Our Story
WeekendFire.com was born around an actual fire pit on a crisp fall evening. I’m Jake, the founder and main voice behind this site, and I’ve spent most of my adult life transforming outdoor spaces into places where people connect.
For 15 years, I worked as a contractor specializing in custom decks, patios, and outdoor living spaces. During that time, I noticed something magical: no matter how fancy or simple the setup was, people always gathered around the fire. There’s something primal and comforting about flames dancing in the open air that brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates moments that last a lifetime.
After building hundreds of outdoor spaces, I realized I wanted to share what I’ve learned with more people than I could reach with my contracting business. That’s when WeekendFire.com was born – a place where I could help homeowners create their own backyard retreats without needing professional-level skills or a massive budget.
Our Philosophy
At WeekendFire, we believe:
- Your outdoor space should work for YOUR lifestyle – Whether you’re an entertainer, a chef, a relaxation enthusiast, or all of the above, your space should reflect how you actually live.
- Quality matters, but so does practicality – We focus on solutions that strike the right balance between durability and budget-consciousness.
- Anyone can create an amazing outdoor living space – With the right guidance, even DIY beginners can transform their backyards into something special.
- Fire brings people together – Whether it’s a simple fire pit, an elaborate outdoor fireplace, or a cooking fire, flames create a focal point where memories are made.
What Makes Us Different
Unlike many home improvement sites, everything we share at WeekendFire.com comes from real-world experience. I’ve personally built, tested, or used nearly everything I recommend. When I haven’t, I consult with my network of contractors, designers, and outdoor living enthusiasts to ensure our advice is sound.
We also recognize that not everyone has an unlimited budget or professional skills. That’s why we focus on projects and solutions that are accessible to the average homeowner, with options ranging from simple weekend projects to more ambitious transformations.
Meet Jake
I grew up helping my dad with projects around the house, learning early on that there’s something deeply satisfying about building something with your own hands. After college, I turned that passion into a career, starting my contracting business specializing in outdoor living spaces.
Over 15 years, I’ve built everything from simple platform decks to elaborate outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens and built-in grills. I’ve installed countless fire pits, some plain and functional, others elaborate focal points of award-winning backyards.
These days, when I’m not creating content for WeekendFire.com, you’ll find me tinkering with my own backyard setup (it’s constantly evolving as I test new ideas), smoking a brisket on my custom-built smoker, or hosting friends around my fire pit – which has seen more late-night conversations and marshmallow roasting sessions than I can count.
I live in the Midwest with my family, where we experience all four seasons and make the most of our outdoor space year-round.
Our Promise to You
At WeekendFire.com, we promise to:
- Provide honest, tested advice based on real experience
- Respect your time, budget, and skill level
- Never recommend products we wouldn’t use ourselves
- Respond to your questions with helpful guidance
- Continue learning and sharing as outdoor living trends evolve
Thanks for joining me around the virtual fire. I hope what you find here inspires you to create an outdoor space where you can make your own memories that will warm your heart for years to come.
Keep the fire burning,
Jake
Founder, WeekendFire.com