How to Build a DIY Propane Fire Pit for Cozy Evenings
Project Overview
This DIY propane fire pit is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your backyard. It’s relatively easy to build, and it can be completed in a weekend. The total cost of materials is around $500-$600.
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Estimated Time:
5-7 hours of working time 1-2 days total time
Yield:
One propane fire pit
Materials:
- 6 two-by-fours
- 3 cement boards (1/2-inch thick)
- Cement board tape
- Concrete board screws
- Fire burner kit
- 20 lb. propane tank
- Sanded thinset mortar (gray)
- Fire media (lava rock, fire glass, or lava pebbles)
- 1-1/8 inch plastic round nail-on furniture glides (4-pack)
- Sanded plywood veneer project panel (2-foot by 4-foot, 3/8 or 1/2-inch thick)
- Flat black paint
- 4 magnetic catches with counter plates
Tools:
- Electric drill
- Electric miter saw or circular saw
- Utility knife
- Metal straightedge
- Hammer
- Pocket hole jig
- Pocket hole screws
- 3-inch wood screws
- 4-inch drywall knife
- 24 to 80 grit sandpaper
- Oscillating multi-tool or other plunge-cut tool
Safety Considerations
- Do not operate a propane fire pit in an enclosed area.
- Have a Class B fire extinguisher on hand while operating the fire pit.
- Check applicable city ordinances to make sure that you can operate a fire pit on your property.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Decide on the Location
Choose a flat, level surface such as a patio made of non-combustible materials like concrete, brick, or stones. Keep the fire pit 15-20 feet or more from the house or other combustible materials.
2. Cut the Wood
Using an electric miter saw or circular saw, cut the following pieces:
- 4 two-by-fours at 55 inches each
- 6 two-by-fours at 17 inches each
- 4 two-by-fours at 25 inches each
3. Build the Sides of the Base
Lay two of the 55-inch boards parallel to each other and 17 inches apart. Place three of the 17-inch boards between those two long boards: left, right, and center. Join all pieces by driving pocket hole screws. Repeat to build the second side of the base.
4. Join the Sides
Join the two sides of the base by running the four 25-inch two-by-fours between them: two on top, two on bottom. Attach by driving the 3-inch screws from the other side.
5. Add Sliders or Roller Wheels
Tack the four furniture glides to the bottom. Add roller wheels instead if you anticipate needing to frequently move the fire pit.
6. Cover the Base With Cement Board
Cut the cement board and then install the pieces. Cut two pieces of cement board 55 inches long by 24 inches high to cover the two long sides. Cut one more piece at 28 inches wide by 24 inches high for one of the short sides. Attach the pieces to the sides of the base with concrete board screws.
7. Cover the Top With Cement Board
Measure the length and width of the fire pit base, including the installed cement board sides. Transfer that measurement to a cement board and cut the board to size. Install the board to the top of the fire pit base with concrete board screws.
8. Add Cement Board Tape
Cover the edges of the cement board with cement board tape. Wrap the tape from one surface over the edge to the adjacent surface. Do this for all four vertical edges and for the four edges on the top.
9. Add the Access Door
Cut the sanded plywood veneer project panel to 28 inches by 24 inches. Paint one side and all four edges flat black. Attach the door to the open end with the four magnetic catches and counter plates.
10. Mark the Cutout for the Fire Pan
Cut the top of the fire pit to accommodate the drop-in pan. For a 30-inch by 10-inch drop-in pan, typically you will cut an opening that is between 1/2-inch and 1-inch larger than the pan.
11. Create the Cutout for the Fire Pan
Cut out the opening on top of the fire pit for the fire pan using an oscillating multi-tool or other plunge-cut tool.
12. Finish the Base With Thinset
Apply thinset mortar to the base with the 4-inch drywall knife. First, cover the joint tape and the screw holes. Then, apply thinset to the rest of the base.
13. Install the Fire Burner
Slide the fire burner into the cutout in the fire pit from the top.
14. Add the Propane Tank
Add the propane tank. Make all necessary connections according to the fire burner kit instructions.
15. Add the Fire Media
Add between one and three inches of fire media to the fire tray. Layering the media helps control costs.
Tips
- The thinset mortar that forms the fire pit’s skin is not weatherproof. It will need to be covered after it has cooled down.
- Though cleaner burning than wood or charcoal, propane burns dirtier than natural gas. So, decorative fire media such as fire glass needs to be cycled out to keep it looking sparkly and fresh.
