Tag Archives: Kits

How to Safely Build Your Own Outdoor Fireplace

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outdoor fireplace

People have long been fascinated with fire since time immemorial. In colder times, we gravitate to it for warmth; hence we have over 55 million U.S. households that have at least one fireplace. It would not be surprising then for people to invest time, money, and energy on having outdoor fireplaces as well. You can hire someone to make it for you, buy patio fireplace kits, or just build one of your own.

Here are some things to consider so you can safely build your own outdoor fireplace:

  • Make sure that you are aware of your city ordinances and acquire the necessary permits or licenses that you need in order to have one.
  • Check with your homeowner’s insurance company because it might affect your policy.
  • Ask your utilities company about the pipes and cables that are underground.
  • Your outdoor fireplace should have a safe distance from your house, and any other buildings.
  • It should be a level ground that is free of trees and overhanging branches or vines.
  • If you are going to construct it on an existing deck, make sure it can support the weight of the fireplace. If you have a wood deck, it could be a potential fire hazard, therefore it is important to surround the area with heatproof masonry.
  • Consider the use of your outdoor fireplace. If it is mainly for ambiance, do keep in mind your home’s architecture style.
  • There should be at least a three-foot distance between your seating area and the fire, regardless of the design you choose.

There are two kinds of outdoor fireplaces—and they are very much like a campfire. Choose the diameter and then have a stake driven into the center of the ground where you want the pit to be. This will mark how big you want your fireplace. The diameter of your outdoor fireplace should be about four feet and the walls should be approximately 12 inches thick.

Mix your pre-mix concrete with water until it is soft and has spreadable consistency. Place it where the base of your wall should be. Then spread the concrete and tamp it down until it is about an inch or so. Put the rebar and tap them in until they are covered with concrete and allow it to set completely. The mortar should be spread on the outer portion of the concrete base before setting the stones. Put the face stones first then top it with the capstones for an even look.

If you have never tried masonry work before, you may need to go over a guide on setting bricks first.

Enjoy and have fun with your patio fireplace!

For Practical Storage Space, Use Carport Kits

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carport kits

A carport can cover the path to and from your house or building, as it protects your vehicles. While carports are obviously made for (as its name implies) cars, its use is not limited to just that. It is an effective storage solution that can house garden tools, boats, or even airplanes.

Carport kits or portable garages come in different sizes and materials.

There are carport kits that are simply cloth canopies. They are not only cheap, but also easy to put up or take down. They can come in different colors and do its job: protecting whatever you are storing while at the same time adding beauty to your place.

There are metal versions of these portable garages. Expectedly, they are pricier but sturdier than its cloth counterparts. Metal carport kits are usually made of steel, which is heavy and of good quality, but you can get more or less the same protection with aluminum, which is lighter. A good one has a sturdy frame, steel sides, and roof.

Carport kits are not only limited to home use. They can be used for businesses, farms, factories, churches, and many more. When you are considering hosting an outdoor event, a portable garage is a welcome sight to your visitors. They can be protected from direct sunlight, and so does your vehicles when the party is over.

While you have the option to hire someone to build you one, you could save more money if you purchase pre-fabricated shelters and assemble it yourself. These portable garages are relatively easy to make and easy to find. You can just go to your favorite search engine such as Google or Yahoo, search for it, and you can have a myriad of choices—from several brands to the kind of materials used.

But how can you find a good one? Weigh your options and consider the use of your carport first and foremost; what are you going to store in it? Do you want a completely enclosed carport or not? See if you can get the best deal with the budget you have in mind, and when you are confident with the information you have, you can then proceed and make your purchase. It is always wiser to check on the company’s feedback before you settle for one online store. After you order online, these carport kits can be shipped to you, and voila, additional storage space for you.