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.
AFTER A fresh, clean look
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.
Removing the old deck
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.
AFTER Naomi styled the deck with all-important finishing touches including plenty of greenery
“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!”
It finally stopped raining long enough in Sydney for us to shoot these photos of the finished deck and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. I also can’t wait to spend as much time out here as possible over the holidays!
When we bought this house, although it needed a lot of work to bring it up to the 21st century, we loved the size, the flat block and the backyard which had both an entertaining area –now decked– and a lawn for the kids. Although we still have a few things to finish, seeing it come together like this makes me so happy. We intend to live here for many years and I am thrilled that we now have an outdoor area that really does function as extra living space and an outdoor room (or two). It’s also brought the exterior up to date in a big way!
My husband Damian and I agree it’s now our second favourite space in the house after the kitchen. This may sound like a half-baked compliment but when you consider it’s not actually an enclosed room, I think it’s high praise indeed!
Although the new Trex deck is no bigger than the paved area was before, it feels so much bigger. This is due to a few things: the planks laid horizontally give the illusion of a wider space, the deck comes out from the French doors at the same height which gives great indoor/outdoor flow, we’ve removed the old timber pergola which was about halfway down, plus the light grey composite deck gives a modern, clean aesthetic.
The addition of the steps down to the lawn give it a really slick, finished look and nicely separate the two distinct areas. They’re also great to sit on and put pots on! I’m really glad I went with the grey colour, Island Mist, of the Trex Transcend decking collection, because it has toned down our sixties red brick house and it looks modern (while still in keeping), light and bright.
Because we no longer have a big back step, we can make use of extra space near the French doors, so we now have two distinct areas: one off the dining room for lounging with a coffee or a glass of wine (this was always my dream!) and the other further back for the barbecue and large dining table for entertaining friends. We can look out onto the lawn from wherever we’re sitting and there’s still room for the paddling pool if needed. What more can a girl ask for (maybe a spa, Santa?!)?
If I had to say what I love best about our Trex deck apart from the aesthetics, it would be the low maintenance aspect. And the fact it is hardwearing means I don’t cringe every time Seb rides his scooter over it or drops food on it, knowing it won’t scratch and I can easily hose anything off it. We’ve had plenty of rain (too much!) lately so I can see it drains well and dries off in the sun. While it does get quite hot under direct sun (we’re getting a retractable awning soon), so does any hard surface, including timber. This is the only minor negative I can find but the many other advantages of a composite deck far outweigh it in my honest opinion. I don’t make habit of hanging around in direct sun anyway!
In a nutshell I am absolutely thrilled with the finished product and the process of having it delivered and built was exceptional. The new deck has massively improved the use we can get out of our outdoor area for entertaining, eating as a family and just simply relaxing, right in time for summer. But we love it so much I think we’ll be out there even when it’s colder, huddled around our firepit!
Our al fresco’s now almost finished with new lighting, retractable awning and vertical herb garden still on the list. The new life that has been breathed into this backyard with our Trex deck make the mortgage repayments and living out in the ‘burbs seem more worthwhile than ever!
And before I sign off, here’s a little reminder of what it looked like when we bought it!
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.
Bye bye back step!
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!
These smart steps provide a great transition to the lawn which was definitely missing before.
Make sure you come back next week to see it all! And if you have any questions, please ask them in the comments.
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!).
My choice: Trex Transcend in Island Mist
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.
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.
BEFOREAFTER
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.
BEFOREAFTER
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.
BEFOREAFTER
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.
BEFOREAFTERAFTER
–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.
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.
Photo credit: Peter Campbell-Lloyd, Deck-Max QLD
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.
Photo credit: Peter Campbell-Lloyd, Deck-Max QLD
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.
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.
BEFOREAFTERAFTER
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.
Spring renovation season has arrived and many homeowners are turning their attention to revitalising outdoor areas ahead of summer entertaining. Installing a timber deck can add an attracting and practical backdrop for days spent alfresco.
With a number of decking options to choose from, Leon Travis, national sales and distribution manager at Boral Timber, offers some tips for choosing decking timbers.
Selecting decking timber
Choosing decking timber largely comes down to personal preference. Australian hardwood species, such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum or River Reds are a durable option for outdoor spaces and offer high density, toughness, colour spect rum and natural beauty. A species’ Janka rating is used to identify its hardness – the higher the rating, the greater the hardness. It is important to consider a timber species durability rating for outdoor applications.
