Create a place where you'd want to spend some time

We do not have good sense of design. Also, more seating would be nice, even a deck.

Design by Northwest Metalcraft

Budget: $10,000 or more

The backyard, before any improvements are made, shows a lack of creating a "sense of place." In other words, this backyard is not a place that one would like to relax and spend a lot of time in. However, the fire pit is in good condition, and there is plenty of space for a deck to be built.

Suggestions:

• Deck. Depending on what you want to do and how much money you have to spend, an addition of a deck would be a nice focal point in your yard. While we do not supply the materials to build or construct a deck, we would recommend a paver patio or cement flooring. This would be ideal because of your back door being at ground level. A paver brick patio can incorporate a grill island into it. Depending on how you wanted to design it, we can put some bar stools around it.

• Seaside Casual Adirondack chairs. Four to six Adirondack chairs placed around the fire pit would be a great option for seating. They come in a multitude of colors and in classic or shellback. That would be nice and comfortable so you can enjoy the evening air with your fire pit and get a little warmth. You can roast marshmallows or roast hot dogs and relax in your Adirondack chair.

• Dining set. Depending on the size of the family, a larger dining set consisting of a table and six chairs may be ideal.

• Grill. A grill is must for a good backyard. There are several options: A built-in grill, a permanent post grill or a portable grill. In terms of portable grills, we have pellet grills, charcoal grills, infrared burner grills and gas grills across a wide price range. You can buy a Weber Genesis gas grill for less than $1,000.

• Spark arrester. I would recommend a spark arrester to go over the top of your fire pit. A spark arrester keeps all the sparks contained.