Material List
- Pressure-treated 2×4 lumber
- Pressure-treated 2×6 lumber
- Cedar or pine siding
- Metal roofing panels
- Simpson Strong-Tie® SDWS™ Framing screws
- Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents® knee brace connectors
- Simpson Strong-Tie decorative hex-head washers
- Simpson Strong-Tie structural screws
- Aluminum channel tubing
- Wood stain or exterior paint
Tool List
- Circular saw
- Miter saw
- Drill and impact driver
- Measuring tape
- Speed square
- Safety glasses and hearing protection
Measuring out the metal roof
While working on the patio, Jamison realized the firepit area lacked proper storage. Firewood, the pizza oven, the heat deflector, the outpost grill and the lid all needed a dry, protected place. He sketched a compact shed with multiple shelves, each tailored to a specific accessory. The lower shelf holds the heavy pizza oven, and Jamison added aluminum channel rails to help it slide in and out easily.
Another shelf has an opening to cradle the cone-shaped base of the heat deflector. The outpost grill and lid each have their own spots, with extra room left for kindling. The shed’s frame and shelves were built with Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® SDWS™ Framing screws. Their superior holding power and SawTooth® point made assembly quick and secure, while the screws’ countersinking head ensured a clean, flush finish without splitting the wood.
While building the firewood shed and organizing the pizza oven area, Jamison also took the opportunity to reinforce the Outdoor Accents® Sage System™ DIY pergola he built earlier in his backyard improvement series. He decided to add Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents® knee brace connectors with decorative hex-head washers and structural screws, which not only gave enhanced the structure’s clean, finished look but strengthened it and eliminated a slight wobble the pergola had when he first built it.
Jamison topped the shed frame with metal roofing, cut to size and fastened securely, before adding siding. Once everything was installed and painted, the structure looked polished and blended naturally into the backyard design.
With the patio rebuilt, the shed completed and the pergola reinforced, the firepit area now functions the way it should. Everything has its place, the patio holds up under daily use and the firepit accessories are organized and protected. The upgrades transformed the space into a relaxing outdoor zone ready for late night fires, outdoor cooking and homemade pizzas.
This project elevated both the performance and organization of the area. With solid materials, thoughtful planning and the reliability of Simpson Strong-Tie products, Jamison delivered a long-lasting and functional backyard upgrade.
Watch Jamison’s YouTube video to see the whole backyard transformation.