Timber is rated for in-ground durability and above-ground durability, from Class 1 (the most durable) to Class 4 (the least durable). This provides guidelines as to which species to choose for the area where decking will be installed. For example, a fully exposed area with high moisture (such as in a wet or tropical climate) may require a Class 1 (above ground) timber such as Ironbark, Tallowwood, Spotted Gum or Blackbutt.
Blackbutt and Spotted Gum species have fire resisting properties, making them suitable for homes in bushfire prone areas. Commercial decking products are ideal for those who want to achieve a more industrial look. Boral’s range of commercial 135 x 32mm decking boards boast a greater load capacity than standard decking, offering a strong and durable option for outdoor living and entertaining spaces. The boards can be fixed with large stainless steel bugle screws, which complement the size and strength of the decking and are consistent with the look and feel of a contemporary commercial space.
Building a deck
When it comes to building a deck, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Consulting a licensed builder, architect or engineer can help to ensure all building codes and Australian Standards are adhered to. In addition, depending on the scope of the deck, detailed plans and building approvals may be required.
Those constructing a deck in bush-fire prone areas should consult Australian Standard AS3959: Construction of Buildings in Bush Fire Prone Areas. Local councils will be able to assist with information on the relevant regulations.
Maintaining a timber deck
Homeowners can help to preserve the colour and improve the life of a deck by regularly cleaning and maintaining it. If applying specialised cleaning products, loose dirt or garden residue should be swept away before. By simply sanding and coating exposed surfaces with a decking finish, homeowners can help to restore the existing deck to its original appearance.
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.
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.
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.
The addition of timber screening is a smart, simple and relatively quick way to create inviting lifestyle zones outside. Along with the practical benefits of providing privacy and shade, screening can also add visual interest to an outdoor design scheme.
But first what is timber screening? Timber screening is the vertical application of timber decking boards, typically, with a gap between boards to allow light and breezes to filter through, maintaining a connection to the surrounding environment. As an organic material, timber screening integrates seamlessly with landscaping and provides a link between natural and built environments. Australian hardwoods are a popular choice for screening, as they suit a range of landscapes.
Below Boral share six ideas for timber screening projects:
1. Frame barbecue and dining areas, or reading nooks with seating, with timber screening to create separate and sheltered spaces.
2. Disguise unsightly walls, fences or neighbours’ sheds with the addition of timber screening built to size.
3. Use timber screening as a base for a feature wall to display herbs or potted colour.
4. Position timber screening alongside a north-facing home office, nursery or bedroom window to help minimise excess sunlight and keep the room cooler in summer.
5. Maintain privacy by adding timber screening in outdoor areas that are overlooked by neighbouring properties or can be seen from the street.
6. Incorporate timber screening into landscape design. It can provide protection while plants are still growing and a natural backdrop as plants reach full height.
The Easter break poses a welcome opportunity to undertake DIY and ‘fix-it’ jobs that have been put off around the home. A good place to start is a simple yet effective update to your deck! You can simply ‘refresh’ or create on-trend looks thanks to Feast Watson’s range of decking products. Here are some handy tips:
Starting from scratch
A new deck always starts with the right timber choice and the right timber treatments. Feast Watson have pulled together a collection of some of the most popular timbers perfect for creating inspiring and on-trend decking.
CYPRESS PINE is an Australian softwood, despite its apparent hardness. It varies in colour from pale yellow to variegated browns. Although Cypress Pine has a fine even texture, knots are very common and it tends to be brittle and prone to fine surface checking.
JARRAH is a heavy, tough Australian hardwood with a distinctive dark red colouration.
SPOTTED GUM is a very dense, oily Australian hardwood that ranges from pale to dark brown. It is essential to weather and clean Spotted Gum with Feast Watson Woodclean (as per label instructions). Note: Spotted Gum is often present in decking timber sold as ‘mixed hardwood’.
TREATED PINE is Radiata Pine that has been pressure treated to resist decay, termites and fungi. This treatment involves saturating the timber, so it is essential to leave Treated Pine to dry properly before staining. Tip: When choosing your timber and constructing your deck you’ll need to allow it to weather in its final position for four-to-six weeks before coating. After this time, prepare timber for coating using Feast Watson Woodclean as per the instructions. For best results, lightly sand the surface to remove any grain raise. Remember to remove all sanding dust before coating.
