Tag: deck

How to increase your home’s sale price with some backyard renos

Post author By Jekyll Chau
Post date September 12, 2022
No Comments on How to increase your home’s sale price with some backyard renos

With our purse-strings getting tighter and pandemic life changing the way we work, many are considering selling their homes for something new. So how can you get the maximum sale price? Simple – work smarter, not harder when it comes to renovations. Renovating your backyard can be an efficient way to give your home a competitive edge on the market. Here are some ways you can achieve that from Trex.

Create the space

Upgrade your backyard by building a deck, or resurfacing an existing deck, using composite materials. You’ll not only increase time enjoyed outside, but your home value, too. Unlike wood, high-performance composite decking like Trex resists fading, staining, scratching and mould – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. Maintenance is hassle-free with no sanding, staining or painting required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water. Your beautiful new outdoor space will last for decades, and is a key selling point for realters looking to showcase a work from home lifestyle to potential buyers.

Plant the seed

Trees are one of the few things that truly appreciate over time. You can buy a sapling for just $10 at the nursery, and once it has grown, a mature tree can add $1,000 to $10,000 to the value of your home – not to mention the value of added shade, privacy, and charm.

Light the way

Make your home a 24-hour hangout with outdoor lighting, which adds both ambiance and safety to any space. Choose energy-efficient, low-voltage lights for durability, and remember to check if they are weather-proof and salt-air resistant – so you can talk to how they will retain a “like new” appearance for years to come in your sales pitch. Fixtures that are dimmable and cool to the touch will provide ambiance while being safe for children and pets. Outdoor lighting is an easy way to “wow” guests and potential buyers.

More from Trex

Outdoor rooms: Neale Whitaker explains how to create a backyard oasis

“It’s not a new phenomenon, but Australians really did pioneer the outdoor room,” says The Block judge and Love It…

Tags backyard, deck, lightning, reno, trex

DIY Interviews Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Outdoor decking ideas: A fuss-free makeover for summer

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 14, 2019
No Comments on Outdoor decking ideas: A fuss-free makeover for summer

AFTER Naomi styled the deck with all-important finishing touches including plenty of greenery

Rapid reno star, and good friend of Interiors Addict, Naomi Findlay is back this month with a fabulous outdoor deck makeover. Here, she talks us through her latest project – one that was completed just in time for the warmer months.

BEFORE The old deck was looking a bit tired

“I’m a big believer that your outdoor space isn’t complete without a gorgeous timber deck. But in our Australian climate, our decks are under a lot of strain from the elements, which can result in serious maintenance for homeowners,’ season after season,” says Naomi who decided to use a wood-composite option for this renovation, rather than traditional timber.

“I did it to minimise maintenance. Specifically, I used Trex’s ‘Transcend’ decking system and, I’m so glad I did!” says Naomi.

For this transformation, Naomi decided to simplify the process and lay the new deck over part of the existing sub frame. This meant that all she needed to do was rip up the old boards, and prep the sub frame for the new one. “It was really easy to install the decking boards. I did have a team to help but those of you who love DIY, I think you could lay these yourself,” says Naomi.

As for her colour choice, Naomi chose Island Mist – a colour that would complement most outdoor spaces. “It can suit contemporary, rustic, country or even cottage style homes which means it’s super versatile for any property,” says Naomi.

With no screws popping up out of the boards, the deck is completely streamlined and has that lovely concealed finish. And, aside from looking slick, the design means that you don’t need to worry about stepping on loose nails either.

“To finish the outdoor space, I brought in lush greenery, a divine concrete table and chair setting, plus art and accessories to complete the look. It’s so important to style your outdoor space the same as you would for your indoor space and now it feels like the perfect entertaining area, just in time for summer!”

For more on Naomi Findlay | For more on Trex

Tags before and after, deck, decking, home reno, naomi findlay, outdoor, real reno, reno, renovating

Competitions House Tours Jen's reno Outdoor & Exteriors

Jen’s deck is summer ready + win my outdoor dining set

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 24, 2019
6 Comments on Jen’s deck is summer ready + win my outdoor dining set

The folding arm awning which completed our back deck

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 15, 2019
6 Comments on The folding arm awning which completed our back deck

You may have seen our recent back yard transformation with a new deck which gave us a beautiful and practical outdoor entertaining space. Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite perfect due to the loss of shade from dismantling the ageing pergola, so we needed a new solution. And it is a Sunway folding arm, retractable awning.

We didn’t think our old timber pergola was in too bad shape, but it seemed shortsighted to build a brand new deck around it so we decided to remove it and, when we did, we found out it was actually pretty badly weathered in places so it was just as well! With it gone, we loved the new open feeling to the space, which seemed much bigger. But we no longer had any kind of roof to protect us from the sun which, in this climate, is obviously a big issue, especially being a very sun safe family with young kids.

We love the option to have the awning retracted when we don’t need it

After some discussion, we settled on a retractable shade solution so that we could have the area totally open with the nice view to the lawn at the end of the deck when we didn’t need shade, and then we could open the awning when we were out there in the sun, especially entertaining friends or just having dinner as a family.

We knew Sunway by reputation so we were delighted to have the opportunity to work with the brand and choose from their range. We didn’t really know where to start though, having never bought an awning before or had a space for one. It was great to have a Sunway specialist come out from the local store to tell us more about the options, what was possible, and how we could customise it to our space and taste. No question was too stupid (I’m sure some were, but they certainly didn’t make me feel bad for asking!) and I found this a really important and useful part of the process.

