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The project:
From Bare Backyard to Our Dream Outdoor Retreat
What started as a grassy backyard with nothing but a lonely shed became the outdoor space we’d always dreamed of. We completed this project to create a place where our family could cook, entertain and make lasting memories together. Every part was built by hand using Bunnings products, from extending the concrete slab, building pathways, planter boxes and privacy fencing, to installing an outdoor kitchen, Mimosa Veranda, fire pit and thriving gardens. It wasn’t just about renovating a backyard; it was about creating the heart of our home for years to come.
- Materials:
- Concrete mix
- Merbau timber
- Merbau timber stain
- Fence timber and posts
- Slate stone/cladding
- Decorative pebbles
- Outdoor stepping stones
- Topsoil
- Garden soil/potting mix
- Mulch
- Herbs
- Vegetable and herb seeds
- Seedlings
- Plants
- Garden edging
- Weed mat
- Fertiliser
- Timber screws
- Masonry screws and anchors
- Concrete anchors
- Nails
- Construction adhesive
- Silicone and sealant
- Bunnings Outdoor Kitchen Module
- Mimosa Veranda
- Mimosa Outdoor Dining Table
- Tools:
- Ozito Angle Grinder
- Ozito Drill Driver
- Ozito Impact Driver
- Ozito Circular Saw
- Ozito Mitre Saw
- Ozito Orbital Sander
- Measuring tape
- Spirit level
- Pencil
- Clamps
- Shovel
- Spade
- Wheelbarrow
- Trowel
- Rake
- Rubber mallet
- Caulking gun
- Paint brushes
- Paint rollers
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Dust masks
- Work gloves
- Knee pads
- Safety boots
- Protective workwear
- Step 1:
Step 1 – Planning & Designing
We started with a grassy, empty backyard that had nothing but a bare shed in the middle. We carefully measured the space, sketched a layout and planned dedicated zones for entertaining, dining, landscaping, pathways, a fire pit and garden beds. Every measurement was marked out using measuring tapes, pencils and spirit levels to ensure the design would flow seamlessly.
The entire backyard was cleared and levelled before construction began. We removed grass where required, prepared the ground for excavation and marked out the areas for the concrete extension, garden beds, pathways and fence extension.
- Step 2:
We extended our existing fence using timber from Bunnings to create a more private outdoor space. Every post and timber panel was carefully measured, marked, cut using Ozito power tools and securely installed for a seamless finish.
- Step 3:
To create a larger entertaining area, we carefully boxed, reinforced, levelled and poured an extension to the existing concrete slab using Bunnings concrete mix. This became the solid foundation for the outdoor kitchen, veranda and dining space.
- Step 4:
We built custom planter boxes from Merbau timber, carefully measuring, cutting, assembling and staining them with Merbau timber stain for a professional finish.
We carefully mapped out the garden pathway before digging it by hand. Once the ground was prepared, we installed decorative pebbles and outdoor stepping stones from Bunnings, creating a functional pathway that connects every area of the backyard.
- Step 5:
With the foundations complete, we assembled the Bunnings Outdoor Kitchen Module, installed the Mimosa Veranda and positioned the Mimosa Outdoor Dining Table to create a comfortable outdoor entertaining space for family meals and gatherings
- Step 6:
One of the biggest features of the project was our handcrafted slate feature wall. Every piece of slate was individually measured, precisely cut to size using an Ozito angle grinder and installed by hand.
- Step 7:
The outdoor kitchen became the centrepiece of our entertaining area. After preparing the space on our newly extended concrete slab, we assembled and installed the Bunnings Outdoor Kitchen Module, creating a functional cooking and entertaining zone where our family can enjoy BBQs, meals and gatherings together.
- Step 8:
We brought the backyard to life with landscaping materials from Bunnings, including soil, mulch, plants, seedlings, herbs and seeds for our own herb garden. We also created a dedicated fire pit area, adding another space for family and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
- Step 9:
The final stage was completing all finishing details, including staining timber, checking levels, securing fixtures and spreading topsoil across the lawn areas to create a smooth, even surface for healthy grass growth. After months of planning and countless weekends of hard work, our once empty backyard with a lonely shed was transformed into a complete outdoor retreat built by our own hands.
a place where our family can cook, relax and create memories for years to come.
