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 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.

Is A Chimney Flue A Must?

Customer Questions

I was working on a custom fireplace design and DIY construction plan for a customer the other day. We had just spoken about her fireplace structure.  She had asked me questions, one of which was “should I use a chimney flue”?  I explained my experience with a chimney flue and the construction method of our designs, answering all her follow up questions.  She was eager to learn which made me very happy. When we finished our conversation, the phone rang again, and I answered it.

On the other end of the phone was a man who wanted to build a DIY outdoor fireplace in his backyard. Would you believe he had the exact same question concerning the use of a chimney flue.  I spoke with him for a while and answered all his questions.  When I hung up, I really started to think back. There were lots phone calls and emails that hit on the specific topic of a chimney flue in our outdoor fireplaces.

Here We Go!

I thought that this same topic would be a good one for my next blog post because the interest is obviously out there.  Now let me get started by saying that if you have ten masons in a room and you give them the same picture and dimensions of a fireplace, then say, “Go build it”, it will be built ten different ways.  No two structures would be alike.  Now I must continue with this and say that all ten fireplaces could very well be functional fireplaces and just because they are all built different doesn’t mean any of them are wrong.  They’re just different.  We are just one of those masons and ours is simply a different method of building and to some, a different train of thought.  The use of a chimney flue is not wrong at all, but we know they aren’t necessary if the structure is built the way we build.

DIY outdoor fireplace fire wreath christmas light flower vase candle
This is a DIY outdoor fireplace built using our plans without a chimney flue.

This is not to say that you absolutely can’t use a chimney flue with our designs, we just know that they aren’t always necessary.  A lot of masons build using these clay pipes.  Some are square, some are rectangle, and some are round.  Some are 12” long and some are three feet long and there are several diameters too.  First, I need to go back a bit and explain what a chimney flue is used for.  It is literally the tube that lines a chimney and lots of people think they are a necessity.

We Design Without a Chimney Flue

You may be thinking, “how do I not need a flue to direct the smoke”.  Our designs are constructed with the interior chimney dimensions being formed by block.  In essence, our chimneys designs are all squares and rectangles.  There are no round edges or round entryways to our chimney openings so square and rectangle blocks dictate the way everything is formed.

diy outdoor gas fireplace stacked stone golf course arizona
Even our fireplace with no chimney functions well.

Backyard Flare fireplace designs incorporate a large throat chimney, so the inside of the chimney does not get super-hot. Our cinder block fireplace designs have been heat tested and they are hotter in the Arizona summer than in the winter months with a fire burning.  I can literally stand up on my fireplace after a fire has been burning for 15-20 minutes and stick my hand inside the chimney opening.  I can hold my bare hand against the inside of the chimney from the top and it is warm, but not so hot that it is unbearable.  This is the reason we can say that the inside of our chimneys aren’t even as hot as it is on a sunny Arizona day.

diy outdoor fireplace
This is Backyard Flare’s first ever fireplace built in 2007. No chimney flue was used and it still works great with no breakdown of the chimney blocks.

Lots of people will say you need to build your chimney with a clay flue for purposes of heat, thus keeping the heat off the cinder block.  I say, if your chimney opening is big enough, not restricting the smoke and heat, you don’t need a chimney flue.  You can open a chimney up pretty big and not even affect the draft of the structure, so it’s basically up to you which build method you want to subscribe to. 

How Are We Different?

Backyard Flare construction plans use the same basic build method above the firebox from design to design. These chimneys appear different from the outside too.  We have never had a draft problem, so we know we have a tried and true method of building that does not require a chimney flue, thus reducing the cost of the final structure. 

I hope his post has helped you out and that it has answered a few questions.  Let us know if you have any further questions and we will make every attempt to get you an answer.  Thanks for reading and if you are wanting to build a DIY outdoor fireplace, visit www.backyardflare.com for the best and most comprehensive DIY construction plans on the market.  As I always say, happy building.   

Inexpensive DIY Outdoor Fireplace

Our Arizona Backyard Fireplace

Hello all you DIYers and enthusiasts of backyard fireplace and transformation.  I wanted to write a bit about one of our latest ventures, a corner Arizona outdoor fireplace with storage voids that I built at my in-law’s house in Arizona.  The backyard isn’t huge, only about 30 feet deep from the back of the house to the back wall, so we decided to offset the fireplace in the corner to not block the mountain view.

Doesn’t Have to be Expensive!

The best part of this whole build is that we really designed and built on a budget, building as inexpensive as possible without substituting quality.  In total, we spent just over $1,600, and that included the poured concrete slab, lighting, and all finish work.  It really is amazing at what you can build and how cheap the overall cost can be when you enter the DIY world.  So, let’s break it down.

