🖼️
The project:
I wanted to transform the courtyard into a more open, modern space that would be perfect for entertaining family and friends. To achieve this, I built a timber slat fence to conceal the existing fence while creating a clean, contemporary backdrop. I also created a feature panel to add character and a striking focal point surrounded by screening greenery, while newly laid pavers provide a seamless and functional finish. Planter boxes were added to introduce screening greenery and soften the space, completing the overall look. The finished courtyard is now a fresh, welcoming outdoor space that's ideal for relaxing and entertaining.
- Materials:
Timber slat fence
Galvanised steel fence posts
Galvanised steel fence post cap
https://www.bunnings.com.au/australian-handyman-supplies-89-x-89mm-90-x-90-galvanised-steel-fence-post-cap_p1140472
Craftright Clamps
https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-100mm-g-clamp-pa90095_p0563995
Deck spacers
https://www.bunnings.com.au/titan-deck-spacers-4-pack_p0658848
Bastion 20kg Concrete Mix
https://www.bunnings.com.au/bastion-20kg-concrete-mix_p0760344
Cabots Decking oil
https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-4l-merbau-aquadeck-exterior-decking-oil_p1520084
Balcony Shade cloth
https://www.bunnings.com.au/pillar-products-0-9-x-6m-woodland-grey-85-balcony-screen_p0096971?store=5220&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22214611398&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB8l9oVq7HsMe5sgvW5C7xJUj&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P5sh_6fofUexvI7yarnvUPdgix2cI6l8EfC6H1BK2_yOYtrk5BuarhoCTSQQAvD_BwE
Cordless Drill
Cabots Decking oil
https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-4l-merbau-aquadeck-exterior-decking-oil_p1520084
Winged self drilling screws
T Handle Socket set
Paint brushes
Timber slat panel & Greenery
Outdoor Framing Timber
https://www.bunnings.com.au/70-x-45mm-outdoor-framing-h3-treated-pine-3m_p8032128
Reinforcing Angle Bracket
https://www.bunnings.com.au/carinya-60-x-60-x-40-x-2mm-galvanised-reinforcing-angle-bracket-8-pack_p3962403
White pebbles
https://www.bunnings.com.au/tuscan-path-10-15mm-10kg-snow-white-quartz-pebbles_p3463667
Cordless Drill
Bullet head nails
Paint brushes
Screening plants
Weed mats
https://www.bunnings.com.au/saxon-0-9-x-10m-non-woven-weed-control-mat_p0831170
Planter boxes
White Planter box
https://www.bunnings.com.au/northcote-pottery-80cm-white-emmerson-trough_p0286020?store=5121&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23022021534&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB_ebh8Uqf5sUwyU_nrMoLGD2&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P8Ljd0hxcLNL0wG52uX51yOUcuvNSowJzlqEueKS61fjXYTIOIjuPxoC59cQAvD_BwE
Backyard Bliss Lilly Pilly Plants from Bunnings $134
Pavers
https://www.bunnings.com.au/brighton-masonry-400-x-200-x-40mm-charcoal-mypave-424-paver_p3451610
Yates premium potting mix
https://www.bunnings.com.au/yates-30l-premium-potting-mix-with-dynamic-lifter_p0348025
Pavers
400mm x 400mm pavers
https://www.bunnings.com.au/brighton-masonry-400-x-400-x-40mm-onyx-premium-pave-444-paver_p3452355?store=5121&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23022021534&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB_ebh8Uqf5sUwyU_nrMoLGD2&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P3n78F6zirBJPL5En82mblImXyjItc845Hcqw0tpdvGzSgTvjabX7BoCLh4QAvD_BwE
Paver sand
https://www.bunnings.com.au/brunnings-20kg-landscape-paver-sand_p3460166?store=5121&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23022021534&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB_ebh8Uqf5sUwyU_nrMoLGD2&gclid=CjwKCAjwvZHTBhAlEiwA1ug5P7kUru94-P4qg4Hs_4UUE7x8dg6D5RlORl3QNNtC_DzKO_ycncJ7vBoCAyMQAvD_BwE
- Tools:
All listed above
- Step 1:
Removed plants, shade cloth, bins and cleared the courtyard area.
BEFORE
AFTER
- Step 2:
Measured and marked out the fence line to ensure accurate post spacing. Dug evenly spaced post holes and put the galvanised steel posts with caps in the ground, setting them in concrete and allowing them to cure overnight. Then added the shade cloth along the back of the posts to keep the leaves from falling down behind the fence.
- Step 3:
Measured, cut and prepared the timber to the required lengths. This included sanding off the stain on the timber lengths and removing nails (repurposed timber slats). Painted each slat with decking oil before putting into position on the posts. Positioned the timber slats against the steel posts, using clamps to hold each slat in place and used the spacers of 6mm between each timber slat. Secured each slat to the galvanised posts using winged self-drilling screws.
- Step 4:
Measured, cut the framing timber to the required lengths and painted with decking oil. The panel was made from repurposed timber slats then I secured the slats with nails and reinforced the corners with angle brackets for added strength. I used the decking spacers to create an even pattern. Again painting with the decking oil. Once the panel was complete I attached it to 2 parts of the old broken clothes line I had removed. I installed the feature panel on the side fence as a decorative screening element. White decorative pebbles on top of some weed mat were used underneath the panel and screening plants. .
- Step 5:
I positioned the planter boxes on top of the pavers (200x400mm) to distribute the weight evenly and prevent them from sinking into the garden bed or damaging the edges of the larger pavers. Checked that each planter box was level and evenly spaced to suit the overall courtyard design. Filled each planter box with Yates Premium potting mix, planted Lilly Pilly backyard bliss screening plants,
- Step 6:
Removed the existing pavers and cleared the area to prepare the courtyard for the new surface. Then I prepared the existing sand base, using paving sand to level and smooth out any uneven areas. Engaged a professional paver layer to install the large-format pavers 400x400m, ensuring accurate placement, alignment, and a quality finish.
