With summer approaching, backyards and gardens are a place of retreat for many people. It is a place to sit in the evenings, soak in the sun, breathe in cool air, and spend quality time with family members. While several outdoor patio décor ideas and outdoor furniture trends are popping up as the summer is coming closer, one incomparable thing is a DIY Backyard project.
Something fun and engaging for you and your kids, a DIY fire table or even a DIY backyard outdoor table, can be a wonderful family bonding time. But as a DIY table with a fire pit sounds like a labor-intensive and risky job, in this article, we have a step-by-step guide for you to get started on this fun outdoor project.
How to Build a Fire Table
A well-planned DIY tabletop fire pit in the middle of a sofa set or on the top of an outdoor dining set can make your winter gatherings more fun and relaxing. A fire pit may enhance the outdoors’s inherent beauty and serve as a focal point to brighten any environment.
Because they are warm, cozy, and inviting, fire pits are popular; even when utilizing a fire pit, there are excellent solutions for homeowners who want to maintain their yard’s upscale appearance. In addition to this, a diy project will help you achieve a unique and personalized look in the backyard so the fire pit looks different from the rest. Below are some tips and design ideas for building your backyard fire pit.
The Right Materials
First things first, the selection of the right materials for a fire pit depends on several factors. Opt for materials that can withstand fire and heat hence high temperatures. Also, the material should be fire resistant so there are no chances of fire hazards and similar incidents. For the interior of the fire pit, there is no better choice than fire bricks. The ring’s exterior must be heat-resistant; it doesn’t need to be fire-resistant.
Size
The size of the fire pit will also depend on various factors, such as the size of the backyard, the size and shape of your home furniture or outdoor furniture, and the type of seating you plan to achieve. Some people prefer a central fire pit, while others prefer the fire-in-a-corner approach.
Secondly, the size of the fire pit should also be planned enough to support a robust fire for several hours at a time. An interior diameter of 3-5 feet is ideal for a gathering of 6 people. In addition to diameter, the depth of the fire pit should be 1 foot deep so the fire remains inside the pit, but the heat is distributed evenly around the pit.
Location
A fire pit shouldn’t be installed anywhere based on aesthetic appeal. But the location of the fire pit should be decided while keeping several factors in mind. Choose a location far from your house, low-hanging structures, or anything else that can catch fire for safety’s sake. Place the fire pit at least 10 feet away from any structures or trees if your yard space doesn’t permit a 25-foot separation.
Ensure adequate space for outdoor furniture to be placed around the fire pit. The optimal distance between the furniture’s rear legs and the pit is 6 to 7 feet.
Type of Fuel
Lastly, you need to consider the type of fuel you would choose for the fire pit. Different fuels give varying burning times, and the amount of heat varies. Make sure you opt for a fuel that is not only readily accessible but also health friendly. Another factor that determines the type of fuel selection is the fire pit’s material. Below we have discussed different types of fire pit materials and their uses.
Fire Pit Design Ideas
It takes a range of skills to make a fire table, including metalworking, masonry, woodworking, and a little mechanical. Below are some fire pit designs and material ideas that can work for various backyard settings.
DIY Concrete Fire Table
A concrete fire table offers the benefit of being durable and long-lasting. Also, building a fire pit with concrete is much more budget-friendly than other fire pit tables. But one thing to remember with a concrete fire pit is the fuel to use. Using wood as a burning fuel for concrete will cause the structure to expand and collapse. Also, concrete could be better when it comes to being heat resistant, so any wooden furniture nearby can be damaged.
DIY Tabletop Fire Pit Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a highly flammable fire pit fuel that can reach up to 1000 degrees. This easy-to-ignite fuel is mainly used for fire pits, but for a DIY fire table project rubbing alcohol needs to be used with the greatest of care and attention because of its high flammability and prone to hazards.
DIY Table Fire Bowl
A fire bowl is a unique and modern take on a DIY fire table in your backyard because of its design. A fire bowl looks modern as opposed to a conventional fire pit, and the major difference is that the fire is mainly above the structure rather than inside the depth. A fire bowl is usually circular or oval and has wood or lava rocks on top of it. The fire is steady, and this fire pit is mainly used for outdoor dining tables or on the top of center tables during an outdoor game night.
DIY Gas Fire Pit Table
Additionally, you have the option of employing a propane-based fire pit. Liquid petroleum gas is the type of fuel used in this. It is necessary to have a proper ventilation channel while utilizing propane, and you’ll need at least two distinct vent holes to provide sufficient airflow.
Additionally, the fire pit must be no higher than five inches off the ground and have at least 18 square inches available for each vent. Gas-based fire pits are ideal for wooden and wicker outdoor furniture settings as they are safer and heat resistant. So when looking for the best time to buy outdoor furniture, consider the right options to be paired with a gas fire pit.
