Need ideas for small outdoor living area

Good Evening @Calvin91

Welcome to the Bunnings Community 🙂 Ive also noticed that brilliant bench seating by @AriG

Definently doable in your yard, Tho not sure how a floating deck could be incorporated as well. Mostly as your yard looks very level and unless its raised a bit and then it brings you closer to viewing directly into the neighbours 😲

However... 🙂 There is always a However!

So how about this, Have that Bench seat so that right angle goes from across the concrete decorated back and down the right toward sthe back fence.

Have a slatted Merbau privacy screen along the back fence tho not attached to it. Make it 1.8m high at least. With the garden bed to the left where you are removing the petostroums, that straight line garden bed but do it with a low metal edged garden. Maybe some other fruiting trees in the garden after you have dug out that petostroum.

Behind the right hand side of the bench seat some posts (same height as the privacy screen) with a beam across them that goes toward the rear fence and matches up with the top right of the privacy screen. This you can string party lights along or the christmas style small lights. You effectivly will have three walls of lights and the one side that is open is to the fruiting trees with a low edge. Fire pit in the middle or maybe instead of a pit as sucj how about a longer rectangle brick edged pit. You could go with large sandstone pavers or the same but with white pebbles I can see around the corner between the pavers.

And outside room instead of a deck "lifts hands up in a kind of a shrug" 🙂 Might work for you.

Dave

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/49956#Comment_49956

Thanks Dave I love the suggestions, just trying to picture in my head is this what you're suggesting?

I apologise for the late night MS PAINT knockup done on my phone LOL hopefully it's clear if not please let me know and please correct if I've misinterpreted anything in my picture from your suggestion

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87083#Comment_87083

hahahahha Love it @Calvin91

Almost what I meant but really its doable as well. 🙂

One set of beams behind the Right hand side lounge to give tha "wall" a top and for lights to hang from.

The fire pit towards the middle but longer and thinner.

maybe a couple less trees.

But really you have nailed the description 🙂

Here is the style of privacy screen I built with the deck. Thats what I wa sthinking along the fenceline at the back, including the height.

Pool deck stage 2

Dave

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109004#Comment_109004

Oh thanks I think I got it.. So do you mean also have posts in the ground on the right hand side of the bench? But then the left side is open so don't the beams have to run from alfresco towards fence as in my picture as the left side will be open facing garden bed?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121821#Comment_121821

Good Morning @Calvin91 🙂

Yes the posts are in the ground, 3 or 4 all up straight along the back of the lounge with a top beam/rail that attaches them all together to the privacy screen. The fruit tree side is open. You could do the same on the fruit tree side but I thought it may look a little busy/cramped. I am thinking a clean straight line along the rear fence, straight up the side of the back of the bench seat and then along the back of the house (just attachment points for the light along the back of the house) To give a three sided outside room. If you want i can try and draw a pic of it later today. 🙂

Take the most right hand purple beam in your sketch, imagine the posts directly underneath it. Loose the other two left purple beams. The beam is only a cap to the posts, it dosnt go over the seating area at all.

Or if you like what you have drawn you can go from there, tho posts will be needed at the rear of the house if thats the case 🙂

Dave

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129915#Comment_129915

Thanks again Dave yeah a mock up drawing to help me visualise it would be really helpful when you have some time! Really appreciate your input and I think it sounds great

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135019#Comment_135019

Morning @Calvin91

Cool, will do. Now to remember it while I am having a coffee 🙂

Dave

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135019#Comment_135019

Hi @Calvin91,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us and see that you are planning such an exciting project.

I see that one of our communities' finest @Dave-1 has already jumped in with some ideas. Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @mich1972 and @JoeAzza to see if they have any other ideas they can add.

You might also like to check out some of the following articles for some guidance and additional inspiration -

I'm sure Dave will be back in touch shortly.

Jacob

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138396#Comment_138396

Thanks Jacob, I look forward to also hearing some suggestions from the other users you've tagged

Just regarding the Merbau screen that @Dave-1 suggested, I assume this product would do the job?

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1800-x-902mm-pre-oiled-merbau-alternating-slat-fence-panel_p8500281

Just a couple of questions regarding this, my current fence is ~1900mm in height, so I'd want this to cover at least the current fence height but ideally up to ~2000mm in height, but the product is only ~1800mm. What can / should I use down the bottom to give the extra 200mm of height is there some Merbau panels I could somehow mount on top of for the extra 200mm?

