2016-08-26

We are so excited today to feature a Remodelaholic-inspired project by a lovely reader, Caroline. She was inspired by Lauren and Brett’s amazing firepit pergola with swings and put up some magical but simple DIY outdoor lighting around her fire pit:





Caroline was so sweet to be featured and to share the details so we could compile them in this post — so you can create an enchanting lighted seating area around your fire pit, too. Leave Caroline a big thanks in the comments, and you can see more of her lovely home over on Instagram @carolavallee!

Simple DIY Outdoor Lighting Around a Fire Pit

by Caroline @carolavallee

As with any and all do-it-yourself projects and all of the free DIY projects and tutorial here on Remodelaholic, build at your own risk and be smart, be safe. Be certain to read all instructions before beginning any project. This post should not be considered expert advice; please consult a professional when needed, read all safety and instruction manuals, and take all safety precautions — especially when dealing with power tools and electrical work. We will not be responsible for any injury or damage incurred while following a tutorial from our site. All projects performed following instructions found on this site are done at your own risk. This blog is for entertainment purposes only.

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The fire pit is a premade steel fire ring, approximately 12″ high and 4′ in diameter, buried half in the ground and surrounded with additional rocks.

The outdoor lighting posts are 10′ long 4×4 cedar posts, topped with a wood topper piece. Each post is finished with 2 coats of weather resistant wood stain and buried 12″ deep (without cement).

Caroline used 6 posts to create an 18′ diameter circle around the fire pit (which makes the posts about 9 feet apart if this Remodelaholic’s math skills are up to par!). [See Lauren’s pergola post for a more detailed description of drawing up a firepit design and determining post locations.]

The light strands are powered by an electrical extension cord that was passed through a plastic tube (for safety) and buried, and then connected to an outlet on one of the posts which can then power all the strings of lights.

Alternatively, you could use solar powered string lights, such as these below (contains affiliate links) — just click on each photo to see more details and reviews of each strand of lights — plus see more outdoor plug-in lights below.

It required 6 sets of 9′ long outdoor lights to circle all 6 posts around the fire pit, and the lights are fixed on the post with hooks:

The whole thing cost just under $500 and was done in a weekend.

Approximate costs: $448

6 x $20 lights

6 posts x $12

6 wood caps $0.79

$50 electric stuff

Ring $200

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful summertime retreat, Caroline!

Looking for the perfect strand of outdoor lights?

We’ve shared some of our favorites here, and we went browsing to find even more! Just click each photo to see more details and reviews of each outdoor string light style (contains affiliate links):

See more posts with beautiful DIY backyard retreats:

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The post Easy DIY Outdoor Lighting Around a Fire Pit appeared first on Remodelaholic.

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