The Backyard Fireplace Building Begins

Concrete slab for DIY outdoor fireplace
Getting the slab poured is lots of fun.
Wood form with steel and concrete for outdoor fireplace
Use wire mesh or rebar in your concrete pour to add strength to the slab.
Man pouring concrete for outdoor fireplace
Concrete is a dirty job but lots of fun at the same time.

We knew the footprint of the backyard fireplace so we worked with disturbing only that area. We excavated the site and prepared the ground for the concrete slab, using steel in the pour.  Once the concrete cured for a few days, we began laying the block as per the construction plan, which showed literally where every block went.  So easy!  We established the entry point at the back of the structure for the low voltage lighting wire to come in and routed that wire through the structure.

Masonry construction outdoor fireplace with storage and concrete lintels
We filled wooden jigs with concrete to create the arched lintels.

The storage voids and firebox were arched and that was completed by building wood jigs, supporting them in place, and pouring concrete into them to create the lintels.  The arches really made the three openings come to life, so we are happy we made that decision.

Finish Work Decisions

DIY outdoor backyard fireplace at night with fire
Just an amazing night with family and friends.

When the rough build was completed, we lined the firebox with firebrick in a stacked pattern to change it up and covered the whole structure in smooth coat stucco.  The stucco was then painted to match the color of the house, so it tied everything in.  Almost all horizontal surfaces were covered in a gorgeous honey brown flagstone that we chisel cut for a rustic edge.  The LED lighting was added to the front of the structure and inside each storage void, where it was connected to the low voltage wire.  We are so happy we made the decision to add lights because it makes the whole structure come to life even when not in use.

Finished DIY outdoor fireplace with painted stucco and brick patio
Finished DIY outdoor backyard fireplace with painted stucco and brick patio

The patio spanning the front of our backyard fireplace was completed in a random pattern with colored concrete pavers.  It sure made the whole sitting area complete, giving it a finished look.  We have enjoyed the fireplace even through the summer with ambiance fires, so we’re not letting the warm nights slow us down.  Sitting at a distance is the way we do it when it’s warm outside.  Just make sure you and your guests have your drink of choice while you sit and relax.

Want to Build a Backyard Fireplace Too?

We hope you love our backyard fireplace and all of what we built as much as we do and that you are inspired to step into this as well.  Backyard Flare, LLC is the leader in DIY outdoor fireplace construction plans.  Whether you are an accomplished mason or someone who has NEVER worked with block and mortar, you can build our designs.  Open the construction plan and begin building your own backyard fireplace.  We are confident that you too can build a masterpiece, so get going on your design ideas. 

Backyard Lighting

Outdoor lighting on DIY outdoor fireplace at night
Beautify your DIY outdoor fireplace with lighting.

There are many ways to install backyard lighting in your outdoor space.  In this quick tutorial, we’d like to specifically go over our method of installing low voltage lighting in a outdoor fireplace structure.  We are currently building an amazing DIY outdoor fireplace at my in-law’s house in Marana, Arizona, a suburb of Tucson, and it is turning out beautiful.  To include that “extra something”, we made sure to add a little lighting to the fireplace, so it really shows off the structure at night.  Backyard lighting makes the world of difference when added tastefully.  Just a little goes a long way.

Bring Your Backyard To Life

Even when we aren’t enjoying the warmth of a fire, we want to be able to look out the window into the backyard and see the fireplace, and the lighting will really make that happen.  The backyard lighting also gives off enough ambient light, so the backyard isn’t completely dark.  We want to be able to go outside and walk around the backyard at night without having to turn on all the exterior patio lights.

Lowes? Yep…They’re Everywhere

Here at Backyard Flare, we love to shop at Lowes Home Improvement because they have so much variety in their departments.   Follow them on Instagram at @loweshomeimprovement for great pics and design ideas.  For the lighting on our structure, we ventured to the outdoor lighting aisle and we picked up a Hampton Bay 150W transformer, a 100-foot spool of low voltage lighting cord, and six Hampton Bay LED lights.  The total was about $125, but you’ll see that it was worth every penny.

Backyard Lighting Installation

So, let’s get into the installation method.  To understand low voltage lighting, it is important to know that it’s like powering a light bulb with a battery.  A transformer will plug into a wall outlet, but the alternating current from the outlet will be converted in the transformer to direct current, like a battery.  The 100-foot power cord is attached to the back of the transformer like you would attach speaker cord to a receiver, only a screw driver is used after the ends of the wires are stripped. 

We routed the cord to the structure, and it entered on the back-left side.  We ran it through the structure, cutting grooves into the tops of the cinder blocks for channels where necessary.  The cord ran everywhere we wanted lights, and then it exited the back-right side of the fireplace.

Light Positioning

Low voltage lighting cord in a DIY outdoor fireplace. LED lighting and cinder block
Run the power cord through the structure by cutting grooves into the block.

