How to update backyard fencing and pool area?

[Firsttimerhelp5]

Hi All, 

Would love some suggestions on what we can do to update the current fence area and generally modernise the area?

Many thanks in advance.

[EricL]

Hello @Firsttimerhelp5 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your garden fencing.

I propose staining or painting your fence a darker colour to create contrast in the area. At the moment the timber elements in your pool area are giving off a homogenous look and feel. By adding colour a bit of contrast will provide a different visual look to the area. I recommend adding some feature panels such as the Matrix Screen Panels on some of your wall panels. I suggest adding some greenery by the sides of the pool such as potted plants and chairs or ornaments. Add string lights to the fence to give a nice evening glow. My last suggestion would be to add sheer curtains to the gazebo to give it that hotel resort effect.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 @Nailbag @AlanM52, @lifestylebymari, @LizzieCro and @daniknight4 for their recommendations.  

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Firsttimerhelp5 

The bamboo? panbneling that covers either side of the pool does tend to make it all blend together, Could you tell us what is the structure behind the bamboo/mat paneling? Or maybe some extra photos of whats behind the sides and looking back towards where the photographer is to give us something to build up on.

I do like the idea of festoon lighting, plus something bright in colour, say reds and deep oranges for the cushion on the day bed. The blue of the bed plus the blue of the pool cancel each other out type of deal. With the screens that @EricL mentions, they could be attached verticaly on the paneling. Tho maybe not have such a mirror reflect on either side?

The more I think about that daybed in the middle, by removing it totally it would open up the area and give it a much more modern look. Having any table setting off to either side instead of the middle would also be modernising.

Dave

[LizzieCro]

I'd love to try and help but unfortunately can't see any images.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Firsttimerhelp5,

I can see that you've removed the photo from your original post. I understand if this is for privacy reasons, but our members will need to see it if they'd like to offer advice.

If you'd like further assistance from @LizzieCro and others, you might consider adding the photo back to the discussion.

Jacob

[LizzieCro]

Hi @Firsttimerhelp5 ,

I think you have a lovely area there to start with, so I'd be disinclined to do anything major to it. It's classically landscaped, so just some touches will probably make the world of difference. I'd retain the existing fencing, as I suspect you'd end up regretting removing it. It creates a neutral backdrop to join elements together. I pretty much agree with Eric's suggestions. My two cents' worth.....

1. Decide whether it's more practical to remove the large daybed altogther. If you decide to get rid of it, you could add additional sunlounges, and side tables. If you use it and want to keep it, have it reupholstered in a fabric with pattern on it. Blue and white are great colours to use and can create a Hamptons vibe which always looks great and is very popular. Or use brighter summery colours if that appeals to you. Make sure the fabric is something like 'Sunbrella' which won't fade and is durable for outdoors. 

2. I'd install some large potted plants under the pergola and by the pool, perhaps something which will flower in bright colours. There's lots of hardy plants which would do the job, and Bunnings carries a good range. A rule of design is to use odd numbers of things, so grouping 3 pots together, (different sizes), will look ideal for that space. Have multiple groups. When choosing the pots and plants, try grouping them while you're in the store. It'll give you a good idea of how they'll look together. Just keep picking out pots and plants and stand back and see if they work together. Try a tall pot with tall plant, medium pot and plant, and perhaps a trailing plant in the smallest pot. With regards to the sides of the pond, I suppose access might be obstructed with pots. Maybe you could mount something on the fence? Trailing plants which will hang down? Speak with the horticulturalist in the store and explain they're for a pool area; let them know whether it's salt or chlorine as these things affect plants. They'll be able to direct you to hardy plants.

3. Festoon lights to pergola and fence.

4. Curtains to the pergola, more for effect than function.

5. I'd be inclined to paint the pergola white. It will have a dramatic effect in breaking up all the brown, without dominating. (Again, classic Hamptons style and never goes out of fashion).

To make sure it all feels cohesive, try a using a theme. It might be the colour range you use in the upholstery for instance. Then try to pick those colours up in the pots or plants. This is one of the things landscapers do to make the whole picture feel 'right'. If it's all just random it can look chaotic to the eye.

I think it's a really lovely area and doesn't need too much to make it even more appealing. I wish this was my space to tart up! Small changes will make a significant difference. Good luck with it.

[Firsttimerhelp5]

Hi Everyone 

I posted here a few months back but had no idea where to start with improving the look of this pool area. 
Would love to pull up decking and concrete but financially not an option atm. 
Is it possible to change the colour of timber to a light grey? I know painting the timber isn’t recommended - any other options that we can DIY? 

We also plan to pull out the bamboo panels. What could we replace with? There is beige colourbond underneath. Do we just spray paint? 

Any other suggestions? 

Thanks! 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Firsttimerhelp5, 

You are definitely not alone in feeling a bit stuck with pool areas like this. The good news is that you already have a solid base to work with, and there are some realistic DIY improvements you can make without ripping everything out.

In terms of changing the timber colour, you are right that painting decking is generally not recommended, especially around a pool, as it can become slippery and tends to peel under foot traffic and moisture. A much better option is to use a decking oil or stain that is specifically designed to tint timber. You can absolutely move the colour towards a light grey, but it is important to set expectations. You will not get a crisp painted grey, rather a washed, driftwood style grey that still lets the timber grain show through. Products labelled as grey wash, weathered grey or silvered grey decking oil are designed for exactly this. Preparation is important. The deck will need a thorough clean, ideally with a deck cleaner, and any existing coatings removed so the oil penetrates evenly. Done properly, this is very achievable as a DIY project and is much safer and more durable than paint in a wet area.

With the bamboo panels, removing them will already modernise the space. If there is beige Colorbond fencing underneath and it is in reasonable condition, you do not need to replace it straight away. Colorbond can be repainted successfully using the right system. It should be thoroughly cleaned, lightly scuffed with a fine abrasive pad, then primed with a suitable metal primer before applying an exterior metal paint. Moving it to a darker charcoal or soft grey will help it visually recede and make the pool area feel more contemporary without competing with the timber. Spraying gives the best finish, but rolling is absolutely fine for a DIY job if done carefully.

If you want to soften the look further without major cost, consider adding greenery rather than changing hard surfaces. Tall planter pots with tropical plants will break up the fencing line and draw the eye away from the decking and concrete. This works especially well in pool areas and gives you a resort feel without structural changes. Even a couple of feature pots can make a noticeable difference.

Overall, I would start with removing the bamboo, repainting the fencing, and re-oiling the deck in a lighter grey tone. Those three changes alone will significantly lift the space and buy you time until a bigger renovation is financially viable. You already have a nice layout, and the timber looks structurally sound, so this is more about refinement than fixing a problem.

Here's an AI-generated image for some inspiration.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Firsttimerhelp5]

Thanks Michelle, I really appreciate your response. In regard to the decking - does it have to be sanded back first? 
it’s a grooved style decking so I’m unsure how that will go being sanded? 

[EricL]

Hello @Firsttimerhelp5 

When you say grooved style decking do you mean that the decking ridges are facing upwards? In order to give our members a better idea of the surface of your deck can you please post a close-up picture of the decking panel surface? Once we see what the surface looks like we'll be able to make recommendations. But in regards to your question, the deck surface must be sanded down otherwise the new oil or stain will not be absorbed properly and will just simply peel off from the surface.

Eric