Also, does this just attach straight onto my existing backyard fence or should I put a few posts into the ground and mount onto posts?

Thanks again everyone 🙂

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140639#Comment_140639

Hi @Calvin91,

Yes, the SpecRite 1800 x 902mm Pre-Oiled Merbau Alternating Slat Fence Panels would work perfectly.

Assuming your fence is in good condition and the posts and rails are solid, then you could certainly attach them directly to the existing structure.

To allow the panels to run over the top of the posts, you may need to add some vertical framing to the rails. If you can let me know the distance from the front face of your posts to the front face of the rails, I'd be happy to recommend a suitable timber.

This would also allow you to cover the gap at the bottom with two pieces of SpecRite 90 x 19mm Merbau Pre-Oiled Decking running horizontally to act as a plinth/footer.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142290#Comment_142290

Afternoon @Calvin91

🙂 I would actually install horizontal slats on new posts next ish to the fence. But that could be pricier.

You could mount those panels higher so there is say a 600mm gap underneath them instead.

Here are my sketches for you, It was a very nice cheesecake and piccolo while drawing them up 🙂

01 15-03-2025.jpg

This is how I had it pictured in my head. Must say you cam so close! 🙂

Just one beam all up. I prefer posts to support the privacy screen but either way works.

02 15-03-2025.jpg

The dodgy rectangles are supposed to be large sandstone pavers 🙂 With either a mix of white pebbles and that green mondo grass between them.

The rectangular Fire pit is just something different from the same same of firepits we see.

The lights are festoon light bulbs but could be Christmas style twinkle lights.

03 15-03-2025.jpg

The cheescake and piccolo 🙂 Yes it was good 🙂

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143458#Comment_143458

Thanks again @Dave-1 that is an amazingly detailed drawing thanks for putting the time into it and glad you could enjoy it over some cake and coffee! Makes it totally clear to me now. I think this is what I'll aim for. Might be a few months time but I'll definitely be sure to share the final result when done and tag you

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144347#Comment_144347

Afternoon @Calvin91

🙂 Take lots of photos, take photos of measurements, of materials you use and throughout each stage. There are never too many photos!

I take many and still find holes in missing some when I want to check or explain something.

Break it down to stages.

Not in any order 🙂

Pull out those bushes.

Straight edge garden strip.

The bench seat to be planned, then executed.

Privacy screen, wether on posts or on the fence.

The posts with beams to carry lighting and define the area.

And lastly would be the paving 🙂

Then post a Project! 😀 Crowning glory at that point!

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @Calvin91

What a great project to look forward to. But I have to admit its going to be be pretty tough to add anything further than a sliced cake inspired @Dave-1. There are quite a few smaller jobs to tackle in preparation for the larger ones. So, here are a few of my thoughts for what they are worth.

1. Once the tree's are removed, pressure wash the rear fence of the mould prior to painting. Consider Monument as a colour as it's less stark than black for both the rear and left sided fence.

2. Install fence toppers to the rear fence to block out the neighbours view and paint the same colour.

3. I would keep the curved left hand brick garden edge and pressure washer it clean.

4. Consider installing 3-4 Corten rear feature panels with new medium growth trees to each corner. Sample photos attached.

5. Poison and remove all the grass as there isn't much and saves maintenance. Consider 10-15mm river pebbles to fill the space with larger format pavers to support a fire-pit, sun umbrella and seating area once built. Sample phot attached.

6. Include in the planing for cable runs for low voltage lighting to feature the trees, feature panels and under-seating glow.

7. Consider increasing natural light within the cover area. Solar tube lighting is great, but expensive. There are solar LED skylights I have installed that vary in intensity to give a natural feel as sun light shines on the solar panel. An easy DIY project.

8. I assume your floating decking/flooring is this type of easy DIY click together product. I have installed this a few timers, and it's a great way to freshen up in your case a mix of ground finishes.

9. Consider semi-blockout track blinds to allow for weather protection and more of an all year round use of that space.

10. Sit back and enjoy the fruits . . . er sweets of your labour and share your photos with a slice of cake to honour @Dave-1 inspiration.

Nailbag

Screenshot 2025-03-15 at 9.41.39 pm.png

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/49978#Comment_49978

Hi All,

I've removed the pittosporum's, just one stump left to remove and need to re-adjust the garden bed but that should be straight forward enough. I'd like to start planning and purchase the materials for the Merbau screening part of the project which I'll be tackling next.

