Tag: jason hodges

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Design Designers DIY Expert Tips Interiors Addict Outdoor & Exteriors

How to choose your outdoor paving pattern: 5 options

Summer means most homeowners will be using their backyards more at the moment. To add more value to your home, you may want to create an outdoor paved area, and you may be surprised how DIY-friendly a project it is!

Four-time Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) gold medallist and TV personality Jason Hodges, explains the many options in laying patterns and shares his top tips for creating the ultimate paved outdoor area for your home.

Jason suggests to first look at your backyard and make an assessment of the lay of the land. An important consideration when creating a backyard is the addition of colour and texture, as it sets the scene for the entire area. “Consider which paving colour will best compliment your existing space by matching them with roof tiles, guttering, bricks or render,” he advises.

Many homeowners choose pavers as they’re easy to install and make great DIY projects. Pavers allow you to get creative with different patterns producing unique focus points for your backyard without breaking the bank. “For variety, style and impact for your home, the flexibility that pavers provide is hard to beat. With any one paver, you can create four to six different paving pattern styles allowing you to find the right match for your home,” explains Jason.

How to pick your paving pattern

The most important element for those looking to DIY their own paving project is that some areas and paving patterns require half pavers to fill gaps, and this involves cutting. “Some paving patterns will require cuts via the use of a brick saw which can be hired from a local hire shop. While the hiring is easy, the operation of the saw requires caution and all of the required safety gear, so take your time or better still, engage the help of a tradesman,” says Jason.

Hot tip: If you are using pavers that will need to be cut, Jason suggests running a border around all of the pavers so that you don’t end up with little pavers on the edge.

1. Stretcher bond

Stretcher bond is the most common paving pattern as it’s super DIY friendly, requires minimal cutting, and leaves little wastage. A traditional pattern that replicates the classic look of brickwork, stretcher bond can also easily hide imperfections in the laying pattern.

2. Stack bond

Stack bond is an excellent choice when paving feature sections such as entertaining areas and patios, where the finished product sets the atmosphere of the space. Stack bond is a great paving pattern choice for large format pavers and can make smaller layouts appear bigger – a great design hack. This pattern is simple to install; however, it can become fiddly as you must lay each paver down by one corner, making sure that all four corners align for a straight stack look.

3. Herringbone

The herringbone pattern is a savvy design choice and is on the rise of making a stylish comeback. To achieve this look, take a smaller-sized paver and interlock the pavers on a 90-degree or 45-degree angle. Herringbone is an eye-catching pattern that will make a great first impression on any space.

4. Basket weave

The basket weave pattern is a design that adds character and dimension while complementing the existing brick surfaces of your home. When picking a paver to style a basket weave, take a close look at the aggregates (exposed coloured stones in your current brickwork), and choose a paver that is complimentary to the aggregate colours. To create a basket weave pattern, simply lay two rectangular pavers the same way each time, swapping in the direction of every “set” of two pavers, and repeat.

5. Mixing colours

Mixing paver colours is a hot new trend. Pavers of different colours and sizes create a modern paved look and also have the bonus ability to hide stains as the colour varies throughout the pattern, making it a fantastic choice for families. 

Watch Jason show you how it’s done!

Jason Hodges is an ambassador for Adbri, one of Australia’s pioneering construction materials and industrial mineral manufacturing companies.

Jason Hodges’ expert guide to a Hamptons style outdoor area

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Design Interiors Addict Outdoor & Exteriors Styling

Jason Hodges’ expert guide to a Hamptons style outdoor area

Architectural photography of a grey Hamptons style home facade with a topiary trees at the entrance and a bench set and flower pots

For over a decade, Australians have had a love affair with the Hamptons style, with the trend increasing throughout the 2020 renovation boom and now considered as one of the most desired design themes for Aussie homes in 2022. However, it’s not just the indoors where the Hamptons trend is featuring, it’s a favourite in outdoor areas as well.

Hamptons Coastal Moodboard

Award-winning landscape designer and Adbri Masonry ambassador, Jason Hodges, has shared his expert advice on achieving the Hamptons look, from your side path to your front garden.