Obviously, aesthetics are important to me as well as functionality and quality, and I spent quite a bit of time deciding on the broad charcoal and grey stripe design. Our house is not particularly modern so I felt it would suit the traditional striped look, but black and white felt too harsh against the red brick. I’m really delighted with how it looks. It ties in well with the house trim which we recently had painted charcoal, and the grey of the deck.

All Sunway products are custom made to measure to suit your space, so we were able to consider our very long outdoor dining table and ensure the awning would comfortably cover this at four metres long. Because the only place to fix the awning was quite low, under the eaves, we chose the Sunway Fabric Beam model to give us a bit of extra clearance and head height.

We chose a short straight valance to finish off the look, but it also comes with the option of a scalloped valance or none at all.

It’s fully motorised which means we can easily open it using the remote control, and we can even control it from our phones via WiFi using the Neo Smart Blinds app. There’s also a wireless motion sensor which cleverly ‘knows’ to retract the awning if it gets too windy (especially handy if you accidentally leave it open at the end of a party after a few glasses of bubbles, for example!).

The awning install happened just in time for the super hot Christmas holidays which was certainly a blessing. Electricians came in first to hard wire for the motorisation and then the awning itself went up, It was all done in a morning; just a few hours. I couldn’t believe it! And suddenly, we were set for summer entertaining!

We often set up Sebastian’s paddling pool under the awning

We are actually getting a lot more use out of the awning now, with the weather still sunny but nowhere near as uncomfortably hot as in the middle of the summer. The deck has really come into its own the last few weeks and we are so happy with our awning, which really finished it off for us.

For more information

Disclosure: Sunway provided us with an awning in exchange for an honest review of the product and service.

Tags al fresco, awning, deck, folding arm awning, hunter Douglas, jen bishop deck, jen bishop home, jen bishop interiors addict, outdoor, retractable awning, sun shade, sunday

Jen's reno Real Renos RENO ADDICT

A new deck and new backyard look in under a week!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 29, 2018
No Comments on A new deck and new backyard look in under a week!

Following on from last week’s post on why I chose Trex Transcend composite decking for our backyard, today I’m telling you a bit more about the installation process and largely, how quick and easy it was. I only got to witness the first two days of the build before I was off to hospital to be induced and have baby Charlie, nine days late! But Damian left me updated with progress pictures and the best part was getting home with a new baby to a brand new, finished, beautiful deck!

Before we go any further, shall we flash back to what the ‘Nanna House’ backyard looked like when we bought it 18 months ago?

We’ve changed the sliding doors to timber French ones, removed the old pergola and had all that red trim painted charcoal

I know, right?! VERY Nanna! We’ve done a lot out here, including removing the old pergola and reclaiming a lot of lawn from the many little flowerbeds, but I don’t want to keep you all day, so I’ll stick to the decking for the purpose of this post!

The entire build took just 4.5 days, including creating two steps at the end down to the lawn (the most time-consuming part of the build). I was so impressed with how thorough the job was. The guys from Urban Arch really knew their stuff and it all ran like a well-oiled machine! When they told me it would only take a week, I was dubious, but in the end, it took even less! This has a lot to do with the Trex Hideaway Hidden Fastening System which makes install a breeze, within the realm of handy homeowners (which Damian and I are not), so you can even do it yourself!

Everything was delivered by Master Woodturning on day one, who expertly craned the heavy materials over our brand new picket fence!

First, a pest expert came to install a termite barrier around the edge of the house where the deck would meet it.

Termite treatment around the edge of the house where the deck meets it

I have mentioned my termite phobia before, so this gave me extra peace of mind! Then our old red-tiled back step was jack hammered off in preparation for the frame going in, which, much to my excitement, would be at the same level as the back door, hugely improving our indoor/outdoor flow.

You also don’t want a high step from your back door down to your al fresco when you have kids; it’s just asking for trouble. I am so happy to no longer have to worry about anyone tripping off the back step and falling flat on their face!

While all this was happening, we also had our favourite painters from BK Decor painting all the external trim of our house. All the trades managed to work around each other beautifully! I needn’t have worried about them getting in each other’s way or holding each other up!

Next, the timber frame, which was cut to size on site, went in. There was much measuring and cutting of timber and it all looked so pleasingly at right angles! Urban Arch explained that installing on top of pavers with good drainage was actually an excellent base for a deck. We decided against having railings installed, which Trex does offer in matching colours, because they weren’t really necessary at this height and we wanted to maximise the sense of space.

Where the steps will go in where the deck meets the lawn

It was really exciting to see the decking go in, and the space suddenly looked so much bigger and fresher, not to mention the fact it was all finally on one level. Yay! It was then I could really appreciate I’d chosen the right colour in the grey-toned Trex Island Mist, which I’m delighted with and everyone comments on!

I don’t want to share the entire transformation with you just yet (that’s coming next week, post-photoshoot) so these glimpses are just a teaser! Suffice to say we are thrilled and so impressed by and grateful for the great job done by Urban Arch and the amazing end result using Trex composite decking. You’re going to be super impressed when you see the finished look!

Make sure you come back next week to see it all! And if you have any questions, please ask them in the comments.

For more information about Trex, help with planning and budgeting, decking inspiration or to order free samples.

Disclaimer: My deck was supplied to me by Trex in exchange for coverage on this website, though this is an honest review of the product and service.

Tags al fresco, alfresco, composite decking, deck, decking, exterior, grey deck, grey decking, island mist, outdoor, trex, trex company, trex trasncend

Interiors Addict

Choosing a deck: my backyard transformation with Trex

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 21, 2018
8 Comments on Choosing a deck: my backyard transformation with Trex

Today is the first in a series of three posts about our yet to be revealed backyard transformation, which I can’t wait to share.

