Tag: deck

What to consider when building a fire pit in your back yard

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date July 31, 2016
1 Comment on What to consider when building a fire pit in your back yard

Who doesn’t love sitting next to a fire on a chilly night with friends and family roasting marshmallows? Before you build a pit, it’s wise to weigh the pro’s and con’s of having one as it’s so so so important to get this right not only for appearance and function, but more importantly safety.

One reason for a fire pit’s appeal? We believe a fire pit can extend back yard use through autumn and winter. Gone are the days of outdoor entertaining only through the spring and summer months with a great barbecue and pool party – fire pits are the way to go in the cooler months!

Here’s what you should consider before planning a fire pit and dreaming of cool, moonlit nights roasting marshmallows.

Types of fire pits

Ok, so there are generally four types of fire pits that you can choose from:

1. Chimineas

These fire pits traditionally have closed sides, with an opening on the front and a chimney on top. Chimineas are easy to find, sold at most home and garden stores, and are full of style. The ceramic material used to build chimineas can be painted, adding a pop of colour to your outdoor space. Chimineas are usually pretty heavy and are not meant to be moved around. Their design is helpful in keeping smoke out of your guests’ eyes.

Photo credit curbly.com

2. Wood burning fire pits

A wood burning fire pit is like having a campfire right in your very own backyard. They provide warmth, the crackle of wood, and real smoke all while keeping the fire completely contained. There are a variety of different types of wood burning fire pits you should be aware of:

Outdoor fireplace: An outdoor fireplace, whether a portable one or a built-in design, will greatly enhance your patio. The design is usually similar to an indoor fireplace.
Brick or stone fire pit: This is basically an easy DIY project. Brick or stone fire pits can be built by using cinder blocks, stones, or bricks from almost any local hardware store.

Photo credit mydomainehome.com.au

3. Natural gas fire pits

This fire pit is a permanent fixture in your backyard. One of the best things about natural gas fire pits is that they never run out of fuel. Here are a few different ways to design this type of fire pit:

Sunken design: A sunken natural gas fire pit is built down into the patio or ground. You need to be especially cautious around these designs, as the flames are close.
Square, round, or tabletop design: Design your natural gas fire pit to be raised above the patio with stone, brick, or copper designs, among others. They make a beautiful addition to the space.

Photo credit renoguide.com.au

4. Gel fuel fire pits

Gel fuelled fire pits are the perfect way to add ambiance and intrigue to your backyard. The gel is clean and burns without producing a scent or smoke. They are also extremely versatile and can be moved almost anywhere in your backyard. Here are a couple different types of gel fuel fire pits:

Gel fuelled logs: You can purchase gel fuelled logs to place in any fire pit design. They create the real look and feel of a fire while completely concealing the gel fuel holders inside the logs.
Tabletop fireplace: For those who want a small fire in the backyard, consider a gel fuelled tabletop display. These can be easily moved indoors or out, and add a great display to the outdoor table.

Gel fuelled fire pit

Photo credit: bgh.com

Check building codes for proper speculations and regulations

Before building a fire pit, check the building codes in your area to get the proper specs and regulations. Choose a spot that is away from your house and away from any low-hanging trees or other structures. Take precautions when digging holes, so that you don’t hit utility lines, so in Australia make sure you call Dial Before You Dig.

How much you are willing to spend?

Costs can be as low as $100 if you plan for a small fire pit. This means buying your own stones and digging the hole yourself or if you purchase a simple unit at a big box store. It certainly can also go up to several thousand dollars, especially when seating is added.

Whether it is permanent or portable?

Do you want a fire pit that is built in — a focal point in the yard — or something that’s lightweight and potentially portable, so you can take it where you want your gathering?

For a built-in design, you generally want to match materials in the garden or house. You can do a DIY job and assemble materials yourself or customise one with a landscape professional or contractor.

The options for portable fire pits are equally varied. There are copper or stainless steel bowls that are usually lighter, but heavier cast iron bowls also do a nice job of radiating heat.

Choose the fuel type: wood or gas

While there are alternate fuel types like gel fuels, wood or gas seem to be the most common choices. Those who favour a true outdoor smell usually prefer burning real logs, but that requires keeping flames going and requires a steady supply of firewood.

An alternative is to use gas or propane for an instant fire—maybe even powered with a remote switch–though it’s not as hot as a wood fire and you don’t get the same crackle and smoke.

Choose the surface you would like to set your pit on

It’s best to set a set a portable fire pit atop a natural surface such as concrete, stone, gravel, brick, slate, or a fire-resistant composite. Putting it on a wood deck can be dangerous if embers fly. A permanent fire pit is typically built on a base of gravel somewhere in the back yard.

