DIY Projects Rock

Holy cow, it’s been a while since I have written on the blog and I am feeling like there is so much to say. As always, we are so humbled by what we see our amazing DIY customers building using our DIY construction plans. We love the pictures we are constantly receiving.

We have so many that we want to show off and we know that you will find some inspiration from them. We are amazed constantly that even though most of our customers have little to no masonry experience, that they can build these awesome DIY projects.

We, like so many others, have social media accounts that allow us to show off and brag about our very talented customers. It is very important to understand that the pictures we post are of DIY outdoor fireplaces built using Backyard Flare DIY construction plans. These builders are also everyday homeowners who want to save thousands of dollars and build it themselves.

Check Us Out – DIY

Our Instagram page is updated frequently and we know you’ll get lots from it. Our Pinterest page is a great resource for additional photos and information. Please check us out and please like and subscribe to these sites. You’ll be notified when we post more great info and pics. Who knows, we could even post a picture of your fireplace for the world to see.

We know that we can provide the knowledge and we’ll be the cheerleader for you to be successful in your DIY fireplace project. Let us know if you have any questions and we will do our best to get you an answer. Thanks and as I always say…”HAPPY BUILDING”. -Dan

Outdoor Fireplace Construction

Nighttime photo of DIY outdoor fireplace with stucco, stone, mantel and metal art.  Fire burning in firebox with LED lighting below hearth seating.  Flagstone surface on seating and patio in front of fireplace.
Are you looking for a focal point in your backyard space?

So, you are wanting to build an outdoor fireplace in your backyard? Are you wanting that special section of your backyard to pop? There are so many things to figure out. And so many variables and design types to consider. Where do you go for a DIY construction plan? Well, it’s good you found this article. We have the answers for you and a great method of building.

Enter Backyard Flare. We have heard from DIY homeowners all over the place that they have struggled to find a construction plan for a functional and easy to build outdoor fireplace. We have lots of great designs to choose from on our website. From traditional designs to modern designs, we got you covered. And the best part is the support you’ll get from us.

What Do We Offer?

There is nothing more annoying than trying to get ahold of a business and never hearing back or them just not answering emails or phone calls. We are different and we strive to be the best company with the best customer service. And we feel we have lived up to that standard.

When you begin your outdoor fireplace planning process, look to us first. We are here for answers even before you purchase one of our comprehensive construction plans. Let us know what you need answered and what we can help you with. We want you to have the knowledge and confidence even before you purchase.

Nothing to Lose

Having said all this, try us out and see for yourself what the hype is all about. We can set up a free phone call consultation to discuss your upcoming fireplace build. It’s a lot of fun and we know you’ll learn something too.

Once you’re ready to look at different designs, go to www.backyardflare.com, and start envisioning your backyard with a stunning focal point. You will also be able to look through our gallery of gorgeous builds by our very talented DIY homeowner customers.

Awesome Inspiration

If you want even more examples of what our customers have built using our construction plans, check out the following links too. Our Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram pages have lots of great ideas, content, and pictures to drool over. So many great looks!

We look forward to hearing from you and would love to set up a consultation or just answer some questions. Email us at dan@backyardflare.com or call/text us at 520-269-9740 for more information.

As we always say, happy building!!!!!!!!!
-Dan

Transforming Your Backyard

Fireplace stuccoed with paint and flagstone.  Fire in firebox and led lights.  Relaxing corner design with paver patio.
This can be built by you on a budget. So doable with a DIY fireplace construction plan.

There are so many different ways to design and construct your backyard space and so many different price points that you can pick from. The comparison between two backyards that are built either by a construction company or a DIY homeowner is the price spent.

When the comparison comes to light on paper, you will see that the DIY build is much cheaper. This is mainly due to not having to pay for the labor associated with your build. If you do the work yourself, even as a weekend DIYer, you will spend more time building. But, you will save thousands of dollars.

