DIY Tiki Torch Planter (Table or Stand) + Video

Create ambiance at summer BBQs with a DIY tiki torch planter. Use on a table or place in a plant stand. Easy to make and burns bright!

You might also like our tiered terracotta planter, our gelatin birdseed feeders, or our $1 soda bottle sprinkler.

Watch our step by step video!

We were invited over to our friend’s house for a BBQ and I noticed that my friend, Anne, had a bunch of tiki torch planters burning around the outdoor sitting area. They worked great and added a nice glow. As I admired the ambiance and lack of mosquitos I couldn’t help but notice the 6 mosquito bites on my ankle that were still healing from sitting on my patio furniture last weekend.

Citronella oil isn’t known for being a super effective mosquito repellant, but it doesn’t attract mosquitos either. Bugs aren’t big fans of flames in general so not only do these planters add ambiance to summer BBQs, but according to Mosquito Max, Tiki torches may be effective in the immediate vicinity of the flame, as they work to ward off mosquitoes with the scent from the candle or oil. 

We were on our friend’s porch for 2 hours and didn’t have a single bug bite. Effective or not, I decided to make a few for my yard too.

 

Tiki Torch Planter

I made a trip to the store and found everything that I needed to make 3 tiki planters for my yard. These DIY tiki torch planters can be used on a table or placed in plant stands around your patio. Now, I’m calling these planters because they are placed inside of a PLANTER POT. You can create a giant one with a tall torch and add actual plants if you want, but these ones are designed to sit off to the side of a gathering on a plant stand or on a table.

Why not just burn the little lantern on its own? Why go to the effort to place it in a planter?

I like the added weight and surface area that the planters provide (keeps them just a bit farther away from little hands on a table) and by setting the small tabletop torch in a larger planter it can be placed in a plant stand and strategically positioned around the patio too.

DIY Tiki Torch Planter Supplies

I’ll link to the supplies that I used. You can find most of them on Amazon or locally at Target or Walmart.

Small tabletop tiki torch

I purchased this one at Target for under $6. I liked that it was glass and was mounted on a small platform. This made it easy to keep level in the planter. You can find all sorts of small torch lanterns like these, but I liked the look of the glass ones the best. The torches come with a wick and cap. The cap is used for putting out the flame when you are done burning the torch.

Walmart has an inexpensive tabletop torch as well.

CLEAN-BURNING Tiki Citronella Fuel

Not only does this fuel smell nice while filling the lanterns, but it also burns clean with minimal smoke and soot.  The 64 oz. bottle that I have will fill 5 lanterns. You can find the citronella tiki fuel on Amazon or at Target.

Planter for Tiki Torch

You’ll need an 8″ or 12″ planter. I use this planter in my home for houseplants and have it in both sizes. I used the 8″ size because that’s what Anne used and it worked well. A 12″ planter would give you even more surface area to keep little hands out of reach, but also would require more glass gems and stones to fill up. I needed a couple more planters so I stopped by Walmart. They are normally $10, but were on sale online for $5.50 if you did an order pick-up.

Stones or Sand

This part is optional, but a great way to minimize how many bags of gems to buy. I used a few river rocks to fill in the bottom of the planter. Sand would be a great option too.

Decorative Glass Gems

You can find these for under $1 at Walmart. You’ll need about 5 bags per 8″ planter.

Plant Stand

A stand isn’t necessary if you plan to put one of these on an outdoor bar or table, but raising these off of the ground is a good idea if placing them around the patio. I love this stand from Walmart that holds the planter nice and snug.

How To Make a Tabletop Tiki Torch

Ways to Repel Mosquitos

Want to keep mosquitos at bay in your yard? Here are some tips!

1. Get rid of standing water. Mosquitos are attracted to standing water and will turn it into a breeding ground so avoid having unused planters full of rainwater in the corner of your yard.
2. Apply sunscreen before insect repellant and always allow the sunscreen to soak in for 20 minutes before applying bug spray. This will give you the best potency for both products.
3. DEET. Everyone hates DEET, but it really is the best chemical for keeping mosquitos at bay. Look for bug sprays with DEET.
4. Don’t just spray your skin. I’ve found that spraying my pants and socks can help keep mosquitos from biting under clothing.
5. Stay inside at dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.
6. Plant basil, lavender, or catnip as a natural mosquito repellant for your yard.

Use Tiki Torch Planters With Caution

I am NOT responsible for any mishaps that may happen if you replicate this project.

• Never burn the tiki torch planter indoors. Always burn outside with proper ventilation and fresh air.
• Never leave an open flame unattended.
• If using a funnel to refill fuel, use a designated funnel that won’t be used for anything else. Wipe up any drips before lighting the flame.
• Always snuff flame out with the snuffer cap included with the torch lantern.
• Do not burn near anything flammable such as beach towels, napkins, tablecloths, etc.
• Do not fill the planter with anything flammable or with items that will melt. Rocks, glass gems, and sand are good options.