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 the 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*
62 Responses
Great job!! One question. The control
Switch for the tank. Does that come with the pan ? Or did you have to buy that separately?
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.
What kind of saw are you using to cut the metal? I’m new to these projects and need to buy some tools.
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
How was transporting once you were done? Is it really heavy?
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.
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.
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!
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!
Aw Michelle!! I’m so happy to hear that! It’s going to be amazing and perfect timing for fall!
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!
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.
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
These are all very good points. I’ll try to be more cautious of safety concerns in the future.
Is it a fire hazard to have a 20lb propane tank under the fire table with the flame?
DO NOT DO THIS without vents. This is an explosion waiting to happen.
I agree, I do not believe there is enough ventilation,
No problem, you could easily add a vent
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.
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?
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?
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.
Hi, What size Lava Rocks did you use, and how much of it should i get?
I just grabbed whatever our local Lowe’s had on hand. I believe it was this: https://rstyle.me/+BaMCYd3Eo3NeFOy4krnB9A
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?
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.
Great table which I have built this week, how long did you wait before applying the sealer.
Thanks,
Pat
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.
Hi! Did you put the wonder board on the bottom as well?
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.
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.
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.
I like yours much better than the Crate&Barrel version. Way to go, girl!
Aw thank you so much Kristy!
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?
I don’t recall what size I used, but I did use this drill bit set. It’s for metal
https://rstyle.me/+B8hf7JXBeM8t7bdqFX3VTA
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?
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.
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?
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!
where did you purchase the burner system? (firepit pan and burner)
Here is the link:
https://rstyle.me/+wEfj4oQznO41vK0yF5kAuw
How has the thinset held up? Have you had issues with it cracking?
It has held up beautifully! I do cover it in winter.
Respectfully, you’re a badass. Thank you for posting this. ❤️
Haha thank you!!
Looks amazing! How heavy is the finished piece? Easy to move around or fairly heavy?
Thank you! It’s not too bad, two people can still move it around.
This is excellent! I’m in the process of building this myself. Question – how did you install the leveling feet?
Thank you! They should just screw right into the bottom metal stud.
Does the fire tray sit on top of the wonderboard or directly on the metal frame?
It sits in on the metal frame so it could be recessed and have the lid sit flush
Well done! Really appreciate the cost breakdown and material links – thank you!
Aw thank you Patty!
What a fantastic project! Your DIY outdoor fire table looks amazing and is such an inspiring addition to your backyard. If you’re looking for more backyard fire pit ideas landscaping, consider adding some cozy seating with natural stone or wooden benches to complement the fire table. Thanks for sharing this creative and practical DIY solution!
Looks awesome, great work and tutorial! Just completed mine! I had a natural gas port on my deck so set mine up to plug directly into that with a long hose. Thanks!
Nice!!! Even better having a natural gas line right there!
Can you share how this has held up? Thanks!
It’s held up beautifully! No issues!
Thank you for an awesome guide and really appreciate your step by step breakdown and instructions. I have built this table and am about to start the thinset step, but wondering if you secured the control panel first to the cement board and then did thinset after around it or if you didn’t attach the control panel until after your thinset was applied? I would like to do it after but i’m wondering if screwing in the screws will crack the thinset after the fact? I am in Canada and we have very cold winters so want to make sure I don’t crack anything that could worsen over time (and winters).
You’re welcome! I screwed it in afterwards and I did get a tiny dent/crack. I can’t remember if it was from my drill slipping and hitting it or if it was from drilling in. Definitely something to think ahead on if you can!