Where to set up your fire pit?

Many communities require a minimum of a 10-foot distance from your house and neighbours’ yards. Some don’t require a permit if the fire pit fits within set size requirements; others require a site inspection to make sure your proposed location is safe (away from fences, structures, overhanging branches). It’s best to check with local officials before you do anything.

How to create the right vibe and enjoy the most of your fire pit

To get the best enjoyment, consider installing outdoor lighting near the pit. Make it subtle to avoid destroying the camp-fire mood. Energy-efficient LEDs can be plugged into a nearby outlet. More importantly consider seating arrangements!

Safety first

A fire of any kind, small or roaring big demands serious attention to safety. Consider:

Check wind direction before you light a fire
Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid) to light or relight
Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fit clothing
Avoid using soft woods like pine or cedar, because they can “pop” and throw sparks.
Know how to safely dispose of ashes.

Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal of Silk Home and founder of the International Institute of Home Staging.

Ask Naomi a question | Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

Tags back yard, chiminea, deck, fire, fire pit, firepit, Garden, naomi findlay, natural gas, outdoor, patio, yard

Before & Afters Design Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Sydney backyard transformed into much more useable space

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date June 14, 2016
No Comments on Sydney backyard transformed into much more useable space

Like many people, the owners of this Sydney family home desired an outdoor space that was inviting, functional and could be used for entertaining throughout the entire year. The couple also have two young children, so space to run was vital.

Backyard BEFORE

Backyard AFTER

“The original space was very clunky, impractical and bland. A large pool took up most of the backyard, leaving a small uneven grassed area and a paved area with no pergola that became so hot in summer that sitting outside was almost unbearable,” says Natalie Roodenburg of Sand & Stone Landscapes.

The first stage of the process was to remove the existing pool and retaining walls and level out the backyard. “Once this was done, we worked with the owners to sketch out the finer details of the new space, including where the new pool was to be situated,” says Natalie.

An 8 metre x 3 metre pool sits neatly along the side of the property, surrounded by grey granite tiles that are complemented by a raised Spotted Gum deck at the back of the pool for lounging in the sun. A dry, stacked sandstone wall lines one side of pool, which then carries on around the perimeter of the backyard.

Backyard AFTER

“We used weeping bamboo along the pool area and Elaeocarpus eumundi which will grow to give the owners privacy from neighboring properties. A Japanese maple sits as a beautiful feature tree at the back of the garden with two floating bench seats either side which is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the space,” says Natalie.

“We installed a large pergola with built in lights, fan and speakers as well as an outdoor kitchen complete with barbecue, fridge and sink. The granite tiles used in the pool area flow through to the entertaining space also,” says Natalie. A small decking area off the house makes for a great spot for the owners to sit and watch their girls play in their cubby house too.

Backyard AFTER

But the real feature of this backyard are the old recycled telegraph posts that hold the pergola roof in place. “We also used them as part of the pool fence to break up the glass panels surrounding the pool area,” says Natalie.

See here for more.

Tags alfresco, before and after, deck, design, Garden, landscaping, outdoor, outdoor reno, outdoors, real reno, reno, renovating, renovating for profit, renovation

Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Introducing HardieDeck – a fuss-free alternative to timber decking

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 28, 2016
No Comments on Introducing HardieDeck – a fuss-free alternative to timber decking

There’s nothing we like more than a low-maintenance building material and timber decking alternative HardieDeck certainly fits that bill.

Unlike timber decking, HardieDeck doesn’t require regular staining and is also resistant to fading, termites, warping, moisture damage and fire too making it ideal for houses in a bushfire zone.

And it’s not only practical but, with its smart architectural lines it looks super smart too. The product is securely fixed in place without splinters or nails making it smooth and safe to walk on and perfect for lovers of minimalist design.

“It takes work to keep a timber deck looking good with regular staining and knocking nails back in, whereas HardieDeck is a concealed fix so you’ll never see a screw or nail and it’s hard wearing,” says James.

The boards are designed to be coated in durable paving paints which gives plenty of scope for matching or complementing other elements of your home like wall or roof colours and tiled paving – another handy design feature.

“Over time, decking usually fades and tends to grey as it ages while HardieDeck remains the colour you paint it,” says Christian Hansen, Marketing Manager for James Hardie Australia.

The product can also be clear sealed for that raw, natural look popular in contemporary architecture.

Click here for more.

Tags building, construction, deck, decking, HardieDeck, home reno, home renovation, outdoor, outdoors, renovating, renovation

Before & Afters Expert Tips Real Renos RENO ADDICT

‘Tis the season for alfresco living!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date December 25, 2015
2 Comments on ‘Tis the season for alfresco living!