A deck is every Aussie’s dream for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living and seamless entertaining flow from your house to your al fresco, am I right?! Damian and I have always loved the idea of a deck, especially when we bought our family home 18 months ago, with a designated area for entertaining as well as a flat lawn further back for the kids (there are two since little Charlie joined us last month!) to play.

The back garden in full bloom last summer!

Maintenance though, is not our idea of fun. We have already realised that going from apartment balcony (where someone else takes care of the outdoors for you!) to front and back gardens is a big jump. Is it even the weekend if you’re not at Bunnings buying a lawnmower, hedge trimmer, lawn feed, and so the list goes on! Not to mention trying to modernise what was a very “Nanna” house inside too, lived in by the same old lady for three decades.

So, we didn’t want to have to think about sanding back, staining and treating a deck. No thanks! Plus we live in a bushfire prone area of Sydney’s upper north shore, we’re terrified of termites and we want the kids to be able to drop ice creams and have the paddling pool spill everywhere without worrying about a deck staining or rotting. And, of course, Australia gets really bloody hot for a large portion of the year, so I didn’t want something that would warp and split. Does a deck like this even exist?!

Enter: Trex Company, the world’s number one decking brand and the inventor of timber-alternative composite decking, with more than 25 years of product experience. When the brand approached me to work with them on creating the back deck we’d been dreaming of, I read the product information and it was like it had been designed for us! Equally, it’s eco-friendly and made of 95% recycled materials (a 4.9 metre Trex composite deck board contains approximately 2,250 recycled plastic bags), which sits well with me and my increasing consciousness of our disposable, throwaway society.

We picked Trex’s Transcend decking in their grey-toned colour option (there are 10 to choose from), Island Mist. It requires no sanding, staining or painting and uses special technology to ensure it will maintain its colour and finish against all of the Aussie elements. Sound too good to be true? It’s backed by a 25-year fade and stain warranty, so I was on board (or deck!).

In terms of caring for it, you literally sweep it with a soft bristle brush and clean the composite deck with soap and water when required. Too easy!

While you can install Trex decking yourself, I’ve made no secret in the past of our lack of practical skills, although Damian is becoming handier by the day since we moved here! So we were lucky enough to have experienced tradespeople Urban Arch do the job for us, with distributor Master Woodturning delivering the product.

Tony Masciocchi from Urban Arch came out to our home with samples to discuss what would work well, show me colours, discuss the design and what we wanted. Tony made everything really clear and answered all my stupid questions without making me feel stupid for asking them! I felt really confident that his team knew their stuff, having seen photos of other jobs, and I had no issue leaving them to it as the job was half finished when I disappeared into hospital to give birth!

Trex Transcend in Spiced Rum, one of 10 colours

So, just how hardy and low-maintenance is it? Unlike timber, Trex composite decking is termite-proof (woohoo!) and will not rot, splinter, split, scratch or require seasonal painting, staining or sealing. And it can withstand and resist intense sun, powerful winds, animal, insects (and children, presumably!), furniture and shoe wear, and strong salty seawater.

All Trex composite decking products come with an installation guide that covers planning and preparation, installation and care, if you want to DIY rather than have someone DIFY (Do It (For) You)!

NEXT WEEK: Read and see more about the build of our deck, including before photos.

For more information about Trex, help with planning and budgeting, decking inspiration or to order free samples.

Disclaimer: My deck was supplied to me by Trex in exchange for coverage on this website, though this is an honest review of the product and service.

Tags al fresco, back yard, backyard, composite deck, deck, decking, trex, trex company

Design Designers Interviews Real Renos RENO ADDICT Styling

Reno: Northern Beaches Sydney home gets summer-ready

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 8, 2018
1 Comment on Reno: Northern Beaches Sydney home gets summer-ready

It’s hard to believe that this Sydney home was built in 2012. Designed in Federation style, the Balgowlah family residence has very high ceilings, decorative cornices, ceiling roses and stained-glass windows with the benefit of modern, open-plan living too.

“The home has a contemporary, open-plan living space so is very much built for today. The starting point for me any project is the original architecture of a house, so I wanted the new additions to be in keeping with the modern, yet formal style of the home,” says interior designer Alex Gourlay of Vellum Interiors, who was tasked with upgrading the home’s indoor and outdoor living areas in time for summer.

And while the home isn’t old, the owners were keen to make some design changes given their three children are now a little older. “The brief from the clients was to make the most of their open-plan living room and deck for both summer and winter, and also refresh the furniture – they were ready to upgrade to more ‘grown-up’ pieces now that all three children were out of nappies. The youngest is now five years old. A key part of the brief was to make the scheme work seamlessly with the existing look and feel of the home, and design with un-fussy, clean lines and flexible, child-friendly solutions,” says Alex.

“My clients were very clear in what they needed – their top priority was a new outdoor dining setting before Christmas. Inside they were after a fireplace, for both heating and decorative functions, and storage to hide away the AV equipment. They had a Samsung Frame TV on the way, so the fireplace needed to be wide enough to fit the TV above it,” says Alex.

Balgowlah house reno - fireplace — Samsung’s The Frame television looks fabulous above the home’s new fireplace

“The fireplace is quite traditional, and looks like it’s part of the architecture, then moving onto the deck, the furniture and joinery is quite contemporary. My favourite element is the line created from the inside joinery to the concrete bench top outside. This creates a real connection of the two spaces, and makes the inside feel bigger, yet they’re still two distinct areas. I also love that the spaces are now much better set up for both summer and winter living,” says Alex.

The family cat enjoys the home's new outdoor bench seating — The family cat enjoys the home’s new outdoor bench seating

Photography: Jacqui Turk

For more | Another Northern Beaches Sydney home

Tags deck, design, home reno, home renovation, interior design, interior designer, interiors, northern beaches, outdoors, real reno, reno, renovate, renovating, renovation, sydney, vellum interiors

DIY Outdoor & Exteriors

Landscaping big yards: expert tips to avoid boring!