Just How Much Can You Save

So here is the long and short of the DIY vs. contractor-built backyard. Let’s do a comparison of the pros and cons with each, and there are pros and cons for each that need to be noted. This article does not say that hiring a contractor is a bad decision, as that is completely up to you as the homeowner. What we are saying is that there are alternatives to paying for EVERYTHING to be built by a contractor. Enter the DIY homeowner… an individual that is willing to learn, get dirty, and a bit dirty at times.

Pros

Contractor – Fast build…sometimes; Professional and knowledgeable staff…mostly; They have the necessary tools; They can get permits faster if needed.
DIY Homeowner – You will build knowledge and confidence; You will achieve the next level of DIY skill; You will save thousands of dollars; You’ll get it done your way without pushback; You will build on your timeline; You’ll have lots of fun.

Cons

Contractor – Slow build…sometimes; You may wait for them to show up on their timeline; They can be very expensive; You lose some control of the build and design.
DIY Homeowner – Slower build time; You may not have all the tools; You may have to rent or buy some tools (Great problem when you have to buy a new tool); You may have to figure some things out along the way.

Thoughts?

So, based on that list of pros and cons, what do you think? We recommend you complete a list of the projects you want to tackle and see about a cost for each individual project. This will allow you to break the total build into chunks, because there may be certain sections of the project that you absolutely know you want to try.

The beauty of the DIY option is that you can always call a contractor or handyman in to help you after you start. Most DIY homeowners we find will continue the build once they start though and it’s probable that you will too.

What’s Next For Your Backyard?

If you are at all interested in building your own outdoor fireplace and you think you still need a bit of guidance, check out Backyard Flare online. We are the industry leader in comprehensive and easy to follow DIY construction plans for outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. It’s a portion of your backyard that will be the focal point, so don’t skimp on a good plan to follow.

There are so many things to evaluate with regard to your backyard construction. Our hope is this article has helped you a bit with trying to figure out which way you want to go with either a DIY or contractor-built space.

We are here to assist you with any questions you may have, so please don’t hesitate to call us at 520-269-9740. We’d love to help you with your DIY outdoor fireplace or kitchen.

As always, happy building and we hope to hear from you.

DIY is the Only Way

Okay all you DIYers, are you ready for another amazing DIY outdoor project? Maybe a DIY outdoor fireplace is what your backyard needs. Have you wondered how to build an outdoor fireplace? Well, we have what you need to build on your own and not worry about the inflated cost of using a contractor. That’s right, no contractor.

Masonry construction outdoor fireplace with storage and concrete lintels
Build your DIY outdoor fireplace and then veneer it however you like. There are no rules.

We believe YOU have what it takes to build it yourself, and we want to prove it to you. Now let’s go ahead and throw out some disclaimers. Number one – it is fun and rewarding so if you don’t like that, this is probably not for you. Number two – it does require a lot of lifting. There is NO WAY around that unfortunately. All joking aside, this is manual labor, and you will be challenged at times. We often say that if you can lift a 60lb bag of mortar or concrete off the ground, then you can do it physically.

What’s Next?

So you’ve made the decision to build an awesome DIY outdoor fireplace in that perfect spot in your yard. Great to hear. What’s next you ask? Well, you need to check out Backyard Flare, LLC for your favorite design and DIY construction plan. And the best part is that there are lots of really cool designs to choose from. Modern designs, traditional designs, wide designs, narrow designs, short designs, and even super tall designs. Then there are corner designs, outdoor kitchen combo designs, and even designs that you can put a TV on.

Man in white hat cutting cinderblock. Masonry DIY outdoor fireplace behind him. Diamond blade and grinder being used on construction.
So much fun to build

If you are going to build in a relatively small area, then you may want to look at the Phoenix or Pima designs.

If you want a bit more width and want some firewood storage voids, then maybe the Tortolita or Winslow designs are for you.

If you want a corner design, then we suggest the Cholla or Douglas designs.

If you are looking for a massive structure for that WOW factor in the yard, then look no further than the Santa Cruz, Maricopa, Tombstone, Mohave, or Saguaro designs.

