A look back at some completed projects

Here's a look back at a few completed projects a year or two later.  First up is the back patio barbecue command center.

Looking north towards the front of the house:

Looking over the counter to the fireplace:

Looking south towards the chicken coop:

As I have done the projects, I have tried to maintain consistent, repeating elements in the hardscape design to create a sense of unity in the yard and gardens.  Both the front and rear patios incorporate the concrete pavers set in a diamond pattern and use concrete columns and baluster railings.  Both patios also use stone (for the counter in the back, and for the patio surround in the front).

On to the front patio!

Here you can see the walk to the front door.  The first concrete columns that I made form a small pergola that frames the garage doors.

Coming up the front walk is the pergola that frames the entry door.

Here is a look back across the front patio to the front walk.

Outdoor fireplace finished!

Well I did beat winter, but only just barely...  Here are the project completion pics for the rest of the fireplace:

2nd wood storage arch being formed.

Chimney nearing completion.

And Done!

Here's a fun pic from when I was just getting started and the young chickens were inspecting my work.

Outdoor Fireplace

Been wanting to put in an outdoor fireplace for a while now.  I decided to do a rumford style firebox because they are supposed to be very good at projecting the radiant heat.

So after looking up firebox dimensions and a quick trip to the masonry supply place for some firebrick, construction begins.

 

 

Now that the firebox is built full height, it is time to put up the temporary arch frame for the opening...

 

 

Arch is in.  Now to bring the surrounding masonry up to height and construct the smoke chamber...

 

 

Form for the concrete mantel...

 

 

Mantel is cast, smoke chamber is constructed, and a few clay chimney flue pieces are up!

 

 

Here you can see the masonry line that acts as a guide for the chimney stones.  Also taking shape on the right side is one of the wood storage chambers.

 

 

I'll be racing to beat the frost now.  Stay tuned for more in part two of the fireplace build.

Indoor Fireplace Upgrade

OK, here's a project from a couple of years ago.  We had a fireplace in our basement that was very plain and ugly.  I had a friend offer me some free stone from his property, and I already had my concrete column forms created, so I dug in. Here's the progression of the project...

My daughter loved helping me place the concrete for the new hearth, columns and mantel.

Here's the hearth and columns in place.

Next the mantel was cast and then all of the concrete was stained.  Then it was time to start placing stone!

All of the stone placed.  Now it is time for some ironwork.

Here's the design I came up with for the doors.  I think they turned out really well.

And now the finished product...