These propane tank cover ideas are great!
They will help you to hide the propane tank on your BBQ, fire pit, hot tub, hot water system, or any other gas-burning appliance. We have an article on how to hide fire pit propane tanks but I wanted to focus on covers here.
Propane tanks, whether small or large, aren’t the most appealing things to look at, but a good cover can change all that. Let’s get into them!
1. Propane Gas Tank Cover
Brands like Outland Living sell covers on Amazon made for gas tanks.
This one pictured is nothing fancy or special, but it does help to conceal and cover the tank. This company sells a lot of propane fire pits so this product works in tandem with their other offerings. It wouldn’t be too difficult to make a DIY propane tank cover like this either.
2. Propane Cover Table
Jen, who shared this image, repurposed this piece of furniture into a gas tank cover.
She said:
Did anyone else pick up anything last minute before the World Market coupon ended?
I did! I snagged one of their repro dolly wash tubs!
When @restorationhouse posted that @worldmarket had them, I knew instantly that it would make a great propane tank cover for our gas fire pit. Still need to add a vent but I love it!
I think it will work great!
3. Paint Propane Tank
Another idea for covering propane gas tanks is to paint them. It is generally safe to paint a propane tank, but there are several important considerations and steps to take to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.
1. Paint Color: It’s crucial to use a light color to paint your propane tank. Dark colors absorb more heat from the sun, which can cause the pressure inside the tank to increase to potentially unsafe levels. Most companies recommend using white or a very light color.
2. Prepping the Tank: Before painting, you should clean the tank thoroughly to remove any rust, dirt, or grease. Use a brush or sandpaper to remove any rust, and wash the tank with a mild detergent and water. Allow the tank to dry completely before painting.
3. Safe Paint: Use a rust-preventive, oil-based enamel paint that is designed for metal surfaces. You can usually find this type of paint in spray cans, which will allow for even coverage.
4. Painting: When painting, use light, even strokes to cover the surface. It’s better to apply several thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. Allow the paint to dry between coats.
5. Protect Labels: Make sure that you do not paint over any labels or markings on the propane tank. These contain important information and must remain visible. You can cover them with masking tape before painting and remove the tape once the paint has dried.
Painting a propane tank the same color as your house can help it to blend in and look less conspicuous.
4. Propane Cover Furniture
This cover was not designed to hide propane tanks but it works well nonetheless.
The account @sbonnin shared:
I found this table at @biglots and it’s perfect to cover the propane tank. The hose will fit through a hole and there is plenty of ventilation.
Serves double duty. Love that. And it was way cheaper than a big plastic box that is used for the same purpose
It certainly makes the tank look a lot nicer.
5. Cover For Table And Gas Line
After finding out plumbing their fire pit into their existing gas system would cost thousands, these folk had another fire pit cover idea.
@blooming_palette shared:
[We] went… to the garden center today, as I had decided to DIY it. We found a big beautiful fiber concrete pot and a terracotta saucer that matches our cedar siding, and made our own table cover for $80!
Bob did the mechanical part, but Sharon and I dug out the glass shards that covered the burner, dug out the stone in between the concrete pavers where he ran the hose inside protective conduit, and put it all back.
We are tickled to death with the aesthetics, the functionality, and the price.
It perfectly conceals the tank and lines.
6. Fabric Cover For Propane Tank
These handmade propane tank covers can be found on Etsy.
There are simple fabric covers like the one pictured, or there are furniture/table covers. They all do a great job of covering gas tanks and making them a whole lot prettier. If you’d like to create a fabric cover for a propane tank, you’ll need to know some basic sewing techniques.
Materials needed:
- Fabric (Consider a weather-resistant fabric if the tank is outdoors)
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Thread (that matches or complements your fabric)
- Pins
- Elastic band or cord (optional)
Procedure:
- Measure your Propane Tank: Measure the height and circumference of your propane tank. Add a few inches to the height for the top seam and the bottom hem (or placement of elastic band). Add a few inches to the circumference for overlap and seam allowances.
- Cut the Fabric: Cut your fabric based on the measurements you’ve taken. You’ll need a rectangular piece that when wrapped around will completely cover the circumference of the tank and the height, with the additional inches included.
- Pin the Fabric: With right sides together (the side you want to be visible on the outside), pin along the edge that will form the vertical seam.
- Sew the Vertical Seam: Use a straight stitch to sew along the pinned edge, remembering to backstitch at the start and end of your seam to lock the stitching. Remove pins as you sew.
- Hem the Top and Bottom: Fold over about an inch (or your preferred hem size) of fabric at the top and bottom of your cover, pinning it down. This creates a clean finish and prevents fraying. Sew along the hem using a straight stitch, again backstitching at the start and finish. If you plan to use an elastic band at the bottom, create a larger hem to create a casing, leaving a small gap unstitched to insert the elastic.
- Insert the Elastic Band (Optional): If you have chosen to use an elastic band to secure the cover at the bottom, use a safety pin attached to one end of the elastic to thread it through the casing you’ve just made. Once threaded all the way through, sew the ends of the elastic together and stitch the gap in the casing closed.
- Finish Your Cover: Turn your cover right-side out and fit it over your propane tank. The cover should be snug but not overly tight.
Remember, if your propane tank is stored outdoors, make sure to use weather-resistant fabric and take the cover off during extreme weather to prolong its life. If your sewing machine has difficulty handling thicker, weather-resistant fabric, you might need a heavier-duty needle. Always ensure the cover does not obstruct the ventilation and access of the propane tank.
7. Wooden Propane Tank Cover
If you are handy with a hammer and nails or a sewing machine, you can make your own gas tank cover like this one (for more pics of the process see @kimsviernes). There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube, and you can find patterns online.
Here’s a simple plan using wood:
- Construct a Frame: Based on your measurements, cut four pieces of wood to create a square or rectangular frame for the base of your cover. Join these pieces together using screws.
- Add Supports: Cut four more pieces of wood to the height of your propane tank. Attach these to the inside corners of your base, creating vertical supports.
- Complete the Structure: Cut additional wood pieces to fit around the outside of your structure, creating walls. Remember to leave a space for a door or easy access point.
- Add a Top: Depending on your design, you may want to add a top to your cover. Ensure it is easily removable or hinged for easy access to the tank.
- Finish and Paint: Sand the wood to make it smooth and then paint or stain it as desired.
Make sure your cover allows you to easily access the propane tank when you need to turn it on or replace it. Hinged doors or removable tops can be a good solution. Ensure that your propane tank cover is not too close to any heat sources, including your grill or fire pit. It should be a safe distance away to prevent any accidents.
How To Cover Propane Tank
Covering a propane tank can significantly enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space by helping the tank blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. You can either choose to construct a sturdy cover from materials like weather-resistant wood or opt for a soft, fabric cover. The choice largely depends on the overall aesthetic of your space and personal preference. Both types of covers should ensure easy access to the tank and proper ventilation to maintain safety standards.
When painting a propane tank, it’s crucial to opt for light colors as dark shades can absorb more sunlight, leading to increased pressure inside the tank. Regardless of the method chosen, always remember not to obstruct any labels or markings on the propane tank. They contain vital information that must remain visible at all times. Lastly, ensure that the cover or paint does not bring the propane tank closer to heat sources, as this could pose potential safety hazards. Ultimately, safety should be the topmost priority in any propane tank covering project.
Whether your propane tank is for a portable gas fire pit, heating a tiny house, a BBQ grill, or something else altogether, it certainly makes a difference to have it covered up and hidden away.
