Fire pit???

[Miranda]

OK guys, I''m dying here! I''ve been thinking for so long and so hard about my stupid backyard that I think my brains will squish out of my eyes (maybe a bit dramatic)!!!! Does anyone have a fire pit on their patio? Any pics??? Trying to get the placement in the yard is torturing me. Our landscape designer is rushing to get the job done because she is busy and we aren''t liking anything she is coming up with. Her measurements are wrong, etc. TIA!

 

[Skippy123]

I don't have any suggestions but I thought of you today. I met hubby for lunch and there was a lady w/3 kids and they seemed to have the best time! I thought I bet Miranda is like that mom! The mom had fun ideas and the kids were so well behaved!

I wish you luck. Hopefully someone will chime in. Sounds like your yard is going to be beautiful!!!

 

[door knob solitaire]

Miranda

We are also planning a backyard. I wanted to share our insight with you.

We have had the experience with a portable one and after that we will design a similar pit. With the portable one..we were able to position everyone around it. The interaction and activity of having full access is priceless. Everyone got a front row seat...their marshmellow or dog...or tootsies are equally done at the same time. I do like the option of keeping your seating positionable. Sometimes you want to get closer others you need your distance. If your seating was permanent you would''nt have an option to scoot in or out.

I really wanted a fireplace, one up againist the wall...or placed in a corner...until we had this experience. Our new plan will incorporate the pit in complete access for all to enjoy. I urge you to picture your use and see if this is something you too should consider. Put that puppy out in the open! I realize that isn''t exactly what you asked for in this thread...but I hope it helps with your delimma. Just a few thoughts.

DKS

 

[surfgirl]

I''d go for either a properly built outdoor fireplace or a movable fire pit/chiminea type option. We have a chiminea and we live at the beach and if we''d built a stationary fire pit we wouldn''t be able to position it depending on the wind, so it doens''t blow in your face. And I say "properly built" fireplace for the same reason - so the chimney of the fireplace is built so that the smoke doesn''t pour back into your face no matter the wind direction. For us, the chiminea is okay, but I''d rather have a proper fireplace to hang out around...but that''s just my personal preference..No disrespect to DKS!

Just consider that a fire pit has no chimney so there''s no way to direct the smoke flow upwards away from your faces...

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/10/2007 9:24:12 PM
Author: Skippy123
I don''t have any suggestions but I thought of you today. I met hubby for lunch and there was a lady w/3 kids and they seemed to have the best time! I thought I bet Miranda is like that mom! The mom had fun ideas and the kids were so well behaved!

I wish you luck. Hopefully someone will chime in. Sounds like your yard is going to be beautiful!!!

Awww, thanks for thinking that Skippy! MOST days that''s true. Today...Not so much!!!! LOL! They are soooo bored from all of my meetings with the landscape designer and phone talks with DH. Bored=Naughty and argumentative!

I hope this yard will be beautiful! I have a hard time spending this much money on plants, concrete and brick when there are diamonds out there with my name on them. I can''t talk DH into fence to fence grass, darn it!

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/10/2007 9:52:05 PM
Author: door knob solitaire
Miranda

We are also planning a backyard. I wanted to share our insight with you.

We have had the experience with a portable one and after that we will design a similar pit. With the portable one..we were able to position everyone around it. The interaction and activity of having full access is priceless. Everyone got a front row seat...their marshmellow or dog...or tootsies are equally done at the same time. I do like the option of keeping your seating positionable. Sometimes you want to get closer others you need your distance. If your seating was permanent you would''nt have an option to scoot in or out.

I really wanted a fireplace, one up againist the wall...or placed in a corner...until we had this experience. Our new plan will incorporate the pit in complete access for all to enjoy. I urge you to picture your use and see if this is something you too should consider. Put that puppy out in the open! I realize that isn''t exactly what you asked for in this thread...but I hope it helps with your delimma. Just a few thoughts.

DKS

Thanks for the thoughts! I''m disputing the seat wall with DH right now. Who wants to sit on a hard old concrete and brick wall when you can be in a cushy chair. I personally feel like seat walls are a conspiracy by landscapers to get you to spend $$$$$$.