We Got You Taken Care Of

So, you’ve found your favorite design at www.backyardflare.com and are ready to move forward. Now what? We’re so glad you asked. It’s as easy as purchasing the DIY construction plan and asking any additional questions. You buy the materials listed in the construction plan, and tools needed. Then you get busy building as you follow the DIY construction plan, step by step. It’s like following a Lego book on steroids, but with a lot of written and descriptive instructions also.

We love to stay involved in your builds and we can walk you through and assist with hurdles or speed bumps encountered along the way. Just call, email, or text us and let us know what you need. Now that’s some awesome customer service!!!

You Got This

Again, we know you have what it takes to build the DIY outdoor fireplace of your dreams, and we are here to help you with that journey. There are so many things to consider, and we want to be the help you rely on to get it done. Now, what’s your favorite design? Find out at Backyard Flare.

Concrete slab for DIY outdoor fireplace
Getting the slab poured is lots of fun.

How to Build a DIY Outdoor Fireplace

When it comes to DIY stuff, we love to think of possibilities. We started Backyard Flare because we had a dream that every backyard could be fabulous. Every backyard should have a statement piece that sets it off. Basically, we believe that all backyards deserve to have a wow factor. Your backyard is part of the “ALL”. A DIY outdoor fireplace may be the answer.

fireplace pizza oven granite flagstone gas fire patio cover pergola heater veneer diy
Conversation and drinks around the DIY outdoor fireplace.

And that backyard build doesn’t always have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and leg, or your next born, to build. We know this because we came up with budget but elegant build methods for DIY outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens.

How about you?

Ever wonder if you had what it took to build a DIY outdoor fireplace? Let us answer that question for you. We know you do have what it takes because most of our customers have never built with cinderblock and mortar and they’ve built beautiful structures. Use one of our easy-to-follow DIY construction plans and start building today. There’s no better time than the present.

outdoor fireplace cholla veneered swimming pool
This is our Cholla design built by a DIY homeowner

Ready for your DIY Outdoor Fireplace project?

If you are thinking that you want a fun, rewarding, and budget minded DIY project, look no further than Backyard Flare. We can help you with mentorship opportunities while you build. We will be there for you along the way with help, tips, answers, etc… Yep, you’re not alone in your quest for a gorgeous DIY backyard space. Go to www.backyardflare.com today and start your journey or get ahold of us using the contact found on the website. We’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading and as we always say, “happy building”.

DIY Rocks…Nothing More

Man, I love building things, both big and small. Like I stated in the header, “DIY Rocks…Nothing More”. I look around my home and I am amazed at what my wife and I have been able to build and remodel. The list is long, from hanging new doors, flooring throughout, adding cabinets to the laundry room, tile work, paint, baseboards, wall additions, wiring and plumbing, etc…

DIY Rocks

There really hasn’t been a room or area of our home that we haven’t had a direct impact on, DIY style. The inside has been a blast to build, but it doesn’t stop there. We love our backyard outdoor living area too and we do use it a lot. I would say we use it almost everyday, with the exception of mosquito season. That’s just miserable.

Building Our Backyard

Years ago it took a lot of thought to build our backyard and with the numerous layout possibilities, we had to pick what we liked. The pool was first and because it was the biggest feature, it took up the first big chunk. Then we built our outdoor fireplace and outdoor kitchen. They went on opposite sides of the large flagstone patio, which framed the backyard area closer to the house.

improve the look swimming pool umbrella palm tree flagstone planter
Pool went in first due to its size
improve the look Flagstone patio red door grill kitchen flowers
The outdoor kitchen framed one side of the flagstone patio

We enjoyed the layout for many years but we started to get a little bored with it. My wife and I started talking about a backyard refresh. This will not be a small endeavor as most of the backyard will be altered.

improve the look swimming pool patio umbrella fireplace deck planter
The fireplace framed one side of the flagstone patio nearer the house

But we are going to be doing the bulk of the work. Now, as a habitual DIYer and DIY business owner, I am not intimidated by the task. The only thing I will need to contract out will be some of the heavy lifting and trash services to haul away the old building materials. This will be the old pool decking, the old masonry that will be removed, and the flagstone patio that will be replaced with a more modern paver.