These are the steps that in my head need to be followed along with the associated materials. Can you please confirm if I've missed anything or suggested the wrong materials?

STEP 1 - Attach vertical posts onto existing fence railing to hang screening / Merbau lengths

The current distance between my fence railing to post is 70mm, attaching image below showing this:

wbi3S14

So my thought is to purchase some H3 70 x 45mm treated pine https://www.bunnings.com.au/70-x-45mm-outdoor-framing-h3-treated-pine-5-4m_p8032136 lengths and mount vertically onto the railing at appropriate distances as required for the Merbau screens to attach to, i.e the red lines would be the H3 pine lengths:

XfvpTCP

These would be screwed on using https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-8-10-x-100mm-treated-pine-countersunk-head-screws-50-pack_p2400012 screws

STEP 2 - Attach 2 Merbau Pre-Oiled Decking Lengths

As mentioned previously, I'd like to have the Merbau screenings to a height of 2m to cover my existing fence, however the product is only 1.8m. So to solve for this I will attach 2 of these down the bottom of the fence - https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-90-x-19mm-merbau-pre-oiled-decking-random-lengths-90mm_p0200172

This would appear as follows, i.e Merbau lengths are the red lines:

NmLlFdQ

These would be attached using https://www.bunnings.com.au/buildex-10g-x-65mm-10-tpi-rapiddrive-treated-pine-climacoat-screws-50-box_p0417602 screws?

STEP 3 - Attach Merbau Screenings

Final step is mounting the Merbau screenings https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1800-x-902mm-pre-oiled-merbau-alternating-slat-fence-panel_p8500281 which I plan to hang horizontally, i.e. 1 on top of each other for a height of 1804mm. These would be screwed into the H3 pine that was done in Step 1 using the same https://www.bunnings.com.au/buildex-10g-x-65mm-10-tpi-rapiddrive-treated-pine-climacoat-screws-50-box_p0417602 screws as above and would sit just above the lengths from Step 2

Thanks for your help once again!

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/87243#Comment_87243

Good morning @Calvin91

🙂 Love it when a project moves along!

Id prefer seperate posts to mounting the panels on your fence. I never trust fences will hold the weight. Otherwise I like your method of thinking. It looks good 🙂

Stepping through your project is probarlly what has ended up me sorting how to raise my fence height down the side of my fence. I am going to install seperate posts to support some vertical slats I want. Yeah it will be a bunch more work however I wont need to worry about my fence in the future.

How about gently trying to pick up say two of the merbau panels and then imagine that weight always sitting on your fence? Just a note of caution is all 🙂

Whoops just saw the screws you are thinking of. I would suggest to drill and countersink the holes first. Merbau is a hardwood and predrill is definently high on the wise way of installing them. Macsim 10g Clever Tool Standard Head - Blister Pack is what I used and its brilliant!. If you find that screwing the screws in with a torqued driver feels hard you can drag the screw through a bar of soap beforehand. Makes it a lot easier.

Courtyard privacy fence and gate build, Part 2 Have a troll through some of the decking projects or privacy screen projects in my bookmarks and you might find some ideas on how to install the slats/panels.

Dave

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109104#Comment_109104

Thanks @Dave-1 good to know I'm on the right track 🙂. I agree posts would be better but I'm willing to risk the fence lol

Yep will pre drill the holes and counter sink thanks for suggesting the product to help with this.

I will put my order in for the products this week 😊

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121873#Comment_121873

Hi @Calvin91,

Sounds like the plan is all coming together.

I can't wait to see how things turn out.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along the way.

Jacob

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129962#Comment_129962

Well phase 1 is nearly finished I just need another Merbau length for the right hand side to cover the upright fence post

Am I correct that I should wait 8 to 12 weeks and then apply a coat of something like https://www.bunnings.com.au/intergrain-4l-natural-ultradeck-timber-decking-oil_p1520074 to protect the timber?

Thanks!

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135063#Comment_135063

Afternoon @Calvin91

That looks great! 😀 It certainly has come together nicely.

Love that privacy!

Yeah I would wait a bit, you may notice a red stain coming out of the timber after rain. Ive had that with merbau before.

I like Cabot's 4L Natural Decking Oil but you know what. I like the idea of "finding" the oil you are happy with 🙂 If you have checked out how the samples in store look and like it 🙂 Then done!

Thank you for the update!

