabletop as you walk by Requires manual lighting with a lighter or match sometimes
What Customers Are Saying
Purchasers who were pleased with this tabletop fire pit liked that it had an elegant design and was made with high-quality materials. Others also said that it came with easy-to-follow setup instructions. Mixed reviews for this product mentioned its difficult ignition process.
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Best For Large Yards: Outland Living Rectangular Fire Table
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This fire pit table is built for large yards, as it is rectangular and has 50,000 British Thermal Units of heat output. It uses a push-button ignition system and comes with an arctic ice fire glass set.
Courtesy Amazon
Features easy-pull handles to reach the hidden propane tank under the tabletop Has a powder-coated aluminum frame for durability Doesnt produce smoke
Weighs close to 100 pounds Requires a separate purchase if you want a flame guard
What Customers Are Saying
This fire pit table was popular among Amazon reviewers for its sturdy and durable build. They also liked its easy assembly and stylish design. However, others felt that this fire pit table didnt come with enough rocks.
How To Build A Propane Fire Pit Table
A propane fire table is an excellent focal point for your patio, especially if youre fond of hosting parties. Its an aesthetic addition that can increase your homes value, entertain guests, and increase your outdoor living space. With a small budget and simple tools, youre on your way to creating one for yourself. These components will be used to construct this DIY propane fire pit table, burner kit of your choice, cedar, and a countertop mix. Besides, its much more pleasing to the eye than those propane fire pits with the ugly post sticking out in the middle of an otherwise beautiful table.
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Building A Propane Fire Pit
For a high-end, quality fire feature, take matters into your own hands with this DIY gas fire pit. Designed for propane, it’s a 10 step project that features concrete hardscape blocks and a decorative lava rock/glass gem bed. Put it all together with concrete adhesive and get ready for many nights spent around the fire. This DIY propane fire pit project will keep you warm on nights outside with a simple, functional design. Whether you use it as a coffee table or a place to gather around on chilly fall nights, this simple design will last.
Building A Table: Taper The Feet
When building a propane fire pit, start with the base that will house the burner. When building a table cut the posts to length on a miter saw . Taper the bottom edges about 1/2 in. up with a miter saw. The tapered edges wont tear out when the table is slid around, and theyll look better when its sitting on uneven ground.
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Create A Rounded Edge With Silicone
Run a healthy bead of silicone around the perimeter. Tool it into shape using a 3/4-in. dowel with the end cut at 45 degrees. While youre tooling, let the excess spill over onto each side of the bead. After the silicone dries, those two lines can easily be pulled and scraped off. Black silicone works best because you can clearly see any excess that needs to be removed. Dont use silicone on the inside edges. The silicone would make the form walls harder to remove, and those edges will be covered by the burner anyway.
Build The Door Frame And Install The Ball Catches
Cut the door frame sides and door frame top and bottom . Assemble the door frame with two 2-1/2-in. screws driven through predrilled holes in the sides into the top and bottom. Dry-fit the door frame in the opening there should be about a 3/16-in. gap on each side and a 3/8-in. gap above the top.
Predrill a 1/8-in. hole through the sides of the frame 1 in. below the bottom of the top frame board. Using that hole as a guide, drill a 3/4-in. hole . Either a Forstner or a spade bit will work, but drill in from both sides to avoid a nasty tear-out.
Slide the ball catch into the hole and hold it in place with the retaining plate. The plate can sit on the surface of the wood no need to cut in a mortise.
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Outdoor Coffee Table With Fire Pit
Lush subtropical greenery surrounds comfortable seating for five beside a large outdoor coffee table with a gas fire pit.
An outdoor gas fire pit can give the illusion of flames that float, drift, and flickerall at the flip of a switch. Theres no wood to gather, no stoking required, and youll enjoy the same warm ambience a wood-fueled fire provides. DIY propane fire pits can be a snap to install if you purchase a manufactured bowl or other design that requires only minimal assembly. Learn the ins and outs of building an outdoor gas fire pit, including practical tips.
Before you set your sights on learning how to build a gas fire pit, consider the most basic fire pit safety concerns. Make sure your site is well away from flammable surfaces. While gas flames dont generate sparks or flying embers, you do need to consider heat production. A gas fire pit can melt vinyl siding if placed too close to it. Always double-check local restrictions regarding burning open flames on private property.
The easiest way to build a gas fire pit is to purchase a manufactured drop-in fire pit kit. The kits usually feature a bowl shape and come ready to install into the fire pit enclosure of your choice. You need to create the enclosure, which can be as simple as stacked bricks, cinderblocks, or concrete pavers.
My Finds For Fire Pit Decor
If youre inspired to create the perfect hang out spot around your fire pit then check out some of my favorite finds to do that below. I didnt know there was something you could put on the fire to create colorful flames, did you? This would really wow your guests! Its number six below.
FIRE PIT DÉCOR | WHERE TO FIND
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Round Stone Fire Pits
These next stone fire pits can add rustic charm or can be the centerpiece of your traditional outdoor living area depending on how you accessorize them.
If you like the idea of a round stone fire feature check out some stunning ideas below and get inspired to incorporate the look into your outdoor space.
How To Hide A Propane Tank From A Patios Fire Pit
When I decided on this fire pit, I was under the impression that the propane tank that fueled it would hide underneath it. Honestly, I did wonder how that would happen because the firepit is so sleek and low to the ground, but I just assumed that there was a magic solution I was overlooking.
Well, the fire pit arrived and it is GORGEOUS. I love the color, the shape, the size all of it! But when I went to hook up the propane tank so we could have our first fire, I quickly realized that a traditional propane tank could NOT fit under the firepit. I was shocked because I had never heard of this!