Are You Ready?

Maybe you’re in the same spot we are with regard to your backyard. Does your outdoor space need a redo, an upgrade, a refresh? It doesn’t have to be a daunting task, because we have DIY construction plans for your new outdoor fireplace and outdoor kitchen. DIY rocks can be your mantra too.

Even if you have never built with cinderblock and mortar, we can walk you through your build with step by step instructions and detailed diagrams. You will be able to follow the plans that will show you the exact placement of each and every block. There is no better way to build and you can classify yourself as a full-fledged DIYer. The BEST part is that you will save thousands of dollars if you do the work yourself.

We Are Here To Help

Don’t think you have what it takes? Go to our website, www.backyardflare.com and check out the gallery of outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens built by Backyard Flare DIY customers. Anyone can do it with our help. Let us prove it to you.

DIY outdoor fireplace with painted stucco and lights
We stand on what we design. We got you covered!

And if you need a bit more help, you can get our video tutorial series that will show you how to build an outdoor fireplace. We have strived to put together a whole package that a DIY homeowner can use to have outdoor building success. Why wait? Visit www.vimeo.com/ondemand/diyoutdoorfireplace today and watch our video trailer. We know you’ll be inspired to start your DIY project and we want to be a part of it.

Backyard Flare is second to none with customer service. You want to talk directly to someone about your project? Call Dan at 520-269-9740 now and discuss your project. Consults are free of charge. Never a better way to get started. We look forward to hearing from you.

As we always say, “DIY Rocks” and “Happy Building!!!!”

DIY Fireplace Video Tutorial

If you’re a homeowner and you love to save money doing things on your own, you are a DIYer by definition. This DIY status is great. But what if you don’t know the detailed build methods of what you are trying to do? Maybe a DIY Fireplace Video Tutorial is the answer.

There are so many great sources of information that will lead you to getting your DIY project completed. But so many times the information is vague and not complete. I’m talking about a DIY backyard masonry project. Where is the all inclusive tutorial information showing you exactly how to build an outdoor fireplace?

Where do you go to find the answers you are looking for?

We Have Your Solution

Man in white hat cutting cinderblock. Masonry DIY outdoor fireplace behind him. Diamond blade and grinder being used on construction.
How to cut cinderblock the right way.

Well, here’s the answer. Dan at Backyard Flare, LLC in Tucson, Arizona, built a backyard DIY fireplace with a homeowner. They followed the Winslow design and construction plan offered at www.backyardflare.com. It was a great build as Dan got to work directly with a DIY homeowner and teach him along the way.

This DIY outdoor fireplace build took place over a week and the process was video and audio recorded for very detailed instructional steps. Each tutorial video segment was categorized and the videos show the exact way the building took place. It followed a masonry (block and mortar) method of construction. Everything was covered from the tools used and their safety, the materials used and explained in detail, and the build method involving the pouring of the arches. Metal and block cutting was explained and demonstrated, and mortar mixing and block laying was also covered. This video tutorial was made with you in mind, the DIY enthusiast who just needs a little bit more confidence and reassurance that you can do it.

Learning Has Never Been Easier

If you go to vimeo.com/ondemand/diyoutdoorfireplace and watch the trailer, you can see the up-close building that you can imitate in your own backyard. This is what a DIY Fireplace Video Tutorial needs to include. Watch Dan as he builds the fireplace and see how he explains the build process in detail. All aspects from the first blocks to the last and everything in between. The videos total 3 hours and 43 minutes of instruction.

Why Wait? Build Today!

If you want the best and most comprehensive tutorial video series showing DIY outdoor fireplace construction, then look no further. We know you’ll learn something. And the best part is that this tutorial isn’t just for the Winslow design as these building methods are used in all our DIY fireplace designs.

Get started on your fun and rewarding DIY outdoor fireplace project today. You’ll be glad you did because you will build a great outdoor destination and at the same time, you will add thousands to the value of your home.

