How do I Build a Fire Pit Coffee Table?

Fire pit coffee tables enable a person to enjoy the comfort of home while enjoying the wonderful world of nature. Being warmed by a fire on a chilly fall night and having the ability to put your feet up on a table is a combination of two worlds. Building your own fire pit coffee table will definitely give guests something to talk about at the next get-together. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure and cut a piece of 3/4-inch pressure-treated plywood that is large enough for a comfortable table. The measurements need to be divisible by four, and 6 inches larger than the fire pit basin. Add 1 more inch to the final measurement to allow for tile spacers.

For example: If the fire pit basin is 29 inches wide, the plywood would need to be a minimum of 35 inches wide. To accommodate a multiple of four the width would need to be 36 inches. Adding 1 more inch would mean the plywood would need to be 37 inches wide. This will allow you to apply a row of 9 whole tiles to the top of the table. The same applies to the length.

2

Remove the legs from a small purchased fire pit. Any kind will work. This will set the basis for the size of the coffee table. The only thing that is needed is the basin of the pit. This is the area where the fire is burned. Every fire pit is different. You will have to determine the best way to remove the legs based on the model purchased.

3

Place the basin upside down on a piece of the plywood. Trace around the edges. It is best to keep the basin at least 6 inches away from the edge of the plywood.

4

Cut along the traced line on the plywood. Remove the piece of plywood in the center.

5

Measure and cut four 2-by-4 pieces of lumber to 17 inches long. These will be the legs.

6

Attach the legs to the four corners of the plywood, approximately 6 inches away from any edge. Do not allow the 2-by-4 to pass under the hole in the top. Drill a 3-inch screw through the top of the plywood and into the top of the 2-by-4. You should now have what resembles a table with a hole in the top.

7

Place the tiles on the top of the table. Place a tile spacer between each tile. Determine the pattern you wish to use. Cut the tiles that overlap the hole. Mark the line that needs to be cut with a pencil. Score the line on the tile with a tile scorer. Break the tile apart.

8

Remove all tiles and apply a -inch layer of thin set mortar to the top of the table, using a trowel.

9

Replace the tiles on top of the table. Place a tile spacer between each tile. Gently push each one into the mortar. Tap the tiles level with a rubber mallet. Wait for the mortar to dry.

10

Fill the spaces with tile grout. Wait for the grout to dry before wiping the excess grout away with a damp sponge.

11

Measure the width between the outside portion of each leg on the table. Measure the height of the table from the ground to the bottom of the table top. Cut a piece of plywood to match.

12

Nail the plywood to the front of each leg. Ensure that the nails do not intersect with each other.

13

Turn the table upside down, and apply a generous amount of grout to the outside and underneath of the table. Do not worry about the grout being smooth or neat. "Slap it on there." Wait for the grout to dry. Paint the dried grout if desired.

14

Turn the table back over and insert the fire basin in the hole. Leave the basin resting on the tile. This will allow for a faster removal of ashes later.