this clever outdoor diy idea comes from erik anderson of gerardot & co.- a creative branding and design agency in indianapolis. erik was kind enough to share a fantastic project that turns an everyday bottle into a modern backyard tiki torch. i love the way these torches look and am dying to find a backyard to use these in- too bad the closest thing we have is a 2×2 foot fire escape. but for those of you with yards, i hope you’ll enjoy this project from erik. click here for more info on the project and click here to check out erik’s work at gerardot & co. thanks, erik!
CLICK HERE for the full project instructions after the jump!
[****Safety Note: This is for outdoor use only. Tiki brand recommends that the wick never be set higher than 1-inch, and I recommend that you exercise the same discretion and common sense that you would with any small open flame.*****]
Recycled Wind Bottle Torch
In any of my design work, whether for clients or for myself, I’m most proud when I can find a solution that’s highly creative and effective while keeping resources to a minimum. This is totally inexpensive (around $5-bucks). Plus it’s a great way to recycle a wine bottle.
It’s been a record year for mosquitoes here in Indianapolis, Indiana and I’d been wanting to add some Tiki-esque torches to the patio to combat the little buggers, as well as provide some ambiance in the evenings. After searching the world over to find a torch that was affordable and atypical, I came to the conclusion that unless I wanted wicker or bamboo, I would need to become a bit more resourceful. A glance into my recycling bin and an aimless stroll through the local hardware store provided me with this clear solution.
1. Empty Wine Bottle (You can use any bottle you like as long as it’s glass and the neck is 1” in diameter. Be clever!)
2. Teflon Tape 1/2”
3. Copper Top Plate Connector (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
4. 1” Split Ring Hanger (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
5. 1/2” x 3/8” Copper Coupling
6. 1/2” Copper Cap
7. Two Hex Nuts (threaded for 3/8”-16 thread rod)
8. Two #10 x 1” Zinc Plated Wood Screws (if your mounting it to wood)
9. 3/8”-16 Zinc Plated Threaded Rod (I bought a 3’ rod and cut it down to 8, 4-1/2” rods with a hacksaw.)
10. Tiki Replacement Wick
11. Torch Fuel (For safety reasons, only use fuel made specifically for outdoor torches. i.e. Tiki brand)
Helpful Tools: Channellocks, adjustable wrench, hacksaw, power screwdriver, and a funnel
****Safety Note: This is for outdoor use only. Tiki brand recommends that the wick never be set higher than 1-inch, and I recommend that you exercise the same discretion and common sense that you would with any small open flame.*****
Building Instructions
The Hanger
1. Decide where you want to mount your Recycled Bottle Torch. Position the Top Plate Connector on your mounting surface and mark the holes for where the screws will go. It’s easier to keep it level if you pre-drill your screws first.
2. Once you have your Top Plate Connector mounted you can screw in the 3/8”-16 Rod until it stops. Channellocks are helpful for this part.
3. Thread the two Hex Nuts on to the Rod and tighten one all the way down at the point where the Rod meets the Top Connector Plate. Leave the other Hex Nut at the front end so it can be used to secure the Split Ring Hanger.
4. Thread on the Split Ring Hanger just enough so that the Rod is flush with the inside of the ring. Turn the 2nd Hex Nut counter-clockwise to snug it up against the Split Ring Hanger.
If you’d prefer your hardware to keep its shiny, unweathered look you can always give it several coats of clear polyurethane before you mount it. Personally, I think a weathered patina will add a nice element of character.
The Bottle
1. Carefully and tightly wrap the 1/2” end of the Coupling with your Teflon Tape. You’ll want to keep each wrap nice and clean so that it creates a smooth, even surface. Continue building up the tape until it fits very snugly into the opening of your bottle. You obviously don’t want it to fall in.
2. Insert the Wick into the Coupling until it sticks out about 1/4”. The Tiki brand replacement wicks are about 3/8” in diameter so they fit really well. Once they absorb the torch oil they’re even tighter.
