Outdoor BBQ Light
I enjoy having a BBQ on my balcony in the evening but find the balcony light is too bright and with it off it is too dark to see clearly. So what was required was a 'Goldilocks' solution - a light which was neither too bright nor too dim. The solution was surprisingly simple and inexpensive to make and gives just the right amount of light.
The solution was to make a free standing light using some beverage cans, torches and spray bottles.
Supplies
Small torch
500 ml spray bottle
8 Beverage cans
Cement
Tape
Short length of plastic pipe
Base
- Cut a beverage can in half
- Fill with cement
- Place the filled half of can into a small bowl
- Pour cement in around the can, leaving most of the can sticking above the cement
- Once the cement has set 'green', twist the beverage can and remove it
- Once the cement is fully set, remove the base from the bowl, invert it and place the cement filled can back in as shown in the photo
Stand - Cut Cans
Make a stand:
- Cut the end off a beverage can
- Trim with a pair of scissors
Stand - Join Cans
- Insert a can into the end of the cut can
- Secure with tape
- Cut the end of this can and insert another can
- Add six more aluminium beverage cans in the same way
Stand - Attach to Base
Fit the stand to the concrete base
Light Holders
- Make a couple of light holders by cutting two short lengths of plastic pipe
- Secure to the stand with tape
Light
- Cut the top off a 500ml spray bottle
- Enlarge the hole using a sanding tool
- Insert the head of a small torch into the hole
- Secure the torch to the bottle with tape
Fix Light to Stand
- Insert the Light into the light holder
- If more light is required, add another light to the stand
- A light can also be directed downwards for a more direct light
- You could also consider spray painting the stand and light holder with matt black paint
Bonus: Plant Holder
If you happen to have some small pot plants and are looking for a place to put them, no worries, just attach them to the side with some tape.