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Hello,
I hope I'm posting this in the correct part of the forum. I have the below outdoor space which is roughly 3.6m by 5.6m that I'm looking to spruce up for outdoor living and entertaining purposes. Photos attached for reference
I'm planning to:
- Remove the petostroums on the left hand side garden bed
- Move the garden edging to a straight line to the fence on the left once removing the petostroums
- Paint fence black
I'd like to somehow both incorporate a floating deck as well as the the seat in this project https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Featured-Projects/Outdoor-seating-with-planter-and-storage/t...
But not sure if it's realistic to have both? As there would be a step down to the seating along the fence line from the decking. Not sure if I could build the seat on the deck. Or if I just need to choose one or the other
I'm also really open to any other suggestions on what to do with this area please!
Thanks
Afternoon @Calvin91
I 100% agree with @Jason , tho I would break the yard reno into part one (Privacy screen) and part 2 (Bench seeat/with raised garden) type deal 
Thats what I have done for some projects and even then I still end up with lots of photos. But figure if it helps someone then why not
Dave
Latest progress 😊
Can I please ask for a few recommendations / ideas?
1) Lighting, what do you think? A few fence lights on top of the merbau panels and a few lights in the garden bed? Anything ok the lattice or other ideas?
2) Paver size / colour, thinking something cream / yellow to match the existing pavers I have that you can see? Although the alfresco area is stencilled concrete in a terracotta colour
Thanks all!
You're making fantastic progress @Calvin91, it's really coming together beautifully! The bench and planter box look great, and adding lattice for the wisteria is a lovely idea. Once that vine takes off, it’ll soften the space and add a gorgeous touch of greenery and shade.
For your lighting, fence lights on top of the Merbau panels would definitely add a warm, ambient feel—especially if you go for warm white LEDs. You could also consider low garden spike lights in the planter beds to uplight the plants, which creates a really nice visual effect at night. If you want something subtle on the lattice, some soft solar fairy lights could work well without overwhelming the space.
As for paver colour and size, something in a cream or light sandstone tone would tie in nicely with your existing pavers and contrast beautifully with the darker merbau. However, a larger format paver would help the space feel more open and modern. Matching the paver tone to the lighter elements rather than the terracotta stencil will likely give a fresher, more cohesive result.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Afternoon @Calvin91
Its really starting to bed in nicely
I like @MitchellMc's suggestions for the pavers and lighting, Plus I have one more for the lighting. Ive been noticing Bunnings have a bunch of USB styled rechargable lanterns (couldnt find them when I just googled 😕 ) I often take a stroll down the lighting aisle when I go into Bunnings just to see what is avaialable. The LED lanterns/portable lights could work a treat as you can charge them, leave them outside for parties and then charge them up again for next time. More for a party instance then left permantly in place.
Dave
Thanks @Dave !
@MitchellMc I'm also a fan of warm / yellow lights - I'm having some trouble finding fence lights that are warm though? The only 2 I can find on the Bunnings site that I think would suit my needs are https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-solar-led-fence-light-4-pack_p0038263 and https://www.bunnings.com.au/click-coast-solar-led-fence-light_p0180331 but looking at the user reviews the pictures appear to show a cool / white light? - I can't see anything on the listing page to confirm this however
Regarding the pavers, the only large format in a yellowish / cream colour I can find is https://www.bunnings.com.au/adbri-masonry-600-x-300-x-40mm-oatmeal-boulevard-paver_p3041909 which personally I think would be fine / look good, but your thoughts and just checking I haven't missed any other options?
Thanks again!
Hello @Calvin91
Allow me to compliment your excellent progress as well in regards to your outdoor living area. It looks very relaxing despite the small footprint. I could not find the Oatmeal paver you were referring to but I suggest having a look at the Adbri Masonry 600 x 300 x 40mm Cream Boulevard Paver as an alternative. As for the solar lights just make sure that it says warm white on the packaging. The ones you've referred to are all bright white. I propose having a look at the Lytworx Warm White Solar Teardrop Filament Lights - 10 Pack as an alternative.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Have some leftover sleepers and cement sheet cladding as well as screws and texture paint so figured I'd try make another little seat with firewood and kindle storage underneath.
This is the structure, seems ok to me but thoughts? Planning to attach the 4 pieces along the top like I'm holding with my hand
Leaving both ends open and will attach some hinges to use as doors to access the kindle and firewood
Also the firewood and kindle won't be in bags when in there 😊
I like the idea @Calvin91. Given the skills you've already shown off in this discussion, I have no doubt it will come up a treat. I can't wait to see the results.
Mitchell
