I’ve been on the hunt for a fire table for our outdoor lounge area. Of course, when I finally found “the one,” I also found out it costs $3,899! This Plateau Rectangular Outdoor Fire Table from Crate & Barrel is exactly what I have been searching for and it is perfect in every way, except for the price. After much planning, I found a way to make my own version of it for around $500. Here’s everything you need to know so you can build one too.
THE SUPPLIES
- 5-6 metal 2×4
- 1-2 metal rails
- 1/2″ Self-drilling metal screws
- 3 x 7/16” wonderboard backer lite
- 1 x 1/4″ wonderboard backer lite
- 1 5/8” rock-on screws
- 30” x 10” Drop-in fire pit pan
- 11 lb. propane tank
- Thinset Mortar
BUILDING THE FRAMEWORK
The best way to get started is to determine the size that you want your fire table to be. You can adjust the size to fit your needs, but I am going to make the overall size of my fire table 52” in length by 28” wide by 18” high.
For the framework, we need to subtract 1” from those measurements to account for the ½” thick wonderboard that will cover the outside. So, the actual outside dimensions for the framework will be 51” x 27” x 17.5.”
I’ve decided to construct my framework out of metal 2x4s. It seems like the best option for this type of project. They will be lighter than wood, they will withstand the outdoor elements, and overall it just seems more appropriate since they are non-combustible/fire resistant. With that being said, I don’t see any reason you couldn’t construct the framework out of pressure-treated lumber as well.
You will need a combination of metal 2x4s and metal rails. The metal 2x4s will run vertically and sit inside the metal rails that will run horizontally. Essentially the metal rails will run along the bottom and the top, like when you build a wall… there is a bottom plate and top plate.
Begin by constructing the bottom rail and fastening it together with metal screws. Next, we’ll fasten the cut 2x4s to the bottom rail. And lastly, place the top rail on and fasten it to the 2x4s. Don’t forget to leave enough space on one end of the fire table for your propane tank to fit in.
A couple of things I found helpful… use c-clamps to hold the metal 2x4s in place when adding screws. A magnetic level is also helpful to make sure everything stays level and square.
The last bit of framework needed is some support for your firepan. We’ll need metal 2x4s running on top so that the lip of your fire pan has something to sit on. This will be determined by the size of your fire pan.
COVERING THE FRAMEWORK WITH WONDERBOARD
Now that the framework is complete, we can move on to covering it with wonderboard or cement board. I am using 7/16” wonderboard backer lite all the way around the perimeter of the fire table. Once again, be sure to leave a hole for the propane tank and you will also need a hole for the control panel/igniter switch if your fire pan is equipped with that. I used a combination of a utility knife and a grinder to cut the wonderboard. I used rock-on screws to attach the wonderboard, but I had to predrill every hole so that the rock-on screws would go through the metal 2x4s.
I took a slightly different approach for the top of my fire table. I want to have a wonderboard lid that sits flush with the surface, so in order to do that I had to layer two different types of wonderboard.
With my fire pan in place, I covered the top with a thinner 1/4” wonderboard with a cutout in the center for the firepan. The top of my fire pan now sits flush with the surrounding wonderboard. I added a second layer with the thicker 7/16” wonderboard, once again with a cutout in the middle for the firepan, except this time that cutout area will now become my lid.
FINISHING THE FIRE TABLE WITH THINSET MORTAR
There were so many options that I considered for finishing this fire table. I am specifically looking for a cement-look, so I decided to go with a thinset mortar in a gray color. You could easily use stone or concrete or various other products to get the finish you desire.
I mixed the mortar according to bag and used a trowel to apply it to the table. To help prevent cracks, use joint tape anywhere two pieces of wonderboard meet. After the mortar had some time to set, I took a wet sponge to it to smooth out the surface. This worked beautifully, but it was still a bit lumpy in certain areas. I ended up applying a second coat of the mortar to the entire table and made sure to get it on as smooth as possible. I used the same technique with the wet sponge, and it turned out perfectly this time! So happy with the results! Lastly, I applied this sealer to the entire table.
