Many people would regard the Australian family home as incomplete without a nice spot outside to entertain, share a meal or just relax. If your home doesn’t have an outdoor blinds area already and you’re thinking about making that home improvement, there are a few things that you should consider.

1. Amount of space and layout

The best way to get started is to go outside and look at the where you are thinking of putting your patio, pergola or deck. Think about how much space you have and how much of your back yard you are willing to take up with the new outdoor area. What do you want to use the space for? If it’s just a space to relax and read a book, you may not need to go too big.  If you want to entertain you’ll have to account for that when sizing up the area. The size of you need is the first step in the design.

Next, you’ll need to look at where you want the outdoor living area and in what configuration. It doesn’t necessarily have to be attached to the home. Having a free-standing deck or pergola in the backyard has become a popular option. If it is attached to the home, is it going to be parallel to or perpendicular to your house?  Do you want access coming from a particular room and if so does a new door need to be built in for it?  Do you want roofing or do you enjoy the sunlight? All of these are important questions for the design.

2. What elements do you want included?

Designing the outdoor space isn’t just about the size and shape of it. What furnishing and other features do you want included? Do you want a barbeque and if so do you want it built into the space? Will it be an area that needs warming in winter and require gas heating or a fireplace? How much furniture do you want and how much space will it need?

What are the aesthetics of the area? Will you build using timber or steel? Do you want timber decking and what type of timber do you want? If you are having a roof, what style would you prefer, gable, flat or a combination?

Once you have the bulk of your design, you might want to consider where the sun will hit your new outdoor area. As the sun moves across the sky during the day it may dip below the protection of the roof. To combat this and allow you to use the space all day, consider outdoor blinds. Outdoor blinds can be raised and lowered easily as required. Alternatively, you can use plant shrubs and trees as potential shade-casters and complete the feel of the area. You might want the outdoor fun to continue after sunset too. Consider having lighting installed as part of the build. Incorporating the right lights will not only look good, it will stop you from having a portable spotlight shining in somebody’s face.

3. Council regulations

Making additions or renovations to your homes exterior may require the approval of your local council. It is important to check with the council before any construction. Fees and approvals can change depending on what area you live in and which council jurisdiction that brings you under. Some structures may not require approval and so, with this in mind, you may want to alter your design. For more information on council approval check out our Free Build Guide.

4. Cost

Most importantly, have a budget and stick to it. When completing the design, you need to know what the budget constraints are. You don’t want to plan an outdoor living area only to find that you can’t afford it. If the design you want is too expensive then you have to decide if you want to sacrifice some of the size or features, or postpone the build to save for what you really want.

5. Planning for the future.

Remember when you are planning the new outdoor living space to think about anything else you might want to add in future. While now it might be a patio with a barbeque area, you may want to put a pool in later or a wood fire pizza oven. Remember to include these in plans now so that you won’t have a costly redesign or renovation later.

Designing a new outdoor living area doesn’t have to be difficult. If you stop and think and then plan it out you can end up with your dream space.

Check out some of our products for more inspiration.

Related Tags: Motorised Outdoor Blinds Sydney, Cheap Outdoor Blinds Sydney

The post Designing Your Outdoor Space with Outdoor blinds and Pergolas. appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Turn Your Ugly Duckling Backyard Into A Beautiful Swan

It’s certainly one thing to have a beautiful sprawling garden and oodles of space for outdoor entertaining at home, but it’s another completely when your space is awkward and pokey. But a strangely shaped outdoor patio or garden doesn’t mean an unusable space, in fact, it can be easily transformed with a little creativity and expert advice. Here are three of the most common odd shapes for outdoor spaces, and what you can do to make the most of yours.

Narrow spaces

The Sydney skyline is dotted with the distinctive angles of terraced roofs. These narrow home designs have been a part of the city since Australia was first colonised, making them an iconic Sydney home. Now today, as almost two thirds of Australia’s population lives in capital cities, the narrow home design is as popular as ever, as developers try to squeeze as many homes side by side as possible. Narrow homes mean narrow courtyards, or if you’re really lucky, back gardens. Just as making the most of space and light in a narrow home is a challenge for architects, a narrow outdoor space can prove impossible when trying to design a welcoming entertaining space. There are however, a few key tricks to making the area feel larger than it is, and create the space you’re dreaming of.