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/10/2007 10:15:19 PM
Author: surfgirl
I''d go for either a properly built outdoor fireplace or a movable fire pit/chiminea type option. We have a chiminea and we live at the beach and if we''d built a stationary fire pit we wouldn''t be able to position it depending on the wind, so it doens''t blow in your face. And I say ''properly built'' fireplace for the same reason - so the chimney of the fireplace is built so that the smoke doesn''t pour back into your face no matter the wind direction. For us, the chiminea is okay, but I''d rather have a proper fireplace to hang out around...but that''s just my personal preference..No disrespect to DKS!

Just consider that a fire pit has no chimney so there''s no way to direct the smoke flow upwards away from your faces...

We live at the beach, too. South OC. Aren''t you in SD? I thought you said you got your ring at an antique shop in SD...Could be wrong, though. Anyway.....The pit won''t burn wood. It will be gas with volcanic rock or something similar so smoke won''t really be an issue. We did think about a fireplace, but, $$$$$. The house is new and we have already spent more on everything than I planned. I''m really trying to keep costs down. DH knows no boundaries with house and yard stuff. Thanks for the tip!!

 

[BigDiamonds]

My friends have an outdoor gas fire pit, and it is GREAT. It is connected straight to the gas in their house and it''s permanently installed on their deck. They have a beautiful deck with a hot tub and the pit, with benches all around. I will try to post pics.

 

[BigDiamonds]

The pit itself...

 

[BigDiamonds]

And the entire deck- pit on the right, hot tub on the left.

ETA: Oops. Pit on the left, hot tub on the right (obviously.)

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/10/2007 10:56:37 PM
Author: BigDiamonds
And the entire deck- pit on the right, hot tub on the left.

Thanks so much for posting the pics! It really helps! What a beautiful yard!

 

[BigDiamonds]

You''re welcome!

Looks like I''m a little lysdexic though

...I''ll go fix that!

 

[door knob solitaire]

Miranda are you in SC in South OC?

DKS

 

[door knob solitaire]

Date: 7/10/2007 11:09:30 PM
Author: BigDiamonds
You''re welcome!

Looks like I''m a little lysdexic though

...I''ll go fix that!

lysdexic Too funny!!

~ SKD

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/11/2007 1:39:49 AM
Author: door knob solitaire
Miranda are you in SC in South OC?

DKS

Yes. Are you out here?

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/10/2007 11:09:30 PM
Author: BigDiamonds
You''re welcome!

Looks like I''m a little lysdexic though

...I''ll go fix that!

LOL! I knew what you meant. I''ve often found that if I''m tired I mix up my right and left sides.

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 7/10/2007 10:22:15 PM
Author: Miranda

Date: 7/10/2007 9:52:05 PM
Author: door knob solitaire
Miranda

We are also planning a backyard. I wanted to share our insight with you.

We have had the experience with a portable one and after that we will design a similar pit. With the portable one..we were able to position everyone around it. The interaction and activity of having full access is priceless. Everyone got a front row seat...their marshmellow or dog...or tootsies are equally done at the same time. I do like the option of keeping your seating positionable. Sometimes you want to get closer others you need your distance. If your seating was permanent you would''nt have an option to scoot in or out.

I really wanted a fireplace, one up againist the wall...or placed in a corner...until we had this experience. Our new plan will incorporate the pit in complete access for all to enjoy. I urge you to picture your use and see if this is something you too should consider. Put that puppy out in the open! I realize that isn''t exactly what you asked for in this thread...but I hope it helps with your delimma. Just a few thoughts.

DKS

Thanks for the thoughts! I''m disputing the seat wall with DH right now. Who wants to sit on a hard old concrete and brick wall when you can be in a cushy chair. I personally feel like seat walls are a conspiracy by landscapers to get you to spend $$$$$$.

OMG, that''s SO hysterical - had never thought of it that way.

We had a landscaper come, and he proposed a square patio with the chiminea/fire pit in the corner, and two seating walls running off that to add extra seating. I thought it sounded really wonderful, but with the ridiculous $11K!!!!!!!!!!!!! pricetag, we deferred the project. I thought it would be a good way to add some seating, but you''re right......not sure I''d want to be the one on the wall.

I honestly prefer chairs with BACKS to them.....so that''s an excellent point! Gosh, glad I looked at this thread!

I think going forward, when we thing about doing it, I''d rather perhaps have a larger surface area (maybe 15 x 15) and put a few chairs/loveseats in a conversation style arrangement around the firepit, and instead perhaps put a small 12-15" framing wall around the sides instead....or perhaps built in planters.

