Sideway makeover with cubby and garden bed

[jamesaward]

A cubby house, new turf and raised garden bed helped transform a narrow, under-utilised area along the side of a house. 

• The project
• Steps
• Tools and materials
• More inspiration for your side yard makeover

The project

At the time, we had a very active toddler who loved to be outside. The side of our house was used as a storage area, so we decided to transform it into a vegetable garden and cubby house where we could escape into paradise. This is the most used space in our home and I know our children will continue to create fond memories for years to come. 

Steps

Step 1

Clear the area - removed the rocks, flattened the ground and prepped the area ready.

Step 2

After purchasing my sleepers from Bunnings, we began building the garden bed. We kept some of the leftover rocks and put them in the bottom for drainage. 

Step 3

We used gypsum clay breaker to soften the clay underneath before putting a layer of topsoil down. We’re now ready to turf.

Step 4

We laid the turf and built most of the cubby frame work in the garage. We painted the side before it went up due to the limited space between the fence.

 

Step 5

Turf laid, veggies planted and the cubby house is starting to come together.

Step 6

A few extra toys from Bunnings and the space is complete.

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• Timber sleepers
• Gypsum clay breaker
• Top soil
• Turf
• Timber
• Paint
• Veggie plants.

Tools used in the project:

• Drill
• Saw
• Shovel
• Top soil spreader
• Paint brushes
• Tape measure.

More inspiration for your side yard makeover

Bunnings Workshop member Rufaro completed a side yard transformation with new fencing, pavers, bench seats and fresh greenery.

Community member homeinmelbourne added a golf putting green to a side yard revamp with artificial grass.

Get more inspiration from our Top 10 most popular side yard projects and the Top 10 most popular cubby house projects.

[TedBear]

That's an outstanding transformation of an otherwise ordinary area @jamesaward . I am very impressed with the final result you achieved, as I would assume that you are too.