You probably don't think you need a personal fire pit. And you're right. Although come to think of it, fire is an essential element. I'm rethinking this - it's possible you really DO need a personal fire pit. You just don't need a massive expensive one. A little tabletop cheap fire pit? You could probably use one of those.
My name is Karen and I haven't lit anything on fire in 5 months. I'm sure I deserve some sort of a chip or something for that.
You see ... I'm a bit of a pyromaniac. Technically I'm not a *real* pyromaniac I guess. I mean, I only light things on fire that should be lit on fire. Like kindling and hardwood and pretty much anything with Hello Kitty on it. And of course all of Rush's 1980's albums where they dabbled in "New Wave".
I light fires in the fireplace every night here in the old Casa de Karen from October until April. 6 or 7 face cords go flying up that chimney every year. But as deep and strong as my love of the log runs, I couldn't bring myself to buy an outdoor firepit when they first came out.
They were hilariously expensive at the time and really in my climate not all that useful. In the last decade or so the weather in Canada has changed.
We used to get Spring. Spring is now a fleeting moment that takes place between the hours of 4 and 5 p.m. in late May. When we wake up the next morning our guts have liquified and the garbage cans have maggots crawling out of them.
Once the season for fire rolls around it happens almost as instantly. And by then I want to be inside laying on the sofa with a hot chocolate and a plate full of cinnamon toast on my chest. Not outside being bitten by the limp stingers of aged mosquitos.
But still. There are 3 or 4 weeks when it makes sense to have a little personal fire pit outside.
So what was a pyromaniac girl like me to do when it's cool out, but not cool enough to trap myself in the house all night with my cat, tv remote and fire tongs?
The Answer ... The Personal Fire Pit. (as designed by my sister ... I saw hers and then immediately came home and made my own exactly like the one she made.) It's easy and inexpensive to make. I used to say it's a lot nicer than any fire pit you've seen for sale in stores, but now that 10 years has passed since I originally made this fire pit a lot of stores are carrying ones that look - how do I say this - completely identical.
Here we gooooooo ...
How to Make a Personal Fire Pit
Materials you Need
- Marine Silicone
- Small rocks
- 4 pieces of glass (I bought 4 cheap picture frames from Dollarama and used the glass from those)
- Metal Mesh
- Gel Fuel (recommended) or 70%+ isopropyl alcohol
- Square planter (with a bit of a lip on it)
Step #1 - Making a Glass Box
You need to make a glass box. To do that just run a bead of silicone around the edges of your glass, and place them together.
Do two sides first and hold them in place somehow until they dry.
Position them so your final side will be easy to silicone.
Run another bead of silicone and place your last piece of glass.
When you're placing your glass, try to be a bit careful about it. You don't want to smear the silicone around on the glass because it's a HUGE pain to get off. Just take your time.
Run a final bead of silicone all around the bottom edge of your newly created (because you're kind of great) glass box.
Flip the box over then place the siliconed edge on top of the metal planter, making sure there's enough edge in the middle left over for some metal mesh to rest on it.
Would you like to save this stuff?
We'll email you this post, so you can refer to it later.
Update: Everyone seems to be in fits over the fact that the glass will EXPLODE from the heat. It doesn't. I'm not going to say it never will but 1) only tempered glass EXPLODES. This isn't tempered glass. 2) Glass breaks through stress either from dropping it or by extreme, fast temperature changes. Neither of which you should have with this project. 3) Thin glass is less likely to break from stress than thick glass. ** I know that seems counterintuitive.
Step 2: Making the pit.
Your box is made so now you move onto cutting your mesh that will fit inside. The only purpose of the mesh is to support some rocks, which in turn hide the fuel can beneath.
Once your piece of mesh is cut your structure is complete and you just have to "build" the fire.
Put an opened can of gel fuel into the centre of your fire pit. If you're using Isopropyl Alcohol pour some into a leakproof metal container like an old, clean paint can.
Rest the mesh on the inside edge of the planter.
Finally, start putting down your rocks to cover the hideous mesh. If you're using rocks that you aren't sure about don't put them directly over the flame. Rocks with moisture in them can explode as can shaley rocks.
Cover mesh loosely with rocks (you need some space in between the rocks to allow for oxygen so the fire will stay lit).
Update: since writing this post originally, fire pit rocks have become available. They're 100% safe so you don't need to worry about keeping the rocks away from the flame.
You're almost done
Firsty ... admire what you've done for about $25.
Step 3 - Light your fire
Clear the rocks away from above the gel fuel can and carefully light the gel fuel. I use an advanced technique. I light the end of a piece of spaghetti. Whole wheat of course.
I would rule on Survivor, provided I'm allowed to bring a piece of spaghetti. Push the rocks away from the flame a bit (even a bit further than I show here) because some rocks can shatter when they get too hot. Or buy the fire pit rocks that are now available.