1. Don’t automatically go for long narrow furniture

When furnishing a long narrow space, instinct tells you to look at long, narrow tables and seats, but resist! Long furniture can make the space feel extra long and narrow, when it’s actually best to try to make it feel wider, and larger. Try a square or circular table with chairs, or an outdoor corner lounge that moves the focus across rather than down the narrow garden. If you do choose a rectangle picnic style table, try to fit it crossways in the space, by pushing it up against the side fence. This will create the illusion that the space is wide, as well as making more space in front of the table.

2. Vertical gardens are in

Narrow spaces don’t often have much space for gardens, so use the walls where and how you can. By planting vines, flowers or even vegetables in a vertical garden, you get a beautiful setting without taking up too much space. If gardening isn’t your forté, there are plenty of options for hardy, low maintenance potted plants that grow tall enough to provide a screen and mimic a vertical garden.

3. Divide the space into two areas

Another great way to minimise the long narrow feeling of a space is to divide it up, if space permits. Cluster the dining area at one end, with some open space in the centre, then a small vegetable garden at the other end, or something similar to suit your needs. The three distinctions make the space seem larger and more useful than one long garden entertaining area.

Round spaces

Not many outdoor spaces are round, but if you’ve got a circular paved area surrounded by established garden, or an inner courtyard and you’re stuck with the shape, embrace it. Circular spaces are unique, and while difficult to divide into distinct areas, work best when embraced as one large entertaining area.

1. Embrace the shape

Particularly if the space isn’t huge, it might be best to embrace the round shape and invest in a circular dining table or bench seat around water feature for the centre of the space. Round dining tables with a lazy susan in the centre are ideal for sharing food at dinner parties and brunches with friends. There is always the classic bench seat around a tree or water fountain in the centre, so think about building a centrepiece and creating the space around that. You could however, invert this idea by adding in seating around the edge with a water feature, or even simple rug and play area for kids in the centre.

2. Cut the space in half

If you’re desperate to get two spaces out of the one circular area, it’s best to create two or even three distinct spaces. Say you want an outdoor eating area, a sitting area and a kids play area, position these in the circular space, but be sure to keep it as open as possible. Do this by keeping the lounge on the edge facing in toward the other areas, or only blocking one of them, or the space may feel pokey and awkward.

Spaces with odd angles

Discovering a garden that has nooks and crannies everywhere can be exciting, but also confusing. When faced with this situation, the best solution for your outdoor patio is usually to fake it. This means finding ways to hide the odd nooks and crannies with plants, storage or seating. Creating distraction with colour or statement pieces in other parts of the patio also helps to draw attention away from awkward areas of your outdoor living room.

1. An overgrown labyrinth garden

Depending on the size of your outdoor deck or garden, one way to embrace odd angles is to create multiple areas using screening plants, garden beds or pots and pathways. Fill narrow, hard to reach spaces with an abundance of foliage, create a winding path through the space surrounding by greenery and reshape the larger entertaining areas by lining the edges with garden. An awkward hexagonal shaped garden can be turned into a spacious square or round alfresco area just by filling the sides with layers of garden, and the layers and colours of the foliage will draw attention away from the strange shape.

2. Storage, storage storage

One thing homeowners constantly talk about with home improvements and renovations is including more storage. And who doesn’t need more storage at home? Particularly in urban homes, which seem to be shrinking by the year. An odd shaped patio is the perfect place to add more storage. Cupboards, bench seating with built in storage boxes, or even bench space with storage underneath are all smart ways to fill pokey places. By doing this you’re also able to create a more useable shape for the entertaining area in the centre of the deck or garden.

3. Create furniture to match

Small, pokey spaces are difficult to change dramatically, so sometimes it’s best to embrace them. Do this by getting custom made furniture that fits into the odd angles, or even emphasises them. This is best done with a minimalist colour palette, let the shapes speak for themselves. By keeping walls neutral, you can throw in one statement piece such as loud cushions, or floor tiles, which emphasise and compliment the unique shape of the space.