3. Unscrew the Split Ring Hanger on one side and position the bottle neck into the ring.
4. Flip the front half of the ring back into place and tighten down the Hanger evenly on both sides. You may need to loosen the other side to make sure both sides are an even tightness. (Don’t over tighten the Hanger. You don’t want to break the glass.)
5. Use a funnel to fill the bottle with your favorite torch oil. (I use Tiki’s BiteFighter because it’s clear and seems to do a good job of keeping the mosquitoes away.)
6. Insert the Coupling & Wick into the top of the bottle and twist it snugly into place. Give the Wick a few minutes to absorb the oil before you try to light it.
7. I typically just blow my torches out. Use the Copper Cap to keep the Wick dry when you’re not using your torch.
Good Luck!
120 Comments
wow, you are hitting some home runs when it comes to plant and outdoor DIY Stuff today!
Clever!
OK, awesome. Tiki torches are practically mandatory in Texas because of the mosquitoes. Love the idea of recycling AND getting away from the luau look in my backyard.
thanks rochelle- we’re lucky to have some talented diy editors- and readers like erik!- on board :)
grace
Fabulous! I’ll do anything to get more fancy fire in the yard!
I absolutely love this idea! Just another reason hubby and I need to finish off the bottles we have in the wine cellar. :)
Wonderful idea! I have had some wine bottles saved that I couldn’t part with, but didn’t know quite what to do with them…now I know! Thanks to Erik and d*s, I can get my husband off my back (WHY are you saving these?) and give him a creative project to do all in one shot!
We don’t have much of a deck, but I think I’m going to use this idea for flowers indoors.
Wow, can’t wait to have a backyard so I can put these babies up! Love the idea and endless bottle possibilities!
This is so cool. I love this idea!
AH! How clever. Love, love, love this. This would be great for romantic Fall dining in my backyard with new hubby!
THAT IS SO COOL!
I am going to try this. Please wish me luck in not burning my house down.
such a cute idea – i could see these being a big hit at burning man!
These are really pretty and would give a great mood to an out door space! I used to make these for indoors, but love the outdoor use!
I love this idea! Had my sweetie take a look too so we can work on this project together over the weekend. I love to recycle so I will put my wine tasting bottles to good use. Thanks for the great idea and materials list. CHEERS!
That is such a great idea! LOVE IT!
Pure genius!! We’re totally doing this.
this is effing genius. two of our tiki tourches from last year (metal) cracked, so we were looking for new ones. but this is even better, we’ve got lots of empties!
This is so weird…I was looking for a DIY like this on Monday after seeing something similar on a TV show. YAY! I’m using citronella tiki oil…darn mosquitos…
PS- If I don’t have a place to put these can’t I just put the bottle on a table? Kind of like a fire centerpiece? :)
those are so beautiful! i think they’d look great at a wedding.
What a great idea! I don’t have the luxury of a back yard, but my parents would love these. They may just be getting a set soon!
This is why I need to get a wooden privacy fence installed ASAP. Bye bye chainlink, hello tiki paradise!
I forgot to mention: For the folks that don’t have wooden fences to mount to, you can always just use two of the Split Ring Hangers (one on each end) and attach it to a 1″ pole, umbrella, fire escape, etc.
This is got to be one of the best ideas DIY ideas I have seen in a long time.
BRAVO!!
The more unique the bottle to more impressive of a display.
what a great idea! it’s certainly not hard to have empty wine bottles. :)
Love it! I’m curious – assuming one already has an empty wine bottle on hand, how much would the materials cost, roughly?
Gorgeous! And I just bought a case of Badger Mountain-I’m rolling in the pretty blue bottles! Thanks so much, I’ll be linking to this.
These are very cool looking, but look pretty dangerous. Open flame – keep your hair out of the way! And glass bottles filled with fuel – don’t whack the bottle by accident – liquid fuel, possibly on fire, all over, maybe on someone. Sorry to rain on the enthusiasm parade . . .
green key
yes, you definitely need to be careful with anything torch-related, but the point of this project is to have these on walls, away from guests and anyone who would knock them over ;)
grace
i cannot wait to try this! looks like my boyfriend will be getting some great torches in his backyard since i don’t have a fence. lucky guy!
love love love the updated tiki torch! thanks for sharing!