Front garden and entry

The front garden and entry offer the first impression of your home, so it’s important to maximise street appeal. A typical Hamptons house garden consists of a mix of lush, green lawns, neatly trimmed hedges and topiaries, as well as traditional flowering plants mostly in blues, whites and purples, like hydrangeas, orchids and gardenias.  Rather than chaotic paving and random flowerbeds, Hamptons-style landscaping demands an organised approach, so structured symmetrical paving is essential. “Consider a lawn edging product to create formal and well-defined zones, such as Adbri Masonry’s lawn edge. It’s a versatile DIY-friendly garden edging unit perfect for separating the lawn from the garden bed. It also stops turf runners from creeping into plants,” says Jason.

Lawn Edge in Oatmeal

Driveway

Driveways don’t have to be just functional concrete slabs. Light-coloured rectangular pavers, such as Adbri Masonry’s Havenbrick, placed in a stretcher or herringbone pattern, add to the overall neat, manicured landscaping of the front yard and creates a stunning first impression leading up to your home. There are many different pavers to choose from, however, when considering pavers for your driveway, ensure they are rated for driveway use.

Side Paths

A well-presented side path is practical and attractive and can increase the value of your home, as well as adding valuable additional space to utilise. To have the continuity of Hamptons style throughout your property, consider a footpath or feature stepping stone path using large format square or rectangular concrete pavers. Concrete pavers such as Adbri Euro Classic or Euro Stone are hard-wearing, easy to install and look great. For added ‘wow’ factor, lay the pavers offset in a stretcher bond pattern and fill the voids with decorative stones or greenery.

Backyard

To many Australians, Hamptons gardens are synonymous with size, large expanses of lawn, pool houses and monster hedges. The reality is, there are key elements of a Hamptons style that can be brought into a garden of any size with smart material selection. A beautiful deck with white rails bordered by lush, green hedges will create the classic Hamptons garden design, however, if you have a smaller space, you can bring in the greenery with buxus balls that still allow for formality and provide a manicured aesthetic.

Jason suggests creating an entertaining area with large concrete pavers, where you can unwind with friends and family. “You need a functional paved area to appreciate the beauty of your garden.”

Jason adds: “You will never regret improving your home with a destination garden, you will get more out of your home, increase its value and literally feel like you are on holiday all year round.”

See Adbri Masonry’s “Kerb to Back Fence” manual for more

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Expert Tips Interiors Addict Outdoor & Exteriors

Expert tips to build your own family-friendly fire pit

Backyard fire pits are fashionable, affordable and practical, and are becoming increasingly popular as we look to utilise the outdoor space in winter with functional landscaping features. Essentially, a fire pit is the new water feature; it’s a great addition to the backyard, transforming the outdoor area into a cosy and inviting space.

“The ambience a fire pit brings is worth the investment alone, providing an enjoyable feature for the garden and a natural gathering spot for socialising and entertaining. It’s a great focal point, I like to describe it as nature’s TV and people are naturally drawn to the campfire-like atmosphere,” explains landscape expert and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador, Jason Hodges.

Fire pits come in many shapes and sizes and they are not all created equal. If you’re looking to entertain and have children or pets, the best option is a “family-friendly” fire pit made with concrete barrier blocks. These fire pits look great and provide extra safety by creating an attractive barrier around the fire, keeping flames out of reach of children and pets.

Jason offers a simple step-by-step DIY guide to building your very own family-friendly fire pit:

Choose the right spot

It’s important to choose a spot that is far enough away from plants, fences, trees or anything flammable. Consider the wind and the direction it will blow smoke from the fire. You should also be able to walk around the fire with ease.

Start digging

Dig a circular hole for the base of the fire – a three-foot diameter creates enough space for a good-sized fire while keeping everyone close enough to be able to chat.

Prepare the base

Spread sand throughout the trench and level. You can use a mortar mix of 6 parts sand and 1 part dry cement for a stable base.

Start building

Use concrete blocks to start constructing the wall around the pit. Choose a block that enables circular walls or has specialty corner units to save you cutting the units. Jason’s first choice is Adbri Masonry’s Miniwall blocks. They are easy to stack in a circle and give a great finish. For square and rectangular pits, use Versawall. If you are on a tight budget, using garden wall blocks can save you money as they double as a seating area, so no extra furniture is required.

Build your fire

Construct a tepee by stacking wood and kindling in the centre of the pit. Light the fire and enjoy all year around!