There you have your fire pit! $25. Plus as an added bonus, depending on what type of fuel you use, you can also use this fire pit *indoors*!!!
What makes this fire pit so amazing is the glass. The flames reflect against it creating dancing flames all over the place! Before I get to the final pictures with the fire pit in it's rightful home in my back yard I wanted to let you in on a few tips.
1. Make sure you buy gel fuel that's meant for gel fireplaces. Gel cooking fuel will not work because it usually only creates heat, not an actual visible flame.
2. Like I said, if you use a proper gel fuel (Real Flame for example) you can actually use this fire pit indoors. Be careful to place it on heat resistant fabric so it doesn't scorch your furniture. The metal conducts the flame heat a lot!
3. Make sure your rocks are heavy for their size. Rocks that are light are full of air and may explode!
4. You can use any metal planter for this. This was on sale, so this is the one I got for this little fire pit experiment. Black metal square planters that are probably on sale at garden centres right now would look fantastic with white rocks.
5. The gel cans last for about 3 hours, if you'd like to stop the flame earlier, just place something non flammable over the glass box to snuff out the flame. Cans can be relit at a later date or time.
.
WARNING
Use common sense. Don't wander off, leaving this burning and never EVER try to refill it when it's still burning. Snuff out the fire and make sure that it isn't hot or burning before refuelling. Otherwise you can create a firebomb. You can see that here.
That's it! That's all it takes to make your own personal fire pit. $25, about an hour, and a piece of spaghetti.
Update: A lot of people are having trouble finding a metal planter similar to mine. Remember you can also use terra cotta or ceramic.
Zina
Whoa. Way cool, Karen! Am going to have to start looking for the parts.
Here in the UK, I will add a step, tho, and make sure there's holes in the bottom of the planter, so the innards don't float away on the rainwater collected...which would def lead to exploding rocks!
Kate
Hey Karen - Love this project, thinking I will make one as a gift for my dad, he'd just adore it!
Are you worried about the center of the grate burning away and creating a big hole? It looks pretty molten already...
Great blog! I stop by often :)
Karen
Hi Kate! The grate goes red *instantly*. But then it's fine. Doesn't burn away. However, if after many uses it *does* burn away, it's no big whoop to remove the rocks and replace the grate. - karen
Jae8888
One could spray paint the grate with heat resistant paint. It works very well.
Linda
Where could I get my hands on the same planter as yours?
All I could find online is
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=910&f=3769&fromLocation=search
and it's a bit too modern than what I want
Tamiko Lagerwaard
I'd really like to know this as well...Hope you let us know!
Karen
Hi Linda and Tamiko! I'm afraid you probably won't be able to find a planter exactly like mine. I got mine at a small local store that sells all kinds of things. If you keep looking you'll be able to find something similar at a garden centre though. Or even Homesense (Homegoods). I recently found a planter the same colour as my original one, but in clay. Don't forget you can use clay as opposed to metal. Good luck! ~ karen
Evalyn
I love this idea because I'm part pyro myself, but I anticipate all kinds of problems. Like off-gasing from the metal (esp. if it's painted) and the glass and the silicone (which are not meant to be used around heat)as well as the previously mentioned shattering glass. I definately would not use this indoors.
My alternative? A wire mesh bowl of orange salt crystals with the little light bulb glowing through. Very cozy.
Karen
I also eat Sour Cream past it's expiry date. And sometimes I stay up too late. I'm a bit of a risk taker.
Evalyn
You are a wild woman. That's why we read this blog!
Craig
melting point of silicone is around 1500 degrees C, your fire won't be anywhere near that hot
mykidzmomnow
This is SO cool, I cannot stand it. I want one. But I doubt Husband would appreciate it wen I only have a million other projects to complete. I blogged about it anyways! :)
http://southofthefork.wordpress.com/2010/09/07/you-have-to-make-one-of-these/
Patty
Karen
Thanks so much! PLUS ... you linked to my site the right way!! You didn't post my whole post and then say "Oh ... by the way ... this whole thing came from "here"." When people do that ... well ... no one goes to the original site to see the content. Good job! You're an excellent webmaster! Feel free to come and roast marshamallows over my pit anytime. - karen!
mykidzmomnow
Oh, Karen! You've made my day! I am all so new to this. Thank you! What a wonderful compliment. :)
gf
silly me I was all ready with a shovel and a bag of sand
Sera
This is incredible!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Love it!!!
CanuckinCalifornia
Absolutely brilliant!!!
Jae8888
I concur...
Christina S.
Beautiful! I love it... it's so classy and expensive looking. You're just SOOO handy!
terru clarkson farrell
oh I too love all things flaming this is a great idea.Thinking it would be lovely house present for friends with summer places.
Erin
This is fabulous!! We live in a condo and have a balcony and I've been going crazy trying to figure out how we can have a bit of a fire going out there!