Post author By Phoebe Bates
Post date October 25, 2018
No Comments on Landscaping big yards: expert tips to avoid boring!

With shrinking land sizes across the country, it’s no surprise that the majority of backyard design and gardening advice focuses on achieving great style in small spaces. However, thoughtful planning and design is just as important in large backyards where the extra space can be transformed into stunning landscapes that will add value to your home.

The 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey has revealed that 56% of respondents have a large backyard with plenty of room for entertaining and gardening. Yet, large backyards are often under-appreciated or lacking landscaping which results in big, boring spaces.

“With a little research, inspiration and planning, dull backyards can be converted into feature areas for eating, entertaining, relaxing and gardening,” says landscape expert and Adbri Masonry ambassador Jason Hodges.

Gardening and landscaping expert Jason Hodges

Jason’s tips for utilising space in a large backyard

Set the scene

Arguably the most important part of a landscaped garden is the place where you’ll sit back and appreciate it – usually this is the paved courtyard or patio area. The patio will usually come directly off the house and represent the transition point from indoor to outdoor living. While this is practical, large backyards provide the opportunity to get creative!

If the facade of your home needs work and looks dated, consider taking the focus away from the home by having a path off the house, leading to a feature courtyard in the centre of the space. This design draws attention away from the home and shows off the size and depth of your yard.

When it comes to thinking about the surfaces of your patio or courtyard, pavers are a great option for stepping stone paths and the entertaining pavement. “While I love stepping stones separated by pebbles or turf for paths, the foundation pavement should be a solid area which can house your dining and relaxing furniture as well as any shading or barbeque equipment,” explains Jason.

Build a children’s playground

If you have children, a large backyard provides an opportunity to create a space where kids can play safely, so take advantage and start planning your kid friendly yard.

“Try building a cubby house or teepee that can be used in summer as a shaded play area or as a mini campsite in winter,” says Jason. “I also love the idea of placing pavers in a hopscotch pattern and letting grass grow in between. The pavers will act as a pathway for your garden, as well as a fun activity for your children.”

Incorporate an entertaining area

There are countless ways to create an exceptional outdoor room to entertain and spend time with family and friends. Building a dining area with built-in seating helps to give the area structure and utilises available space. You can achieve this using Adbri Masonry’s Versawall blocks, which create vertical retaining and garden walls whilst doubling as bench seating.

“Alfresco areas tend to feature on the front cover shots of real estate listings and signboards – this is because they’re an asset that adds value to a home and where buyers picture themselves enjoying the home with family,” explains Jason. “In larger backyards, these entertaining areas can be multi-functional with cooking equipment, dining settings as well as breakout garden beds or bench seating around a feature fire pit.”

Change levels with a sunken patio

Add depth and dimension to your backyard with a sunken patio that will become a private retreat. Whether your backyard is flat or slightly sloped, you can create a sunken a patio – either DIY or with the help of a professional landscaper. Level changes immediately increase the aesthetic appeal and intimacy of a space. Try introducing steps, garden walls, terraced retaining walls or go the other way and create a sunken patio.

Beat the heat with a swimming pool

A large backyard is a great canvas for a swimming pool and creates an opportunity to value the space around it – whether it’s sunbaking, entertaining or relaxing.

“Avoid dominating the area with a large pool; try taking cue from the Island of Gods, with a Bali-inspired plunge pool that is small and cleverly landscaped. Pave the boundary with Adbri Masonry’s Euro Classic or Euro Stone that will give your pool a sleek finish, whilst providing a safe, slip resistant surface,” suggests Jason.

More on how Adbri Masonry can help create your ultimate outdoor space

Tags backyards, big backyards, deck, landscaping, outdoor dining, outdoor entertaining, outdoor space, patio, pavers, paving, pool, swimming pool

Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

3 affordable ways to transform your home using timber

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date February 5, 2018
1 Comment on 3 affordable ways to transform your home using timber

By Cherie Barber

Anyone familiar with my renovating projects knows just how much I love timber, whether it’s gleaming polished floorboards, wood panelled walls, or outdoor rooms awash in timber. It just has such a warming effect and never goes out of fashion.

Here are just some of the ways to incorporate timber into your next renovating project.

Cover all bases
Cladding can be the answer to a whole raft of issues, from remedial problems you want to cover up to just pure decorative indulgence.

In this inner city courtyard, timber panelling deftly acts as both a privacy shield and as cladding on an ugly wall. The pinkish tones of merbau work beautifully with the old brick pavers. And built-in timber seating completes the cosy setting.

This next studio was in an old converted warehouse, so I wanted rustic finishes that mirrored the old bones of the building. Recycled floorboards for a feature wall and old sleepers for the steps and office nook definitely hit the right note.

Make an entrance
We all know the importance of first impressions, especially when it comes to street appeal. And whether you have a brick, weatherboard or plain old fibro house, a lavish spread of timber can certainly dress up a bland entrance.

This is something you could easily pull off in a weekend. It was a matter of removing the old rusted iron railing and pillars, centring the new timber stairs in front of the entry door, adding timber frames around the windows and new planter beds. Together with the new exterior colour, it completely transforms the façade of this suburban home.

Lastly, a much more ambitious (and luxurious) project, here I’ve used extensive merbau decking to create a whole new outdoor living area – at the front of the house. It’s something to keep in mind if you have a generous front yard and a passion for outdoor entertaining.