This time of year is always a torture test for how well you’ve designed your entertaining areas at home. Whether you’re hosting the family Christmas lunch (eek, that’s me this year) or just a lazy January BBQ, you’ll find these events so much more enjoyable if you have a practical (and beautiful) area to host your guests. And in Australia, at this time of year, you simply can’t have a party indoors. Alfresco entertaining is a must.

In all our renovations, we spend much time and energy transforming dead outdoor spaces into entertaining alfresco havens. Here are some before & afters from the Three Birds’ alfresco almanac.

House 1

House 2

House 3

Lana’s Pool

Our alfresco crushes:

Gas strut window + servery– a great alternative to bi-folds, these awning windows (popular in Queensland) bring a super-relaxed vibe to the space and when teamed with an external servery it becomes the ideal connection between outside and in.
Decking – a no brainer in most outdoor spaces, a timber deck is hard to go past for creating the perfect outdoor zone. But sometimes a large deck can be quite costly and need council approval, so well-laid pavers are a smart substitute (see House 3).
French doors – it’s true we have a French door fetish but they are just so damn beautiful, practical and affordable. They’re a brilliant alternative to bi-fold doors which can cost double or triple that of Frenchies – and if the opening is quite wide we like to put four frenchies next to each other (the two middle ones open up and the two on the outside are fixed).
Pergola + timber screens – creating an outside room is easier than you think. It doesn’t have to be a full-on extension to the house, rather a well-placed pergola with timber screens creates the impression of an outdoor room in a flash.
Homewares – soft furnishings like pillows, throws and rugs add color and texture to help make an outside space feel like a welcoming room and lush green pot plants are the perfect finishing touch for a true alfresco feel.
Paving paint – it’s amazing how crummy-looking concrete can be transformed with a few coats of paving paint (we love Ultra Pave by White Knight). It’s so cheap, fast and effective, and you can have it tinted to any colour you want.

Got a question for the Three Birds girls? Ask it in the comments or send it to us.

Read all posts by Three Birds.

For more information about Three Birds Renovations.

Tags alfresco, back yard, deck, entertaining, indoor outdoor, outdoor, yard

Architecture Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Is decking the answer for inner city dwellers tight on space?

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date December 21, 2015
No Comments on Is decking the answer for inner city dwellers tight on space?

For the many inner city dwellers squeezed for space a well-designed deck may be the answer to getting the most from outdoor areas. Decking is a versatile and durable option for creating comfortable outdoor zones, and with proper planning and design a deck will form a natural connection to indoor areas.

Leon Travis from Boral Timber offers the following advice for urban homeowners planning a deck:

1. For a smoother transition from the home’s interior, consider a decking timber species that is no darker than interior flooring. Timber is simple to treat and darken at a later stage if desired; however a naturally dark timber cannot be lightened if homeowners change their mind. Also, consider the direction of interior flooring. Installing timber decking boards accordingly helps to maintain consistent design and flow from indoors to out. Blackbutt species is a popular choice and is available in flooring and decking boards.

2. When choosing timber it is important to bear in mind that only certain species adapt well to decking. Australian hardwood decking is well suited to the Australian climate — from the suburbs to the city.

3. The size of the deck will also contribute to how practical it is. Will it fit a table and chairs, a barbecue, a herb garden or serve as a safe children’s play area? For year round use, consider a weather or shade cover, such as a retractable awning or more permanent shelter, depending on the aspect of the home and how much exposure to the sun it receives at different times of the day. Remember, the angle of sun will also change from winter to summer.

4. If space is limited consider how the area beneath the deck can be used. Depending on the deck’s elevation it can be designed to serve as a functional storage space for outdoor furniture, garden supplies or sporting equipment.

5. Designing and installing a highly functional urban deck can be a complex undertaking, so using a licensed builder is recommended.

For more information.

Tags australian hardwood, boral, boral timber, builder, building, deck, decking, hardwood, landscaping, outdoors, timber, timber decks

Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping Styling

9 ways to create the perfect outdoor space

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 24, 2015
No Comments on 9 ways to create the perfect outdoor space

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get your outdoor space prepped for entertaining, relaxing and family fun. However, with so many options on the market, from stylish decking and trendy outdoor furniture to lighting, plants and cushions it can be difficult to know what to focus on to get the best results for your budget. Australia’s leading woodcare brand, Cabot’s, has partnered with local design movers and shakers to provide nine top tips on how to transform your outdoor space.

