Courtyard garden makeover

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A formerly unused space was transformed into a modern, Japanese-inspired garden with Maple tree, cladding and spray painted window frames. The project was the winner of best outdoor project in our 2023 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.

• The project
• Tools and materials
• Steps
• Before and after
• More inspiration for your courtyard project

The project

My husband and I transformed our once unused and unsightly brick courtyard into a modern Japanese-inspired garden. This is one of my favourite renovated areas we have completed on our house so far and was a lot of fun to complete. 

Tools and materials

Tools and materials used in the project:

• Ryobi drop saw
  
  
• Ryobi hammer drill
  
  
• Paslode nail gun
  
  
• Treated Pine
  
  
• Wall insulation
   
• James Hardie cladding
  
  
• Aluminium flashing
  
  
• Outdoor 4W light
  
  
• Garden edging
  
  
• Garden soil mix
  
  
• Mulch
  
  
• Dulux deep matt Weathershield exterior paint
  
  
• Dulux Metalshield spray paint
  
  
• Pavers
  
  
• Japanese Boxwood
  
  
• Maple tree
  
  
• Pot
  
  
• Reticulation
  
  
• Black pebbles.

Steps

 

Step 1

Plan, design and purchase materials. Bunnings delivered the James Hardie cladding.

Remove rotted wood and sand siding of pergola.

 

Step 2

Measure and cut timber.

Batten out walls.

Tape up windows to spray paint frames. 

 

Step 3

Affix wall insulation (not completely necessary but playing it safe).

 

Step 4

Affix James Hardie cladding. 

The panelling was an effort to cut and secure but so worth it in the end. 

Just a side note that each sheet weighs 39.7kg and I really struggled standing on a ladder to hold that weight, so my husband had to hold each sheet whilst I got the first nails in to hold it in place. Even at ground level, lifting and holding into place was a real effort so this is one stage I would look to get a couple mates around to help with next time.

Affix aluminium flashing.

 

Step 5

Paint.

Install D.I.Y. light. There was an old light fitting there but we replaced it with a D.I.Y. light and are very happy with the result and soft glow it casts at night. 

Check garden plan layout.

 

Step 6

Remove bricks, prep soil and install edging.

Keep children entertained.

 

Step 7

Dig in plants, place pavers, stones and install reticulation.

Sit back and enjoy our Japanese inspired courtyard.

Before and after

More inspiration for your courtyard project

Community member shevysingh completely revamped their outdoor area with a courtyard transformation with gabion benches.

Workshop member CourtyardMaker created courtyard storage using Merbau panels, covering an unsightly wall and providing space to store garden tools.

Check out our Top 10 most popular outdoor projects for more inspiration for your home.