Looking for a simple refresh?
It’s difficult to state an exact timeframe for how often timber decks 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, we suggest you conduct a regular annual inspection of the coating, and touch up any areas that are looking worn. A full recoat is required when the overall coating is looking tired and in need of a refresh. Tip: Refresh regularly as it’s easier to maintain the coating before it becomes too worn and the timber underneath starts to degrade.
Decking Oil: Try Feast Watson Decking Oil to refresh your deck. It’s a hardwearing, semi-transparent timber coating that enhances the natural beauty of timber whilst protecting it from Australia’s harsh conditions. If you’re looking for a higher sheen, try Feast Watson Wet Look Deck.
BeforeAfter
Looking for a whole new style?
When it comes to home renovation and decorating, there has been a move away from traditional finishes that simply protect and maintain the natural look of timber. The newest trends in decking are finishes that create a unique statement and provide impressive bases for outdoor entertaining.
Grey Look Deck
Feast Watson Grey Look Deck provides an immediate grey, naturally weathered timber look and durable protection. Formulated to appear grey, the finish protects timber from harsh Australian conditions and will increase in colour intensity over time.
Wet Look Deck
Feast Watson Wet Look Deck provides homeowners with a timber finish that has a long lasting, freshly coated ‘wet’ look. Feast Watson Wet Look Deck is a great base for an outdoor room in need of a fresh, clean look.
Dark Deck
Try Feast Watson Timber Deck & Stain for a deep colour option. We’re seeing a resurgence in the use of darker coloured stains such as black and ebony, to enhance outdoor areas. Feast Watson Timber Deck & Stain in Black Japan is a great dark colour option and can be matched with interior flooring to encourage style consistency throughout the home.
For a new decking look or a simple decking update, try Feast Watson Grey Look Deck, Wet Look Deck, Decking Oil and Timber & Decking Stain and more. To find out more about Feast Watson products and their application, visit their website and for inspiration, check out the Feast Watson Instagram.
Deck stains have come a long way and are as much about aesthetics and creating a fashionable entertaining space as they are about maintaining and caring for your timber these days. It’s now perfectly possible to bring the indoors out for a seamless entertaining room/area, which we know Aussies love!
Feast Watson’s Black Japan. You control the intensity of the finish by choosing how many coats
If you’re automatically thinking of warmer tones, stop right there! Colours like Feast Watson’s Black Japan and other darker stains provide a great contrast for the neutral colours you might have on your lounges and rugs. Now you can achieve similar finishes and colours on floors inside and out, creating a seamless transition.
Feast Watson’s Black Japan Floor Finish is perfect for savvy homeowners who are looking to introduce a dramatic dark flooring style into their interiors. Something as simple as beautiful floorboards can really set the tone for a room and make a big difference, just like a coat of fresh paint on your walls. This product uses a three-coat system, so you can even choose the intensity of the colour.
Feast Watson’s Timber and Decking Stain for exterior use
And while outdoor spaces have truly become an extension of our living areas, where we relax and entertain, we mustn’t forget that the harsh Aussie elements, not least the sun and its damaging UV rays, mean they need maximum protection to keep them looking their best.
Gone are the traditional methods of achieving these finishes, with a direct stain and a clear top coat. The reformulated Timber and Deck Stain by Feast Watson creates a beautiful finish while still allowing the natural grain of timber to shine through. You can continue the dark look in your alfresco area using the stain in Black Japan or Taman Merbau. The stain adds colour to timber without hiding the natural grain. It’s ideal for making timber coordinate with your house and landscape design, or to renew the colour of grey, weathered timber.
With its oil rich formula, it protects timber from the destructive effects of weathering. With additives to protect against water, UV and mould, Feast Watson Timber and Deck Stain keeps timber looking beautiful for longer. Available in four pre-packaged colours, Timber & Deck Stain is resistant to cracking, peeling and blistering and is suitable for use over bare and previously coated timber. For stunning interiors inside and out, there is a Feast Watson product available for every surface to achieve perfect looking timber floors.
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!
Now I love a spot of reading outside on a balmy evening!
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
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.
