Upgrade Your Backyard Nights with This DIY Citronella Candle Holder
Warm evenings in the backyard are great until mosquitoes show up. Citronella candles help, but the thin metal tins they come in can tip over or look out of place on a nice patio table.
A simple wooden holder solves both problems. It keeps the candle steady and adds a natural look that fits right into your outdoor space. The good news is you don’t need fancy tools or woodworking skills to make one.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a sturdy wooden holder for citronella candles using basic materials and a little time.
Why Make a Wooden Citronella Candle Holder?
Before jumping into the build, here are a few reasons this small project is worth doing:
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Better stability: The wooden base keeps candles from tipping over in the wind.
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Safer burning: It creates a buffer between the hot metal tin and your table.
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Improved look: Wood blends nicely with outdoor furniture and garden spaces.
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Reusable: When one candle burns out, you can drop in a new one.
Plus, it’s a quick weekend project that most people can finish in under an hour.
Materials You’ll Need
You don’t need much to get started.
Wood and hardware
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1 small wooden board (about 1×6 inches or similar)
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Wood screws (optional if building a box style holder)
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Outdoor wood glue
Tools
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Drill with hole saw bit (about the size of your candle tin)
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Sandpaper (120–220 grit)
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Measuring tape
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Pencil
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Saw (if you need to cut the board)
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Clamps (helpful but optional)
Optional finishing supplies
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Outdoor wood stain or sealer
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Paintbrush or cloth
Step 1: Measure Your Candle
Citronella candles usually come in round metal tins. Measure the diameter of the tin so the hole you drill will hold it snugly.
Most are around 3–4 inches wide, but it’s best to measure your own candle first.
Write down the measurement before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Cut the Wooden Base
Cut your board into a square or rectangle that will serve as the base.
A good size is around:
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6×6 inches for a square, or
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6×8 inches for a rectangle
This gives enough space around the candle so the holder feels balanced and stable.
If the board edges are rough, sand them lightly before moving on.
Step 3: Mark the Center
Place the candle tin on the board and center it.
Use a pencil to mark the middle point where you’ll drill the hole. This keeps the candle holder looking neat and balanced when finished.
Step 4: Drill the Candle Opening
Attach a hole saw bit to your drill that matches the size of the candle tin.
Drill slowly through the wood at the center mark. Let the tool do the work and keep the drill straight.
Once the hole is cut:
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Test fit the candle tin
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Make sure it slides in but does not wobble
If needed, sand the inside edge slightly to smooth it out.
Step 5: Sand the Holder Smooth
Use sandpaper to smooth all surfaces.
Focus on:
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The top surface
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The edges
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The inside of the candle opening
This step only takes a few minutes but makes the finished piece look much better and feel nicer to handle.
Step 6: Add a Finish (Optional but Recommended)
Since the holder will live outdoors, sealing the wood helps it last longer.
You can use:
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Outdoor wood stain
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Clear weatherproof sealer
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Exterior paint
Apply a thin coat with a brush or cloth and let it dry fully before placing a candle inside.
Step 7: Insert the Citronella Candle
Once everything is dry, place your citronella candle into the opening.
The wooden base now acts as a stable holder that keeps the candle from sliding or tipping. It also protects your patio table from heat.
Set a few of these around your seating area for better mosquito coverage.
Simple Ways to Customize Your Candle Holder
If you want to make it a bit more personal, try a few simple upgrades:
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Round the corners for a softer look
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Add rope handles on the sides
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Stencil a pattern or name onto the wood
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Make a multi-candle board that holds three or four candles
Small touches like these can turn a simple project into a nice outdoor accent.
Final Thoughts
Building a wooden holder for backyard citronella candles is one of those projects that’s quick, useful, and satisfying. With a small piece of wood and a few basic tools, you can create something that makes your outdoor space both safer and nicer to look at.
Best of all, you can make several in one afternoon and place them around your patio, deck, or garden.
Light the candles, sit back, and enjoy a bug-free evening outside.