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Key Factors To Consider
Size
The first factor to consider when choosing a gas fire pit is the space youre looking to fill. There are fire pits in many shapes and sizes, including tiny tabletop flames and massive concrete installations meant to anchor a backyard. If youre hoping to provide warmth, choose a large fire pit with a BTU output of 50,000 or higher. Although some smaller options arent as warm, they can create a cozy atmosphere for one or two people.
Fuel Type
Many fire pits today run on 20-pound propane tanks, but some require natural gas, delivered via a connection to your home line. A few can be configured for either gas source. Natural gas is typically a better choice if you have access to it, but youll need a plumbing professional to install it, Schatz says, adding that natural gas is the top choice because there are no tanks to hide or refill. Its also significantly cheaper than propane once the line is installed. Factor that installation into your budget, though running a gas line to a fire pit costs around $25 per linear foot. On the other hand, hooking up a fire pit to a 20-pound propane tank is no different than attaching a tank to your gas grill, and propane burns more efficiently than natural gas. Propane fire pits might also require some light assembly. In our experience, the process is typically less complicated than putting together a grill.
Ignition Type
Safety Features
Install The Inner Heat Shield
Cut the galvanized steel deck ledger flashing to length with tin snips. Pound the bottom lip of the flashing flat with a hammer. Install each side so the bottom of the flashing is facing up, and the lip is even with the outside of the box frame but short of the planks. This will create a small air gap between the two pieces of flashing.
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How To Hide A Propane Tank
I saw this propane cover and knew it was the answer to my propane problems.
After it arrived, the process of hiding the hose and tank probably took less than 15 minutes. I simply cut a hole in the outdoor rug, right where the firepit sits.
Then I fished the hose through that hole and under the outdoor rug to the place where I wanted to the propane tank to eventually sit.
After that, I cut another hole under the propane tank and fished the hose back up above the rug.
The table came with this little stand for the propane tank, so I continued to fish the hose up through the stand as well.
Then I set the propane tank on the stand and tightened it.
I hooked up the hose to the tank, which took no time at all.
Then all that was left to do was turn on the propane and set the propane cover on top of the propane tank.
Hidden In Plain Sight
Im so happy to report that hiding your fire pits propane tank on a brick patio is THAT easy!
You honestly cant really see the hose because of the rug but you can feel it when you step. I dont anticipate a lot of traffic through this sitting area but I will definitely let my guests know just to be extra safe.
If youre looking at a fire pit that you LOVE but are concerned about the propane placement, I am here to let you know that there IS a way to hide the tank! And the best part is that these propane tables come in several different colors/styles. And I also learned that some of the fire pits actually come with them , which is definitely something you should keep your eyes peeled for if youre going to buy one in a similar style. Totally worth it!
Bridget
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Burner Size And Shape
With a lesser amount of BTUs, you should look for burners 12 or less. If you have a propane line to your fire pit, you can increase the burner size to 24.
Your burners shape doesnt impact heat distribution, but it does influence the pits style and how it blends with your outdoor décor. You have a lot of options when it comes to the shape of your burner. You can choose one that stretches out in a long, lean pipe for a rectangular fire effect, or you could pick a square one for a circular result.
Diy Propane Fire Pit Build
Enjoy the ambiance and warmth of a cozy fire at your home. We have prepared this quick start guide for you to make your DIY propane fire pit experience enjoyable and safe. Whether you are building a DIY propane fire pit from scratch, rebuilding an existing gas fire pit, or just replacing the parts, we will help you along the way and provide helpful tips to avoid any potential mishaps. This guide is meant to lay out the basics of installing and assembling a propane fire pit. It also covers many tips that can help you thoroughly execute your project.
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What Is A Gas Fire Pit
Gas fire pits are outdoor heating appliances that use natural gas or propane to generate a controlled flame that provides warmth to an area in your backyard or patio. Unlike traditional wood burning fire pits, gas versions are designed to be sleek, clean, and convenient making them perfect for entertaining family and friends without the hassle that comes with a wood fire.
The 5 Best Fire Pit Tables
A fire pit table warms your outdoor space while acting as a table to hold your snacks and drinks. To learn more about Amazons models, read our review below on the best fire pit tables.
In This Review:Outland Living Rectangular Fire Table | U-MAX Propane Gas Fire Pit Table | Best Choice Products Fire Pit Table | Outland Living Square Fire Pit Table | Yaheetech Fire Pit Table | Buyers Guide | Fire Pit Table Safety Tips | FAQs
A fire pit table is a valuable piece of outdoor furniture, especially for homeowners who enjoy hosting gatherings or otherwise spending time outside. To help you find the best fire pit table for your needs, we at the This Old House Reviews Team researched several products on Amazon. Discover our top recommendations below.
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Natural Gas Fire Pits
Natural gas fire pits are very similar to propane fire pits in just about every way other than the fuel source. These fire pits run off of the mains gas supply to your house.
The main benefit here is that you have a constant supply of fuel to your fire pit making it both easier to run and maintain, but also cheaper in the long term to run.
What About The Shape
When choosing a gas firepit, you must consider the best shape for your outdoor space. The most common shapes include rectangular, square, and round designs.
Rectangular Fire Pits
Rectangular fire pits are an excellent choice for larger outdoor spaces that can accommodate the bulkier size of this fire pit shape. These fire pits are also ideal for adding a seating area around the fire, making them perfect for entertaining many guests.
Square Fire Pits
Square fire pits are a popular choice for smaller patios and decks. They can be compact and portable, making them optimal for fitting into tight spaces.
Round Fire Pits
Round fire pits are versatile in small or large outdoor areas and can fit into any space.
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