An awkward outdoor space might be a challenge, but it’s certainly not one that’s impossible! As more Australians move into cities and population density increases, outdoor spaces are getting smaller and appearing in any space possible. Knowing the tricks of the trade when it comes to disguising the true shape of a space, and transforming it into a liveable outdoor room will only increase in value. Time to get to that garden corner and get to work. Happy designing!

The post Make The Most Of An Oddly Shaped Outdoor Space appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Step 1: Clarify the purpose of the space

When designing your new outdoor living space, the first thing to ask yourself is what will the space be used for? Whether you’re extending outdoors to create another living space for your growing family, or want an elegant alfresco dining area to entertain friends, the purpose of the space will greatly dictate what you create. For an outdoor dining room, access from the kitchen will be a top priority. For a children’s play area, level access or a ramp for little ones might be the most important item to include. Look Here to view articles on Outdoor Living Spaces.

Write a list of all of the things you would like to use your garden for, and a list of things you would like to include. Then work backwards, eliminate unnecessary items until you reach a list that works together for your ultimate outdoor space. This will ensure you end up with a space that’s the most versatile to your needs.

Step 2: Look at the orientation of your space

Unless you’re lucky enough to live in a beautiful countryside setting with views from all angles and space for an outdoor space wherever you please, the orientation of your outdoor room matters. You will need to think about where the sun falls, the natural air flow and cross breezes, and any views of course. If you have a gorgeous view you want to take advantage of, but it’s south facing and doesn’t get much sun, the design of your space will be critical to ensure light and heat flow to the area. If the outdoor space gets a lot of midday and afternoon sun, you may need to think about introducing shade with a patio or awning, a sail, or a portable table umbrella. Again, how you use the space will also dictate the amount of shade, breeze or protection you need.

Step 3: Select your materials

When it comes to building an outdoor room, you’re not quite as spoilt for choice as when building inside, but almost! For flooring, there’s classic merbau timber decking, treated pine, or composite decking, classic brick paving, or mondo grass between pavers, depending on the look you’re after. If you’re building a patio or pergola, exposure to the elements, vicinity to the coast and sunlight will help determine whether corrosion resistant aluminum, timber, or Colorbond steel would be best. You may also need to look at insulated roofing and walls to shelter the space if strong winds or low temperatures are a factor.

Step 4: Furniture design

Outdoor furniture needs to be robust and resistant to the elements. It should also be comfortable and inviting for afternoons lounging in the sunshine or long dinner parties with friends. Whether you choose outdoor lounges or a dining setting, consider bench seats that double as storage boxes. These should be waterproof inside, to store comfy cushions for the furniture when you’re not using it. If bench seats aren’t your style, ensure there is a built-in storage cupboard or garden shed nearby for easy access to these items. Cement and stone table tops and cast iron furniture are all durable, long lasting materials for outdoor furniture; timber is usually a popular cheaper option, and generally gentle on the skin. Take a look online at some of your favourite furniture designs, then draw a plan of the space to see how your furniture will fit and where. Drawing a floorplan is a great way of visualising the space and planning to ensure there is sufficient room before any building starts or large purchases are made.

Step 5: Finishing touches and styling

An outdoor space, just like your interior living areas, isn’t complete without the finishing touches. Consider including mood lighting with festoon or fairy lights, dress up the table with a statement fruit bowl or centrepiece, and decorate with plants, artworks and shelving for storage and styling. If plant maintenance isn’t your forté, look at potted succulents to add colour and life to your tabletop, shelves or garden. Keen gardeners can get a bit more adventurous with seasonal florals, or unique plants like mini bonsai trees. Finally, don’t forget to add in a throw rug or two, a beautiful tablecloth and plenty of plump cushions for comfort, and you have yourself a perfectly styled, inviting outdoor living space.

Once you’ve got the design theme down pat, it’s time to get to work. It’s always a good idea to call in an expert for large or difficult projects, such as building a deck, patio or pergola. You may also need council approval for certain structures, but experts like Wizard Home Improvements can help sort all of that out for you. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning that dream alfresco room. Contact Wizard today for help getting thins done the right way.

