Outdoor fire pits are perfect for cozy gatherings and are a simple outdoor feature that can add major value to your home. However, when they’re not lit, they often sit unused, take up valuable space, and are vulnerable to the elements. Wouldn’t it be nice if your fire pit could pull double duty as a functional table, too? That’s where this DIY comes in: create a versatile cover that turns your fire pit into a stylish tabletop, maximizing your outdoor setup without sacrificing style or utility. And it’s a fairly easy DIY that anyone can tackle in an afternoon.

To complete this project, all you’ll need is some wood boards measured to be a little bigger than your firepit, 2×2 wood pieces, a drill and screws, a jigsaw, nail and string, a palm sander, protective glasses, gloves, and your chosen handles. Creating a custom cover not only upgrades your fire pit but also adds a polished, intentional look to your backyard. With just a few tools and basic materials, you’ll transform your fire pit into a versatile centerpiece for dining, drinks, or even board games under the stars.

Creating this fire pit cover is surprisingly simple, and you don’t need to be an expert woodworker to get great results. You can even avoid cutting your own boards if you opt for pre-cut wood from your local hardware store. Once you have everything ready, measure your fire pit to determine how large your tabletop should be. Then, arrange the boards tightly together to form a square that’s just a bit larger than the pit’s opening. 

To lock the boards in place and add strength, screw the 2x2s across the back in the opposite direction. You can also glue the boards diagonally for added support. Then, find the center of your square, hammer in a nail, tie a string to it, and use a pencil to trace a circle that matches your fire pit’s opening. Carefully cut along the circle with a jigsaw, then smooth the edges with a palm sander. Attach sturdy handles, apply your chosen stain, and let it dry completely. Just like that, you’ve created a dual-purpose fire pit cover that turns into a sleek tabletop when your fire isn’t in use.

If you want to take your fire pit cover to the next level, there are endless ways to customize it and match it to your perfect outdoor vibe. You can stain or paint the wood in various tones to coordinate it with your patio furniture. You can also strengthen your wood fire pit cover with outdoor-grade polyurethane to protect against moisture and sun damage. To level up its function, you can add a lazy susan that is perfect for snacks and drinks. Or you can even paint a checkerboard or tic-tac-toe on the surface for built-in backyard games! If you want to level up your fire pit area even more, try some of these fire pit ideas to turn your outdoor living space into the perfect oasis.

This simple DIY doesn’t just solve a problem, it adds value to your outdoor living area and makes your fire pit space more functional when it’s not being used for a fire. With a little creativity and a free afternoon, you can turn your fire pit cover into a custom piece that’s functional, beautiful, and totally your style. But if your backyard fire pit is making your neighbors angry, try some of these alternatives.