Oooo. very nice idea. Not only do I love idea, but also had a quick nosey at their website. I love their style!
And here I’ve just been making drinking glasses and vases out of wine bottles. This is going to be sooo much fun!
how cool is that!
Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Oh wow! Right up my alley, and I think I can actually do this!
Thanks!
-Kelley
This is so fantastic! My boyfriend and I are totally going to do this after seeing your tutorial…thanks so much for sharing!
What a nice project. I’m making these today!!!!
Were you able to get most of these items from Home depot or lowes or ace?
I’ve found the materials at all the big guys: Lowes, Home Depot, Mennards. Just head over to the plumbing section. Wicks were the hardest to find. Only Lowes had them when I was looking.
Wow–I’ve written a whole book on DIY outdoor decor and never thought of this project—Dang it!! I like it so much I’m going to post in on my blog! Thanks!
This is an awesome idea!
Fantastic idea, excellent instructions make attempting very tempting. How about a small aluminum pie plate as a heat/light reflector? A couple nuts on the threaded rod could grab the edge.
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
True, this is a cool idea, but you could do a lot better than the “hardware store chic”. Exposed threads look unfinished…
designy-
i don’t think they could do better. it’s a torch made from found materials- you either embrace the idea or bought something fancier and store bought. the hardware store look is part of the charm i think…
grace
My boyfriend is a wine rep so we are always dealing with lots of empty wine bottles. Now we have something to do with all of them AND provides an industrial design flare for the yard! Love the idea. Thanks for sharing.
On top of this being a nice project I think the project photos are really excellent – clear, well-lighted, pretty colors – well done :).
Alright. We bought all the stuff at Lowes. Drilled into the backyard post. Drank the wine. Filled the bottle with genuine Tiki Torch Fuel. Lit the exposed quarter inch of Tiki Brand wick. Not exactly a clean flame. Result: Big Black Smokey Mess.
In case of zombies?
that is genius and beautiful!
I thought these looked cute. Showed them to my guy friends to see if we could make them, and they laughed and said they look like Molotov cocktails. *Sigh* no creative lighting for me….and the closet is still full of wine bottles.
What a great way to use up any old wine bottles around. I’ve got a few to spare!
Do you need to cut threads in the 3/8″-4.5 in rod pieces? They do screw into the hanger and the top plate connector correct?
I guess I should read the directions and materials list 1st! (Threaded Rod) It’s pretty clear how to do this. Thanks!
this is an awesome idea! :)… found all the parts except the copper top plate connector…. apparently nobody in the lowes or home depot here know what that is and i cant seem to find it…. any suggestions??
Beautiful! I don’t drink wine so I’ll have to find some way of salvaging some bottles. I love the blue!
Can you get the hardware at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace, etc.?
Oops, sorry. Didn’t see Erik’s reply about all the hardware!
Just curious-what kind of wine was once in that blue bottle?
We made these this weekend (without the hangers) and used the Tiki Bite Fighter fuel. They turned out **beautifully!** – clean flame, as well. However, we haven’t been able to find the top plate connector & hanger anywhere so far – not Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Ace. Will check at a local electrical supply store today as well.
Pretty much one of the best!! DIY projects ever!
For those having trouble locating the top plate connectors they can be found online:
Copper
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=3391967&PMT4NO=0
Galvanized
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=3391965&PMT4NO=0
Stainless Steel
href=”http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=3391969&PMT4NO=0
Iron
href=”http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=3391963&PMT4NO=0
We made these this weekend too and Lowes had the top plate connector in glavanized steel. Love them! We will be making more to go around the yard. Also liked the idea to use them as vases
So, for those of us that couldn’t find Tiki brand wicks- can I safely wrap the teflon tape around the wick to keep it snug??
