How to Hardscape a Modern Firepit Area
Fire pits and the areas around them have become outdoor gathering areas for relaxing conversations, meals, and parties. As the popularity of fire pits has grown, often elaborate landscape designs have been produced to transform ordinary back yards into outdoor living spaces. Hardscaping, or the use of tile and rock materials is a popular way to transform an area around a fire pit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Budget
- Pencil and paper
- Internet access
- Local hardscape supplier
- Shovel, gloves, wheel barrow, rake
Instructions
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Determine a budget for the overall project. Factor in the cost of the fire pit, cost of site preparation, hard scape materials such as tile or rock, delivery fees, and any associated installation fees if a contractor or builder is needed. Utilize Internet resources to determine current market pricing and local availability of materials.
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Consider the design of the outdoor space in regard to the hard scape. Keep in mind color and texture of hard scape materials and how these will work and compliment existing exterior colors and designs. Refer to publications such as Better Homes and Gardens magazine or Outdoor Living for ideas and tips on outdoor design.
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Create a plan for the hard scape project on paper. Include in the plan measurements, ideas, and possible color options. Use the plan as a starting point for the creation of supply lists and as a point of reference when purchasing materials.
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Arrange for delivery of materials, use an existing truck, or rent a truck. The materials may potentially be very heavy and may require more than one trip. Also perform or arrange for any site preparation such as leveling or grading prior to the hard scape material delivery.
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Install the hard scape following recommended steps based on the type of hard scape used. Rock, for example may only require a metal or wood border for retaining purposes. However, if a material such as paver block is used, more extensive work will be required including leveling and setting the pavers with mortar mixture to help bond the tiles together.
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Tips & Warnings
Arrange for installation if the job seems overwhelming.
Use caution when working with hard scape products such as rocks and pavers as they are typically very heavy.
