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used to say it's a lot nicer than any fire pit you've seen for sale in stores, but now that 10 years has passed since I originally made this fire pit a lot of stores are carrying ones that look - how do I say this - completely identical.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.
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.
Lisa Ricci
I haven't figured out how to use Pinterest YET! Just haven't taken time lol.
Dru Nichols
DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE PINTEREST, Lisa? How do you think most people found this (including me). LOL You MUST at once! It's easy, fun, but--beware--very addictive.
Karen: I have seen you firepit "around" and always wanted one, but am moving. Printed out a .pdf to be saved just in case. LOVE it.
Karen
Thanks Dru! Always best to be prepared. Just in case. :) ~ karen!
Lisa Ricci
First, how do you lift out the layer of rocks [grate is under them] ? Can I use the colored fire glass instead of rocks? How many inches did you make your glass box please? So you just went to a local glass shop or used glass out of picture frames? Tempered glass is expensive to just order, I have had to purchase before. I want a fireplace and this is exactly what I am looking for! This is fabulous work and I would use mine inside. I am thinking of making a wooden horizontal shape box and inserting the fire pit in it. We will use it for heat and looks of a fire. Does this fire gel you mentioned make the crackle sound? Thank you very much for indulging me to pick your brain. LOL. Again, your sister applause and to you too!
Karen
Hi Lisa. Thanks! I think if you reread through the post you'll find most of your answers there. As far as the fire glass goes, as long as it can handle fire being under it, you can use it. :) ~ karen!
Michelle
Have u tried silicone Homedepot didn't have the stuff you recommended
I bought all weather silicone
Karen
Hi Michelle. I haven't tried all weather silicone for this, but I suspect it should be fine. All weather mainly means you can apply it during wet or damp conditions. ~ karen!
Jeannie
I truly like the fire pit with glass but the one that looks like a concrete bowl is pretty awesome itself. Do you do the same thing except for adding glass.
Also can you use citronella oil to keep the nasties away from biting a person to death?
Thanks - Jeannie
Elizabeth
Karen,
Just stumbled across your tutorial for firepit. I absolutely love it. Will be making me one this week or by weekend for sure.
Thank you so much.
machaela
Do you think citronella canisters (walmart $2 - burn for 12 hrs about 3 inches high) might work for outdoor use only?
Thanks! Great idea! Have been making living vertical gardens out of goodwill frames and looking to repurpose glass as well! ;)
Karen
Hi Machaela - I'm sure it would work, but it would have the same effect. It wouldn't be as "fire"-like. That's all. Good luck! ~ karen
Tara
Holly cow you are a genius! Thanks so much for your help!!
Tara
Actually I just figured it out. I saw somewhere that the can is 4in tall, and the planter is over 7 in. There will be a bit of space between the can and the metal mesh, should that be a problem? Thanks for all your help!!
Karen
Hi Tara. That will be fine. But if you find the can is too far away from the mesh to give you a good look at the flames just prop the can up on something non flammable like a metal cat food tin. ~ karen
Tara
Thanks so much. Do you think the regular 13 oz size can will fit in my planter?
Tara
Hi Karen. I absolutely love this idea. I purchased the planter that you put a link up for on crate and barrel. I'm waiting on it to show up, but no one where I live sells the cans of gel fuel. I want to purchase some online, the 13 oz cans and was wondering if those size cans would fit in the planter I purchased. I can't find anywhere online how tall the can is, and I want to make sure it fits in the planter right. If you can help me out and take a height measurement of the can and let me know, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!!
Karen
HI Tara. The planter I linked to is a bit smaller than my planter if I remember correctly. The gel cans are about the size of a can of condensed milk. So shorter than your average can of peas for example. ~ karen
Alicia
I also purchased the planter at Crate and Barrel. Here are the dimensions:
Width: 8.5" Depth: 8.3" Height: 7.3
I finally found the gel in a fireplace shop. I can's seem to find a grate that I can put the fire out through. I was just thinking of trying one of those replacement drip pans (http://www.target.com/p/range-kleen-chrome-gas-square-pan-small/-/A-12737405#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=stovetop+drip+pan) if I can find the right size. It has the hole for the can to be exposed through as well as enough support for the rocks.
Alicia
Have you tried this with a citronella refill. Also what did you raise the candle with? Can I fill the canister with soil or sand instead of using the grate?
Fabiola
Just out of curiosity where dis you find the planter?
lisa
Can this made in a indoor fireplace
Karen
Hi Lisa - It can be used indoors (if you're careful obviously) but the gel fuel has a bit of a stink to it. ~ karen
Nicole
do you think it would be okay to add more than one gel flame under the wire so there are multiple flames or stick with just one??
Karen
Hi Nicole, For this size I'd stick with just one can. The flames jump and dance so they appear pretty big actually. ~ karen!
Christine
I am in the process of making one of these. I purchased a container at http://www.vasesource.com/ceramic_square_black_xs.html?gclid=CNalwsCy_bcCFcZAMgodxl4AIQ, although it was a little more than your example. I also ordered the Crate and Barrel one but think it may be a weeeeeee bit small for my glass. My glass measures 9x9 exactly and the Crate and Barrel vase measures about 8 1/2 (but I'm not sure if that is the inside measurement (opening) or the entire width and length.
I also purchased a 2'x5' roll of galvanized hardware cloth at a local big box hardware store for $6.98 instead of a grill grate (I couldn't find a cheap one). It can easily be cut down to size with plenty left over for another fire pit or two.
Anyway, I can't wait for the pots to be delivered so I can get busy! Thanks for the super idea! All-in-all, my project cost about $35.00 (if I use the more expensive pot) OR right at $25.00 if I use the Crate and Barrel pot that is on sale right now for $5.95.
Karen
Excellent! Send pics once it's done! ~ karen
Karen
Great for just that added touch of fire. Apartment dwellers should do this. I would do inside. Outside
I have built a castle pit made of brick. Project my daughter and I did years ago.
Thanks for the info and pics!
Becca
Hi Karen! I love this idea and can't wait to make one for my moms birthday! Is this website yours? Is there somewhere I can follow all your awesome DIY stuff? I would love to subscribe to your blog if you had one. Thanks for the idea!
Karen
Hi Becca - The Art of Doing Stuff is my blog. I post 5-6 times a week (daily). So just enter your email address in the rectangle under the picture of me holding a fish and you can subscribe. Or .... you can just check the blog every day. I post without fail at midnight E.S.T.. ~ karen!
whitney
Hey there! I was wondering the dimensions of the planter?
thanks!
Nick
Hi! Love, love, love the idea and I am definitely doing it ASAP! I was just wondering if I could use something other than cans of gel fuel as it will inquire much more money to use; any way around gel fuel?
Karen
Hi Nick. Fraid there's no way around the gel fuel for this particular fire pit. It's too small for a *real* fire. The gel fuel is only around $3.99 per can and quite widely available now, so if you only light the fire pit once or twice a week the expense isn't too, too much. ~ karen!
Tori
Where can I find a metal planter like yours? I do not have a crafty bone in my body, but I would like to try to make this. I have wanted a tabletop firepit for years.