Ready to DIY Your Backyard?

DIY Outdoor Fireplaces Are Within Reach

There are so many ways to add value to your home and one of the most impactful ways is to add some nice changes to your backyard. Let’s assume you have a vacant area in your outdoor space and that you want to build an outdoor fireplace or outdoor kitchen. There are several ways to do it, and the best and most inexpensive way is to do the lifting and building on your own.

DIY outdoor fireplace built from cinderblocks and mortar covered in stone veneer.  Metal art on chimney and pool and hot tub in front of fireplace. Patio furniture and wooden fence.  Construction zone in backyard of Cholla design.
Cholla fireplace design built by DIY homeowner using a Backyard Flare construction planh

Everyone has the ability of hiring a contractor. This will involve having a meeting and discussion with them about your vision. The contractor may have suggestions and his/her own thoughts about the layout and your backyard. They may or may not know how to build an outdoor fireplace but they won’t tell you if they don’t. They may have their own specialty in designing a certain way. Many of them are very good at what they do and their final result will be great, the majority of the time.

What is Your Favorite Design?

But what if you just like the idea of building the fireplace by yourself? Have you thought of yourself as a “do it yourselfer”? You may want to go look in the mirror and envision yourself in the DIY realm because it is so achievable to build an outdoor fireplace.

DIY outdoor fireplace built from cinderblocks and mortar covered in stucco and paint.  Construction zone in backyard of Santa Cruz design with desert foliage behind and mountains.
Santa Cruz fireplace design being built by a DIY homeowner using a construction plan

You don’t have to figure it out all by yourself either. Backyard Flare in Tucson is a design company that focuses on outdoor fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. They sell DIY fireplace plans and kitchen plans for homeowners just like you, so you can build with confidence.

DIY outdoor fireplace built from cinderblocks and mortar under pergola.  Construction zone in backyard of Tombstone design.
Tombstone fireplace design being built by a DIY homeowner using a construction plan

Maybe you have an idea in your head of what you think your backyard fireplace will look like. Maybe you have seen pictures of outdoor fireplaces and you want to build one like those. The beauty is that all of our designs are very modifiable. We may have a design and DIY construction plan available that isn’t on our Backyard Flare website.

Call us and let’s discuss your design – 520-269-9740. We will save you money and we will give you the confidence you are looking for to build on your own.

Visit Us Today And Get Started

We hope that you’ll visit our website and browse through our designs and pictures. Most of our customers are DIY homeowners who have little to no masonry knowledge or experience. We are confident that you will be successful in building an outdoor fireplace or kitchen using our DIY construction plans. We have taken out the guess work and we want you to have a great DIY experience.

DIY Outdoor Fireplace Costs

How expensive is it…really?

So do you have a desire to add a DIY outdoor fireplace to your backyard? Have you been thinking about designs and placement? Anything you build on your own or have built to improve your outdoor living space will have a cost associated with it. Build costs can be drastically different when you compare a DIY built fireplace to one you pay to have built.

By saying that the build costs vary drastically, that is no overstatement in any way. Let’s break this down, starting with how much a DIY built fireplace would cost. When you get a construction plan from Backyard Flare, LLC, you will get a materials list that tells you exactly how many of each block, how much mortar, concrete, steel, etc, that you will need to build a specific design.

DIY Outdoor Fireplace Costs Broken Down

Each building material has a cost, so for ease of explanation, let’s use $1.00 as the cost for a block, $3.00 for a bag of concrete, and $4.00 for a bag of mortar. Let’s then throw in $300.00 for other build materials like firebrick, wood, angle iron, and rebar. If you have a fireplace design that would require 150 blocks, that is $150.00 to start. Let’s say 10 bags of mortar and 15 bags of concrete also, so that would be $40.00 and $45.00, respectively. With the added $300.00, the total would be approximately $545.00 for the rough building materials.

