DIY Fire Pit

NoDakota · 09-11-2006, 01:46 PM

Anybody ever tackle building a gas fire pit? We have a gazebo that we would like to add a small propane fueled fire pit to for chilly nights but I don't want to pay the big bucks for the ready made units. I've found sources for the parts but need ideas for the general construction. It has to be non-permanent so that it can be moved when the deck needs refinishing, should also be contained so heat is not transfered to the wood decking, preferably on feet instead of a single platform.

Just wondering if any of you had tried something like this yourselves. Looking for ideas...

nissan_rob · 09-11-2006, 01:52 PM

Go wood burning... Smoke keeps the bugs away!

I am no help on this one, just whoring around trying to get my "whore status.

NoDakota · 09-11-2006, 02:01 PM

OK, I'll bite, if just for the post count. Don't care about the bugs, none to speak of when it's chilly. Don't want to soot up the gazebo roof with the smoke; hence the gas requirement. Thanks for the reply tho, we both need the post ho boost.

DaddyG · 09-11-2006, 07:55 PM

I used a steel box, guessing about 2 1/2' X 4' filled it with pea gravel, actually a bit bigger than pea gravel but the same stone none the less, hard piped from the propane bottle under the deck to the box. For the gas burner, I used a burner from an old Turkey cooker. I buried the burner in the gravel, when we use it, we turn on the gas light it up and it appears the rocks are on fire. The box sits on legs approx 1 1/2 ft off the top of the deck, we used natural rock from the area around the outside of the box to give it a good look. It would be hard to move it due to all the rock around it, but it could be done with a little time invested. I wish I had a pic, but I don't at the moment, we use it at our cabin in N.E Oklahoma. Next time I go up I will post a pic. Hope that helps.

**ArmyAviation** · 09-11-2006, 07:58 PM

A wood fire pit is better. relaxing

**Carbeaux** · 09-11-2006, 08:01 PM

Daddy G, the do-it-yourselfer. Sounds nice. Try something like that Dakota! He can't go wood EC, it'll turn the roof black!

**ArmyAviation** · 09-11-2006, 08:09 PM

Oh oops!!! thats right he has a roof

NoDakota · 09-12-2006, 06:58 AM

DaddyG, this is a wood deck you have it on? I take it the height off the deck eliminates any heat issues to the wood?

**Blackbeauty** · 09-12-2006, 07:08 AM

$200 is too much for the peace of mind you'll get from not burning your gazebo down?

http://www.elitedeals.com/oufipi1.html

I'd get one of the manufactured ones, myself, just for the safety factor of it.

ruauman2 · 09-12-2006, 07:13 AM

How about building your own box and just buying the artificial logs with the pipe and fittings already installed. This would kinda look like a log fire.

gadget74 · 09-12-2006, 09:54 AM

I like daddyg's idea! I would go with somethin like that!

DaddyG · 09-12-2006, 09:59 AM

Yes the deck is wood, this is why I brought the box up. After running it for quite awhile, I really havent noticed any heat problems at all, I guess the rocks are doing a pretty good insulating job, just wanted to be sure ya know!

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoDakota

DaddyG, this is a wood deck you have it on? I take it the height off the deck eliminates any heat issues to the wood?

NoDakota · 09-12-2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbeauty

$200 is too much for the peace of mind you'll get from not burning your gazebo down?

http://www.elitedeals.com/oufipi1.html

I'd get one of the manufactured ones, myself, just for the safety factor of it.

Unfortunately, the gas models are the pricey ones. It really doesn't make sense though because buying the parts separately (the stuff made for fire pits) isn't too bad. I guess it's the actual container that is the issue as far as finding something functional and safe.

rico387 · 09-26-2006, 08:52 PM

Sounds like a nice project. It is a good idea to check with your local authorities for safe design. Post pics of your project!