LB I think you confuse me as much as I probably confuse you. LOL. ;-) I noticed I had some crazy auto correct word in my last post which I think was supposed to say "able" (I can't remember now what it even said) ;-) Oldroo I think the builder said something like sticking the old roof bats under the floor. The rain, yes we had it here more then a week straight!! It was great because 1) I was on the sunny coast in Qland that week! And 2) we are on tank water which we have been running off empty for about 6 months now and we just got a second tank connected a few weeks ago as well as guttering on our shed and guess what.... Our tanks were overflowing for days!! We could of filled 3 or 4 tanks at that rate!! So I am very happy about the rain!! :-D

A couple thoughts. a) This appears to have been placed at the center of the back of the yard, for something that is not a central activity. Consider moving it to a less dominant location, and perhaps filter the view of it from the house with some small trees or multistem shrubs like crape myrtle or lilac, that will also provide a pleasant fragrance. b) This design is like a council fire of the boy scouts, perhaps for telling ghost stories or instructions for the days to follow. You want cozy, cuddle by the fire, arm around your neighbor environment. A place for a quiet conversation, like with corner seating. Or with loud, slap on the back joking around, therefore closeness. A useful space, with or without the fire. Great place to sit with the dog and read that mystery you have been putting off. I think the gravel floor might be the most suitable to all activities, even for the kids parking their bikes there while they toss a ball around. You might want to place a horse shoe court next to it, so they could use the same benches from the other side to watch the contest or the fire - might need a refrigerator handy for the beer. Analyse first, then plan. Enjoy!

It should be in the fire place manufacturers details. They usually show minimum box sizes and state materials to be used.

We all know that fire pits are great for the colder months - the warmth they provide means you can use your outdoor space almost all year round. However, I am interested to know what people think about fire pits in the summer months. Do you loath the space your fire pit takes up in summer and wish it was a drinks cooler instead. Or do do even hide your fire pit away in the shed until the weather cools down again? Or, are you a die-hard fire-gazer and light the fire on summer evenings to give your space ambiance and keep the bugs away. Is gas, ethanol or timber better for a summer fire pit?