Key Takeaways
- A DIY propane fire pit is a fun, budget-friendly project to upgrade your outdoor space.
- You’ll need key materials like a fire bowl, propane burner kit, gas hose, and fire-rated lava rocks or glass.
- Safety first: Always build on a non-flammable, open-air surface with proper ventilation and leak testing.
- Use only heat-resistant, fire-rated materials—never regular rocks.
Who doesn’t love enjoying the outdoors with a refreshing fall breeze and that crisp, cool air? It’s that time of year again to start preparing for fall, and what better way to do it than by building a cozy fire pit? Grab a set of plans and follow along with this video, and we’ll show you exactly how it’s done!!
Raw Materials Required For A DIY Propane Fire Pit
- Fire pit bowl or metal container (steel or cast iron, fire-rated)
- Propane fire pit burner kit (includes burner ring, fittings, and ignition)
- 20lb propane tank
- Gas hose with regulator
- Fire-rated lava rocks or fire glass
- Paver blocks, bricks, or a metal fire pit frame (optional for exterior)
- Gravel or sand
- Adjustable wrench
- Drill (if needed for ventilation)
- Heat-resistant silicone sealant
- Safety gloves and goggles
Step 1: Choose A Safe Location
Pick an outdoor, open area—at least 10 feet away from your home, trees, or flammable materials.
The surface should be flat and level, preferably concrete, gravel, or a fireproof patio.
Safety Tip: Never install your fire pit on a wooden deck or near overhanging structures.
Step 2: Prepare The Base
To get started, lay down about 2 to 3 inches of gravel or sand where you plan to set up your fire pit. This will help with drainage and keep the heat from escaping too quickly.
If you’re using bricks or pavers to create a custom design, arrange them in a circle or square. Just remember to leave a few small gaps for airflow—ventilation is super important!
Step 3: Set The Fire Bowl Or Container
To set up your steel fire bowl or fire-rated container, place it right on the gravel base. And make sure it’s centered and feels stable—no wobbling or tipping over!
Step 4: Install The Burner Ring
- To get started, place the propane burner ring right inside the fire bowl.
- Follow the instructions that came with your burner kit to secure it to the center hole of the bowl, or if there’s no pre-drilled hole, you can simply rest it on the gravel.
As an optional step, if your container is airtight, try using a drill to create some ventilation holes in the side of the bowl.
Step 5: Connect The Gas Line
- Attach the regulator and gas hose to your propane tank.
- Connect the other end of the hose to the burner ring.
- Use a wrench to tighten the connections—but don’t overtighten. This can damage the fittings.
Tip: Apply soapy water to the connections and turn on the gas slightly. If bubbles form, you have a leak—tighten and test again.
Step 6: Secure The Setup
If your bowl or burner is a bit wobbly, try using some heat-resistant silicone sealant to secure the base or burner. Just make sure everything is snug but not overly tight—you’ll want to be able to easily remove the propane tank when necessary.
Step 7: Add Fire Media
To create a safe and stylish setup, add lava rocks or fire glass around the burner. Just make sure to cover it without suffocating the flame—leave some space for it to breathe. And a quick tip: steer clear of regular rocks, as they can explode when exposed to high heat!
Step 8: Test Your Fire Pit
To get started, turn on the gas at the tank. If your burner has an ignition button, go ahead and use that. If not, grab a long lighter or a matchstick.
When lighting the burner, make sure to ignite it from the edge to keep your hands safe.
Let it burn for a few minutes and keep an eye on the flame. It should be steady, with a nice blue color at the base, and definitely not sputtering.
Once tested, your fire pit is ready! Pull up a few chairs, grab some marshmallows, and enjoy the cozy flame—but always stay alert and supervise children or pets nearby.
Important Safety Measures And Tips
Always Check For Gas Leaks
Before you fire up your propane setup, take a moment to check for gas leaks. A simple soapy water test can do wonders—just mix some soap with water, apply it to the hose and fittings, and turn on the gas a little. If you spot any bubbles, that means there’s a leak. Tighten those connections right away and give it another check.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
It’s crucial to never use a propane fire pit in a closed-off area. Make sure there’s plenty of fresh air circulating to avoid any gas buildup, which could lead to some serious flare-ups or even explosions.
Use Fire-Safe Materials Only
Stick to using lava rocks or fire-rated glass in your fire pit. Regular stones, like river rocks, can actually explode when they get too hot. Also, double-check that your bowl or container is made from heat-resistant metal or other fire-rated materials.
Keep Extinguishing Tools Nearby
Always have a fire extinguisher, a bucket of sand, or a garden hose close at hand. Having these tools within reach can help you tackle a small issue before it turns into a major problem.
Conclusion
If building a fire pit has been on your to-do list, we really hope this video has sparked some inspiration for you to get started this fall.
