How to Make a Small Fire Pit for a Wooden Patio
Building a small fire pit on a wood patio is problematic -- at least until you think outside the "pit." While you must still be careful in protecting the deck, you can build a fire pit by using 2 decorative flowerpots and an alcohol gel canister. In under an hour, you and your friends can enjoy the flames of your personal fire pit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mat for fire pit or grill
- 2 matching ceramic flowerpots, 1 tall and 1 short
- 1 large bolt, 3-inch
- 2 washers, 2-inch diameter
- Decorative stones, fire-proof
- Alcohol gel canisters
- Tongs
- Barbecue grill cover
Instructions
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Lay the fire-pit mat on the patio where you plan to set up the fire pit.
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Lay the tall ceramic flowerpot on its side, exposing the drain hole. Place a washer on the bolt, then push the bolt through the drain hole from the inside out. Butt the bottom of the small flowerpot against the large one so the bolt extends through the drain hole of the small flowerpot. Place the second washer on the bolt. Add the nut and finger-tighten. Do not tighten too tight; you risk cracking your fire pit.
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Tip the fire pit up with the large flowerpot upside down and centered on the fire-pit mat.
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4
Fill the top pot half-full with the decorative rocks. Center the alcohol gel canister in the pot. Finish filling the pot so only the rim of the canister extends above the rocks.
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Unscrew the lid and light the gel with a long-handled butane lighter. Enjoy your personal fire pit without the hazard of sparks and hot coals.
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Extinguish the fire by putting the lid back on the container, using the tongs. When cool, screw the lid back on and cover the fire pit with a barbecue grill cover.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a scented oil candle in a glass jar instead of the alcohol gel.
If the pot is large, arrange several gel canisters or oil candles in the rocks for a festive fire.
Depending on the size, flower pots can be quite heavy. Recruit a helper.
Never leave a fire unattended, no matter how small.
Keep a metal lid such as an old saucepan lid within reach. It will smother the flames if the alcohol gel is accidentally spilled.
Keep children and pets away from open flames.
Do not wear loose clothing near a fire.
Always have a hose ready in case wood or clothing catch on fire.
Review your homeowner association rules or lease. Some communities forbid open flames of any kind on patios and decks.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