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

Tags cherie barber, deck, decking, diy, merbau, panelling, reno, renovating for profit, renovation, timber

Outdoor & Exteriors The Block

The Block series 13, back yard reveals

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 9, 2017
No Comments on The Block series 13, back yard reveals

So many Blockheads got my back up with their antics this week! I won’t even go there! So let’s just concentrate on what the judges, who were oblivious to the drama, had to say!

Jason and Sarah: Third place with 27/30

First impressions were good. It looked big. Shaynna loved outdoor kitchen saying the BBQ felt like an extension of the kitchen.

Neale said it was luxury in terms of both the fixtures and the space.

Darren said the outdoor heater was the most beautiful he’d ever seen and that it felt like it had everything an Australian backyard needs.

Shaynna liked the built in bench but not the colour of the wall panels. And they all liked the firepit.

Shaynna said they’d created really simplistic and successful zones and a low maintenance space. It had been successfully planned and executed.

The only thing missing was the cubby house, which the couple said they left out because they thought it was ugly. They lost a point here for breaking the rules. Not that it would have made them place higher as it turned out.

Our picks to buy: Big Green Egg barbecue, Heatsail Dome electric outdoor heater.

Hannah and Clint: last place with 22/30

Again, the judges thought it felt huge with the large deck and outdoor kitchen.

Neale felt something was wrong with the proportions and the dining table was squashed in. He also hated “the sad corner,” saying nobody would want to sit there.

Shaynna hated the spa, saying it was 20 years ago and not worth the money. Darren agreed it was tacky with its disco lights and speakers and belonged in a bachelor pad or the back of a hummer!

Neale and Darren agreed the firepit worked really well and was beautiful. But Shaynna said the yard needed taller greenery for screening and softness rather than the short plants in pots. Their zones didn’t work as well as Jason and Sarah’s.

Neale said the couple’s lack of experience showed but commended them for having a good crack at it.

Our picks to buy: Sahara fire pit, Thermastrip outdoor heater.

Ronnie and Georgia: fourth place with 25.5/30

After all that drama with getting the pool in, I’m sure the confident and experienced couple expected to do better than fourth place.

The judges did think it was an amazing addition to the home and a remarkable effort to get it in there (if only they knew!). Darren said it was like a beautiful rockpool. Neale said he wanted to plunge in there, even on a cold Melbourne day! He said plenty of buyers would want it too.

Although the space was beautifully and meticulously planned, Neale couldn’t get over the lack of dining table and said a house at this price point demanded one. All the judges agreed it wasn’t family friendly enough.

They didn’t like the fireplace wall at all, saying it was all about looks and not functionality. Neale said it was visually beautiful but wouldn’t appeal to a broader family buyer. This was a shame because the pool was amazing.

Our picks to buy: Plunge pool, black rattan chair.

Sticks and Wombat: second place with 29/30

I loved this one and so did the judges.

Shaynna said it felt bigger than others because there were no barriers. It felt family friendly with the cubby house and veggie patch.

Neale said it had everything you’d want: a beautiful lawn, ample room for a dining table and a swimming pool. That shipping container pool was so them and so cool, don’t you think?

Darren loved it, saying it was amazing they’d thought that through and that it worked really well with the Colorbond paneling.

Neale was very enthusiastic saying the yard was beautifully thought out and done with love. It was the perfect example of how far the boys had come. It had a real sense of harmony and was very human.

Our picks to buy: Custom hand cut spherical firepit, wire dining chairs.

Josh and Elyse: first place with 29.5/30

It looked like Sticks and Wombat might win, and they nearly did, but the best was yet to come! The youngest couple did it again (by half a point) with their outdoor space.

The in-ground pool was of course a showstopper.

Shaynna said it was the perfect family garden. Neale said it was visually sophisticated. Darren loved the contrast between the timber, concrete and brick.

Shaynna loved that it was the only space where you could actually sit at the poolside. Darren just couldn’t get over the pool! He said the yard felt luxurious and high end and the whole thing was genius. “It’s incredibly sophisticated yet so simple too. I’m blown away that they could achieve something this good in a week.”

Neale said there was an amazing continuity about the house.

Our picks to buy: Outdoor steel table, copper outdoor lights.

At the end of the scoring, Scotty revealed each couple would get an extra $25,000 this week as it had become clear many of them couldn’t possibly finish on their existing budgets. It looks like next week’s going to be another week of stress, drama and arguments! Watch this space…

All our Block coverage.

Tags back yard, cubby house, deck, family friendly, Garden, judges, judging, lawn, outdoor, room reveal, theblock

Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Tips and tricks for making sure your timber lasts the distance

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 27, 2017
No Comments on Tips and tricks for making sure your timber lasts the distance

Photo credit: Peter Campbell-Lloyd, Deck-Max QLD

Sydney just had its hottest September day on record! So on this side of the world, it sure feels like winter is over. During those dreary, cold months it’s safe to say your outdoor space had a bit of a beating, which means now is the time to bring your timber back to life and ensure your garden is ready for the change in temperature and all the entertaining that goes on in the warmer months.

The Australasian Timber Flooring Association share their tips and tricks for maintaining or building with timber this season:

Make sure your timber is properly maintained so that it can withstand the exposure to the sun during the warmer weather.
Check to ensure you deck is free from termite activity, decay and that fixings are not corroded. Any loose decking boards should also be refixed.
If you’re thinking of installing a deck in your backyard there’s a few things for you to know. Firstly, it’s important that you choose the right timber, based on your design and location to ensure a lasting performance.
If you’re planning on an elevated deck ensure that the area is cleared of vegetation, proper foundations are provided and that appropriate drainage is also provided. In addition, it is important for your deck to be structurally strong enough to carry people walking across it.

