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
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.
When you see an outdoor fireplace in a backyard, don’t you think relaxation and a hangout destination? We sure do, and we love to see our DIY customers using and enjoying the outdoor fireplaces they build. It’s so fun to light that raging fire and sit back with a beverage and blanket. Kick your feet up on the hearth, listen to the crackle and pop, and follow the dancing flames.
There are a few items that we think every outdoor fireplace owner should invest in, because they make the experience more enjoyable, and frankly, more manageable. Now that may seem a bit broad, so let’s get right down to it. Here are three things that you should buy and why.
#1 – Fire Grate
When you attempt to light a fire, you need oxygen as one of the three components. In order to get oxygen below the wood that you’re burning, it is necessary to elevate the wood just a few inches and contain it. This is the job of a fire grate. These wrought iron metal grates are super resilient and they will last you for years. Let us introduce the Amagabeli fire grate, available in 21″, 24″, and 30″ widths. One will fit into any size firebox you have, and it looks great too.
Amagabeli fire grate available in 21″, 24″, or 30″ widths
#2 – Fireplace Tools Set
Now that you used the grate to contain the raging fire, you will need a set of useful tools to manage the fire. These tool sets almost always have pokers, tongs, and even little shovels and brooms for the ash. Many of the sets come with a decorative rack to store the tools and they look super nice on the seating surface of the structure. Look no further than the Amagabeli 5 piece wrought iron set that will last a lifetime.
Amagabeli 5 piece set
#3 – Marshmallow Sticks
Oh yeah, nothing says fun over a fire more than roasting marshmallows. Then do you sandwich it between graham crackers with chocolate? Sure you do. But it’s always better to extend that marshmallow over the fire with a telescoping and reusable stick. We use the stainless steel MalloMe sticks that telescope to 32″, so you and your kids can stay a good distance from the fire. They are color coded so each person can have their own dedicated stick. Never a more fun way of enjoying a backyard fire.
Extendable to 32″
So there you have it, our three great picks and must haves for your DIY outdoor fireplace. Make your fire experience a great one. And as always, go to Backyard Flare, LLC for all your DIY construction plans and useful info for building your masterpiece.