Award-winning landscape designer, Daniel Tyrrell’s top tips:

1. Create a destination. Aim to create a space that invites people outdoors. You can use seating with outdoor cushions that introduce colour. Or arrange a collection of pots with a mix of your favourite plants, such as herbs, succulents and bulbs, which encourage your interaction. The pots could be linked to other features, for example, by painting a couple to echo an existing colour in the garden.

2. Lighten up. Garden lighting can make a huge difference to the way a garden feels after the sun goes down and will directly affect how you use your outdoor space. Bright light is good for everyday functions like getting that forgotten washing from the line, but it often destroys the mood and creates washed out foregrounds and dark gardens. But not enough lighting is just as bad. Choose good quality well-planned garden lighting to extend the life of your garden and provide another room for entertaining.

3. Know when to be brave. Show restraint in all things colour, features and furniture. What this means is be brave with your colour palette but commit to a few over many. Features are only that if they are rare, so again be bold and commit to one or two.

Sydney-based interior designer, Karenza Jewell’s top tips:

1. Zone your space. Have areas for larger entertaining, quieter winter sun spots for reading, and shady areas for hot summer days. Use different materials to zone these areas. Decking is also the perfect way to zone spaces, especially with the introduction of stain colour and even floor direction and elevation.

2. Play with textures and colours. Outdoor spaces are meant for texture, from real stone to rendered paint effects. And you can focus on any area with the simple use of colour or texture. Outdoor fabrics are better than ever, with strong colours and patterns as well as natural soft textures. You don’t need to install colourful plants, especially if you have gone for an easy maintenance garden. Just drop in some colourful fabric finishes on your outdoor seating. On a budget? Use bright sun umbrellas, outdoor rugs and lanterns. Look to colour for timber surfaces too, especially your deck, pergolas and screens. No longer does wood decking have to be a typical wood colour! Play with the stone finishes and timber colours now available. You can easily complement or contrast the architectural colours of your home or natural colours in your landscape.

3. Go sculptural with furniture. We are seeing outdoor furniture that is far more exciting than internal – from daybeds that are like islands to sculpted wire chairs to pebble knitted loungers. Clever uses of materials mean unusual materials are seen outdoors, not just in! You can add a superb sculptural piece of furniture and your garden becomes a gallery.

Renovator and blogger, Michelle Johnston’s top tips:

1. Embrace the power of paint. You should never underestimate the power of paint, you can use paint to revamp your home’s exterior brickwork or render, or paint the front door with a statement colour. Renters can get creative by painting old furniture or pots for plants to inject some colour in the garden. The bolder, the brighter, the better!2. Add greenery. Plants in feature pots or a vertical garden will add life to the space. If you’re on a budget, ask friends and family for cuttings and grow your own plants. Succulents are one of the easiest plants to propagate, they thrive in pots and come in many varieties, colours and sizes – just avoid the prickly ones as they can be difficult to work with!

3. Create layer upon layer. Bringing the indoors out is about making your outdoor space feel inviting and comfortable. One easy way to achieve this is to add texture in layers. Soft furnishings, like outdoor rugs and cushions, are a great way to make your space comfortable.

For more top tips visit Cabot’s.

Tags cabot's, Daniel Tyrrell, deck, decking, design, Karenza Jewell, lighting, Michelle Johnston, outdoor, outdoor space, outdoors, paint, plants

DIY RENO ADDICT Shopping Styling

Get the natural grey look without sacrificing your timber

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 20, 2015
No Comments on Get the natural grey look without sacrificing your timber

The trend for grey timber decks is more popular than ever. However, while simply leaving the timber untreated and open to the elements will achieve the grey look, you risk sacrificing the longevity and quality of your timber. So how can you get the gorgeous look without damaging your deck?

Feast Watson’s new Water Repellent Timber & Deck Oil provides the answer. Formulated especially for exterior timber, it is a water-repellent oil with a clear, matt finish that lets the natural beauty of the timber shine through.

What’s special about Feast Watson Water Repellent Timber & Deck Oil is that it will retain the natural colour of the timber, allowing your deck to grey naturally over time without compromising its quality and long life.

In addition to decking, it is also perfect for timber walkways, fences and pergolas and even areas around waterways, where a timber cleaner cannot be used, such as boardwalks.

Getting the desired results with Feast Watson Water Repellent Timber & Deck Oil is simple. Apply two coats, allowing at least two hours between coats for the oil to penetrate the timber. Feast Watson also recommend maintaining the timber every six months to retain the water repellency and protection.

Feast Watson Water Repellent Timber & Deck Oil is available in a 4-litre size for $96.24.

For more information.