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/11/2007 12:47:20 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 7/10/2007 10:22:15 PM
Author: Miranda

Date: 7/10/2007 9:52:05 PM
Author: door knob solitaire
Miranda

We are also planning a backyard. I wanted to share our insight with you.

We have had the experience with a portable one and after that we will design a similar pit. With the portable one..we were able to position everyone around it. The interaction and activity of having full access is priceless. Everyone got a front row seat...their marshmellow or dog...or tootsies are equally done at the same time. I do like the option of keeping your seating positionable. Sometimes you want to get closer others you need your distance. If your seating was permanent you would''nt have an option to scoot in or out.

I really wanted a fireplace, one up againist the wall...or placed in a corner...until we had this experience. Our new plan will incorporate the pit in complete access for all to enjoy. I urge you to picture your use and see if this is something you too should consider. Put that puppy out in the open! I realize that isn''t exactly what you asked for in this thread...but I hope it helps with your delimma. Just a few thoughts.

DKS

Thanks for the thoughts! I''m disputing the seat wall with DH right now. Who wants to sit on a hard old concrete and brick wall when you can be in a cushy chair. I personally feel like seat walls are a conspiracy by landscapers to get you to spend $$$$$$.

OMG, that''s SO hysterical - had never thought of it that way.

We had a landscaper come, and he proposed a square patio with the chiminea/fire pit in the corner, and two seating walls running off that to add extra seating. I thought it sounded really wonderful, but with the ridiculous $11K!!!!!!!!!!!!! pricetag, we deferred the project. I thought it would be a good way to add some seating, but you''re right......not sure I''d want to be the one on the wall.

I honestly prefer chairs with BACKS to them.....so that''s an excellent point! Gosh, glad I looked at this thread!

I think going forward, when we thing about doing it, I''d rather perhaps have a larger surface area (maybe 15 x 15) and put a few chairs/loveseats in a conversation style arrangement around the firepit, and instead perhaps put a small 12-15'' framing wall around the sides instead....or perhaps built in planters.

That''s what I''m thinking, too. In theory, seat walls sound convenient and are nice looking. But, like you said, I don''t want to be the one sitting on it. DH wants the pit in the back of the yard, elevated 6 inches, and in a circular shape. The problem is that our yard backs up to a nature preserve and we cannot have the actual pit closer than 4.5'' to the end of our slope. We''ve been trying to incorporate a seat wall and a retaining wall, but, it''s just not working. Argh, I''m really frustrated and I''m paying the landscape designer $2000 to figure out something that looks decent. Her solutions are (to put it blatantly) really stupid. For example, she wants to put the retaining wall on the other side of the yard out from the slope 14''...Go figure. I live in SO CA and 14'' is almost 1/3 of the depth of my yard!

I''m grumpy grumpy grumpy...Miranda goes off grumpily to the grocery store...Is it too early for wine? It is 10 AM.

 

[door knob solitaire]

Date: 7/11/2007 12:08:27 PM
Author: Miranda

Date: 7/11/2007 1:39:49 AM
Author: door knob solitaire
Miranda are you in SC in South OC?

DKS

Yes. Are you out here?

NO...but we vacation out there. Always looking for a home to call our own. We love EVERYTHING about SC. Especially when you are on the pier and turn back and look at the city. It is a little Monaco. We were in contract to buy the last vacant lot on Avenida Arlena...I chickened out learning all the responsibilty you have owning a slope. Hubby mentions my mistake about 3 times a week. There is now a magnificant home on MY lot with the most incredible panoramic view. I-5 snakes by in lights...and then the Cat on a clear day. I

SC.....Envy envy envy YOU!!!

We grab pickup sticks and head for the beach. You have the prettiest Walmart. The parking lot lined in Palm trees. Sunday muffins at fishermans wharf...oh I can taste it now.

DKS

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/12/2007 12:26:59 AM
Author: door knob solitaire

Date: 7/11/2007 12:08:27 PM
Author: Miranda

Date: 7/11/2007 1:39:49 AM
Author: door knob solitaire
Miranda are you in SC in South OC?

DKS

Yes. Are you out here?

NO...but we vacation out there. Always looking for a home to call our own. We love EVERYTHING about SC. Especially when you are on the pier and turn back and look at the city. It is a little Monaco. We were in contract to buy the last vacant lot on Avenida Arlena...I chickened out learning all the responsibilty you have owning a slope. Hubby mentions my mistake about 3 times a week. There is now a magnificant home on MY lot with the most incredible panoramic view. I-5 snakes by in lights...and then the Cat on a clear day. I

SC.....Envy envy envy YOU!!!

