Tiered makeover for steep backyard

[Spackle48]

A steep backyard was transformed by landscaping and creating new stairs, paving, garden beds, decking, fencing and lighting.

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

Finished job!

The project

The garden was a disaster... an old unused garden shed... the grass was mostly weeds and bamboo rhizomes... completely uninviting and unusable... south facing to the rear... and an ugly area under the deck...

Steps

Step 1

Draw and measure site, and design and check levels. Research everything on YouTube Bunnings videos.

Step 2

Clear unwanted items such as the old tin shed, rampant bamboo, abundant weeds and rocks galore.

Step 3

Build new rear fence.

Step 4

Create footing for stairs.

 

Step 5

Building the stairs and installing the landscaping timbers. Paint fences, and landscape timber and deck.

Step 6

Installing the Corten steel garden beds and edging. Installed new sandstone.

Step 7

Install weed mat and plants to prepare for stepping stones.

Step 8

Using large rocks that were too big to move and were used as a feature to hide the large deck footings. We also created two new garden beds to create a bit more interest and to flow into the rear garden below.

Step 9

Installation of gravel.

Step 10

Finishing touches.

 

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• H4 timber 
• Decking paint
• Plants
• Bricks
• Outside lighting system
• Concrete
• Mortar
• Cement
• Sandstone 
• Galvanised footings
• Weed mat
• Drainage pipe and fittings
• Gravel
• Landscaping fabric.

Tools used in the project:

• Pick
• Rake
• Shovel
• Rebar
• Levels
• String
• Drills
• Circular saw
• Cutting tool
• Orbital sander
• Angle grinder.

More inspiration for your backyard makeover

Bunnings Workshop member frediynewbie completed a backyard makeover with garden bed and fire pit.

Community member lifestylebymari's backyard makeover included screening an air conditioner unit and building a bench seat that doubles as a dog kennel.

Get more inspiration from our Top 10 most popular backyard projects and Top 10 most popular garden makeovers.

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Spackle48 

Loved this from the first time I saw it!

You really have use dthe space to maxium effect. I was wondering how the Coreten has stood up since you installed it?

It looks so peaceful.

Dave

[Spackle48]

The corten went in as un-rusted and now it’s the rusty red/orange.  It actually rusted very easily after a couple of wet weeks.  ANL reckon you can apply something to stop the rust past a certain point but we haven’t touched it.  I would recommend their product if you are thinking of doing the same thing.

daniel

[scarlettliu]

This is impressive~! Can this really be done by DIY? ... That is so good. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @scarlettliu,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

I think it is safe to say that @Spackle48's efforts are proof that with enough planning, time and commitment, this sort of project can absolutely be achieved D.I.Y.

I hope it encourages you to get stuck into some D.I.Y of your own.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Such a huge challenge in tacking this project on. I've done one similar and can appreciate the difficulties in building a project on such a sheer drop landscape, Well done

Nailbag