Watch this video with Jason for more guidance:

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Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors

Get your garden ready for spring with Jason Hodges’ top tips

Here’s Jason Hodges’ top tips for preparing your garden for spring to ensure your outdoor space is a thriving green paradise in no time:

Jason Hodges
  • To help your soil reach optimum levels come spring, fertilise anywhere between every six weeks and every three months for ultimate growth.
  • Mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulch insulates soil and acts as a buffer from cold temperatures. It also helps to retain water and keep roots moist.
  • Remove any damaged branches that you can see on your deciduous trees. 
  • Prune your trees and bushes so they have the best chance to bloom in spring.
  • Pick up fallen leaves regularly so your lawn gets as much sun as possible. 
  • Winter is a great time to start a herb garden. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, basil and lemongrass are hardy and very easy to grow, whether you have a balcony apartment, quarter acre or acreage. Start with herbs and then add vegetables. 

“Start on your garden now and it will be healthy and strong for Spring. Not only are you looking after your environment at home, you’re also looking after our environment as a nation and helping to preserve our most precious resource – water,” says Jason.

Jason is an ambassador for Charlie Carp. Their all-natural fertiliser products are available from Bunnings stores nationally.

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DIY Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to seal pavers to keep them looking their best

Photo by Jacqui Turk

We recently replaced our ancient old patio and made over our backyard with some beautiful EuroStone pavers from Adbri Masonry. And I learned the hard way, the importance of looking after them properly to keep them looking as good as the day they were laid! A few dropped icy poles and barbecue drips later, my beautiful patio was looking a little bit rough around the edges. This is when I remembered someone mentioning they could be sealed; something I’d neglected to get done. The good news is, you can do this easily yourself. I’ve now done it (all by myself!), so I can testify.

Photo by Jacqui Turk

Adbri have so many great DIY videos on their website, starring their ambassador, TV landscaper Jason Hodges. He’ll even show you how to lay your own pavers, but we felt this was a bit beyond our skills (or lack thereof!) and paid some experts to do it. This next video shows how easy it is to seal your own pavers, which is what I wish I’d done straight away.

Luckily, things hadn’t got too bad for my patio and after giving the stains a good scrub with a specialist paver and concrete cleaner, I was able to seal them. I chose a wet-look sealer because I thought it would be nice to bring out the exposed aggregate in the pavers a bit more. Probably the hardest part about sealing pavers is waiting for the right weather; not too hot and not likely to rain for a while, because you need two coats, whichever product you choose to use. You need to apply the sealer to dry pavers and then allow drying time between coats.

I used Berger Jet Dry Active Clean and Berger Jet Dry Stone & Paving Sealer Wet Look, which I bought at my local Bunnings. I used a short nap (4mm) roller (as per the directions on the can) on a pole. Each brand’s product will have slightly different application instructions.

Nothing a bit of elbow grease won’t fix!

Clean and ready to seal!

It really didn’t take long and it isn’t hard work. And once the second coat was complete, and dry, I really liked the slight sheen it gave and the way it brought out the look of the aggregates a bit more. It was a subtle change aesthetically though, and more about protecting them so they’ll stay looking good.

AFTER sealing they look slightly darker with a slight sheen and the aggregates a bit more obvious

I feel such a relief now I know it’s done and we can enjoy the rest of the sunny weather outside without stressing over every bit of dropped food (hello, toddler!).

My biggest advice though, is to do this as soon as your pavers are laid so they are still in 100% perfect condition.

There you go: I hope you’ll learn from my mistake and look after your pavers!

For more on Adbri Masonry.

For more on my reno.

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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Pool paving tips to make the most of your backyard

Anyone lucky enough to have a pool will know how quickly it becomes the centre of the backyard during the warmer, summer months. With Australians enjoying long days in the sun and cooler evening barbecues with family and friends, the pool area really comes into its own. The key to making the most out of your pool and surrounding space during the hotter months is to take the time to enhance these areas now.

Adbri Masonry Euro Classic Pool Pavers

Clever landscaping around your pool and aesthetic touches through greenery and lighting can increase the value of your property, which is always something worth investing in. Paving is also a great way to give your pool area a sleek finish, whilst providing a safe, slip resistant surface.