We grab pickup sticks and head for the beach. You have the prettiest Walmart. The parking lot lined in Palm trees. Sunday muffins at fishermans wharf...oh I can taste it now.

DKS

It''s so great to hear from someone that loves it as much as we do! We almost bought a lot with a terrific view and built, but, like you I chickened out. It had a HUGE slope down. I had constant visions of my house going down the hill!

We ultimately decided to go the boring tract house route. I love our area, but, our ocean view now consists of a one foot triangle out of our daughter''s bedroom window. It gets bigger if you stand on a chair though LOL! And it sure is blue today!

Have you eaten at the Beach Garden Cafe??? Their crepes are amazing!!! You have to go there the next time you are out here! How often do you come? Are you in CA? SC is kind of an unusual vacation spot unless you know about it. Most folks stick to Laguna or Newport. It''s closer to DLand and LA.

I HATE the Walmart! The exterior is nice, though. I grump about it every time I have to go there. I guess I''m a discount store snob...I will drive to the Irvine Spectrum just to go to the Target I like.

 

[door knob solitaire]

No I am not in Cal. Like I told SDLady...we LIVE when we are in your state....we only exist here

.

Hey...you''ve got a view...I don''t care if you have to stand on 6 milk crates and peek out an air vent in your attic! Congrats! We tried the track thing...but hubby has a passion for things that go fast...and we need space for about 6. We needed to build and utilize the footprint/living room to display his toys. We tried every tract floor plan...and home owners assoc. Many would have frowned on our little plan. Too risky. Space is such a premium...but then again...you guys have a FRICKIN ocean. Duh!

Haven''t heard of the Garden place. Will have to check it out. We love the slow pace of your fair city. We really should stop building it up before we let the whole world know of it...(Just between you and me...they can keep all that LA & North OC stuff.)

Funny that you hate YOUR walmart. I understand why you don''t like it (Targets are better...I agree). The things we needed were find to get there. But do you know there is some weird aura or mojo or something as soon as you walk in the doors. Hubby said to me the first 10 steps...do you feel that? Everyone seemed mad...in a huge rush...screaming kiddos...and cranky employees. We don''t like it either. But the exterior looks like a resort. The lowes too. They look like an oasis...you come over the hill after driving and there is nothing...and wham!

I wish we were on our way...but we have two canines that have turned into 2 people dogs...they won''t allow my BIL to sit with them...they eat him now. And they are hairballs. So traveling is going to be tough. I just shaved them last week...so we can test that idea. I hope it works. If so...maybe my clan...2 pups and hubby will visit your fair city by Tgiving. Maybe your pit will be completed by then???

I seem to have swayed from the topic...sorry.

DKS

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/12/2007 7:06:32 PM
Author: door knob solitaire
No I am not in Cal. Like I told SDLady...we LIVE when we are in your state....we only exist here

.

Hey...you''ve got a view...I don''t care if you have to stand on 6 milk crates and peek out an air vent in your attic! Congrats! We tried the track thing...but hubby has a passion for things that go fast...and we need space for about 6. We needed to build and utilize the footprint/living room to display his toys. We tried every tract floor plan...and home owners assoc. Many would have frowned on our little plan. Too risky. Space is such a premium...but then again...you guys have a FRICKIN ocean. Duh!

Haven''t heard of the Garden place. Will have to check it out. We love the slow pace of your fair city. We really should stop building it up before we let the whole world know of it...(Just between you and me...they can keep all that LA & North OC stuff.)

Funny that you hate YOUR walmart. I understand why you don''t like it (Targets are better...I agree). The things we needed were find to get there. But do you know there is some weird aura or mojo or something as soon as you walk in the doors. Hubby said to me the first 10 steps...do you feel that? Everyone seemed mad...in a huge rush...screaming kiddos...and cranky employees. We don''t like it either. But the exterior looks like a resort. The lowes too. They look like an oasis...you come over the hill after driving and there is nothing...and wham!

I wish we were on our way...but we have two canines that have turned into 2 people dogs...they won''t allow my BIL to sit with them...they eat him now. And they are hairballs. So traveling is going to be tough. I just shaved them last week...so we can test that idea. I hope it works. If so...maybe my clan...2 pups and hubby will visit your fair city by Tgiving. Maybe your pit will be completed by then???

I seem to have swayed from the topic...sorry.

