Comments on: Reader Redesign: All Fired Up

By: Christy

Christy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:10:29 +0000

Alysia, I didn’t start with a plan. I did see some similar ideas in my Sunset landscape book & had a general ideal of what I wanted. It was just kind of a snowball effect. The firepit was a lot of trial & error, it was actually put together & taken apart about 5 times (NO JOKE). I can give you lots of advice on how NOT to do it. :)

It was dry stacked at first, then added the pavers for the little patio area, once I found the right feel & size for the fire pit, I decided to mortar it in. The benches were added later. I did everything but the benches, that was done by a mason. I wanted to repeat the curve of the spa (as J&S pointed out). I knew what I wanted, just had to explain it to him & he did a great job. He also added in a built in BBQ for me, not shown.

You can e-mail me if you have any more ques. wtp_72 at hotmail dot com

By: Pauline

Pauline — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:38:30 +0000

That is very cool… I love seeing before and after pictures :)

For Alysia,
If you are looking to renovate your backyard like that and are looking for contractors, check out http://www.constructiondeal.com– you just post your project and contractors will contact you and give estimates.. Its a pretty easy way to find help without doing much. And its a free service so feel free to check it out!

By: Alysia

Alysia — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:07:11 +0000

That fire pit is awesome!! I want a space like that so bad! That is exactly what I want to do. Christy, did you follow instructions or just “wing” the whole project? If you have anything specific, can you email the link or the directions you used? Thanks in advance.

By: Christy

Christy — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:22:02 +0000

Thanks! My family wants to come for every b-day & holiday now, which I can’t say I mind. :) I enjoy my home & hope others will too.

By: halfofvamh

halfofvamh — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:02:54 +0000

I want a firepit so badly! This is amazing!

I also love the xeriscaping mention, I’m reading about it currently in my environmental science class and I think I may just have an excuse to let those weeds grow this summer ;)

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 01:15:58 +0000

I love the new backyard. What a nice little place to entertain friends and family. I’m sure they are all envious of your new space. I know I am!

By: linda@LimeintheCoconut

linda@LimeintheCoconut — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:10:31 +0000

I LOVE Christy’s DIY do-over. What a great place to hang and roast marshmallows! Broken finger ’cause of all the rock and stone hauling??? Hope not!

By: Amy A.

Amy A. — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:15:46 +0000

This is fantastic! The before and afters are my favorite things.