The post The Ultimate Guide To Designing your Outdoor Room appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Orientation

The harsh Australian sun can be both a blessing and a curse; detested during the summer months, and praised in winter. Australian architects and builders not only need to consider the orientation of your home and outdoor living spaces, but also the height of the sun at different times of the year, as well as the harsh UV rays unique to Australia.

Due to these factors, a versatile outdoor living space should be one with an adjustable sunshade or roofing system, rather than fixed to suit only one season of the year. In summer the sun is much higher in the sky, so installing a sunshade, sail, or garden umbrella can help block out the harsh rays. In winter when the sun is lower in the sky, this shade needs to either be adjustable or removable to allow for the warm sunshine to heat up your outdoor living space. Fixed roofing with adjustable louvers, a retractable awning, or patio are more permanent options that could work for you.

Smart use of space

If you’re one of the 68% of Australians living in major cities, chances are your outdoor space is limited. This means to get the most out of your space, you need to consider how you’re going to use it. If you entertain often, perhaps an outdoor dining area is most attractive to you. If you have a family, a space for the kids to play, or an area to relax may be more suitable. When planning your space, consider what you really need and want, and then think about the floor space and orientation. Chances are there is a way to maximise the space with versatile furniture and fittings. Built-in and foldaway furniture are good investments when trying to get two spaces out of one. Think a built-in bench seat that doubles as a lounge and dining table seating, or a foldaway table and chairs to make way for a children’s play area.

Storage space

Outdoor areas usually come with a few extra bits and bobs; throw cushions, foldaway furniture, a shade umbrella or washing line. And if you live in an urban area, storage is something that never goes astray. When designing your outdoor space look up, to courtyard walls, fences and ceilings. Too often vertical space is forgotten, leaving a huge amount of space unused. Walls and fences can be fitted with shelves, a collapsible washing line, or even built-in-cupboards disguised by a hanging garden. Ceilings can be used to hang pots, leaving the ground space below free for furniture and storage. One of the best ways to make storage in your courtyard or terrace is to use furniture that doubles as storage space, such as bench seats with a storage box underneath, or a table with cupboards below. And if you’re building a raised deck, use the area beneath to store bikes, tools or garden furniture.

Ventilation

Ventilating small urban spaces can be tricky, but is essential for long, hot Australian summers. Open terraces and balconies are the easiest to ventilate for obvious reasons, however enclosed courtyards or suburban gardens can be more difficult. If you’re building a new home or renovating, talk to your architect about channels of ventilation to the outdoor area. This can be achieved via corridors of space beside a home, or leaving channels of ventilation between trees and hedges. Research the direction of cross breezes to ensure you avoid planting large hedges, or inserting protective walls that may block the breeze to your space. It is also important to look at these breezes when choosing a shade cover or patio, ensuring there is sufficient air flow into the space. Properly ventilating your space is important for cooling it down after a hot summer’s day, and for allowing fresh air to regularly enter your home.

An ideal outdoor living space is one we can use year round, despite the weather. Depending on your location, the requirements for will vary, from solid roofing for the wet season in northern Australia, to outdoor heating for the cooler months down south. These basic elements for building an outdoor living space are a starting point that may work alone in many climates, or added onto to suit your location. Australians love a life lived outdoors, so creating an inviting outdoor living space for your home is a smart option, whether you have a young family, entertain regularly, or simply want an extra space for relaxing at home. If you’re in the market to sell your home, upgrading your outdoor living room will add value, space and appeal to your home too. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get planning.

For information about patios, awnings, pergolas, sunrooms or outdoor blinds, take a look at Wizard Home Improvements, Sydney’s leading outdoor room specialist.

Written by Kevin Pobjie, Managing Director of Wizard Home Improvements.

The post The Key Elements to Versatile Outdoor Living appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you have decided you would like to commit to an addition or alteration to the outside area of your home. Whether you’d like to add an entire room, a patio, a deck or just a cubby house for the kids, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure you’re complying with all relevant local and state building regulations.

To somebody who has never dealt with all the bureaucracy of planning and development before, it can seem like an extremely daunting process; however, it’s actually less trouble than you probably think. This is especially true if you build with a reputed company – like Wizard Home Improvements – who will take you step-by-step through the process and handle all of your council approvals for you.

