Backyard Project

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Build a backyard Firepit from Belgard Stone

Our fireplace is done! Nearly five months ago we started a backyard overhaul which added some covered space and a more permanent firepit. Our concept was to integrate the firepit area into the retaining wall and use the stone to develop a bench feature–see How to Add a Unique Backyard Firepit. Part of the challenge with this design was finding ways to soften the hardscape. While a stone bench is a thing of beauty, it’s not overly comfortable for hours....

How to Install Landscape Lighting on a Retaining Wall

Adding lights to an existing retaining wall is possible, but it is easier while being constructed. For both of our wall areas, we were fortunate enough to have areas where the ground rose up to meet the wall caps. After searching online and seeing what the landscape supply stores carried, I selected some powder coated paver wall lights. The process for install is fairly simple as I had already installed the landscape lighting transformer with some moon rays. Here are...

image of our completed pavilion

Backyard Pavilion Project

We love to be outside. There is a season in the Pacific Northwest that comes with a wee bit of precipitation – rain, mist, phantom droplets, and occasionally some snow. We also love to barbeque. After years of trying to stand in the fleeting covering of the protective overhang of the houses roof, we decided it was time for a proper covered area. This is our design-build and style journey of the Pavilion. This is currently a project in process...

Final Firepit

How to Add a Unique Backyard Fire pit

We love campfires, s’mores, stories, and sharing moments with our friends and littles! For years, we had great moments around our portable fire pit. After a fun evening of fun with friends, good food and watching the kids roast marshmallows and eat more chocolate than mallow, we sat watching the embers fade in our slightly rusted fire pit. We both agreed it was time for an upgrade and another design build project. The Replace our Sad Little Rusted Fire Pit...

Removing glued bricks can be difficult

Tips to Planning and Building your Retaining Wall Project

We recently undertook construction of two retaining walls in our backyard. We learned a lot through the process – including some trials and tribulations along the way. However, the end product is going to be fantastic. Here are some important tips we learned along the way: #01: Know what type of wall your brick can be used to create. Companies have different names for the purpose of their walls. Belgard uses freestanding, retaining, and garden. There are some retaining wall...

Belgard Weston Untumbled Rio Stone Wall

Considerations for your Retaining Wall – Belgard Weston Stone

Picking a retaining wall stone is fun and challenging. Our backyard is terraced with what I would call “regional” rocks. It also has this unfortunate kitty-corner (or katty-corner for some) slope that isn’t the easiest to work with. We also had some areas of the existing retaining wall that were failing. After multiple trips to landscape supply yards, pouring through online catalogs, and some disappointing price quotes, we chose the Belgard Weston. TIP: Determine if your wall is free-standing, ornamental,...