Once we figured out exactly where we wanted the lights, we used a 3/8” masonry drill bit and drilled holes big enough to pass the LED light connector through the block.  Inside the block, the lights’ push pin connectors were attached to the power cord and… we had light.  The lights were attached to the front of the structure using wall anchors in the block.  To install the wall anchors, we drilled more holes using a ¼” masonry drill bit.  It’s just like adding them to drywall, but with a little bit more dust. 

We made sure to add a light on the inside of each storage void too so the voids would be back-lit.  It added a lot of appeal to the look of the structure and sure made a huge impact at night.  The addition of light to an outdoor fireplace or kitchen is super simple and we know that you can do it.  We sure hope this helped you out and that it eased your hesitation to add lighting to your structure or backyard.  If you’re interested in building your own DIY outdoor fireplace or outdoor kitchen, visit us at Backyard Flare for the best and most comprehensive outdoor construction plans on the market. 

Show Us What Your Lighting

We would love to see some of your outdoor lighting.  Please send pics of your projects to dan@backyardflare.com.  Thanks for reading, and I hope you learned something here.  Until next time, have fun on your outdoor projects and happy building.

Dan Heston
Backyard Flare, LLC
Tucson, Arizona
www.backyardflare.com
www.diyoutdoorfireplaces.com
520-269-9740

DIY Outdoor Fireplace and Concrete Pads

Concrete or Dirt? That is the Question

cDIY Concrete slab in backyard with grass wood
Concrete slab is ready for cinderblock.

The other day my phone rang and it was a customer of Backyard Flare that had purchased a DIY construction plan for the Pima II design.  This customer was looking for information about whether he needed to build the fireplace on a concrete pad or whether he could just build it on the dirt.  This question comes in quite often so I wanted to address it again.  Concrete pads are necessary for a masonry outdoor fireplace.

Where You Live is Important

DIY concrete pad deck level outdoor fireplace
Finished concrete is ready for block work

Think about all the places you have been and the ground you have walked on.  There’s Arizona with ground so hard that it almost takes a jack hammer to dig down a couple inches.  Then there’s Florida with gorgeous sandy beaches, but that sandy soil reaches inland too.  You have the northeast states that have frost lines so deep, that it’s a wonder that it ever thaws out. And we can’t forget the northwest that gets a lot of rain that could create washout conditions.

There is our dilemma with phone calls relating to how thick or whether a concrete pad is necessary.  Even here in Arizona, I always build my outdoor structures on concrete.  This is for peace of mind so if there is any ground settling, the structure will hopefully be okay.

If a masonry built structure settles, and it has been built on a running bond (stair step) block pattern, the cracking will look like a stair step going up.  The blocks will often separate at the seams, not crack.  This is not the way you want your outdoor structure to end up, because you spent your hard labor to build it.

What should you do?

DIY outdoor fireplace, stone seating
DIY outdoor fireplace on new poured concrete pad.

Do it right from the beginning and pour some concrete. Support that structure and keep it from settling and cracking.  Now you say, that’s all fine and dandy, but how thick does the concrete need to be? There’s an issue with that portion of the concrete pad question in that there is no “one answer” to that question.  There is no recommendation that we can give you because your geographic area and soil will dictate the answer.

Remember all the different soil types we cited a few paragraphs ago?  There are so many variables that exist that will need to be addressed and recognized before a concrete pad thickness answer can be formulated.  Our advice is to seek out some professionals in the concrete industry and ask.  Go to Home Depot or Lowes and see if there is a person who used to pour concrete for a living that is working there in retirement.  They are sometimes a wealth of information.  Go to the internet and search for recommendations based on your soil type and geographic area.  Again, lots of information.

Test Time

So, what have we learned?  I always recommend a concrete pad for an outdoor masonry built fireplace or kitchen.  There is no hard and fast recipe that applies to everyone that they should follow to pour the pad, so go find your local resources.  They’re out there.

If you would like to discuss your backyard outdoor fireplace or kitchen and would like to learn more about the DIY world we love so much, visit Backyard Flare.  We can help make it a reality, saving you thousands of dollars.  Give your backyard a face-lift and beautify your outdoor space.

Thanks for reading and as always, happy building.

Dan Heston
Backyard Flare, LLC
Tucson, Arizona

You Can Do It

Feeling Apprehensive?

You can do it!!!  I remember receiving a phone call from Shelley who said she lived in New Jersey.  Shelley explained to me that she was single, in her sixties, and that she lived on a piece of property that had a small creek running through it down the hill from her backyard.  Shelley explained that she really wanted an outdoor fireplace but that she was super apprehensive about doing it herself.  Because of the limited knowledge she had about masonry construction, Shelley was concerned with her age and ability to do the physical labor.  I asked her some questions about her ability to lift and explained what the project would require.

