🖼️
The project:
We transformed our backyard into a resort-style retreat, beginning with a custom-built arbour, which we painted crisp white to create a timeless Hamptons look. Beneath it, we laid beautiful paving to form the perfect entertaining space for family and friends. We also created a Santorini-inspired fire pit area, bringing a relaxed coastal feel to our home. Surrounding it all, we designed a lush Hamptons tropical garden, blending structured elegance with vibrant greenery to create a peaceful outdoor sanctuary that's perfect for entertaining and everyday living.
- Materials:
In addition to the products listed below,we have also used various galvanised screws, nails, nuts and bolts, epoxys, string lines, gardening stakes, plant ties, hooks, black plastic matting, paint rollers, paint Brushes, firewood etc
https://www.bunnings.com.au/brighton-masonry-390-x-190-x-190mm-full-besser-block_p3451359
https://www.bunnings.com.au/brighton-masonry-190-x-190-x-190mm-half-besser-block_p0811049
https://www.bunnings.com.au/james-hardie-3000-x-1200-x-6mm-3-6m-flex-cladding-sheet_p0711118
https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-320g-liquid-nails-20-pack_p1231474
https://www.bunnings.com.au/davco-20kg-off-white-render_p0034887
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-15l-vivid-white-matt-weathershield-exterior-paint_p0144827
https://www.bunnings.com.au/bastion-20kg-concrete-mix_p0038287
https://www.bunnings.com.au/landscape-lock-5l-concentrated-garden-glue_p0598862
https://www.bunnings.com.au/135-x-135mm-6-0m-h4-mca-unprimed-gl8-fj-laminated-post_p1015977
https://www.bunnings.com.au/140-x-45mm-outdoor-framing-h3-treated-pine-5-4m_p8032274
https://www.bunnings.com.au/240-x-45mm-outdoor-framing-h3-treated-pine-6-0m_p8032345
https://www.bunnings.com.au/simpson-strong-tie-240-x-45m-black-outdoor-accents-concealed-joist-hanger_p0170922
https://www.bunnings.com.au/pryda-65mm-m10-half-stirrup-post-anchor_p0503053
https://www.bunnings.com.au/lytworx-warm-white-double-filament-festoon-lights-25-pack_p0617240
https://www.bunnings.com.au/garden-zen-10m-tensioned-wire-wall-plant-trainer-kit_p0524492
- Tools:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-165mm-circular-saw-skin-only_p0033141
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-115mm-cordless-angle-grinder-pxags-115-skin-only_p0412273
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-120l-550w-cement-mixer-cmx-120_p0109520
https://www.bunnings.com.au/aeg-18v-brushless-sub-compact-hammer-drill-skin-only_p0478366
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-cordless-drill-driver-kit-pxddk-250c_p0299323
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-7m-range-90-tile-laser-tlr-090a_p0201244
https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-120mm-sds-paddle-mixing-rotary-bit_p6370498
https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-280-x-115mm-finishing-trowel_p0551201
https://www.bunnings.com.au/qep-6mm-square-notch-handyman-adhesive-trowel_p6650391
https://www.bunnings.com.au/hyde-114-x-279mm-rendering-trowel_p0960313
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-render-tool-plastic-float_p0960333
https://www.bunnings.com.au/all-set-6-pack-jumbo-sponges_p0627036
https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-280-x-140mm-hydro-cubed-sponge_p0551224
https://www.bunnings.com.au/stanley-1200mm-high-impact-abs-resin-spirit-level_p5660383
- Step 1:
Our backyard started off as lawn and a pebbled area towards he back of the yard which we knew knew we would want to turn into an entertaining zone. During this project, our “Pawman”, Loula the husky, was supervising every step of our project.
We initially bought 600x600mm pavers for our front porch, but after realising it did not go with our driveway, we decided we would use it in the backyard instead. After removing all the pebbles we originally had in this area next to our alfresco, we levelled out the land, applied a layer of black plastic to ensure weeds would not grow through, placed a layer of sand and hired the bunnings compactor. To compact the area before laying the pavers. We used a laser level to ensure the ground was level prior to laying our pavers. Loula also ensured the pavers were level. Using the spirit ever as we placed each paver.
Once all the pavers were portioned, we then placed the original white pebbles back inbetween the pavers and applied a few altered of the rock glue to ensure the pebble would not budge whilst walking over the area.
- Step 2:
the next step was to start our garden bed. Using the laser level and string line, we dug out a trench and levelled it off to allow for a besser block foundation. Once again, “pawman” Loula was there to supervise. Once the initial layer was placed, we used the liquid nail to secure another two rows of besser blocks on top, creating a garden bed three blocks high. We then used the bastion concrete to fill each hollow of the besser blocks to create a solid and strong garden bed.
- Step 3:
next we built or seating for around our fire pit. Unfortunately i dont have too many photos for this part. But we used the besser blocks to create a seating area. At the ends of each side, we created a small section where we could store firewood. Here we used the besser blocks to create the outer edge of the storage space. Then used H3 treated pine, galvanised angle brackets and cement sheet to create the top of the storage space. We fill all the hollows of the besser blocks with concrete to create a solid structure.
we rendered the garden bed and seating area using the davco off. White render, and painted the retaining wall, fence, garden bed and seating area with the Dulux weather shield exterior paint using the Wagner spray gun, paint rollers and brushes.
We decided to leave some of the hollows in the besser blocks. Empty as we have planted star as mine which we will run up the fence in a diamond patter using the tension wiring kit from bunnings.
- Step 4:
we dont have any photos, but with the help of a carpenter friend of ours, he helped us build this arbour which is connected to our alfresco and fire pit area. All the timber was purchased from bunnings trade. We finished off the garden with tropical plants. And added Solar festoon lights to create the perfect ambience.
In t he future we will be adding an outdoor kitchen/bbq/pizza oven behind the alfresco to make this the perfect entertaining space.
