DIY Fire Urns: Affordable Elegance for Your Outdoor Space

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How to DIY your own Poolside Fire Urns to elevate your outdoor space. Level up your outdoor space with these DIY fire urns — an easy and affordable backyard project that adds instant warmth and style. Perfect for summer patio nights, cozy fall evenings, or year-round backyard vibes.

There’s something magical about the warm glow of firelight — especially when it dances across the surface of a pool on a quiet evening. After spotting stunning (and pricey) fire features at luxury resorts and home improvement stores, I was inspired to create the same kind of backyard ambiance myself. That’s when I discovered just how easy it is to make your own DIY fire urns — a simple backyard fire bowl project that costs a fraction of what you’d spend in stores, but delivers the same cozy, resort-style glow. This is truly the easiest DIY fire urn, and the transformation it brings to your outdoor space is instant.

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Need a quick outdoor DIY project? These DIY fire bowls (aka fire urns) were exactly what our backyard needed. Super easy, budget-friendly, and they give off the dreamiest glow. Watch how we made them, then head to the blog for all the details!

What You’ll Need

Large planters (I found beautiful $15 options at Aldi)
Lava rocks (available at garden centers or home improvement stores)
Tiki torch fuel canisters
Tiki torch fuel (citronella blend works great for bug control)
Optional: decorative rocks or glass for the top layer

How to DIY your own fire urn in under an hour.

The Simple Fire Urn Build Process

Select your planters. I recommend choosing ones at least 14-16 inches in diameter.
If the plater you find is deep, you can put another smaller planter, bricks, or soil inside to fill the space and give the canister something to sit on.
I would do a top layer of lava rocks. These provide weight and stability while also allowing for proper airflow.
Create a space in the center of the rocks for your tiki torch canister. Make sure it sits securely and won’t tip over.
Fill the canister with tiki torch fuel. I prefer citronella-based fuel for its bug-repelling properties.
Add more lava rocks around the canister, leaving only the wick exposed.
Optional: Add a decorative top layer of colored stones or fire glass for extra visual appeal.

Add instant ambiance to your backyard with these stunning DIY fire urns. Whether you’re hosting summer gatherings or just want a peaceful night under the stars, this project is quick, low-cost, and high-impact.

Fire Urn Maintenance and Safety

Always extinguish the flames completely before refilling with fuel
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case
Store extra fuel in a cool, dry place away from the fire features
Check the canisters before each use to ensure they’re in good condition

Elevate your back patio by adding this DIY fire feature. An easy project that makes a huge impact.

The Results

The vibes in our backyard have been warm and inviting. The flickering light creates beautiful reflections on the pool surface while the gentle citronella scent keeps bugs at bay.

The best part? The entire project just minutes to complete all three urns. Now our backyard feels a little more like a high-end resort retreat—perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet evening outdoors.

Have you created any DIY fire features for your outdoor space? I’d love to hear about your projects in the comments below!

Note: Always follow local fire regulations and never leave burning fire features unattended. Safety first!