FANTASTIC! I just put a deck on the back of the house and these are going to be the perfect finishing touch. THANKS! I was just now putting the bottles together and I had a bit of a brainwave that I thought I’d share – I was a bit frustrated that the wicks don’t reach very far down … SO TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THE OIL, I ADDED WATER UP TO AN INCH BELOW THE WICK AND THEN ADDED MY OIL AND OF COURSE THE OIL FLOATS … and it looks cool in a clear bottle.
Have been saving wine bottles all summer in order to make a border for a short section of flower bed. Now I have a cool way to light up the deck as well. Thanks!
Can you share some ideas for making the flower bed border I mentioned? Pretty please?
I made this today and love it!
I had some trouble though finding the 1” Split Ring Hanger. Where did you buy this at? I used something else that worked well but cost me a bit more than I should have paid…
WOW!!! That’s a brilliant IDEA!!..Wz lookin for some themes for the upcomming wedding of my Sister…This made my day!!!! AWESOME IDEA!!!
These look utterly amazing but I, too, cannot help but wonder about the safety issue. Anyone use these for a while and what was your experience?
Love the Recycled Wine Torch!!! Doing this as Christmas gifts. I just need help finding the cotton wicks? and the size?
Awesome idea. I went out to Lowe’s immediately after seeing this and made one for myself. It works very well and looks great, too. However I ran into one problem… I noticed a large quantity of the oil going un-used at the bottom due to the replacement wicks I bought only being about six inches long. I put about three inches of coarse sand in the bottom of the bottle and voila!
Got steel fittings but no copper at Lowe’s and they look great. Thanks for the idea!!!
Thanks so much for this great project! I’ve got lots of trees that will be perfect for these torches this summer.
That looks beautiful.
Unfortunately, galvanic corrosion will probably eat through any zinc plating and start attacking the steel before too long. That would both inhibit the formation of patina, and produce rust, perhaps enough to be a structural concern.
I think it’s worth the effort to find all galvanized hardware (like Trev did), or all copper.
I love these! My husband and I made a few this weekend, but we’re having problems with the wick falling into the bottle unless you leave a good half inch sticking out. Anyone else have this problem and how did you solve it?
Having same problem as Alice stated on 6/8. How should this be resolved? Also, we find the Tiki bugbite fuel is not burning cleanly. What can we do to fix this?
I am having the same problem with tabletop tikis for my wedding. I heard from other online sources that it must be a fiberglass wick (not cotton) and use smokeless oil with a very short wick. I am looking into getting glass insert wicks so that the wick will be smaller and more snug. Not sure it will work for my project or this one but here’s hoping………….
HELP? Built these using brown root beer bottle so they fit in our existing tiki poles. For some reason, the flames are tiny. Using Tiki brand torch wicks and bugfighter oil. Tried wicks length from 1/8 up to 1″. About same light output as a normal candle. Only diff is our wick coupling is 1/2″ smooth inside bottle, and has threading inside top end. Wick fits just right without falling in. Any idea why the flames are so tiny?
How about the new aluminium beer bottles. I love the wine bottle idea, but for those worried about the glass breaking. Also I believe you can remove the labels, so you have aluminium “bottles” that cant be broken. Thoughts anyone?
wine bottle tiki torches is a nice concepts.
Figured out the small flame problem. For some reason the wicks have to be at least 75% submerged in oil to provide enough fuel. My other torches burn fine all the way down to about 20% oil, but for some reason these bottles need a lot deeper oil.
Does anyone know what kind of nails/screws to use if I wanted to put some up on my back yard wall? The wall is a concrete brick/cinder block so I’m not sure if I can hang the wine torches from it. Thanks!
Few Creative Options: great idea Eric! U could also use decorative bottles from a craft store or kitchen store as long as it has the right size opening. Try decorating the bottle with copper or silver wire & beads–can be as girly or simple as u like as long as its fireproof. I plan to use clear decorative bottles I have already with clear glass floral beads in the bottom to add visual interest & raise the oil level plus adds weight for sturdiness if using on a tabletop–should look elegant when lit. Bottles & floral glass beads come in all colors. I’d think you could use natural decorative pebbles as well on the bottom.