Let’s say you were able to pour your own foundation for $300.00 in materials. Also, that you found a great looking veneer for a total of $500.00. Adding these costs to the rough build, your total build materials for the fireplace would be approximately $1,345. With no labor costs, and only sweat equity and a whole lot of fun, your costs wouldn’t exceed that for the most part.

outdoor fireplace cholla veneered swimming pool
This is our Cholla design built by a DIY homeowner

Contractor Costs Broken Down

When you have a contractor build the fireplace, you need to start with the $1,345 cost for materials to get a decent calculation. Most of the time, there are additional costs associated with mark-up for the materials. We won’t add those in. At least here in the Arizona area, we have figured out that average labor costs are 4-5 times the materials cost. These calculations would be $1,345 X 4 and $1,345 X 5. These equal $5,380 and $6,725, respectively.

These two labor amounts are only approximate and they are not set in stone. When you add the two labor costs to the $1,345 cost for materials, you could expect to pay $6,725 to $8,070 for the fireplace.

Are you Convinced Yet?

When we look at the differences between the costs of a DIY built fireplace and a contractor built fireplace, there are literally thousands of dollars separating them. Most people would agree that saving money is important. This savings can be directly attributed to building your fireplace DIY style.

When you’re ready to build a gorgeous outdoor fireplace on a budget, your first stop should be www.backyardflare.com. We can offer you a step by step DIY construction plan that will guide you all the way through your build. No sense in trying to figure it out on your own. Starting at only $39.99, you will have the best and most comprehensive DIY construction plan on the market. We look forward to helping you with your DIY project.

How to Build a DIY Outdoor Fireplace

If you’re reading this, you either stumbled on it, or you were actively searching for information on how to build a DIY outdoor fireplace. Either way, welcome and I am so happy that I can share this with you. I get questions on a daily basis from people who say they were excited when they finally found Backyard Flare. Building a DIY outdoor fireplace became a reality at that time for many people who originally thought they needed to figure it out on their own.

Masonry construction outdoor fireplace with storage and concrete lintels
Build your DIY outdoor fireplace and then veneer it however you like. There are no rules.

Can anyone really do it? Actually “yes” you can.

So, if you are able to lift a bag of concrete off the ground, then I believe you have what it takes to build a DIY outdoor fireplace. Believe me, it doesn’t require that you have to have worked with masonry before. If you have only ever seen cinder blocks while walking past them at Home Depot or Lowes, you are still able to build if you follow our construction plans.

Cinder block DIY outdoor fireplace with construction plan
Print your DIY outdoor fireplace plan and bring it to the work site. So easy.

Our designs are very simple even though they are absolutely gorgeous. And the best part is that the majority of our customers are people who are new to the world of DIY outdoor fireplace building. Many have never mixed mortar or used power tools. Our construction plans show people in a very detailed way how to go about putting a DIY outdoor fireplace together.

What do the DIY outdoor fireplace plans work?

We created DIY outdoor fireplace construction plans that are so easy to follow and comprehensive. Most of the guess work is taken away. The construction plans contain large, easy to see, isometric diagrams, and lots of very detailed written instructions. Imagine following a Lego book, but add the written part in as well for more detail. You will take the materials list in the plan and buy exactly what it says, as we have calculated each block and material down to the amount you’ll need. Pretty cool huh?

Cinder block anyone?

Our DIY outdoor fireplace construction plans all follow a cinder block build method. You will be able to pick out whatever veneer you like to finish the structure. By the end of the build, you’ll be high-fiving your family and friends. Then it’s time to get ready to enjoy the warmth of a raging fire on a cool night.

If you’re looking for more information and pics, or just some more inspiration, check out our Instagram profile, “backyardflare”, and our Pinterest profile, “DIY Outdoor”. We know you’ll find something that will look great in your backyard. Let us know how we can help you succeed and how to save thousands at the same time.

When you’re ready to get your plan, go to Backyard Flare, and pick out your favorite design. Once you purchase it, you will receive it in PDF directly to your email. We strive to serve you and to make sure your building experience is the best it can be. Let us show you the reality to outdoor comfort. Call or text me (Dan) direct at 520-269-9740 if you want a free consult. I’ll be waiting.