Tags deck, Deck Oil, design, feast watson, Feast Watson Water Repellent Timber & Deck Oil, grey timber, greying timber, products, timber, timber oil, Water Repellent, Water Repellent Timber & Deck Oil

Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Create a summer deck in a day using Hebel PowerFloor

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 28, 2015
No Comments on Create a summer deck in a day using Hebel PowerFloor

A highly versatile solid flooring system, PowerFloor provides the feel of a concrete floor but at a significantly lower cost and with easy DIY installation. They promise you can make a summer-ready deck in just the one day!

Simply installed over conventional floor framing such as decking joists, the system of panels snugly fit together to form a solid, strong, smooth floor. Easy to build with, PowerFloor has superior termite-resistance, low noise transmission, thermal insulation and fire resistant properties making it the perfect choice for your deck. Also, once it has been water proofed it can be tiled over to create an idyllic entertaining space.

So if you fancy a weekend project, the Hebel website and their DIY expert, Brad Trethowan have provided plenty of down to earth and practical advice on creating your own deck. Along with a video, there’s a shopping list of building materials and tools required and also step-by-step instructions and photos which guide you through the process ensuring that you are on track. Really you have no excuse not to end up with a beautifully finished deck!

All Hebel DIY projects are designed to be easy to make and use readily available products. Hebel PowerFloor is available through major hardware retailers such as Bunnings.

For the step-by-step DIY instructions visit their website.

Tags Brad Trethowan, deck, design, diy, exteriors, hebel, landscaping, PowerFloor, Summer

Bathrooms Kitchens RENO ADDICT Styling

Champagne style on a beer budget: how to add value to your home without breaking the bank

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date July 22, 2015
1 Comment on Champagne style on a beer budget: how to add value to your home without breaking the bank

By Bessie Hassan

Whether you’re gearing up to sell your home, or thinking about long-term improvements for your own enjoyment, these simple upgrades can boost the overall look of your home – and property value. The best bit? They’re inexpensive and easy.

1. Let there be light

Let’s be honest. Nobody likes a dark, dingy home and there’s no faster way to drain value from a property than a gloomy room. Make your home immediately appear brighter and larger by painting the walls white and welcoming in light with the help of additional windows, skylights or bi-folds. The right skylight in the right place can instantly brighten a home and turn even the dingiest room into a bright space. Skylights are also relatively inexpensive, so are a good place to start.

2. Refresh the kitchen and bathroom

You don’t have to go all out with a full-scale renovation to make a huge difference in the kitchen and bathroom. Opt for a more affordable option and simply replace the cabinet doors or just add new cabinet handles, modernise the kitchen splashback, install new tapware or add a statement mirror in the bathroom. Extra storage in the bathroom is always a winner, but keep it simple to save money – some floating shelves or woven baskets look great filled with rolled-up bath towels.

3. Upgrade the window treatments

They let in sunlight and welcomed breezes in the warmer months, but windows are often ignored as a cosmetic feature of the home. Keeping the glass panes sparkling clean can instantly make them more attractive, but adding new blinds or curtains can transform the look of a room. For a modern but cozy style, use plantation shutters or timber venetian blinds, and add an extra touch of luxury with curtains.

4. Take a look outside

Don’t limit your efforts to the home’s interior. Real estate agents talk about kerb appeal for a reason – the external appearance of your home is the first thing people see and even those of us with the best intentions often end up judging a book by its cover. You’d be surprised what a difference a freshly painted front door (perhaps in bold red or yellow) and a scattering of pot plants can make. And while you’re there, why not paint the fence and replace any wonky guttering?

5. Add a deck

Aussies love the great outdoors and a home with a deck that can be used as an extra entertaining area, or a spot to unwind after a hard day’s work, is a surefire way to add value to any property. Done right, it’s like adding another room to the house and with the right additions, it can be used all year round. Consider installing an outdoor heater and a retractable awning, and your indoor-outdoor experience will be complete.

— Bessie writes for finder.com.au, one of Australia’s largest comparison websites. She is passionate about real estate, renovating, and helping Australians find better.

Tags bathroom, deck, home reno, kerb appeal, kitchen, painting, real estate, reno, renovating, window treatments

Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Get your deck Easter ready with Feast Watson’s De-xpertise

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 2, 2015
1 Comment on Get your deck Easter ready with Feast Watson’s De-xpertise

How to keep your balcony or deck safe

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date February 24, 2015
No Comments on How to keep your balcony or deck safe

Most people give their cars and themselves regular check-ups, but tend to leave maintenance of their property until a problem becomes so obvious that is simply has to be attended to. This approach is not only bad for the property but also more expensive on the pocket! So what does Cameron Frazer of Ask an Architect recommend you do to keep the more susceptible areas of your home — like balconies and decks — safe?

dazzling-contemporary-loft-finds-the-perfect-balance-between-cool-and-elegant-apartment-balcony-design — Photo credit: TVBS

We all enjoy the summertime, but it’s actually the time to be smart about home safety. Anyone planning to hold a function that will see a crowd of people occupying their balcony or deck should check that it is safe and not at risk of injuring someone or collapse.

