Specializing in custom DIY outdoor fireplace, kitchen and grill designs and plans for your outdoor paradise.
Using our exclusive designs and plans, you can have the backyard of your dreams and save thousands.
NEVER PAY CONTRACTOR PRICES AGAIN!
Using our exclusive designs and plans, you can have the backyard of your dreams and save thousands.
All of our fireplace, pizza oven and grill plans follow a detailed block construction method much like following building instructions for a Lego set. Backyard Flare construction plans are very similar in that they progress one row at a time and give you different isometric views of each row in the form of CAD drawings. The building of each row is also described in detail with easy to understand written instructions. Most plans, depending on complexity, are more than 25 pages in length.
Because most outdoor fireplaces are built for ambiance and not for heating, our fireplaces are designed with no angled fireboxes. These "angled-wall" fireboxes are commonly referred to as a Rumford design and they were designed primarily as indoor structures with efficiency in radiating and throwing heat. Our square firebox designs maximize the firebox depth which in turn offers more room for larger fire grates and larger fires. Secondly, the fire grate can be pushed back into the firebox, allowing you to sit directly in front of the fire without feeling like you are sitting too close. Don't be fooled though about a square firebox design. The heat will still be intense, so be careful. The back wall of our firebox designs are in line with the back wall of the chimney which allows for a very good smoke draw. One of the most important reasons for our square firebox design is the simplicity of the build. Most homeowners have a limited knowledge of masonry work and we want the fireplace projects to be as easy as possible while still offering a quality design.
Check out our designs on the "Fireplace and Grill" menu button. From there click on "Plan Details" button for a specific fireplace or kitchen to get more details on that specific design, including the estimated build costs for that design. These prices are realistic with respect to the cost associated with the rough build only and are based upon building costs in the Tucson, Arizona area. They are intended to provide you with a realistic cost to build your design and should not be taken as actual building costs in your area. Your actual building cost is dependent on pricing in your area. This cost does not reflect the price of a finished outdoor fireplace as the cost will depend on your taste and finishing materials.
1. How much will it cost (total) to build my outdoor fireplace?
The total cost of a completed fireplace will depend on which fireplace you build and what materials you use to finish it, such as lighting, flagstone, stucco, tile, and faux stone. The approximate rough cost for each fireplace design is listed on it's description page.
2. How long will it take to build my outdoor fireplace?
Expect to spend at least a few weekends building your fireplace. It will depend largely on your experience and attention to detail. Some of our customers have spent weeks and others have spent as little as 9 days.
3. If I have never worked with mortar and block, will I really be able to build my own fireplace?
The easy answer is yes, however you need to understand that it may be challenging at times and will require some lifting. We will be with you along the way.
4. Do you recommend any certain design finishes for a fireplace?
All finishes if time is spent in detail can be really nice. I have always liked the look of stucco and stone together, with earth tone paint. It looks rustic and classy at the same time. When lighting is added your fireplace looks great at night even without a fire burning.
5. What if I don't have all the tools that are on your "tools" list?
That's OK. There's always a chance your friends and family will have the tools needed. If your'e going to buy them however, don't buy expensive if you don't think you'll use them again. Save your money as even the cheap tools will last long enough for your fireplace project.
6. What is the construction method for your fireplace designs?
All of our fireplace designs are built using cinder block. Standard size blocks that can be purchased at most major home improvement stores are used. This allows the majority of our customers to easily be able to find their materials from the materials list in their construction plan.
7. I really like the ______ fireplace on your site but I want to make some changes. Can you do that?
We get questions like this all the time. We will make any changes to our plans in order to make your design wishes a reality. We will work with you and provide rendered images of your design idea before you purchase the plan. Because sometimes extensive changes require extended drawing times, plan on a longer turn-around time for the completion of the construction plan.
8. Can I add a design feature like extended seating or a flared top from one fireplace design to another?
Yes. Again, we can make almost whatever change you can imagine. Just bare with us while we redraw your fireplace concept. It may take a few days to complete.
9. How much will the fireplace plan cost if I want changes made to an existing plan?
The price for a changed plan varies drastically as it may entail many hours of work. You'll still save thousands though in the end. Call or email us and we'll talk about your vision.
10. Can you design a custom outdoor fireplace for me from just a picture of a fireplace I found on the internet?
Yes. Some of our designs came from pictures sent to us by our customers. We love it that you have a favorite design in mind even if it's not one of our existing designs. We can certainly try to get as close as possible to whatever picture you can find. This is obviously more extensive than just changing a plan, so the cost will be higher due to much more time spent on your design. Contact us and we'll talk about your idea and how we'll go about the project.
11. How much will I save by building the fireplace myself?
You will save thousands of dollars by building yourself. One customer saved just under $10,000 in labor costs by not chosing to have a contractor build the fireplace. Although this is rather drastic, it does illustrate the possible savings.
12. Do you design custom outdoor kitchens as well as fireplaces?
We have designed outdoor kitchens in the past and are thinking about marketing some designs to be added to our site. We are certainly interested in working with you if this is something you would like.
13. Why do your firebox designs not have angled walls and will the fireplace still draw OK?
The quick answer to this question is that angled walls in a firebox are primarily for throwing and radiating heat. Because outdoor fireplaces are more for looks and not for heating your backyard, we have designed our fireplaces with deep square fireboxes so even the most inexperienced mason can build our designs. The deep firebox allows you to push the fire back enough to not feel you are sitting to close to the flame. The smoke will exit your chimney just fine and the draw will be sufficient.
14. When the wind blows, why do I get some smoke coming out the front of my fireplace?
This will occur when there is wind. When the wind blows, it can enter your firebox from the front or even enter your chimney from the top. This changes the upward movement of air and sometimes creates a mini "tornado" of smoke in your firebox. This is just the nature of an outdoor fireplace. It will act no different than a firepit on a camping trip. The smoke will go different directions other than "up" when the wind is blowing.
15. Is an outdoor kitchen (barbeque) built like a fireplace?
The methods of building with block don't differ depending on which you are building. I believe that building an outdoor kitchen is easier due to building at a much lower height. The overall cost may be higher depending on the grill type however.
16. Can I have you design an outdoor kitchen to fit the space I have available?
Yes. We love to hear your visions and design ideas and a lot of custom work is done by Backyard Flare each month for fireplaces, pizza ovens, and kitchen type designs.
17. Can I use the grill I already have and have an outdoor kitchen designed to fit it?
Yes. On a few occassions, an existing grill has been used and a new barbeque structure has been built to house it. All we need are the dimensions of your grill and a photo.
Years ago I looked at my bare backyard and thought I should add something. I had a lot of unused space but felt trees and plants weren't what the space needed. I had seen outdoor kitchens and fireplaces in magazines and on TV and thought I would inquire with a contractor about having them built. I provided the contractors with example pictures of barbeques and fireplaces I liked and received quotes as high as $7,800 to build just the fireplace. more...
