Step 1: Build the Round Form

Determine the size of your new fire pit and excavate the entire inner area. The stone border of the fire pit will sit on top of concrete but in order to set this concrete, you need to build a circular form. Cut two lengths of bender board, one for an outer circle and one for an inner circle. The bender board piece for the outer circle should be the length of the perimeter. The piece for the inner circle should be small enough so the gap between the two pieces is about 5 inches. Nail the ends of the bender board pieces together to form the two circles.

Step 2: Pour the Concrete Base

Mix dry concrete with water and pour this in between the two circles. Smooth out the concrete with a trowel, adding pressure to force out any air bubbles. Let this dry overnight.

Step 3: Build the Stone Border

We used a black mariposite slate for this border but you can use any stone you prefer, as long as the pieces are one to two inches thick. Place one layer of stones on top of the concrete base before adding mortar. Choose pieces that fit together like a puzzle without jutting out much beyond the concrete base. To lay the stone, mix mortar with water until it becomes a medium consistency, like a thick brownie mix. Lift one of the stones, and use a trowel to apply the mortar to the concrete. Set the stone back on top and settle it into place. Don't worry about the mortar that squeezes out from underneath the stone; you'll use a sponge later to clean it up. Repeat this for all of the stones in the first layer. For each additional layer, offset the stones to cover the seams of the layer below it.

Step 4: Clean Up the Excess Mortar

Take your trowel around the outside of the fire pit, scraping off the excess mortar that has accumulated. You can do the same to the inside but you won't end up seeing the inside. Once you've scraped most of it off, go back around with a wet sponge and a bucket of water to remove any excess mortar from the stones.

Step 5: Fill It Up

First, add lava rock to cover the very bottom of the fire pit in one layer only (Image 1). Second, attach the fire ring to the gas line. Third, pour in 3/8" crushed lava rock up to the point where it covers the fire ring (Image 2). Last, add fireplace glass to completely cover the lava rock. Fireplace glass is a tempered, decorative glass that won't pop in the heat of the fire. It comes in a few shapes and many colors.

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    Image 1

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    Image 2

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Step 1: Set the Posts

To ensure that your cabana stands up to the wind and lasts, it's important to properly set your posts. Determine your size and mark spots for four posts. Dig holes 14 inches wide and 2 feet deep. Pour some dry quick-setting concrete in the bottom of each hole and set a 6" x 6" rough redwood post inside. Attach a level to the post and check it as you pour dry concrete around it. Expect to use about two 60-lb. bags of concrete in each post hole. All of the posts should line up with those to the side and behind or in front, creating a perfect square or rectangle. Once they are in the right place, add water to the concrete. Tamp down to get rid of any air bubbles and check your level again.

Step 2: Add the Crossbeams

Using 4" heavy-duty wood screws, attach 2" x 10" rough redwood crossbeams on the outside of the posts to box this structure in. Adjust this height according to your preference, making sure you have enough room to walk under it, leaving a foot or two of the posts sticking up from the crossbeams. (The posts may not be even, but you'll cut them down later.) Double up by adding 2x10 crossbeams on the inside as well on the front and back of the cabana.

Step 3: Add the Roof Planks

Using 3" heavy-duty wood screws, attach 2" x 4" redwood planks across the top of the cabana, securing them to the inner crossbeams. Space them approximately 12 inches apart. This will provide a sturdy roof frame for the bamboo.

Step 4: Trim the Posts

Cut down the top of the posts so they all reach 12 inches above the crossbeams, or to your desired height. Top these with decorative posts. We used copper pyramid-style toppers.

Step 5: Attach Bamboo to the Roof and Back Wall

The exterior for this cabana is made of bamboo fencing. For an upscale look we used a bamboo with a mahogany stain. You can buy this stained or stain it yourself. Bamboo fencing comes in different lengths and is held together with one or more metal wires that run the length of the fence panel. Depending on the length of your cabana, you'll need one or two pieces of fencing to cover the back wall. If you need two panels, attach them at the last bamboo poles with a thick metal wire. To attach the bamboo to the redwood, drill pilot holes through the bamboo and use finishing nails to secure it to the posts on the back wall and the planks for the roof.

Step 6: Attach Bamboo to the Sides and Front

To attach the bamboo fencing to the crossbeams on the front and sides of the cabana, you'll have to make some cuts. A circular saw with a fine blade will cut through the bamboo without causing it to splinter. Cut around the wire that holds the fence together so it will stay in one piece. Once you've cut your pieces, drill pilot holes where you will attach them to the redwood. To keep the bamboo pieces from twirling around when you mount them, lay them on a 2" x 10" board and push this right up to the crossbeam. Slide the 2x10 aside as you attach the bamboo with finishing nails the whole length of the crossbeam. Repeat this for the other two sides.

Step 7: Add the Bamboo Caps

Bamboo caps are pieces of bamboo that have been split in two lengthwise. We used a speckled bamboo for this. Place these over the tops and bottoms of the cut bamboo pieces that are attached to the crossbeams. Drill pilot holes and attach with finishing nails. Double up the bamboo caps along the bottom, one underneath the crossbeam and one across the front, if you want to completely cover the redwood. Cut small lengths of the bamboo caps to attach to the corners for a completed look.

Step 8: Add the Accessories

This structure just isn't complete without a few luxurious accessories. A double chaise lounge, an outdoor television and a couple of outdoor speakers bring Vegas home. Top it off by stringing some misters around the inside of the roof and it will feel like you're poolside.

See the Video of the Cabana project and Fire Pit!

Backyard Cabana (01:58)

This backyard is transformed into the ultimate bachelor pad and cabana.