Wooden Fire Pit Cover
First there was the Fire Pit Project.
It was a weekend project that was well worth the time and energy spent!
Then, after living with the fire pit for a couple of years, we decided a cover might be nice for those times when we aren't using it for a fire.
For the cover I began by cutting a large circle from a big piece of 1" thick plywood.
Please visit the bold blue links in this post for more information on these projects.
To make a circle I first found the center of the wood.
I measured the width of the plywood, found the center, then attached string on a tack to the center point.
I tied the other end of the string to a pencil and drew a big circle.
I was careful to hold my pencil upright and honestly, for this project it didn't matter how perfect my circle turned out.
I used a jigsaw to cut the circle, then I trimmed and sanded all the rough edges.
I laid it down on top of the fire pit, it was large enough to cover the center hole.
You may want to give the plywood circle a coat of Polycrylic or something that will protect the plywood from the weather if you're not using a waterproof cover.
I covered the whole thing with a beautiful garage sale find, an oilcloth tablecloth that fit over the top and draped down the sides perfectly!
The oilcloth is waterproof and keeps the wood inside dry for the next fire, it even matches the oilcloth pillows on the chairs and the couch.
You could also use an inexpensive round vinyl tablecloth.
This makes a great table to rest your magazines and drinks.
You can read about how we added a pea gravel area and then replaced this old fence with a brand new vinyl fence that made all the difference in this yard!
And... if you've ever wanted to hang things on a vinyl fence, I've got the perfect solution for you!
Please share on Facebook or Pinterest by clicking the boxes below or leave a nice comment at the bottom of this page.
Neat idea, Susan! Now you can use it when it's not being used as a fire pit, too. Very clever!
ReplyDeleteShut up! We were JUST talking about trying to figure out something like this for our fire pit. We also are wanting some sort of a table. This is great! I LOVE the oil cloth pillow covers too. Genius. The outdoor fabric just doesn't hold up all that great here in Oregon. I'm gonna have to steal both of your ideas. :o)
ReplyDeleteThis is so smart!
ReplyDeleteI would love it if you would share this at the Smart Solutions linky party. You can link up here:
http://theprudentpantryblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/prudent-projects-and-smart-solutions.html
Have a great day!
Ah-haaa!! Great idea :) Laurel
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. With the tablecloth on top it adds so much color and changes the whole atmosphere of your sitting area.
ReplyDeletexo,
Cheri
So clever. I love that this cover could double as a picnic table. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cute idea! I love the fireplace pit cover! You always have the best ideas!
blessings,
karianne
PS I need to bring my paint pens to the beach, too!
I am featuring your project tomorrow,
ReplyDeleteCheri
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI know this is an old post, but I LOVE oilcloth and want to make some patio cushions and pillows. I have a concern: during the heat of summer, does your body stick to this like it would to plastic? THANKS! Your yard looks amazing!
Thank you so much... and it looks much better since we got the new fence. (see that post too) Anyway I think the oil cloth might be better for table cloths because of the "stickiness" that might happen if it was on a chair. It would be easy to clean!
Delete