I took Eriks idea & ran with it :). I used “Barefoot” wine bottles (they’re clear & cheap) for TABLETOP torches with clear torch oil + clear floral glass balls (adds weight, requires less oil & keeps wicks high) + beads & aluminum wire (Michaels) for decoration. I used the 1/2 to 3/8 reducing brass coupler with teflon tape for the wick but found it too loose even w/ lots of tape- tried wrapping a single loop of 18gague aluminum wire vertically on the brass coupler (same wire as used as decoration) before wrapping w/ tape-then it felt snug. Maybe I need a bigger coupling?
For a STAKED & MOUNTED Torch (all galvanized parts @ Lowes): Same decorated & filled torch idea.
For Stake: used a 10′ length of 3/4″ galvanized electrical conduit as stake cut in half (cut by lowes/under $4 total for two). A 1/2″ split ring hanger + nuts to fit tight around the stake. Use 3/4″ split ring hanger (I found the 1″ didn’t fit any bottle I had) around the wine bottle + nuts for stability. Connect the two hangers with a 3/8″ threaded as erick suggests or I used a 3/8-16 x 5/8 set screw + a Washer (for a snug fit either cut your own threaded or I just put a small piece of looped aluminum wire-same as used for decor-into one side to ensure a snug & level fit between hangers. Make sure its Very snug & screw is @ least halfway in each hanger .
Drive conduit into ground same as any tiki stake. Use a tiki in-ground stake screw support for added support if desired. Add a 3/4 Metal Hole Plug (lowes hardware furniture parts -next to screws) to top of conduit to finish. Screw on prepared torch with hangers. I’ll be happy to post picts once I figure out how! Lol. Thx for my inspiration Erik!! :o). These look great & cost me almost nothing using stuff I already had. Should last much longer than my usual purchased tiki torches & definitely more fun!
can u clear coat original labels n keep them on the bottles for decoration?
felicia
i wouldn’t coat anything on the bottle with a liquid that might be flammable. i’d leave them clean just to be safe ;)
g
how do you raise the wick after burning for a while?
Thank You
Creativity in Style, am loving this. . . One can try any different bottle design to create some distinction
And you’re just one bump away from a molotov cocktail. Good thinking.
OO
yes, if you knock this over and break it, it will catch on fire (bumping it won’t make it explode). but we’re assuming that most responsible adults will be able to build and use these without running into them and breaking them. i have faith that most of our readers will use common sense here.
grace
I made about 4 of these for my yard and as much as they look great Im having a problem with a very small flame and eventually the flame blows out. I used fiberglass wick and its cut to just about the full length of the bottle. Any ideas on how to keep these things lit?
I am in the process of putting these up in my back yard and I think it will really add some classiness(sp) to the place!
Thanks!
What a neat idea!! I can’t wait to try this out!
For those who are interested in learning more about how to safely use a garden torch, I would recommend reading this article about different fuels and their flash points.
http://www.ehow.com/info_8071424_lamp-oil-substitutes.html
For example, molotov cocktails use fuel sources that have a low flash point (like gasoline) thus make them very explosive and dangerous. Olive oil for instance has a very high flash point thus making it much safer for use in this type of setting. As always, use of any fuel for burning carries some risk and appropriate measures should be taken.
I plan on making these over the next week but I was trying to figure out a way to raise the oil level but can’t come up with anything that won’t add a lot weight to the hanging bottle. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Jus made these and am also having a problem keeping them lit. Extended the wick by braiding/sewing two together…still no luck. They usually burn out in 5 min or so. Suggestions?
Wonderful idea. I’m going to try it, but i’m going to have to drink at least 6 bottles of wine though!! I’ll just have to make the sacrafice.
These are fantastic!!
Can’t wait to get to get started on that wine, I mean, uh, project!
Eric, I used the Tiki replacement wicks (I think they’re fiberglass) and they seem to work great! I saturated both ends with the citronella oil, then just stuck it in the wine bottle and it seems to draw the oil readily. We’ve refilled the bottles a couple times when the oil level got to about an inch above the bottom of the wick. I hope this helps.
We are so making these!! And by “we”, I mean my husband. LOL!!!