Where To Begin?

Most people would assume that the first step in planning an addition or renovation is to go outside, choose a site to build on and dream up what you want. Well, you certainly can do that, but your dreams may dissolve into nothing if you then go to apply for approval and discover you’re not allowed to even build in the area you planned to build in! That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a look at what and where you’re allowed to build BEFORE you start dreaming up designs.

Depending on what you want, you may not even need approval to build. Minor projects and constructions that don’t infringe on specific land requirements and standards are called ‘exempt development’. These can be either residential, commercial and industrial developments that are very low impact items, such as painting a building, erecting a fence, adding a carport or even building a deck, in some cases. You can determine whether you’ll need approval for a project by visiting the very handy Electronic Housing Code System tool, or the Interactive Building tool.

It should be noted too that – regardless of the exemption status – different rules apply in some cases. Where a home or property is situated in a conservation area, a fire or flood-prone area, where a road widening is planned, near contaminated land or listed as a Heritage building or on the State Heritage Register, you will need to consult with your local council to determine your ability to construct or alter your property. You can check which planning controls apply to your property online, by visiting the NSW Government’s Planning Portal.

What’s Next?

After you’ve determined whether or not you need planning approval, the next step is to actually obtain approval where needed. As previously mentioned, a professional like Wizard Home Improvements can organise this for you, or you can visit your local council to speak to a representative. Alternatively, you can Lodge a Development Application online at the Planning Portal.

You then need to inform your neighbours of your plans. This is legally required and needs to be done at least seven days prior to beginning work on your construction. You can find templates to notify them in writing at the bottom of this link.

Finally, you’ll then have the chance to select and draw up your plans with a professional builder or architect and have your building contracts written up, which will outline the work to be undertaken and the costs involved. Also ensure you find out if your home insurance will cover the renovation work and obtain extra insurance if they do not. The last step is to build your construction or renovation, which can be done very quickly if you’re working with Wizard. Then you can sit back and enjoy your beautiful new addition or renovation!

For more information on council restrictions please see our Free Build Guide.

The post Council restrictions for outdoor living appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

1. The minimalist space

Outdoor living doesn’t have to be extravagant. Leave the wow factor to nature itself and enjoy a simple, modern deck like this one in Melbourne. The natural timber leads straight onto the lawn, amplifying the space and light.

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2. A back garden lawn and deck in one

This backyard in Manly, Sydney, is the ultimate compromise for a small back garden; a deck and lawn in one. The owners have incorporated the lawn around a relaxed sitting area to give a warm, natural texture under foot, reserving the timber decking for an alfresco dining area just out of sight.

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3. The secluded courtyard

This secluded courtyard, flanked by tall trees is in a modernist style home in Canberra. The full length windows and doors frame the garden from the inside living area, and the garden offers a sense of privacy for outdoor living.

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4. The outdoor living room

This protected space is what it means to bring the indoors out. The pendant lights over the dining area, and the cosy cushions and arm chairs make this space feel warm and welcoming, while making the most of the outdoor breeze and fresh air. The full ceiling is perfect for the Brisbane rains and humidity in summer, but it doesn’t lose its outdoor appeal.

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5. The Queenslander

Who doesn’t love an old Queenslander? The white timber details, louvre windows and colourful cushions make this space oh-so welcoming. Not to mention the pool!

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6. The extra wide rustic verandah

This ultra wide verandah is a classic in federation country homes, designed to keep the house cool in the hot summer months. This combination of simple bamboo furniture and the red pressed concrete floor make it look cool and inviting for an afternoon nap.

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7. The outdoor kitchen

Modern but relaxed, stone and timber are a great combination in an outdoor living area. This space, which combines the living and dining with a built-in outdoor kitchen, is the perfect place to entertain for BBQs and summer dinner parties.

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8.The view

In coastal areas, it’s all about the view. Make the most of it with glass panelling like this deck, so you can enjoy it whether you’re sitting down or standing up. Focus less on furnishings and styling by orienting everything toward the spectacle.