Here are my top paving and landscaping tips for transforming your pool area:

1. Make the pool area safe

The pool should be a place for families and individuals to relax, unwind and have fun in the comfort of their own backyard. If you’ve got kids or pets, build a fence around the pool to avoid potential accidents. Motorised pool covers and alarm systems are also available for added peace of mind. Ensure the surface area is level and consider pavers.

2. Choose the right paver

A good quality, slip-resistant paver is essential to minimise risk. Pavers such as Euro Classic and Euro Slate are ideal for this type of environment and application. The Euro Stone paver boasts a coarser texture and is a top choice for both aesthetics and slip resistance. Choose a colour that complements the home and surrounds.

Adbri_Feature Wall_Pool Pavers

3. Light up the night

Adding spot lighting around the pool will really bring the area to life. Retaining walls provide a great opportunity to incorporate lighting into the pool area and can add height and depth to poolside areas. A vertical wall will provide additional perspective and help enhance the effects of lighting.

4. Consider your background greenery

Plants and greenery will give the pool area a tropical, holiday feel. The benefit of installing garden walls around pool areas is that they allow you to use premium soils and potting mixes, as opposed to using whatever soil is available in the ground. Better still, because they are raised walls the majority of plants will be protected from splashing and pool water. The raised walls will create a more aesthetically pleasing pool area and is a great opportunity to get adventurous with you background flowering plants and greenery.

— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.

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DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Paving made easy with our simple step-by-step guide

Whether you’re looking to create a feature zone for dining or entertaining, complete a poolside area or build a garden path, pavers are a clever and effective way to make the best use of any space, and they’re a lot easier to lay than many people think. Time-poor homeowners are looking for practical ways to bring the family together while showcasing their individuality and personal style and DIY pavers fit this bill perfectly.

Here, are my step-by-step instructions for tackling any paving job.

1. Excavation

Step 1 - Excavation

Mark out the area to be paved allowing a little extra for working room. Remove any soil, grass and all loose debris and vegetation and ensure to excavate deep enough to allow for selected paving and sub base construction. For pedestrian paving projects, you can work off 100mm of road base, 30mm of sand plus the thickness of your paver. (This is not applicable for driveway paving).

2. Preparing the base

Step 2 - Preparing Base

It’s all about the base! Getting the foundation right is the key to your long-lasting and low maintenance paved area. Start by distributing road base evenly over the excavated area. Compact the road base with a plate compactor (whacker-packer) at least twice – remember your hearing protection for this part of the job. Spread washed sand over the compacted road base to a thickness of 25-to-30mm. Screed the sand with a timber float or straight edge and ensure it is on the same plane – check with a spirit level.

3. Laying the pavers

Step 3 - Laying the pavers

Set up a string line running along the edge(s) of your paved area. The string line will help ensure your edges are straight and pavers are flush. Begin laying pavers starting at one end of the project and working your way across. Leave a 3mm gap between the pavers for the jointing sand (you will sweep this in later). Ensure each paver is square with the string line and level using the spirit level. Wriggle pavers into place and tap with rubber mallet where required to ensure level.

4. Edging and locking in the paving

Step 4 - Edging and locking in the paving

This is another really key step; you have laid your pavers and now you need to make sure they stay in place. Utilise a sand and cement mix to ‘haunch’ or lock-in around all sides of your pavers. This is achieved by making a small sand and cement mix in a wheelbarrow and then screeding this mix along the edge of your paver from the base to approximately 75 per cent of the paver’s height on an angle. This helps to ‘lock in’ the paved area and to help pavers stay in place. It does not hurt to also use a little of the sand and cement underneath the outer header course, as this will create even more strength.

5. Locking sand and sealing

Step 5 - Locking sand and sealing

Finally you can now add the locking sand. Sweep this sand in dry and it will fill the 3mm gaps you left in the pavers. Once the sand is settled you can use a whacker-packer with an old piece of carpet beneath it to compress and settle the pavers into the sand bed ensuring a great finish. Hose down area upon completion. Although not a must, sealers can enhance the look of the paver as well as protect it from both the elements and day-to-day wear and tear such as food fats and general staining.

— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.

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Designers Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

Meet your favourite celebs at Better Homes and Gardens Live

If you love the popular magazine and TV show, you will love Better Homes and Gardens Live, an interactive experience with everything from cooking and craft workshops, to gardening and building demonstrations.