If you are wanting a deck close to the ground it’s important to ensure that the deck still has adequate ventilation and drainage.
To protect the timber against decay and termites it is necessary to choose the appropriate timber species and appropriate preservative treatment.
If your timber deck is near your pool or ocean be cautious of potential corrosion that may occur with the fixings due to the increase of salt in the air. It is recommended that stainless steel or silicon bronze fixings are used to prevent corrosion.
Unfortunately, if you live in some areas of the countryside with summer comes the risk of bush fires, check if your area is prone to fires before installing your deck as this will affect the type of timber you may be able to use.
Lastly, it is important to maintain your outdoor decking all year round, and simple steps like the ones listed above will ensure your decking lasts for many summers to come.

For further advice visit the Australasian Timber Flooring Association’s website.

Tags Australasian Timber Flooring Association, deck, decking, design, floor, flooring, landscaping, outdoors, timber

DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Two courtyard makeovers you could achieve this weekend!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date September 4, 2017
1 Comment on Two courtyard makeovers you could achieve this weekend!

As Spring approaches, thoughts turn to those long days of sunshine ahead and ways we can maximise our outdoor living space. It’s literally an extension of your home, so if you can find an easy way to turn a barren, unusable space into an inviting, resort-style balcony or courtyard, then what are you waiting for?

There are a few key things to remember when creating an outdoor room:

Privacy is important; you can often achieve this through screening or vegetation
Make it as multi-purpose as possible (eg, a lounging, eating and possibly even cooking area)
Make sure there’s sufficient shade
If you can factor in some storage, all the better
Create a smooth indoor/outdoor flow so there’s no jarring transition when you step outside.

With those pointers in mind, here are two courtyard makeovers that can be tackled in a weekend, and use the warmth of merbau timber to soften the surrounding surfaces.

Suburban oasis

This half-day makeover relied almost entirely on paint, plants and a flexible DIY decking system to transform a bleak slab of concrete into a beautiful outdoor room, for around $5,000.

I started with an industrial clean, then painted the walls a muted grey and used Good Times modular decking system for the hard surfaces, and for screening on both sides that were overlooked by neighbours. It also worked perfectly as a day bed, creating a cosy lounging area for the owners. The beauty of this DIY system is that you don’t need any holes or footings; you simply lay the framing straight over the top of what’s there. Plants, rustic pots and artful styling provide the homely touches that turn it into a true outdoor room.

City chic

This 12 square metre courtyard in Sydney’s Chippendale flowed out from an inner city studio, so was valuable space that had basically been relegated to a clothes-drying area. Engulfed in greenery, it had the potential to be an inner city oasis, but was anything but!

For around $3,000, I turned it into a proper outdoor entertaining area, with merbau decking boards, a daybed, integrated barbecue and bench, and a foldaway table. The deck was raised to make it level with the studio floor, creating that all-important, seamless indoor/outdoor flow.

It now easily doubles as an outdoor kitchen, as well as a calming oasis to relax in.

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

Tags balcony, cherie barber, courtyard makeover, deck, decking, diy, green wall, merbau, modular decking system, outdoor, outdoor room

Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Mark Tuckey’s Top Tips for Deck Care All Year Round

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date May 25, 2017
No Comments on Mark Tuckey’s Top Tips for Deck Care All Year Round

Winter may be coming but that doesn’t mean that your outdoor areas should be neglected. We’ve quizzed Aussie furniture maker and Feast Watson ambassador Mark Tuckey for his top tips for caring for your deck all year round.

Mark Tuckey’s Top Tips for Deck Care All Year Round

1. Keep an eye on your timber – The best way to maintain you timber furniture and deck is through regular maintenance inspections. It’s difficult to state an exact timeframe for how often timber decks and outdoor furniture should be recoated because it is dependent on so many factors; quality of the coating, amount of foot traffic, degree of exposure to UV radiation and the weather. As a rule of thumb, Feast Watson suggest annual maintenance coats, however you should always test to see if water is beading on the surface of the timber first. If water is beading on your timber, it is protected, and there is no need to coat. When you notice water soaking into the surface, then it’s time to prepare and re-coat.

2. Clean your deck – Before recoating your deck, clean it thoroughly with Feast Watson Woodclean. By eliminating the impurities and surface contaminants, you ensure a smooth finish when you apply your chosen decking oil and ensure your timber lasts for years to come. Gently scrub the timber with Feast Watson Woodclean then wash off with the lowest setting on your high pressure hose, you don’t want to raise the timber grain with too harsh a blast of water

3. Recoat – Don’t wait too long when it comes to re-coating your timber! It’s easier to maintain the coating before it becomes too worn and the timber underneath starts to degrade. Once you’ve cleaned and prepped your timber, it’s time to add protection. Apply your chosen Feast Watson decking oil such as Feast Watson Matt Look Deck according to spread rate on the can to the entire length of the timber board using a good quality lambswool applicator or specialist decking brush to ensure there are no streaks, lines or blend marks. This is to be applied approximately 2-3 boards at a time. Check the can for drying time between coats, and then repeat the process.

4. Air Flow – Make sure air is circulating under your deck by removing any debris, which might be blocking air flow and damaging your timber.

5. Enjoy – Make sure you enjoy your deck by spending lots of time out there!

For more information about Feast Watson’s range of decking care products visit www.feastwatson.com.au

Tags deck, landscaping, outdoor, outdoors

Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

The matt look moves into timber and decking

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date May 5, 2017
1 Comment on The matt look moves into timber and decking

A matt finish has been popular for awhile now with both paint and interior finishes but until recently, no such option existed for decking/timber. Now, thanks to Feast Watson, a natural, matt look is available with their new Matt Look decking finish.