DKS

You''re cracking me up as usual DKS! Yes, I feel the evil spirits in WalMart!

My DH loves all things fast, too. He had to make that trade off to move here. Fast things or house. He gets his fast fix by taking a racing class sometimes at a course 60ish miles away. Oh yes, and by his frequent speeding tickets in his own car!

You could always move out here and ''store'' the fast things in a unit!!! I hear you about how difficult it is to get away. We have a people dog, too. And a people cat.

If you come out in Nov. let me know. We''ll plan a PS get together! Crepes, maybe??? If the pit is not completed by then I will be in an assylum and you''ll have to come visit me there. Yes, we are a bit off topic

!

 

[Skippy123]

Miranda,
How is the landscaping coming along? You guys just redid your kitchen too in that beautiful white, right!

I too do not like Walmart; their are baskets everywhere and babies crying and people pushing. I am w/you I love Target!!!
Target=Happy Shopper

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/12/2007 8:29:58 PM
Author: Skippy123
Miranda,
How is the landscaping coming along? You guys just redid your kitchen too in that beautiful white, right!

I too do not like Walmart; their are baskets everywhere and babies crying and people pushing. I am w/you I love Target!!!
Target=Happy Shopper

What landscape???

I''m trying to ignore it today. It made me say toooooo many bad words yesterday!

The house is new, we haven''t redone it, just trying to decorate it now.

I love that, Target=Happy.

 

[Skippy123]

Oh, I thought you did a remodel. Well congrats on the new house!!! When did you move in? How exciting!

Yes, yes, Target=Happy. hehehe Walmart=Angry

I tried to put my fist in my mouth. hehehe Nope, it didn''t happen. You must have tiny hands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/12/2007 8:53:55 PM
Author: Skippy123
Oh, I thought you did a remodel. Well congrats on the new house!!! When did you move in? How exciting!

Yes, yes, Target=Happy. hehehe Walmart=Angry

I tried to put my fist in my mouth. hehehe Nope, it didn''t happen. You must have tiny hands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks! We moved in last July.

LOL. I do have small hands.

 

[Skippy123]

Miranda,
How is the fire Pit project coming along? I hope it is perfection.

They look super cool!

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/18/2007 4:38:08 PM
Author: Skippy123
Miranda,
How is the fire Pit project coming along? I hope it is perfection.

They look super cool!

Good...I think...I''ll know tomorrow. The designer is bringing the plan over for us to approve before it goes to the HOA. Dealing with her has been like dealing with Dorry from Finding Nemo!!!! I hope she has it right after 6 revisions. Then we have the fun task of getting bids. Hopefully we can start construction in mid to late Aug. I''m seriously tired of dirt! At least it will be done before it rains. Thanks for asking!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 7/19/2007 11:16:51 PM
Author: Miranda

Date: 7/18/2007 4:38:08 PM

Author: Skippy123

Miranda,

How is the fire Pit project coming along? I hope it is perfection.

They look super cool!

Good...I think...I''ll know tomorrow. The designer is bringing the plan over for us to approve before it goes to the HOA. Dealing with her has been like dealing with Dorry from Finding Nemo!!!! I hope she has it right after 6 revisions. Then we have the fun task of getting bids. Hopefully we can start construction in mid to late Aug. I''m seriously tired of dirt! At least it will be done before it rains. Thanks for asking!

Did you finalize the plans? Oh no, Dorry!

Your post made me laugh about no cake haters allowed. hehhe

I like ice cream, does that count?

 

[Miranda]

Date: 7/22/2007 10:17:56 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 7/19/2007 11:16:51 PM
Author: Miranda

Date: 7/18/2007 4:38:08 PM

Author: Skippy123

Miranda,

How is the fire Pit project coming along? I hope it is perfection.

They look super cool!

Good...I think...I''ll know tomorrow. The designer is bringing the plan over for us to approve before it goes to the HOA. Dealing with her has been like dealing with Dorry from Finding Nemo!!!! I hope she has it right after 6 revisions. Then we have the fun task of getting bids. Hopefully we can start construction in mid to late Aug. I''m seriously tired of dirt! At least it will be done before it rains. Thanks for asking!

Did you finalize the plans? Oh no, Dorry!

Your post made me laugh about no cake haters allowed. hehhe

I like ice cream, does that count?

Ice cream cake??? Skippy, you always count!!!

I approved the last conceptual plan

. The final plan should be in my hands tomorrow night.