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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
Pool went in first due to its size
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.
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.
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!!!!”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
Blaine and Kristen are enjoying their outdoor fireplace.
Welcome back to my fellow DIY’ers and welcome to this edition of, “That Awesome DIY Fireplace” where we introduce a DIY homeowner, tell you what state they reside in, and show you how awesome they were at building their own outdoor fireplace.
Let’s go to the southeast, in beautiful Louisiana, to introduce homeowners Blaine and Kristen. Their backyard needed a little extra something and after a bit of thought, they decided to build an outdoor fireplace. Blaine and Kristen started their research online through Google searches and read a lot of material on outdoor fireplaces. While on one of their searches, they found Backyard Flare and decided to use the Pima II design, outdoor fireplace construction plan to build the fireplace.
Blaine’s World…Excellent
Area next to existing patio was excavated for the concrete extension.
Blaine and Kristen have a brick home with a grassy backyard surrounding a poured concrete patio. Blaine dug out dirt next to the patio and formed the area for the slab. Steel mesh was added inside the concrete pour and they successfully poured the slab extension. The extension concrete was added so the fireplace didn’t have to be built on the main patio concrete.
Finished concrete pad for their outdoor fireplace.
Getting the cinder blocks mortared in place.
Blaine and Kristen followed the Backyard Flare outdoor fireplace construction plans and hit it out of the ballpark with their newly found masonry skills. It really should be noted that Blaine and Kristen are not masons, nor have they worked a lot with cinder block and mortar. They just followed the outdoor fireplace plans and called Dan at Backyard Flare with questions here and there.
Time For Veneer Choices
The veneer and tile choices look great together.
After the cinder block was done, Blaine and Kristen decided on a real nice stacked stone veneer in a soothing gray tone. It turned out beautiful. For the horizontal surfaces like the seating and the mantel, they picked a tile with a complimenting tone, and because they had covered the seating surface with solid 2” tall cap block, there was a great flat surface for the tile work.
Kristen and their dog proudly stand next to the completed DIY project.
When it was all said and done, Blaine and Kristen added a fire grate in their firebox and started building fires. They immediately began building memories and are very happy with the final project. What’s next for them? Maybe an outdoor kitchen or pizza oven? Time will tell, but until then we’ll let them enjoy all their hard work on the fireplace.
Get the drinks ready for the first fire.
Where Can You Go?
We sure hope you like Blaine and Kristen’s Pima II outdoor fireplace and that it inspires you to think about one of these outdoor fireplaces in your backyard as well. It’s really not out of reach to achieve a stunning outdoor living space, so think about your potential. Blaine and Kristen proved that average homeowners can make it happen in the world of DIY. If you have the DIY mindset, we can help you achieve greatness. Backyard Flare has assisted hundreds of homeowners who are weekend DIY’ers, realize their potential to build outdoor fireplaces just like Blaine’s and Kristen’s, so you can do it too.
Thanks so much for reading about another great DIY outdoor fireplace build. We’ll bring you more soon, and as always …happy building.
Relaxing by the DIY gas fireplace during a dinner party.
The other day, my wife and I attended a dinner party at the home of a previous fireplace and pizza oven customer. We were able to spend some time outside enjoying the fireplace and just the awesomeness of the backyard. Homeowner Tom helped me build this structure, so this is technically a DIY build in a sense. Tom learned a lot and he was able to add lots of great value while we had a blast constructing his masterpiece.
Massive Structure Size
What an amazing and welcoming space in this backyard.
There is so much to his fireplace and pizza oven structure. To get started, the whole circular structure is a whopping 31 feet in diameter. It’s massive to say the least. It surrounds a seven-foot-wide natural gas fireplace. Inside the four-foot-wide firebox is an “H” pipe covered with bright red fire glass. The fire glass color is great because, if you look closely at the picture, it turns blueish purple when it heats up. Such a great look.
Fireplace is 7′ wide with the gas “H” pipe covered in red fire glass.
The front of the fireplace is covered with a great stone veneer and the remainder of the structure was stuccoed to match the texture on Tom’s house. The seating is all smoothed flagstone cut to match the curvature of the seat back wall. On the hearth, there are several low voltage lights that add that extra something. It looks amazing every night, whether there is a fire blazing away or not.
Pizza Anyone?
What an amazing backyard for parties and even some quiet time.
The left side of the structure holds the pizza oven built around a BrickWood Ovens DIY mold. It didn’t get any easier than that mold to build around and then wait until the mortar cured. The pizza oven is covered in stucco that is painted the same color as the rest of the structure.
To the left side of the pizza oven, we added a piece of polished granite, so Tom could roll out his pizza dough and prepare his pizzas. No need to run into the house every time, the counter is right there. Seeing how much Tom and his family has used the fireplace and pizza oven makes me smile that they are building lots of great memories. The parties with family and friends are a lot of fun and the quiet nights in front of the fire are special for them too.
Conversation and drinks around the DIY outdoor gas fireplace.
Check us Out
The view of the Tucson valley from this backyard is amazing.
If the idea of a fireplace and pizza oven sounds like something you would want to step into, there is a great place to go, Backyard Flare. You can look through the great design ideas and also figure out what you want in your backyard. Big or small, every fireplace structure looks great. We want you to begin living in your backyard again. What better way to start than by building your own fireplace and pizza oven?
If you have any questions about anything, please let me know. I am always excited to hear from a fellow DIYer, or someone wanting to learn. You can certainly do it yourself and beautify your backyard space. I can be reached at dan@backyardflare.com and as I always say, “Happy Building”.