Offering a lower sheen to the ‘wet look’ effect common with most timber finishes, and available in three shades – Natural, Jarrah and Merbau – Feast Watson’s Matt Look Deck allows users to enhance the look of exterior timber, as opposed to changing its natural colour altogether.

Image source: Feast Watson

Matt Look Deck uses a modified, water-based oil formula that combines the advantages of both treatments – penetrating like an oil but with the drying time of a water-based product – to deliver impressive and long-lasting results, fast. “Where other timber care brands tend to offer solely a ‘wet look’ finish, we appreciate that our customers have diverse tastes and so have sought to align our range accordingly; particularly as the trend for organic outdoor design gathers pace,” said Jessica Green, Feast Watson Brand Manager.

Thanks to its unique formula, which boasts exceptional water, UV, mould and dirt-resistant properties, Matt Look Deck makes for easy cleaning, while simultaneously protecting timber against even the harshest of weather extremes; resulting in a finish that looks fresher for longer.

For best results, prepare your deck with Feast Watson Woodclean. This will remove surface contaminants that can impede absorption of the coating as well as rejuvenate both new and weathered timber. Then with Matt Look Deck, apply two coats, leaving a minimum of two hours between applications for maximum absorbency.

Matt Look Deck will be available in 1L, 4L and 10L sizes, along with a 250ml sample size for customers to experiment with colour options.

For more information, tips and a list of stockists, visit www.feastwatson.com.au

Tags deck, deck stain, outdoor, timber deck

Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

How To: Revitalise exterior timber in a weekend

Post author By Naomi Foxall
Post date April 18, 2017
No Comments on How To: Revitalise exterior timber in a weekend

Exterior timber in need of some TLC? Fear not, it doesn’t need to be a massive hassle. It is a common misconception that re-coating a stained timber deck will hide everything. According to Anthony Scott of Channel 10’s DIY program The Home Team, re-coating instead of cleaning first, is more likely to highlight the stains, trapping them and making the timber look worse than it was.

Revitalising a timber deck to protect it over the coming cold and wet winter months can be a simple weekend project when using a specific cleaning program that removes stains properly and rejuvenates the natural beauty of timber. “Having a timber deck helps frame the home as well as adding a soft touch to the front or backyard,” says Anthony. “However, a grey weathered deck will do just the opposite. Sikkens provides a quick and easy solution to remove dirt and grime from timber, leaving it fresh and in its natural raw timber state. The Sikkens Cetol BL Deck and Wood Cleaner is a fast acting gel that only takes 15 minutes to revitalise and brighten grey and weathered timber.”

In some instances, the existing coating may be peeling, flaking or have a different product to the new coating, for example if the existing is an oil based coating and the new coating is water based. If this is the case, it will be necessary to strip back and sand the timber before applying a new coat.

Once the timber is clean and dry, and the surface ready for a new coat, Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro is a water based coating that can be re-applied within two hours. Providing superior durability and flexibility, with quick drying properties, Cetol BLX-Pro is available in five ready mixed stains and will provide a high-quality, transparent finish that accentuates the natural characteristics and colour of the timber.

For more information visit the Sikkens Australia YouTube channel or www.sikkens.com.au

Tags deck, diy, exteriors, outdoors, timber decks

Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors

How to: Plan an outdoor room

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date January 10, 2017
No Comments on How to: Plan an outdoor room

By Cherie Barber

In a climate like Australia’s, an outdoor room isn’t just an asset; it’s almost obligatory. What better way to capitalise on all that blue sky and months of warm weather than creating an extension to your home that marries the comfort of a living room with the breezy bliss of lounging around outdoors? The answer, of course, is an outdoor room.

However, it’s not just a matter of propping an umbrella over a table and chairs. You need to create something practical and inviting, sheltered from the elements, with a good connection to the indoors. Here are some important elements to consider.

Find inspiration

A small space like an apartment balcony is probably going to offer limited options, but if you’re sizing up something larger, then spend time browsing magazines and online sites for examples of beautiful outdoor rooms you’d love to recreate.

Plan your room

Just like you would for an indoor renovation, you need to draw up a plan, whether you’re converting a barren courtyard, a disused balcony or creating something like a deck from scratch. Are you planning something quite simple on a low budget or a luxurious outdoor kitchen with barbie, sink, lounging furniture and a 12-seater outdoor setting? You don’t need sophisticated software; just break out the graph paper, measure up the dimensions of your outdoor space to scale, then start playing around with ideas. Use cut-outs for things like table settings, potted plants, barbecue, etc. This will begin to give you an idea of the space you have to play and realistically what you can fit in.

Prioritise what’s important

Budget and size of the space will be the main limiting factors here. At a minimum you need shade, some privacy from neighbours, hopefully easy access to indoors, furniture and some kind of lighting so you can use it at night.

Things like screening, shade sails, sun umbrellas and retractable awnings can turn an unusable courtyard, deck or balcony into a protected outdoor room you can enjoy year-round. And features like foldaway clothes lines, a wall-mounted hose reel and bench seating that doubles as a storage box help keep the area clutter-free.

If you’re creating something more lavish, like an outdoor kitchen, you may need to consider new power points, plumbing and appropriate task lighting. This is where your graph paper will come in useful.

Go furniture shopping

There are just so many budget-conscious choices out there, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you go shopping for the components of your outdoor room, whether it’s loungers, table and chairs, barbecue or storage ideas. Just make sure they-re size-appropriate to the space. No point having your sights set on a top-of-the-line barbie when the reality is you only have room for a Weber.

Sprinkle around some magic

Now this is where you elevate your outdoor room from a practical space to something really special. Night time is often when your outdoor room comes into its own and lighting will make it feel intimate and warm. If you don’t have access to a power point, you can always use tealights, outdoor candles or even solar lighting to create atmosphere.