Balconies are usually used by a small family group of three to four people, however, when 15 to 20 adults or more gather on a balcony, the stress on the structure often reaches breaking point and the balcony collapses causing serious injury.

Added to this weight factor is often the large BBQ plus tables, chairs and heavy planter boxes filled with flowering plants to brighten the alfresco dining area. Large stone tables have also become a trend for outdoor living along with steel and cast iron outdoor furniture, which increases the load factor on the deck or balcony.

balcony reno addict — Photo credit: TVBS

Anyone with a balcony or raised deck should check it out carefully for safety, including an inspection for rotting timbers, shaky hand rails and balustrades, corroded bolts and brackets, rust stains and cracking in concrete balconies. People renting properties should also check decks or balconies and notify their real estate agents if any concerning conditions are discovered.

If people find faults they should take immediate action to repair them and if they are not sure, seek professional advice. I would recommend people get an architect to inspect their property every five years and provide maintenance advice to keep it in tip-top condition.

— Cameron Frazer is the general manager of Ask an Architect, a new online portal (launched by the Australian Institute of Architects) ready to offer you sound and unbiased advice, help you through your home renovation and provide recommendations at an affordable cost.

Tags architect, architecture, ask an architect, balconies, balcony, builder, building, deck, decks, home maintenance, www.askanarchitect.com.au

DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Fashionable dark flooring inside and out with Feast Watson

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 5, 2015
No Comments on Fashionable dark flooring inside and out with Feast Watson

Interiors Addict at home: our new outdoor relaxing space

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date January 21, 2015
11 Comments on Interiors Addict at home: our new outdoor relaxing space

This post is sponsored by IKEA

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES — My new look deck, complete with lounging AND dining areas

We recently moved into our first house in Sydney. While the huge deck that runs the length of said house seemed fantastic at first, having come from an apartment with a small, square balcony, we didn’t have much to fill it. Our Weber Baby Q still looks very lost and sorry for itself! We rushed out and bought a cheap and large dining solution (who has money when they’ve just moved, right?) at IKEA which gave us a taste of the range and value on offer. We opted for two lots of the ASKHOLMEN table and four chairs ($149 each) and put them together, which gave us a long, solid timber dining set for eight for less than $300! I know!

But our massive deck (first world problems) still looked empty and we really wanted a nice, cosy, outdoor-room type, relaxing space for morning coffees and lazy Sundays with friends. I wanted to be able to walk outside the back door and slump into something comfy on a nice afternoon. So when IKEA offered to help me out with some furniture, I couldn’t refuse.

I started by looking online for inspiration and quickly settled on the ARHOLMA modular lounges which have a million options, from a neat two-seater which would fit a balcony (and comes in two pieces so could actually get up stairs!) to something, well, as big as you like. You basically buy units of it, and corners, and make an L-shape, U-shape, or just a regular lounge shape from two seats and up. We went for a two-seater and a slightly larger four-seater L-shape to sit opposite it for a nice social setting. We mixed things up a bit by using a much treasured vintage, marble-topped coffee table bought on eBay years ago (which doesn’t work in our new lounge room indoors) and I really love how it looks. It cost me $60 so I’m not too precious about how it fares outside and it kind of adds to its character!

There is a matching coffee table available for ARHOLMA however. Well, it’s actually a unit which can be the L part of an L-shape lounge or you can buy the glass top and make it a table. Again, flexibility wins!

IKEA's ARHHOLMA chair and lounge — IKEA’s ARHHOLMA chair and lounge

I love neutrals outside. Let nature do the talking and make the colour, I say. How about you? If you’re the same as me, Into the Fold have some fab monochrome outdoor cushions.

When you think about it, it makes sense that IKEA, with their European heritage, design plenty of outdoor furniture for small spaces and balconies. Although we’re definitely a nation of outdoor entertainers in Australia, it can be hard to find solutions for tighter spaces and there are no shortage of apartment dwellers, alongside those lucky enough to have a spacious back yard. IKEA has both covered.

I really love this IKEA solution for small balconies

Amanda Grant, IKEA’s sales leader for outdoor furniture, says alongside its European background, one of the brand’s biggest advantages when it comes to outdoor furniture is its vast experience in indoor furniture. “We have an amazing range around different style preferences and price points, from basic modern to more traditional, to suit different lifestyles and wallets.” There are plenty of larger, more substantial dining and lounging solutions if that’s what you’re after.