Amanda
Wow, this is fantastic!!!
Holly
Perfect Timing! I have been wanting a firepit but have putting off buying one because 1) the style was off and 2) why pay all that money if you don't actually like it. Now I can make an awesome one for cheaper than buying an ugly one!!! The hubby will be thrilled.
Beth
Hey Karen - another fabulous post!! Love the idea, love the spagetti hint!!
Just a question - any worries about the glas exploding from the heat. Should one use tempered glass? Of course, it's not likely to be lying around in the rright size.....
Karen
Heck yeah, that worries me. :) But not so much that I'd go out and get tempered glass which would be incredibly expensive. As long as the planter is big enough so the canned flame set in the centre has a fair amount of space around it you should be fine. But I wouldn't want to use a can of flame in a tiny planter where your glass is right close to the flame. - karen!
Elanor
Pretty sure that aquariums are tempered glass. You can get a small one from Walmart for under $15. *shrug*
klobster
Not true: link
Gary
I don't think an aquarium would work well they are made of glass and plastic and the glass is super thin.
Karen
Gary - Thin glass is actually better. It's less prone to breaking than thick glass (in terms of hot/cold temperature shocks). But you're right, an aquarium isn't the right choice. Glass from picture frames is best glued together with silicone. ~ karen
Denise
I want to use my 60gal aquarium for a base for a fire pit . My aquarium I
Has no plastic and the glass is very thick, much thicker than picture frame glass. I was thinking of putting a metal planter inside of the aquarium and filling area around the planter with rock. Putting the gel heat in the metal planter and filling with more rock. What do you think.
Sherry (BTLover2)
I'd like to throw my hat in the ring for having Kare Kare! I won't make you move away from the guy and mom, but I'd like to hang out with you. I'll bring the chips. You inspire me every day! You're extraordinary!
Jacque Charwood
Every time you post, it's like God has spoken to me and I must run out and purchase materials to make your wonderful projects.
Hubby wants to know where I'm putting the glowing orbs, considering we don't have a porch, or flowerbeds, or an extension cord, or even an electric outlet in the front of the house....
I just tell him "Be patient young one... if you build it, they will come" and he gives me a strange look and backs away slowly. I think it has something to do with the bloodshot eyes and 14 cups of tea...
Kerry
Wowzers...that's pure genius! Just my luck it's spring here now and not much call for fire pits. Hope I can remember this in six months time :)
Amie
Genius! Do you think you could use a ceramic planter box instead of the metal one? xx
Karen
Hi Amie. I think it depends on the ceramic planter. Something that won't explode from the heat would be fine, like terra cotta or something made of clay. Personally, I'd buy whatever was on sale! - karen
Suzanne Phillips
wow love this and would like to leave comments. How do I do that without replying to someone else comment. Thank you
Jenn A
Annnd... my girl crush continues.
Will you move in with me?
Karen
Sure thing, but you might have to fight Connor for me. Oh ... and my fella. And I'm pretty sure Betty would be upset if I up and left. Maybe this isn't such a good idea. You know what ... I've been feeling a little unsure about us lately. I ... I think we need to break up.
mykidzmomnow
DIBS!
Oh. I'm married. With a bunch of kids. Oh.
donna
I was thinking the same thing! I have found a new source of entertainment when things get crazy around here, every 20 minutes actually....she cooks, is handy, funny as hell and I thank all that I have found her site!!
Karen
LOL. Thanks Donna! ~ karen
Connor
I LOVE this. LOVE. Fire gooooooood. Love.
Aaanyway, why marine silicone? More heat resistant, orrr? Cause I have some clear shower caulk lying around that I'd like to use up...
Karen
Hey Connor. I say to use marine silicone because it was cheap and is perfect for something you might be leaving out in the rain. It also comes in a small tube, so it's easy to just squeeze it out by hand. You don't have to use a big caulking gun which would be messy. And messy is bad. Punishable in fact. If you're shower caulking is in a small tube, go for it. Otherwise, for the $5 or so, get the marine silicone. - karen!
lou
Karen, '
Just found you on pintrest, I am "one of those people" and love your ideas!
Karen
LOL. Excellent! Have fun browsing. :) ~ karen!
Mike
Agree with you guys, this is a GREAT diy firepit. So elegant, and doesn't look that difficult. I can think of a bunch of ways to spin it.
Teresa
Hey Karen,
I have an old fish aquarium in the attic and I'm wondering if I can use it for the fire pit?
Montya
Karen, I just love your humor and your ideas..thank you so much for the info and the enjoyment in your articles!!
Karen
Thanks Montya - I'm glad you found my website! ~ karen
KD
Any reason a glass aquarium tank couldn't be used? With, say, a gel candle holder intended for these? I'm thinking of one of these holders which is made of something like wood and has holes for 3 candles. Something to keep the candles' heat from conducting to the glass. Seems easier than having to build your own glass box.