If you don’t have a lot of floor space for pots, consider a vertical garden; a wall of edible potted herbs perhaps.

Mirrors immediately enlarge any space, so think about a nice, big one you can strategically place to capture the best aspect.

If you have a big enough courtyard, it’s worth sacrificing space for a striking focal point, like a potted elm or large ceramic urn. Landscape designers use this trick often: in a confined area, one big object that draws in the eye will have much more impact than a whole lot of small things, which can simply make it look cluttered.

A successful outdoor room all starts with clever planning, a realistic appraisal of what can be achieved, then that attention to detail that’s much more about imagination than a bottomless pit of money.

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

Tags back yard, barbecue, bbq, cherie barber, deck, Garden, outdoor, outdoor furniture, outdoor room, weber, yard

Bathrooms Before & Afters House Tours Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real Reno: First-time flippers make $280,000 profit

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date November 10, 2016
No Comments on Real Reno: First-time flippers make $280,000 profit

A functional, open-plan living space leading to a backyard oasis has completely transformed an original brick veneer home in Sydney’s Forestville, making first time flipper Mariah Colella and her husband a substantial profit.

“We made significant changes to the layout,” said Mariah who purchased the two-storey home knowing it would require a complete overall including moving the kitchen downstairs. “Upstairs we converted the old kitchen into part of a large family bathroom and the remainder into a huge master with private balcony. We created a second living space by adding a wall and also combined the old separate toilet and bathroom into one space,” said Mariah.

The flip took place over 12 weeks and cost roughly $300,000. Downstairs, walls in the old granny flat were toned down to create an open-plan kitchen and dining space leading to a sunken living room and inviting backyard and pool. “Our favourite part of the renovation was the downstairs extension and how we were able to entertain in style with different zones on different levels, the kitchen and dining being on one level. The elevated alfresco area has a clear sight to the pool and gardens and the chilling lounge area outside with a gorgeous tree-lined view.”

To increase street appeal, the front façade was rendered and everything given a fresh coat of paint including the house, concrete driveway, paths, roof and aluminium window frames. “At the back of the house, we sprayed the bricks to tie into our new colour scheme and added new balustrade to the upstairs balcony,” said Mariah. “We also added a large pine timber deck, which we painted to connect the extension to the pool and the grassed garden. Lighting was also key for us – we wanted a premium finish and added downlights into all of the eaves and used aged copper lighting at the front.”

On the top level, walls were moved to make the main bathroom larger, while downstairs the bathroom had a budget revamp. “We updated the existing bathroom with tile paint and vinyl travertine tiles from Bunnings. We had our plumber put in a new toilet and shower heads to complete the room refresh.”

The biggest challenge proved to be designing a deck and stairs for the sloping block leading to the pool – an element of the backyard that was so successful, it’s now a feature. “Our builders did an amazing job at making the design work and executing it flawlessly.”

As for tips for would-be flippers, Mariah says “our biggest learning with this renovation was the importance of having a solid, experienced set of trades, in particular a quality builder. We could not have done this reno with the budget and timing we had if it wasn’t for Braden from Crearter Constructions who was able to guide us through it. A quality builder is your first step to a hassle-free reno!”

Mariah and her husband are currently working on their next flip — a weatherboard cottage. To keep up with their progress, follow Mariah on Instagram.

Tags bathroom, before and after, building, construction, deck, design, diy, home, home reno, home renovation, real estate, real reno, reno, renovating, renovation

Before & Afters DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

How to: Rejuvenate your timber deck for summer

Post author By Lauren Ellis
Post date September 16, 2016
No Comments on How to: Rejuvenate your timber deck for summer

AFTER deck Image courtesy of The Whimsical Wife

As the sun comes out and the temperature rises, it’s time to refresh timber decking. While regular sweeping and cleaning is valuable, a deck re-coat is recommended every 12-to-18 months to maintain the quality, durability and appearance of the timber.

BEFORE deck Image courtesy of The Whimsical Wife — BEFORE deck
Image courtesy of The Whimsical Wife

Timber coating specialist Sikkens offer the following tips to achieve professional looking results:

Oil vs. water-based coatings
Quality coatings save time and money in the long run, whether it’s oil or water-based, each finish has its own benefits. Oil-based coatings penetrate the wood better and are more durable however take longer to dry. An advantage of using an oil-based coating is its transparency, allowing for the natural characteristics of the timber to show through.

A water-based coating is environmentally friendly and doesn’t produce as much odour during application or drying. Advantages to using water -based coatings are faster drying time and easy clean up. With re-coating possible within two hours, the Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro is perfect for a weekend project. Available in five ready mixed colours, its high quality, transparent finish accentuates the natural character and colour of the timber.

Oiling the deck Image courtesy of The Whimsical Wife — Oiling the deck
Image courtesy of The Whimsical Wife

Do not mix water-based and oil-based coatings

It is recommended to stick with the most recently used coating type – whether oil or water-based. Those looking to change between coating systems will need to completely strip the existing coating back to bare timber prior to re-coating which will ensure optimum adhesion

Importance of cleaning the deck

Ensure the timber is clean and free from dirt and grime to allow the new coating to properly penetrate and adhere to the timber for long lasting protection. For hardwood decks that are weathered or grey, a cleaning product such as Sikkens Cetol BL Deck & Wood Cleaner needs to be applied before re-coating. This fast acting gel formula will brighten and revitalise grey and weathered timber, in preparation for application of the re-coat.

Sikkens products are available at all major hardware and independent paint stores.

Tags before and after, deck, refresh, sikkens, Summer, timber