IKEA has outdoor furniture for all tastes and budgets, from the smallest balcony to the largest yard!

There’s a core range of outdoor available at IKEA year-round and then extra things are introduced around summer time. But from this year, for the first time, there’ll be new ranges added in July/August as well as February, which makes sense considering Australians only really stay inside for about two or three months of the year!

Amanda says while their outdoor dining range is already well known, they hope customers will come to look at them as an option for great lounging options as well.

Personally, I think the ARHOLMA is great value ( a three-seater sofa is just $412 for example) and so flexible. It’s good to know we can change it around at a later date or add to it if we move house etc. I’ll be honest with you, it is not easy to put together and requires serious patience (lucky husband and brother-in-law got this job!) but it does all go together in the end, no missing parts, just fiddly! And that, in my opinion, is the price you pay for such good value. You can’t have it all! They do offer a paid for assembly service or I’d suggest trying Airtasker for someone to do the job for you as an alternative.

We also picked the cute timber ASKHOLMEN (tying in with our existing dining set) table ($39) and two chairs ($30 each) for a shady spot under a tree at the bottom of the garden beyond the deck.

And there are many other finishing touches available for your yard, deck or balcony too, from solar and LED lighting to hardy outdoor plants to sun shades (parasols and gazebos), planter boxes and lanterns.

Something you might want to check out is the great value instant flooring, perfect for disguising an ugly old concrete balcony floor in minutes!

We’re so happy with our new chillout area and feel we’ve gained a new outdoor room and some extra livable space. And while we still need a bigger barbecue, we’ll get there eventually!

Next stop: get tired-looking deck stained! The shame…

Until TOMORROW (22 January 2015) only, if you’re an IKEA Family member (it’s free to join) get a $50 voucher for every $250 you spend on outdoor lounging furniture. See website for terms and conditions.

Tags al fresco, balcony, balcony flooring, deck, decking, dining, european, ikea, interiors addict, lounge, lounging, makeover, outdoor, Summer, timber furniture, yard

Expert Tips

Top tips for easy patio and deck maintenance

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date January 5, 2015
3 Comments on Top tips for easy patio and deck maintenance

By Marcus Fulker

With the warmer weather drawing us Aussies out of our homes and into the outdoors, now is the time to make sure your patio is in tip top shape. No matter how old your outdoor patio may be, maintaining it every year is the only way to make it last — so you can keep using it summer after summer. It’s always a good idea to sweep daily, wash yearly, and seal or polish every two to three years. Depending on whether you patio is made of stone pavers, concrete, or timber, and whether it is covered or uncovered, you will have different concerns, but whatever the case, it’s not hard to maintain your outdoor patio yourself.

Maintaining a stone paver patio

Pavers Patio - interiors addict — Source: Flickr

Weed Growth – If your outdoor patio is made of separate stone pavers placed on the ground and levelled, there will be small gaps between each paver. When it comes to grass and small plants growing up between the stones, maintaining your patio is much less of a hassle than replacing it.

If you are just installing a new stone paver patio, you can make it more difficult for plants to grow underneath it by laying a mesh weed screen before laying the pavers. If you do notice weeds growing between pavers in your outdoor patio, pull them out immediately, or use a weed killer spray to prevent regrowth. A natural, green alternative to store-bought weed killer is vinegar. Make sure that the space between the pavers is filled in with sand.

Cleaning & Stain Removal – Cleaning and sealing your patio regularly can also prevent dirt and stains from getting into the pavers, helping it to last and look fresh and new for longer. Make sure that you clean your patio prior to sealing or polishing it, or you will seal the dirt in.

To clean and remove dirt or stains, first try pressure washing or water from a hose and a scrub brush on a handle. If you have tough stains, you may need to use chemicals to remove them. Make sure to use protective gear, and try to use natural materials or diluted chemicals when possible to avoid killing any plants around your patio, or contaminating the ground.

Maintaining a concrete outdoor patio

Concrete Patio - interiors addict — Source: Flickr

If you are sweeping your concrete patio daily, it should not require much maintenance except for a twice-yearly cleaning to get rid of the dirt build-up, similar to a stone paver patio. Try pressure washing, or using a pressure nozzle on your hose and a broom or scrub brush. If you need to remove stains, use eco-friendly chemicals to avoid damaging your backyard. After washing and removing stains, apply an annual layer of paint or a sealant to protect your patio from the elements.

Concrete can be easier to maintain than pavers because it is one large piece, but if you do have cracks, make sure to repair them as soon as possible to prevent plant growth and further decay of your patio.

