February 3
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Doesn’t natural lighting make those outdoor dinners even better?
At least, that’s what I thought when I had to pick between landscape lanterns & torches. While at it, I also decided to fuel my torches with citronella oil. This essential oil has a mild fragrance that works as a natural repellent for mosquitoes. And the year-round mosquito season in Texas calls for preventive measures!
But being a novice with yard torches, I had to do a fair bit of research on how to use them the right way. So, if you’re a first-timer looking for some guidance, you have come to the right place!
Hi! I’m Stacy, and today, I’ve curated this guide on how to use yard torches with citronella oil.
Now, let’s begin!
Before I take you into the details, here's some good news- you can use citronella oil with various yard torches. Hence, you don’t have to rack your brains to find that one compatible torch.
Moreover, their versatile nature facilitates different placement for creating the desired outdoor lighting set up. In the following sections, I’ll walk you through some of the most popular mounting styles of these yard torches.
Undoubtedly, hanging citronella torches are one of the most popular yard torches. They can be hung from trees, yard poles, or the deck roof for a unique yet ethereal look for your outdoor space. These fixtures are perfect if you’re planning to achieve a soft or diffused illumination, like that of a solar yard lantern.
A significant advantage of hanging torches is that you can enjoy the illumination without worrying about having something flammable in the vicinity. Besides, hanging them from trees or poles keeps the flame lifted up and out of the way.
This feature is especially beneficial if you’re wary about keeping the fire around kids or pets. And if the adults in your home are like mine, they will thank you for preventing them from bumping into these fixtures!
Interestingly, many of my friends think of inground citronella oil torches when I talk about patio torches. These essentially comprise a long post that can be easily inserted into the ground with the torch atop.
What’s more, there are no strict rules pertaining to the material of the pole. You can use either plastic or metal and poles, and these will come in handy when there’s no support for hanging other light fixtures like a yard lantern. I’d recommend going for a spiked pole, which can be inserted at least 6 to 8 inches deep into the ground.
Likewise, for permanent placement of waterproof torches with removable heads, dig holes for each torch and backfill with quick-dry cement once the poles are set in position.
That said, ground torches require a bit more attention than hanging torches in terms of placement as you don’t want them to get knocked over. Also, ensure that they aren’t placed near dry leaves or twigs.
Since my lawn is a weekend barbeque spot, I have found these tabletop patio torches with citronella oil extremely helpful. Sporting a compact design, these can easily fit on a small table to provide soft ambient lighting during a chatty tea or dinner session.
However, in this case, you have to be careful about placing tablecloths and placemats. Furthermore, I’d strongly recommend keeping alcohol away from these torches. But as long as everyone is aware of having fire on the table, you will be just fine!
Floor citronella torches are perhaps among the largest variants of landscape lightings and do a great job at illuminating a significantly larger area. Moreover, floor torches like these are often used as statement pieces, which arrest your attention even when the wick is not lit.
Irrespective of the design and material, a sturdy base should be the most important consideration while choosing a floor torch. My personal preference is a heavy model to reinforce the stability of the base. Owing to their large size and structure, it’s highly likely that you won’t be shifting them very frequently. So, a heavier floor torch negates the risk of accidental tipping.
In my opinion, wall torches are a nice compromise between hanging and floor torches. By mounting these fixtures to a sturdy base like a wooden fence or thick tree trunk, you can securely keep them out of the way. I had used wall torches to illuminate the perimeter of my yard fence during one of our Christmas get-togethers and received a lot of praise for the décor.
Much like wall torches, bracket integrated outdoor torches can be used to illuminate the railing around your deck or a lower fence. Depending on their type, the brackets can either be clamped or permanently fastened to the surface with some screws.
The material of a yard torch can influence its placement and subsequent use. For instance, you may have initially decided to mount a traditional-looking yard torch on the deck railing. But it’s a glass torch that has now got you hooked, and you realize placing it near the trees is a better idea.
So that you have a clear idea about the placement from the get-go, I have briefly discussed the commonly used materials used in designing yard torches.
I agree- anything made of glass brings in the elegance factor like nothing else. And yard torches are no exception. This category of yard torches can suit any décor, especially with the wide range of colors up for grabs. And although glass is highly resistant to heat, the fragility demands extra caution. After all, it doesn’t take much strength to shatter glass decors.
In this case, always look for thick glass for optimum impact resistance. Don’t purchase a thin and delicate glass torch just for the sake of it.
Metal yard torches are incredibly strong and are available in varied shapes, sizes, and finishes. In fact, with only a little browsing, you will be able to select the perfect one for your outdoor setup. But all that versatility does come with a slightly expensive price tag.
If you ask me, I’d say those extra bucks are worth investing in. Not only are metal yard torches virtually resistant to impacts, but they can also tolerate heat and moisture for prolonged periods. Stainless steel, in particular, is highly resistant to corrosion and molding. It’s a perfect option for people looking to install a permanent yard torch with less maintenance.
To this date, a majority of people consider wicker to be the primary material for patio and yard torches. The light brown color seamlessly blends into any outdoor space and won’t look eccentric like some loud colors. Apart from that, wicker is fairly hardy to take a few blows and won’t likely tip over in moderate wind. I also like how wicker torches are somewhat resistant to moisture.
But unlike metal, these yard torches need a bit more maintenance in the sense that they are prone to mold and mildew formation when left out for long. And this is especially true if you buy poor quality wicker torches. Hence, I’d suggest looking for good quality ones and storing them in a cool, dry area post-use.
Most yard (or “tikki”) torches can be refilled from the top by removing the ring that houses the wick. However, some designs may simplify the process even more with a lid-like structure. Whatever the case, ensure that the torch is completely cool before you start with the refill.
To minimize accidental spill, I prefer using a funnel for pouring the citronella oil up to two-thirds of the way full. If you see the wick is completely burnt out, replace it before securing the ring again.
From what I have observed, many yard torches come with a snuffer cap attached to the wick ring. Not only can it be used to extinguish the fire, but it also protects the wick from damages. Carefully place the cap over the wick to completely cover the flame, and leave it until the flame goes out.
Once extinguished, remove the cap to allow the wick to cool down and replace it during storage.
You can leave the citronella oil inside the torches, but make sure they are kept upright with the wick ring tightly secured. If you want to store them outside or under a non-insulated shed, do so only if the temperature doesn’t freeze the oil.
That has brought me to the end of today’s guide.
Hopefully, I have answered all your questions on citronella oil yard torches. Moreover, instead of buying a readymade torch, you can easily make one with simple things like an empty mason jar, wine bottle, some wicks, and citronella oil. So, don’t be afraid to go the DIY way!
On that note, allow me to say goodbye. Stay tuned for more such informational content, and I’ll be back soon.
Till we meet again, adios!
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