FINISHING TOUCHES
There were a few little finishing touches I added, like adjustable furniture feet to the bottom and this recessed door ring to the lid. The best way I found to attach the propane tank door is with magnetic catches. I have four total, one in each corner, and it has held up well. I also added a little handle for the propane door.
THE RESULTS
I am just thrilled with how the fire table turned out! What do you think, is it close to the original inspiration? Is this a DIY you would attempt?
TOTAL COST BREAKDOWN
SUPPLIES
Metal 2×4 | Metal rails | 1/2″ Self-drilling metal screws | 7/16” wonderboard backer lite | 1/4″ wonderboard backer lite | 1 5/8” rock-on screws | 30” x 10” Drop-in fire pit pan | 11 lb. propane tank | Thinset Mortar | Sealer | Lava Rock | Recessed door ring | Magnetic catches | Handle
SOURCES
Arca Vintage Brown Sofa | Tan Braided Outdoor Rug 8×10 | Ikea Torared Pendant Lampshade | 3-way Outdoor Pendant Lights with Rope Cord | Throw Pillow 1 | Throw Pillow 2 | Throw Pillow 3 | Black Planter Large | Black Planter Medium | Faux Stone Garden Stool | Large Lantern | Small Lantern |
*This post contains affiliate links*
Anthea says
Great job!! One question. The control
Switch for the tank. Does that come with the pan ? Or did you have to buy that separately?
Erin says
Thank you Anthea! The control switch comes with the pan kit. It literally has everything you need to operate it, except the propane tank itself.
Amber says
What kind of saw are you using to cut the metal? I’m new to these projects and need to buy some tools.
Erin says
I am using an angle grinder with a metal cutting blade. You can definitely cut these with simple hand held tin snips, but this way is a little quicker. Here is a link to my angle grinder: https://rstyle.me/+oN1dQ-ymlg1eFkmhTNwkUw
Misty says
How was transporting once you were done? Is it really heavy?
Erin says
It is pretty heavy, but two people can still lift it. I added plastic feet to the bottom and it slides very easily on our stamped concrete. You could slide it easily with those furniture mover slide things too.
Erin says
Thank you for this amazing tutorial, I’m going to attempt it on a larger scale soon. How has the thinset held up? I’m worried about the finish cracking, so I want to exhaust all options first.
Erin says
That’s so exciting! I hope you do! The thinset has held up perfectly through its first winter. I did get a cover for it and kept it covered during the winter months. Hope that helps!
Michelle says
This totally inspired me to try this outdoor fire table project! I am almost done and can’t wait to see the final project complete! Your instructions were perfect! GIRL POWER! Thank you so much!
Erin says
Aw Michelle!! I’m so happy to hear that! It’s going to be amazing and perfect timing for fall!
Bradley says
Thank You for the tutorial. I was wondering if you don’t get the perfectly smooth finish you want with the thin set do you think lightly sanding it would help? I’ve seen this technique done with concrete tables.
Thanks!
Erin says
Yes! I have not tried it on this table, but I’ve done it with a concrete countertop. I do think you could do a wet sand on it to smooth it out.
Horst Widmaier says
Der Feuertisch sieht gut aus, aber bei der Herstellung sind mir sehr viele Fehler in Punkto Sicherheit aufgefallen. Beim Schneiden von Metall, z.B. mit einer Flex, zieht man grundsätzlich Arbeitshandschuhe an. Ebenso trägt der Fachmann eine Schutzbrille und lange Bekleidung zum Schutz vor Funkenflug. Beim Anrühren von Mörtel, der alkalisch ist und staubt, sind Schutzmaske und Handschuhe zu tragen. Der Zementmörtel darf auch nicht ohne Maske geschliffen werden. Das alles sind gravierende Fehler die in Ihrer Veröffentlichung deutlich zu sehen sind. Bei einer neuerlichen Darstellungen Ihrer Projekte bitte ich Sie auf solche Fehler zu achten, damit nicht die Gesundheit der Nachmacher gefährdet wird. MfG
Erin says
These are all very good points. I’ll try to be more cautious of safety concerns in the future.
Carrie Pierce says
Is it a fire hazard to have a 20lb propane tank under the fire table with the flame?