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9. At one with nature

Allow your environment to dictate your space. This home in the Brisbane hinterland is set into the landscape so the indoors and outdoors flow seamlessly with the surrounding bush.

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10. Seamless indoor-outdoor

Blur the lines between your indoor and outdoor living by levelling the floor and recessing the door tracks. Top hung glass bifold doors work well for this so you can even keep the same floor covering running from the inside out. When the doors are completely opened, the continuation of space gives the illusion of one large living area rather than two.

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The post Our Top 10 Australian Outdoor Rooms of 2015 appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

1. Go for gold

Gold pots, lights, cushions and furniture, you name it. Adding a splash of glitzy gold adds an element of glamour while brightening up the space. Turning your space a warmer hue with golden lights will make you feel like it’s golden hour on a tropical island every night of the week.

Image via Some Rolling Stone.

2. Edible gardens

As our lives become increasingly urban, sustainability and returning to simple processes like cultivating one’s garden and cooking are growing in popularity. Even just adding a row of herbs will help you to add flavour to your home cooked meals. If space permits you can branch out into a variety of fruit and veg from tomatoes and chilli’s through to avocados and mangoes. Delicious.

Image via Star Apple Edible + Fine Gardening.

3. Succulents

Succulents are on trend right now; and for good reason too. They are durable, drought tolerant and come in a huge variety of colours and shapes. You can find micro-sized versions and if planted in a big enough space, they can grow into large vines and bushes.

Image via Apartment Therapy.

4. Look to the desert for inspiration

This summer it’s all about that late afternoon hour, but in the desert. Think pale pinks, greys, reds and faint pastels. Combine these with your gold and your outdoor area will be totally transformed.

Image via Atelophilia.

5. Permeable paving

Permeable paving is popular for both its sustainable features and natural aesthetic. Built over a bed of aggregates rather than a cement slab, permeable paving is designed to drain water instead of holding on to it. This means you won’t have to deal with puddles after rain, and the water is cleaned of pollutants as it passes through.

Image via The Huffington Post.

6. Vertical Gardens

Stuck with a small space? No stress, just go vertical. Vertical gardens can be grown with a variety of plants from florals, to evergreens and herbs. Think about whether you want colours, a shade canopy, or deciduous plants that will lose leaves in the fall, opening up the space to more sunlight.

Image via Revistaad.

7. Outdoor living and dining

In summer we all want to live outside right? Well make your outdoor space inviting enough that you actually do. Think about what you need most, and what furniture would suit your lifestyle best. Do you entertain frequently? Perhaps an alfresco dining area would work best, with an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area. Will your family be playing outside all summer long? Maybe think about creating a comfortable, shaded outdoor lounge area.

Image via Bloglovin.

8. Mix bold colours

Bright and bold colours are in this year. Think of the blue ocean in santorini mixed with deep purple, lime green or peach. This works both as a block colour or in a pattern with sour green and white to offset the bold blue. Go for coastal and country colour palettes for a real summer holiday vibe.

Image via Architectural Digest.

The post Summer Outdoor Design Trends 2015 appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Timber decking: Making the most out of your outdoor spaces

Your backyard space will only ever be as good as the effort you put into it.  A standard Australian backyard is generally where the little ones will roam, where grass needs to be mown, where clothes are hung out to dry, but with timber decking, your backyard is instantly transformed into an attractive outdoor entertainment area. It becomes a place where you can relax with a book, or entertain guests and loved ones. Got an outdoor pool? Surround your oasis with a timber deck to make the area more aesthetically pleasing while also creating a safe area for kids to roam around the pool in between cannonballs, while the bigger kids watch over on a comfortable deck chair.

Timber decking: Taking the inside outside

If your home is on the smaller side, create the illusion of space with a timber deck. Even if your home is on the more spacious side, extending your living areas outdoors with a timber deck makes the most out of your recreational areas and increases the overall value of your home. With the trend of outdoor rooms rising, many households are enjoying kitchens and lounge areas under the sun.

Timber decking: Increasing the value of your property

Installing an outdoor deck in your backyard is a relatively inexpensive investment, with great rewards for both your family and the future of your property in the event that you decide to sell. Real estate agencies have said time and time again that adding a timber deck to improve your outdoor entertainment areas essentially increases the value of your property dollar-for-dollar.