Better Homes and Gardens cast 2015

Kicking off in Perth from October 23-to-25, at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, and then heading to Sydney from November 13-to-15, at Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park; the three-day event is the perfect mix of inspiration, education and fun.

Food enthusiasts can watch Fast Ed, Karen Martini and Ellie Vernon cook up a storm on the Food Stage, while interior design enthusiasts can learn styling secrets from Tara Dennis, Demi Harman, Julia Matthews and Dora Papas at the Decorating & Craft Stage. If it’s a green thumb you’re after, join Jason Hodges on the Gardening Stage to answer your landscaping and gardening questions, while Roger Fox will help kids nurture their own seedlings in the KidZone.

Adam
Adam

House Rules winner and carpenter Adam Dovile will be presenting at the DIY & Building Stage to share easy and quick fixes for around the home, and if you’re a pet lover, Dr. Harry will be sharing his experiences with our furry friends at the Pets Stage.

New to Better Homes and Gardens Live this year are the intimate masterclasses, which will give you a chance to learn from and work with the experts and the Better You section, where you can find out all about the latest beauty trends, and revitalise your body and soul with everything health and wellness related.

Jason
Jason

So, whether you’re a new homeowner looking for DIY renovating tips, a parent needing guidance on the best pet to buy, a keen shopper looking for a unique purchase or a large family trying to find ideas for saving space around the house, this event is the perfect chance to get expert advice and have some fun doing it.

Buy tickets.

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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Create an inner city chic style backyard

No longer content with simply personalising the indoors, we are seeing a growing trend in homeowners choosing a distinct style for their backyard, one that compliments their own taste as well as the style of the home.

Vertical garden

One of the most popular styles that is beginning to emerge is inner city chic, due in part to its stylish, contemporary nature and the fact that backyard space is becoming even more limited.

While small, this is certainly not the defining characteristic of inner city chic, rather think smart, multi-usage pieces and a clever use of limited space. This style is modern and minimalist and perfect for the time poor and those that love to entertain. Here’s how to create the look in any backyard:

1. Add a vertical garden

To maximise available space, add a functional vertical garden to an unused wall. Layering by colour and texture will add visual interest and make the space look even bigger. There are lots of ways to create a vertical garden; using individual aluminium pots will provide a chic finish.

2. Start from the ground up

IMG_3765

Space is limited and every purchasing decision counts because it will be highly visible. It’s like a painting, you need to start with the right canvas and for your city chic space the foundation is your flooring. Large format pavers work best in small spaces as they give the impression of greater space. Choose a dark colour for a modern and minimalist look and avoid intricate patterns. Euro Stone in the linear 600×400 perspective can be used to great effect and the natural grey Zurich colour is a popular choice for this style as it’s in vogue with city living.

3. Think multi-function

IMG_3222

With space generally at a minimum, clever storage solutions are a must to create your functional outdoor space. A wall mounted bike rack will not only save space; they can look pretty stylish too.

4. Light it up

The right lighting will add another dimension to your outdoor space. Industrial style chrome or copper features will complement the space with a minimalist touch.

5. Choose furniture wisely

IMG_7912_small

Choose space savvy furnishings that double as extra storage to help get the most from your backyard. Select a dining set where the seats fit discreetly underneath and can be tucked away if not in use. We can often get caught up in buying the biggest settings thinking about the rare occasions where we entertain the whole street! I recommend buying pieces that suit your most common use – which is generally hosting the family or a small group.

— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.

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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

7 ways to prepare your backyard for spring

With spring on the horizon, there is no better time to reawaken and rejuvenate the backyard in preparation for the warmer seasons ahead. Reviving the garden can be an enjoyable activity for the whole family. You can transform the outdoor space and inject a new lease of life over the course of a weekend, preparing the family’s favourite room for the upcoming barbecues and endless evenings of entertaining. Here’s seven tips for transforming your backyard in time for spring:

Jason Hodges, Adbri ambassador

1. Build a veggie patch

Spring is the season of new life and marks the perfect time to raise and grow little ones of your own, herbs and veggies that is! Building your own raised veggie garden is simple; allocate space which will receive enough sun, mark out your area and then install a raised garden wall using dry retaining wall blocks. Bring in quality soil and then plant your favourite produce. A veggie patch is a great way to make use of forgotten corners of the garden to grow your own groceries.