Dave

mich1972

Good morning @Calvin91 I just saw your post pop up and I was reading through. First of all WOW !!!!! Looking at your before photos and to date , that fence is amazing !!! Well done mate. Also , I would love to say that you are getting awesome advice and inspiration from the Workshop Community. I love how they jump in to help out 🙂 I can't wait to see what happens next and excited to watch the whole progress. Looking at the photos , it looks like a small backyard which is perfect to create something special. Just by removing the Pittosporums opens it up, giving you more space. Good luck mate and look forward to the next installment. 🙂

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138422#Comment_138422

Thanks again @Dave-1 wouldn't have even made it this far without your ideas 🙂.

Oh I haven't even looked at any in store just what I found browsing online. The Cabbots is a lot cheaper so would be great if that one does the trick. I'll check it out in store!

Next step will be the rendered seat with planter box which I'm both excited and nervous about trying to tackle haha

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140657#Comment_140657

Current status on progress, next step is the cement sheet cladding and then rendering 🙂

Hd5bLt2 xcfOQRJ

A couple of questions:

1) I'm hoping I don't need to use metal angles for the corners of the cement sheeting? I've got some https://www.bunnings.com.au/builders-edge-50mm-x-20m-fibreglass-builders-joint-tape_p0730318 that I was planning to just use for the corners / joints in the cement sheeting giving it's just an outdoor furniture unit and will be rendered anyway. Can I just tape and then what kind of product should I spread / coat over the tape with? Something like https://www.bunnings.com.au/gyprock-csr-2-25kg-less-mess-multi-purpose-joint-compound_p0173344?

2) Instead of the Dunlop render used in the original project, could I 'paint' over the cement sheet with this product to give a rendered effect? https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-medium-texture-exterior-paint-4l_p1409809 I see there is also an associated primer, does this need to be applied first or can I get away with using the texture paint straight on the cement sheet?

Thanks!

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142315#Comment_142315

Afternoon @Calvin91

Woooo you are powering along! 🙂 It looks great. (would love to see an inside shot as to how you have attached those seat slabs)

As to the question with the cement sheeting, What size sheet are you thinking of using? I would be tempted to have the corner edges sit flush as you can and then use a jointing compound over it. Then paint with that "fake render" perhaps you have mentioned? I would wait for one of the other guys to confirm as they do know more product wise 🙂

I dont think I would use the tape (lifespan is the only reason why) but I havnt used it before either for that matter.

Dave

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142315#Comment_142315

Hi @Calvin91,

Nice work so far, it's coming together nicely.

Unfortunately, mesh tape is not suitable for use on external corners, nor is plaster compound suitable for use outdoors.

You could use the mesh tape on the internal corners, but it would not be suitable on the external corners. As there is no real volume to mesh tape, the render itself would form the protruding edge. If you use a bead, the metal or plastic of the render bead forms that protruding edge, so if it is hit, the bead is hit, not the render, which dramatically decreases the chance of the render cracking and coming off.

If you use beads and render, there is no need to coat anything before rendering.

If you decided to use the Dulux Medium Texture Exterior Paint, I would just but the sheets into each other, seal the seam with No More Gaps Exterior Gap Filler and then paint over the top.

If you use this paint, you will have to use the Dulux 10L Texture Paint Primer beforehand.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143478#Comment_143478

Hi @Dave-1 thank you 🙂

I'm just using some 4.5mm thick James Hardie cement sheets - https://www.bunnings.com.au/james-hardie-2400-x-1200-x-4-5mm-2-88m-hardieflex-cladding_p0711396

What kind of jointing compound would be suitable? Would the one I linked above be ok?

Sure no worries - also keen to hear feedback of others too thanks again for your help and input

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143479#Comment_143479

Hi @JacobZ thanks for your assistance! That makes sense, I reckon I'll just go with trying to butt the sheets as close as possible, seal with the no more gaps and then prime / paint with the dulux products - sounds like it'll be a bit easier than having to use the render beads on the corners and I assume the texture paint is a bit more forgiving than normal render in that it won't come off if it's knocked etc.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144359#Comment_144359

Hi @Calvin91,

Just to jump in on your questions for @Dave-1.

Unfortunately, the multi-purpose jointing compound you linked to above cannot be used in an outdoor application that would be regularly exposed to weather.

You can use Dunlop 3kg Fibre Cement Jointing Compound as long as there is a coating, such as render or textured paint applied over the top.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Jacob