In addition to creating a functional outdoor entertainment area and boosting potential sale value, installing a timber deck is also an inexpensive, semi-permanent way of grading, and is easily removed if you decide you no longer need it.

Timber decking: You’ve decided you want to improve your outdoor entertainment area, now what?

At Wizard Home Improvements, we take an underutilised area and turn it into a mini-retreat in the comfort of your own home, extending the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home. Enjoy relaxing and entertaining in your backyard now, enjoy the profits garnered by having created an alluring and useful outdoor living area in the future.

We understand that every client and their family will have different wants and needs, which is why all of our timber decking is custom-designed to suit your space, the surrounding environment and your intended purposes for the deck. To ensure that our product suits your needs, we offer all of our customers a free measure and obligation-free quote, and can discuss budget, desired materials and structures to harmonise with your home.

Timber decking: What is it made out of?

At Wizard Home Improvements, we offer our clients the option between the elegant look of treated pine or the confidence and durability of Merbau hardwood – a sturdy and rich Indonesian timber. With over 20 years’ experience in the design and installation of timber decking, all our clients are ensured Wizard’s superior level of workmanship.

For those seeking an alternative route to traditional timber decking or pool decking, Wizard Home Improvements offers stylish decks design and constructed using sub-floor surfaces. These flat, synthetic materials can be constructed into the model decking you want while providing versatility when picking your finished look. Top any of our five-per-cent sheeting or Yellow Tongue boards with a variety of materials, from carpet to tiles or vinyl, to suit your personal style. Our alternative decking will also easily convert into a sunroom room or Queenslander room for the homeowner who always thinks ahead.

Timber decking: How do I prepare?

Deck Build Checklist

Purpose: What is your outdoor deck for?

• Extending the living area of your home
• Levelling a sloping block in your backyard
• Making a safe play area for the kids
• Creating an outdoor entertainment area
• Accessing better views from your backyard
• Adding value to your home.

Initial points to consider before installing a deck:

• Local council regulations
• Special regulations for bushfire-prone areas

Deck location: Where can you get the most out of your outdoor entertainment area?

• Which direction is the sun coming from? Do you get the morning or afternoon light?
• Will the deck be windy due to height and location?
• Where are the best views, and how can you take advantage of them?
• Will you be exposed to your neighbours and the street?
• What access will you have to the house – especially the kitchen and living room?
• What is the local climate like?

Outdoor deck priorities and requirements:

• Are the materials eco-friendly?
• Are the materials child-friendly?
• Is fencing required?
• Will the deck be non-slip to be safer in wet weather?

Once you’ve assessed all of the points above, you will be able to start the hunt for the perfect outdoor deck for your home. We’ve made the checklists above with style, safety and sustainability in mind – your outdoor deck is going to be around for a long time, so you want to ensure that it ticks all the boxes before you get one installed!

Contact us today to find out more information or to receive an obligation-free quote on our timber decking solutions.

Related Tag: Outdoor Blinds

The post Timber Decking: Benefitting Sydney Homes appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Sydney’s temperate climate offers a great outdoor lifestyle, so why not make the most out of it within the confines of your own home? We’ve noticed the rising trend of outdoor rooms for home renovators, which reflects changes in Australian architecture that make use of our country’s great climate – orienting houses so that the living areas open out towards the sun, giving warmth to the room but also enticing you to step out and absorb some vitamin D.

The greatest thing about an outdoor room is that they’re versatile – whether it’s a patio, an outdoor deck or a sunroom, outdoor rooms have a lot of looks and a lot of varying purposes depending on your lifestyle.

Here are our Top 10 favourite outdoor rooms of the year so far – what do you think of them?

1. The Lakeside Resting Zone

This waterside property makes the most out of its idyllic location and view with a relaxed nautical outdoor living area.  The geometric light shade and couch cushions bring the classic structure into the 21^st century, and the mirror against the wall makes it seem like the room is much more open and spacious than it already is.