2. Create a zoned garden

Zones in the backyard can create defined areas for eating, cooking, lounging or whatever is required. Define zones using fencing, plants or materials such as pavers, grass or gravel to help each area stand out on its own. A zoned garden will appear bigger and each area will have its own purpose.

3. Add furniture and accessorise

Zoned outdoor space

Selecting the right furniture is imperative to achieving the desired look and feel and maximising the time spent in the backyard. Start by considering your lifestyle and how you anticipate the room will be used. Lounges and deep seaters are perfect for those who like to relax whereas dining settings are best for those who love long family meals. Include some decorative elements to add personality to the space.

4. Enhance the look of the lawn

Spruce up the driveway

Replacing old or damaged turf is a quick way to enhance the look of your home. Healthy turf will bring a bright, fresh appearance to your outdoor space and this simple project gives a great finishing touch. Aerate the lawn with a garden fork and remove any debris. Fertilise if required and sprinkle grass seed over any bare spots. For a more dramatic, neat finish, add garden edging.

5. Pressure clean paved areas

Transform old into new again in time for the entertaining season. Bring your driveway or any paved area back to life with a power wash. It’s quick and easy to do and will not only improve the appearance but with pressure cleaning you may also remove any oil or moss and restore the slip resistance of the surface.

6. Introduce a water feature

Adbri feature wall - pool

Adding a water feature to the outdoor room can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space. There are some fantastic water feature options on the market today. Water features can also serve a functional purpose such as blocking out noise from traffic or neighbours and add a peaceful ambiance to the garden. A stone feature wall will add some texture and make a water feature pop, making the greatest impact.

7. Add creative lighting

With longer, warmer days around the corner, spring is the perfect time to start using the outdoor space into the evening. Lighting allows you to utilise the backyard all year round as well as after the sun goes down. With a huge variety of lighting options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to compliment the style of the backyard.

— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.

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DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Getting the most from your pavers

Paving is one of the most durable and long-lasting options for transforming the backyard, driveway and pathways around the home. It’s the perfect choice to transform any outdoor space and requires very little maintenance meaning more time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. If looked after properly, paved entertaining areas can last for many years to come.

Euro Stone

To preserve the colour and condition of your pavers and keep your paved area looking pristine for longer, some maintenance is advised. Here are my top three tips:

1) Clean pavers periodically

IMG_8847_LR

Leaves and other materials like oils and food from barbecues can stain or discolour pavers if they are allowed to remain in contact with the surface for prolonged periods. Concrete segmental pavements can be routinely cleaned just like any other pavement, however; precautions must be taken during the very early life of the pavement to avoid removing the jointing sand during cleaning operations. For the first three months, pavements should be cleaned with soapy water and a stiff broom, after which time pressure cleaners can be used.

2) Protect your pavers

Euro Slate

Maintain the jointing sand to protect the pavement’s structural integrity. Check pavers for small, localised problems and repair them promptly – this can help you avoid having to undertake major maintenance of large areas. One of the many advantages of segmental paving is that individual pavers that become chipped or damaged can easily be picked up and replaced. It’s advised to purchase more pavers than required for replacements over the lifetime of the project, about 5 per cent more should be sufficient and having the excess stock from the same batch will reduce colour matching challenges in the future

3) Sealing Pavers

Havenpave Oatmeal

Although not essential for structural purposes, sealing your pavers at the beginning of the project can help preserve the colour and surface of the pavement as well as guard against chipping or dulling, particularly during extreme weather conditions. The sealant maintains the brightness of the paver surface. You can re-seal a paved area every few years if necessary.

Although pavers generally require very little maintenance, choosing the right pavers will require even less maintenance. Dark coloured pavers won’t show stains as easily and as such are a great choice for families or keen entertainers. A good quality paver will also last longer so won’t need to be replaced for years to come. If in doubt about how best to maintain your pavers, visit the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia and download the fact sheet.

— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.

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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Build your own fire pit and enjoy the backyard all year round

Backyard fire pits are becoming increasingly popular as we look to utilise our outdoor space year round. Adding a fire pit provides an immediate feature for your garden, as well as being a great spot for socialising, keeping warm and even cooking.