Shelley Said Yes to the Outdoor Fireplace

We talked it through, and by the end, Shelley was ready to take on the challenge.  A DIY outdoor fireplace does not have to be intimidating or seem out of the realm of possibility if you have the right tools, preparation, and a good plan.  A construction plan that is…something that will take the guess work out of the project.  If you are physically able to lift a 60-pound bag of mortar, or if you have someone who can do it for you, that’s the first step.  If you’re willing to step into a work site with an open mind, then you too can do what Shelley did.

DIY stone outdoor fireplace
Talk about charming. This backyard patio was transformed into a great sitting destination.

Shelley built her very own DIY outdoor fireplace and although it was small, it made a huge impact in her backyard and it is definitely a focal point.  Do you agree, and do you think you want to join the DIY world?  She had us do some special design work to make the fireplace what she wanted.  We angled the chimney on all sides and designed the firebox to be low on the structure, which gave it a neat look.

It Was Fun According to Shelley

DIY outdoor fireplace plan
The fireplace sits on the edge of the patio with the treeline in the background.

After building the structure, Shelley said that she took her time and didn’t push hard to get it done quickly.  She said that if she could do it in her sixties, then anyone could do it.  This is a testament that most people have the capability to do more than they truly think.  There is an inner construction worker in most of us.  Give your insecurities to us and let us provide you with a DIY construction plan.  If you follow it, you to will be able to build a beautiful outdoor fireplace just like Shelley did.

DIY outdoor fireplace with fire
Shelley built her first fire and started making memories.

If you are wanting to learn more about the process of building a DIY outdoor fireplace, visit us online at Backyard Flare.  We know that you can do it and that we can help.  A construction plan may be exactly what you need to overcome the fear of building so you can DIY too.  Thanks so much for reading and we hope to hear from you soon.  Leave a comment and let us know if you think you’re up for a DIY project.

As always, happy building,

Dan

3 Ways to Improve

3 Ways to Improve the Look of Your Backyard

swimming pool umbrella palm tree flagstone planter
An uncluttered and clean backyard is a welcoming backyard.

Okay, I’m going to get right into it today.  Not need to beat around the bush here.  Your backyard…and mine…needs help probably.  Your backyard might be old, dated, tired, messy, and it needs a little “pick me up”, so why not get started?  There are quite a few things that you can do that will make a HUGE difference and at the same time not break the bank.  Here are 3 ways to improve the look of your backyard.

Start By Picking Up the Place

First, pick up the clutter.  If you’re like most of us, you have odds and ends laying around.  You may have a section of your yard that is dedicated to compiling the old car parts or the old bikes that haven’t been ridden in years.  Chances are that if you haven’t needed them in the past year (or five) you won’t need them at all in the future.  Collect them and put them on Craigslist so you can make a few bucks too.  Just cleaning up a cluttered corner will make a huge difference.

Unsightly Patio or Deck?

swimming pool patio umbrella fireplace deck planter
A clean backyard draws you in for an extended stay.

Second, sweep up the patio or deck area of your yard and then look up.  Are there spider webs hanging around the lighting fixtures or the underside of the patio cover?  Take down those spider houses with a broom and make a change up high.  Get a hose or high pressure sprayer and clean up the whole area that is attached to the house.  This includes patios, brick work, decks, patio covers, and even the back of the house itself.  You’ll be amazed at how much dirt your house holds onto.  A quick wash down may bring the color back to your home’s exterior too.

Time to Pick and Trim

Flagstone patio red door grill kitchen flowers
Cleaning low and high will make it look more inviting.

Lastly, pick the weeds growing in your flowers and trim your bushes and trees.  The branches and clippings will usually take a while to get rid of if your garbage can isn’t big enough to handle a lot, but the yard will sure open up.  Getting rid of low hanging branches and unwanted ground plants will make an immediate positive impact on the overall look of the yard.

The best part is that these three de-clutter and cleaning tasks are virtually free to do.  They shouldn’t cost you any money, just a little time and sweat equity.  In the end, you’ll have a nicer, cleaner, and more welcoming backyard area.

Who knows, your clean backyard may go on to inspire other projects.  Start small and work your way up to a finished backyard sporting an outdoor fireplace or outdoor kitchen.  You’ll love it in the end and you’ll marvel at the hidden gem that was under all that dirt and clutter.

Check Us Out

If you are interested in any construction plans for an outdoor fireplace or an outdoor kitchen, look no further than Backyard Flare.  We specialize in easy to follow DIY construction plans that will take virtually all the guess work out of the build.  Follow the plans, finish the structure, and begin relaxing in your backyard.

Call or text Dan at 520-269-9740 or email him at dan@backyardflare.com for additional info, special deals, and some fun discussion.  As always, have fun and remember, happy building.