Erin says
I am not an expert, so please do your own research and do what you feel comfortable with. But they do typically sell fire tables like this with the propane tank underneath and I don’t think it’s any different than using a grill that has the propane tank below it?
BB says
DO NOT DO THIS without vents. This is an explosion waiting to happen.
Erin says
I do have adjustable feet on the bottom so there is some air flow on the bottom. We always turn our propane tank off as well.
Fernando says
I agree, I do not believe there is enough ventilation,
Erin says
No problem, you could easily add a vent
Beth Sugrue says
I really love this and I so appreciate you supplying all the links to the materials. I have a question though about storing it. Can this be rained on? Or do you cover it up all the time?
Erin says
Thank you! Over summer we leave it out as-is. The color does darken slightly when it gets wet. I did find a cover for it that I put on over the winter months when we are not using it.
Franka Costelloe says
Hi, What size Lava Rocks did you use, and how much of it should i get?
Erin says
I just grabbed whatever our local Lowe’s had on hand. I believe it was this: https://rstyle.me/+BaMCYd3Eo3NeFOy4krnB9A
Jen says
This looks amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m just getting to the thinset step today… How long did you wait in between coats?
Also, how long did you wait before applying the sealer?
Erin says
Thank you! You can really see the thinset dry, it gets very light colored. If you rub it and it’s hard, you can do the second coat. If you rub it and it feel like playdoh, then it’s prob not ready for the second coat yet. I found that the sun really helped it dry out more than anything. I would wait a good 24-48 hours for the sealer.
Pat Jacobs says
Great table which I have built this week, how long did you wait before applying the sealer.
Thanks,
Pat
Erin says
Thank you! I would say at least 48 hours. It will vary depending on your dry time of the thinset mortar. I would let the thinset dry out as much as possible.
Adrena says
Hi! Did you put the wonder board on the bottom as well?
Erin says
I did not, the bottom is open. I would recommend leaving the bottom open for some ventilation or possibly adding a vent to the side if you were going to cover the bottom.
BB says
This setup is dangerous. Propane pools at bottom so this definitely needs a vent, ideally two. Even if this is open on bottom as she has it, it is not enough. This could explode if she ever has a leak.
Erin says
I do have adjustable feet on the bottom so there is some air flow on the bottom. We always turn our propane tank off as well.
Kristy says
I like yours much better than the Crate&Barrel version. Way to go, girl!
Erin says
Aw thank you so much Kristy!
Holly Graham says
Beautiful!! I have made the metal part but having a hard time finding a drill bit that is the right size and will go through metal. Do you remember what you used?
Erin says
I don’t recall what size I used, but I did use this drill bit set. It’s for metal
https://rstyle.me/+B8hf7JXBeM8t7bdqFX3VTA
Chad says
Great idea and job. I have cut the top cover out and wondered if one puts thinset on those edges
would it become too tight? Same with the propane opening?
Erin says
Thank you! I shaved a little extra off those areas and did thinset on the sides too. It would just be some trial and error to get it to fit correctly.
Charlie says
Thank you so much for all of this, Erin. Couple questions for ya. How sturdy was the final product? I’m just thinking if someone sits on it, will it be strong enough to hold their weight, especially on the end where the door is?
Erin says
You’re welcome! It is very sturdy. It gets sat on, I stand on it occasionally to change light bulbs, and our dog thinks it’s her perch, haha! Very sturdy!
Ed Singer says
where did you purchase the burner system? (firepit pan and burner)
Erin says
Here is the link:
https://rstyle.me/+wEfj4oQznO41vK0yF5kAuw
stacey says
How has the thinset held up? Have you had issues with it cracking?
Erin says
It has held up beautifully! I do cover it in winter.
JackiiE says
Respectfully, you’re a badass. Thank you for posting this. ❤️
Erin says
Haha thank you!!
Taniesha Ohnander says
Looks amazing! How heavy is the finished piece? Easy to move around or fairly heavy?
Erin says
Thank you! It’s not too bad, two people can still move it around.
Kyle says
This is excellent! I’m in the process of building this myself. Question – how did you install the leveling feet?
Erin says
Thank you! They should just screw right into the bottom metal stud.