Fire pit - Adbri Masonry

Building your own fire pit is also a simple weekend DIY job. And for those that love the outdoors, entertaining or star-gazing on a cool night, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Here’s how to do it.

1. Choose the right spot

It’s important to choose a spot that is far enough away from plants, fences, trees or anything flammable. Consider the wind and the direction it will blow smoke from the fire. You should also be able to walk around the fire with ease.

2. Start digging!

Dig a circular hole for the base of the fire – a three-foot diameter creates enough space for a good-sized fire while keeping everyone close enough to be able to chat.

8578-640x383
Jason

3. Prepare the base

Level out some road base and compact. Once this is complete, spread sand throughout the trench and level. Sprinkle some neat cement over the levelled sand as this will help keep everything in place once you finish building and hose down your fire pit.

4. Start building

Use concrete blocks to start constructing the wall around the pit. Choose a block that enables circular walls or has speciality corner units to save you cutting the units. My first choice would be Adbri Masonry’s Miniwall blocks, a great choice for DIY. They are easy to stack, do not require any mortar or glues and give a great finish. For square and rectangular pits, use Versawall.

Adbri Masonry fire pit

5. Build your fire

Construct a tepee by stacking wood and kindling in the centre of the pit. Light the fire and enjoy all winter long!

— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.

Categories
Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors Styling

Making the most of limited outdoor space

By Jason Hodges

Australians love the outdoors but are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve the right balance between indoor-outdoor living. No matter what size your backyard is, it’s possible to create your very own urban oasis to enjoy after a hectic day in the office and to entertain family and friends. My top tip is to take time in planning and aim to create a functional outdoor sanctuary that makes the most of your outdoor space and is the perfect getaway from the everyday.

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Jason

But if you have a small outdoor space, don’t fear! You can still make a beautiful retreat and here’s how:

1) Go vertical!

Save space in the backyard by adding a funky and functional vertical garden to an unused wall. Layering by colour and texture will add visual interest and make the space look even bigger.

2) Built-in seating

Choosing the right pavers

A built-in seating or dining area helps give the area structure and maximises the usability of all the available space. You can achieve this via walls that double as seats or seats that double as storage under the benches.

3) Declutter

A good clean up and declutter of the backyard can give it a new lease of life. Prune or reorganise plants and get rid of anything that’s out of place. Take a look at your outdoor furniture and make sure it is in scale to the rest of the yard. Keep it simple — a clean and simple backyard will give the illusion of more space.

4) Choose the right pavers

Large format pavers work best in smaller spaces as they give the impression of space. Avoid intricate patterns and choose a neutral colour for greater impact.

5) Create zones

Zoned courtyard

Zones in the backyard can create areas for eating, cooking, lounging or whatever is required. Define these zones using fencing, plants or materials such as pavers, grass or gravel to help each area stand on its own. A zoned garden will appear bigger and each area will have its own purpose.

— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.

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Interiors Addict

Win tickets to Better Homes & Gardens LIVE in Melbourne

Enjoy a great family day out at Better Homes and Gardens LIVE from 24 – 26 February 2012 at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton, Melbourne.

The event brings to life the pages of Australia’s favourite magazine, providing homemakers, DIY enthusiasts, keen gardeners and aspiring cooks with inspiring new ideas for their home and garden.

Don’t miss live stage shows from your favourite TV presenters, inspiring ideas, workshops and products for you to try and sensational shopping from over 250 exhibitors. With plenty of entertainment for the children, this is a day out for the whole family.

All your favourite Better Homes and Gardens TV experts will be there. Graham Ross, Tara Dennis, ‘Fast’ Ed, Karen Martini, Jason Hodges, Rob Palmer and Johanna Griggs will take to the stage to share their creative and original ideas to help you make yours a better home and garden.

Interiors Addict has 10 double passes to give away to the first 10 people to email [email protected] with ‘BHG LIVE’ in the subject heading.

SPECIAL OFFER

If you’re not lucky enough to win, purchase a double ticket (admits 2) for just $20 – that’s 50% off the door price! To take advantage of this offer, simply click here and enter the code BHGLIVE18. But hurry, the offer ends at 5pm on 10 February.