2. The Al Fresco Kitchen

This deck has been made for enjoyment during any meal of the day – fry your eggs and bacon the morning, enjoy a summery salad for lunch, or fire up the barbie for dinner. The pergola makes for a bit of texture while providing protection for the kitchen’s outdoor stove, while the open bar/bench and sink area transforms the traditional dining setting into something that suits the transforming attitudes to the outdoor entertainment area.

3. The Summer Scandinavian Spot

This kitchen and dining area brings the outdoors in by having panelled windows that fold open onto the home’s deck area. The neutral colour scheme and Scandinavian décor options make this room an instant classic, a room to be enjoyed for many summers to come.

4. The More Modest Outdoor Room

This classic sunroom can be as open or as closed as you like – while the walls are all-enclosed, the dappled light coming in from the backyard, the shutters and windows and the plants make for a relaxing living area that is protected from the elements.

5. The Simple Seaside Retreat

This sweet little nook would be right at home on Sydney’s eastern suburbs, with a mix of updated vintage furniture with warming wicker trays and comfy cushions galore. It’s the perfect place to read a book in the afternoon and listen to the sound of the waves crashing at sea.

6. The Linear Plane Meets Nature Room

This pergola/deck situation makes great use of lines and perennial greens to give an otherwise simple outdoor entertainment area a sense of modernity and minimal style. This kind of outdoor room is perfect for relaxing with a feed with your friends and family after a swim in the pool.

7. The Ready-To-Eat Outdoor Room

This outdoor kitchen is all-purpose – surrounded by a garden bed filled with vegetables and herbs, adding a pinch of fresh basil to your pasta dish is as simple as reaching behind you. A perennial vine is entwined in the pergola, giving a sense of privacy with the natural canopy.

8. The Outdoor Entertainment Nook

We’ve written about vertical gardens at length before, and now we’re seeing them being put to good use! This particular hanging garden adds some green to this patio without it crowding the narrow space. Comfy cushions make for a cosy nook and the bamboo growing adds a natural privacy screen to be away from neighbours or traffic from the street.

9. The Open Bedroom

Even your bedroom can be transformed into an outdoor room, with the addition of a garage-style door that leads out onto an outdoor deck. You’re probably going to want a rear-facing bedroom in this case, but we think it’s definitely worth it.

10. The Drinks With Dinner Spot

Funky furniture and appliances coupled with railing planters and a small vertical garden make for another great use of a relatively small space. Our ideal use of this outdoor space would be enjoying a summer’s Sunday afternoon barbecue and drinks with our closest friends at dusk after a productive day out.

Wizard Home Improvements are the one-stop-shop of Australian property owners who want to make affordable and stylish home improvements in order to make the most of their homes. Learn more. 

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Pergolas, patios and decks are becoming more than ever before.

That comes as no surprise to us – with Sydney’s excellent weather conditions almost all-year round, there’s no reason to not want to spend more time outside unless you have an aversion to vitamin D.

There’s a rising trend in customers seeking home improvements to want the garden and living area to be considered as one space. Even if the area isn’t used on a regular basis, a well-designed and well-purposed outdoor room adds value to the property. Outdoor rooms make a property appear much more spacious and enjoyable, giving you more usable space in an area that used to be seen as an afterthought when it came to entertainment.

The sky’s the limit (really!) when it comes to outdoor living areas – you need not limit yourself to creating an outdoor kitchen. Wireless devices such as TVs and iPod docks can be used outdoors, too, which takes your movie nights and lazy Sunday afternoons to a whole new level. If you’re handy and have a projector and a spare sheet lying around, you can even create a moonlight cinema to enjoy with your friends and family.

When aiming to accomplish harmony between your indoor and outdoor spaces, the most important thing to view outdoor spaces as part of the design scheme and take them into account when setting your budget. It is also important to ensure lighting plans are connected in order to create the same ambience both indoors and outdoors and unify both areas.

Manufacturers are capitalising on this growing trend, making it easier than ever for you to create exactly what you’ve been imagining. Modern, striking and versatile products that can withstand outdoor environments are popping up everywhere, so get hunting and create the outdoor room of your dreams!

Wizard Home Improvements arms Australian property owners with the affordable and stylish home improvements to make the most of their homes. Learn more. 

Related Tag: Outdoor Pergola

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