Maintaining a timber deck

Deck Patio - interiors addict — Source: Flickr

If you have a wooden deck instead of a patio, it still needs to be well maintained in order to look its best and last as long as possible.

Keep your deck clean and dry. Sweep it regularly, and pressure wash all vertical and horizontal surfaces yearly. You can use diluted laundry detergent or diluted, eco-friendly bleach to wash your timber deck if you have stains. Be careful not to leave cleaner on the timber for too long, or to pressure wash one spot too long as you could damage the wood.
When it comes to timber patios, you will need to inspect the wood for signs of rot, loose or protruding nails and splinters. Replace those pieces that could be a danger to you and your family and sand away areas that may have splinters – which typically means the railings.
Protect your deck with a deck stain or sealant designed for timber outdoor patios. Paints, stains and sealants can help protect your patio from damage caused by use, water, temperature fluctuations and more.

— Marcus Fulker is the managing director of Great Aussie Patios, Perth’s leading patio builder and patio design company since 2000.

Tags cleaning patios, clenaing, concrete patio, deck, Great Aussie Patios, Marcus Fulker, outdoor patio, patio, stain removal, stone paver patio, timber patio, wooden deck

Furniture

Transform your outdoor furniture on a budget

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 17, 2014
No Comments on Transform your outdoor furniture on a budget

Creating a glamorous and colourful outdoor area can be expensive, so instead of buying a whole new set of furniture why not have a go using Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover spray paint? At only $10.95 a bottle, it will help you quickly transform old, tired outdoor furniture and accessories on a budget!

Whether it’s wood, metal or plastic, Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover strongly bonds to virtually any surface, without priming. Outdoor spaces allow more daring creativity, with colours such as Key Lime, Seaside, Grape and Lagoon turning balconies, verandahs, tables, chairs, decorative lanterns, trays and plant pots into conversation pieces.

There are 32 rich and stylish colours to suit a variety of tastes. The formula’s double cover technology offers the best value in time and money, providing superior colour with less coats. And it provides premium chip and fade resistance for long-lasting durability.

Unique to Rust-Oleum spray paints is an any-angle comfort tip that reduces finger fatigue and sprays up, down and sideways to target intricate and difficult to reach spaces.

Your biggest issue might be knowing where to stop!

Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover is available from Bunnings and independent hardware stores nationally. For more information visit their website here.

Tags deck, furniture, outdoor furniture, rust-oleum, Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover, spray paint, verandah

Appliances

3 simple steps to get your deck summer ready

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 9, 2014

Aussies love the great outdoors and it’s fair to say that if you have a deck, you’ll be spending most of your summer days lounging about on it.

But the problem with decks is they can age very quickly! So don’t let the greying timber hinder your experience, replenish and protect your deck from UV damage with these three simple steps from Cabot’s, Australia’s leading woodcare product manufacturer.

Step 1: Exfoliate

Using a mix of Cabot’s Deck Clean and water in a bucket, scrub your timber with a broom to rid it of degraded timber fibres (the signs of ageing) and dirt. By eliminating the impurities and surface contaminants, you ensure a smooth finish when you apply your refreshing deck oil.

Step 2: Nourish

Now that you’ve prepped your timber, it’s time to nourish your clean, dry deck with Cabot’s Aquadeck. This water-based product is best applied with a lambswool applicator to ensure there are no streaks, lines or blend marks.

Apply Aquadeck liberally to the entire length of the timber board, approximately 2-3 boards at a time.

Step 3: Rejuvenate

Allow two hours’ drying time between coats. Once your first coat is dry, grab your lambswool applicator and repeat the process for a refreshed, young-looking timber.

When you’re done, wash your tools thoroughly in water. Wait at least eight hours before replacing furniture on your revitalised deck.

For best results

This three-step timber beauty regime should be repeated every spring to ensure your deck is protected from the visible signs of ageing. For product information, how-to guides and stockists, visit the Cabot’s website here.

Tags cabot's, deck, deck maintenance, decks, outdoors, timber, woodcare

Interiors Addict

Tait Outdoor turns 21 and offers 21% off everything for 21 days!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date May 15, 2013

Australian owned and 100% Australian made, Tait is one of Australia’s longest standing designer-manufacturers of indoor/outdoor furniture. To celebrate 21 years in business, Tait is offering 21% off all products, including orders, for 21 days, starting on Tuesday (21 May).

With a total of 20 different ranges – all designed, prototyped and manufactured in-house – Tait’s versatile furniture options can be found right across the country, in home, hospitality and commercial settings. In my opinion, they’re some of the coolest outdoor pieces around.

Tags australian made, deck, outdoor furniture, patio, sustainable, tait