I can see some Christmas gifts for my fellow wine drinking friends!!!!
Hi! I made this yesterday and it seemed to do fine and worked beautifully on the first burn. However, on the second burn later last evening, the rim of the bottle started burning, but I think that may be it had some oil on it or the tape caught fire. Any suggestions? Also, I was wondering if this design is copywrited/trademarked/patented/registered?
Hi Eric, I also saw that someone used a Blue Bombay Gin bottle but it would have looked better had he used clear tiki torch fuel instead of yellow. Firefly Fuel has clear tiki torch fuel, an orange-colored citronella and a brilliant green eucalyptus. Rock on!
I want to fill the bottle with half water to save on oil. My wife is afraid it will explode. Has anyone tried this?
pete
i would follow the instructions exactly. the lighting instructions are based on what’s described here so i can’t guarantee anything will work as described if you alter the directions.
grace
Hi Pete,
Oil and water do not mix (old saying). The tiki torch will not explode because it will not light! You will end up contaminating your fuel and you will ruin your wick. So, in the end, you will end up spending more money. Sorry.
I’m actually using the combo of oil & water in mine. As Pete mentions, the oil & water won’t mix and the oil will actually sit on top of the water. Hooray for physics! So, as long as your wick doesn’t extend below the layer of oil into the water, you should be good to go. You will see a visual line where the two liquids meet inside the bottle. If that’s bothersome to you I’ve seen folks use glass beads to offset the quantity of fuel needed to fill up the bottle. Good Luck!
Pour some colored gravel that they use in fish tanks up to the bottom of the wick so you dont have to use as much oil..
GREAT idea…thanks!
I can’t seem to find #3 and #4 supplies ANYWHERE. does anyone have any suggestions? I’ve already purchased everything else listed…
you can put water in them to raise the oil level, just don’t put the wick in the oil, or use fish tank gravel or beads so that you don’t have to use much oil. I have seen these where they pinch the top copper tubing, much like an oil lamp would be. should keep the wick from falling, but also will make it more difficult to raise the wick when needed. pair of needle nose pliers should work, can’t wait to make them and put them on my fence!
thanks for sharing…keep ‘em coming….:)
Hobby Lobby has beautiful glass bottles in lots of shades, and every couple of weeks they are half price. I don’t drink mush wine, but plan on the HB option to get som really beautiful bottles, in both shape and color.
I personally use all thread for lots of other things, including a jewlery display in my showroom. It does not look hardware chic- it look AMAZING!
I AM I iN THE PROCESS OF BUYING PARTS FOR MAKING FOUR WINE BOTTLE tIKI TORCH.
I AM NOT ABLE TO FIND PART # 4 split ring hanger.I have gone to Home depot, Lowes, ACE Hardware And Grangers, None have it. could we be looking in the wrong department.
I have looked in the Electric, Plumbing and Hardware ,
CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITH THIS? I will appreciate your help.
E.J.
If you’re striking out in stores I think you should try to purchase them online. I did a search for 3/8″ split ring hangers and got these results:
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=split+ring+hanger+3/8%22&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=13267286810184660394&sa=X&ei=uaW9TvT7IsjLmAWVyZCoBA&ved=0CGEQ8wIwBQ
Hopefully there will be some option that has good pricing & shipping options for you. Good luck!
Have some of these. Have to make sure that the oil stays topped off. Gets to far down and starts burning wick instead of the oil.
Hey Eric,
Just wanted to tell you we made 21 for Christmas gifts. All of our friends and family are big wine drinkers, they are going to love them. For the people that are having trouble finding the parts, we found all the parts a Lowes, but had to ask for the pipe hangers, but they did have everything. Also we added one thing, we drilled a small hole in the top of each cap and screwed a small chain to the caps and other end to the screw in the pipe hangers. We did this so you would not loose the cap.
Where do u buy all these home depot does not have the plate or the bottle holder. Also the coupling I only saw 1/2,
I live in Santa Monica and i searched and searched for the materials required and I couldn’t find the split ring hanger. I am looking for an alternative. any ideas?
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