May 17, 2011

Is That A Rug Under Your Fire Pit?!

With summer fast approaching, I thought I might post a project I did a couple of summers ago to add some color in my outdoor living space.  Besides the usual pots of flowers, I thought it would be fun to have more color and coziness around the seating area.  Naturally, my mind drifted towards an area rug. But, under the fire pit...probably not a good idea!  So I came up with this tiled rug....


I started with a round piece of plywood I had picked up at a recycle center.  I then collected various tiles and plates from thrift stores.  I also picked up a couple of bags of flattened marbles from the dollar store.  A little plate smashing, a little adhesive, a little tile grout, and a little (actually, a lot) of head scratching to get a pattern I liked and, voila!...a fire pit rug!  Now, having enjoyed this rug for the past couple of summers, let me give you a few pointers.  To help prevent moisture from wicking up into the plywood, I think it might be a good idea to raise it off the concrete a little.  I'm thinking of adding a few marbles around the perimeter of the underside to accomplish this.  Also, seal the grout well and store the rug inside during the rainy season to help prolong its life.  UPDATE 5/9/2014:  Maybe even a better idea would be to use concrete board (cut in a circle) as a base instead of plywood.  After having been in the elements for a a few years now, the plywood I used has began to separate and the tiles are coming off.  I think the concrete board would hold up better.  Have fun!



I linked up to this and other great parties...check out my party page!

21 comments:

  1. That is so beautiful AND creative! :)

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  2. This turned out gorgeous! Please stop by www.laughloveandcraft.com and link up to my Share the Wealth Wednesday Link Party! I'm your newest follower!

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  3. Im going to make this! just bought a new fire bowl yesterday this looks great!
    KAT

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  4. Wow! I have been staring at the photo, I cannot believe that this is flattened marbles and thrift store stuff. What a great job. I am your newest follower, gotta check out more on your blog

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  5. Gonna make me one! thanks Susan ;)

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  6. This is soo cool! I saved it so when I finally get a fire bowl/pit I can make one.

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  7. What a fun idea!! It adds so much "zing" to the outside space. :)

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  8. Wow! I am so impressed! I love all the bright, cheery colors. Thanks for linking to Home Decor and Organizing Link Party. I'll be featuring this.

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  9. Great idea! I bed this would work on my Trex deck! I'd love for you to link up at DIY Thrifty Thursday at www.thrifty101.blogspot.com
    Michelle

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  10. oh my gosh, that is amazing! i love the bright and cheerfulness of it, and the whole "rug" look under a firepit. fantastic job!

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  11. Such a great idea! Linking up this awesome tiled rug post with us made the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop better and more special. Thank you!

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  12. beautiful...what a great idea!

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  13. Love this! Such a great idea - thanks for sharing.

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  14. what a fabulous idea, great job!

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  15. This is gorgeous!! Absolutely beautiful and a great idea! TFS!!

    Stopping by from Chic on a Shoestring and your newest follower. Here is what I shared on the blog hop: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com/2011/05/red-simplicity-cynthia-rowley-dress.html

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  16. Hi Susan - Hopped over from Finding Fabulous. LOVE the idea and I hope you don't mind if I use it as inspiration for my own fire pit rug! I hope you'll link this to my Mosaic Mania link party that is at the end of this post:
    http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.com/2011/03/crazy-about-mosaics.html
    I'm now following and looking forward to seeing more projects from you.
    Michael
    bluevelvetchair.blogspot.com

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  17. Love this! I want to make one. Thanks for the great idea.

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate the feedback and always look forward to reading what you have to say! Susan