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

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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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Hang out in your own outdoor area

We’ve decided to think laterally and bring something different to the blog this week.

We hope you enjoy it! 

There’s nothing more comforting than lying in a hammock on a lazy afternoon and curling up with a book on your deck or patio.

Don’t waste your pennies with a store-bought one, though – follow our instructions to make the overhand knot hammock of your dreams.

You’ll need a tape measure, a pair of scissors and about 180m of rope. We recommend buying rope that’s thick enough to be sturdy but not so thick that the knots will be uncomfortable to lie on.

Instructions

1. Measure and cut 24 6-metre strands of rope. Gather all the strands of rope on one end and tie them together, leaving about 30cm of rope ends hanging from the top of the knot.
2. Leave about half a metre of space between the first knot and the first row of hammock knots you’re about to start.
3. Starting from your far left, grab the first two strands (strand 1 and 2 respectively) and tie them together using a simple overhand knot. Repeat this with strands 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and so on, ensuring that all of the knots are level with one another.
4. Once you’ve finished the first row of knots (ending on strand 23 and 24), leave about 3 inches, then start knotting again, leaving strand 24 on its own and knotting, right to left, starting with strands 22 and 23.
5.  When you reach the end of the next row, knot strands 2 and 3 together, leaving strand 1 on its own.
6. Skipping down a row on strand 1, knot it together with strand 2 – this will create the beginning of what will become another row of knots.
7. Keep knotting the strands together to create another row. When you reach strand 23 and 24, knot them together, skipping down a row on strand 24 as you did in step 6.
8. Repeat steps 3-7, making sure to skip a row on either end when needed. Keep knotting away until there’s about a metre of rope strands left over.
9. Knot all 24 strands of rope together, leaving about half a metre between this knot and the last row of knots.
10. Trim the excess rope on either end of the hammock, then attach the ends to two trees in your backyard, two supports on your deck or patio, or take it with you on your next camping trip.

Thanks to Kinfolk for the tutorial!

Hammock not your style? Read about how you can furnish your outdoor entertainment area on budget and in style: Furnish Your Outdoor Entertainment Area, Motorised Outdoor Blinds Sydney

The post How to Make a Hammock for Your Outdoor Entertainment Areas appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

How to Clean your Deck: Sustainable Deck-Cleaning Solutions for Sydney’s Decks

At first glance a deck may come across as a fairly basic structure, but your outdoor entertainment areas require regular maintenance in order for them to last the test of time. After months of weather damage, impact from foot traffic, unsightly grease stains from the barbecue and general wear and tear from daily use, your deck may not be looking as perfect as the day it was built.

Renewing and rejuvenating your deck regularly is the best way to keep it looking nicer for longer (make sure you check out our post on staining your deck). Being environmentally conscious while doing so is not only good for your garden, your conscience and the environment overall, but – if you choose to make your own cleaner – easy on the wallet, too. If you end up choosing to buy an eco-friendly cleaner, ensure that you avoid chlorine bleach, instead opting for a biodegradable wood cleaner that won’t contaminate the groundwater or harm vegetation when it’s rinsed off the deck.

However, making your own deck cleaner with vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a base will see your deck spring back into life, while also removing resistant rust stains, keeping pests at bay and making the soil acidic for your plants – azaleas in particular thrive off the vinegar runoff.

For a basic job, simply pour or spray the deck with vinegar and let it sit, uninterrupted, for an hour or so, then rinse. If the deck is not looking like new, repeat the process. You can also use a scrub brush to fight off any stubborn looking moss or mildew.

If you find that you may require something stronger, adding ammonia and baking soda will make a stronger solution that is still harmless to the environment – however, you should always be very careful when handling ammonia, as it is corrosive to the skin.

Do you have your own environmentally-friendly way of cleaning timber decking? Let us know in the comments section below! 

Need more advice about your outdoor deck or entertainment areas? We might just have what you’re searching for! Our handy deck checklist will start you off in the right direction. Want to speak to a real person about building a deck? Head to our contact page. 

The post How to clean your deck, the eco-friendly way appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Sydney Goes Top Deck for Winter

As the temperature drops for winter, it seems more and more tempting to turn on the heater, keep warm under a big doona, and never leave the house. However, winter is the best time to make the most out of your outdoor entertainment areas, such as your patio or deck. With a few simple steps you can transform your deck so that it can be enjoyed even in the chilliest of nights.

Winter Deck: Keep It Clean

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – it’s vital to keep your deck clean, especially after autumn, when loose leaves will accumulate in the corners and in between the deck planks, which can decompose and cause damage to the deck. By sweeping with a broom and washing with a hose, you can reduce the amount of decaying matter and minimise any structural damage to the deck.

Winter Deck: Move Around

Move any outdoor furniture indoors for the time being and clean underneath. Planters and potted plants should be cleaned and moved as the moisture from the rain and air can cause moisture from planters to leech into the wood and stain it over the colder months. The best solution to this is to move the plants off the deck for this time.

Winter Deck: Refinish the finish

While there’s still a few warm sunny days available to us, you may want to strip the wood and refinish the deck. While it seems like a superfluous chore at first, preventing damage from wind, rain and generally harsh weather will save you time, money and effort in the future. After you’ve reapplied finish, apply a high-quality water-repellent seal in case of bouts of wet winter weather. Make sure you check out our post on maintaining your timber deck’s stain and finish.

Winter Deck: Welcome winter the right way

Installing a fire pit or brazier will be your saving grace this winter – it will heat up your deck and provide a perfect centrepiece for winter gatherings on the deck. If you’re not interested in permanent pyrotechnic solutions, stay warm with an outdoor heater instead.

Want to know more about our timber decking solutions? Give us a call or ask a question in the comments section below.

The post How to make the most out of your timber deck this winter appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Bring outdoor areas to life…

Summer is well and truly over in Sydney – the temperature has dropped and as a result, it’s much harder to get out of the bed in the morning. However, on days when you’re in no rush to go anywhere, it’s quite pleasant to sit on your outdoor deck with a cuppa and enjoy the lush surrounds of your backyard.

However, we get that not everyone is at the “lush surrounds” stage of backyard development, and are probably, at present, more used to staring down a less-than-inspiring patchy lawn. If you’re looking for a backyard update, here are a few plants we’ve enjoyed seeing around Sydney lately. They’re all subtropical varieties, they’ll be fine in most weather conditions, they’re easy to grow and easy to maintain.

Winter Blues? Learn how to cold-proof your deck here!

Pentas lanceolata: Commonly known as the Egyptian Starcluster, pentas tend to be drought-hardy, but don’t live for much longer than 3-4 years. Regular beheadings will keep the plant compact and flowering on a regular basis.

Davidsonia pruriens: You may be able to tell from looking at it for a bit that the Davidson’s Plum is not a New South Wales native – in fact, it hails from our neighbours up north in Queensland but enjoys inner Sydney life as much as northern rainforrests. The leafy tree does not fruit or flower as much as other plants, but it’s worth noting that the “plums” are certainly edible.

Breynia disticha: Otherwise known as confetti bush, this tricolourious leafy plant will add flair to otherwise dull outdoor living situations. As it’s originally from the Pacific Islands, it tends ot enjoy a more humid climate but is still hardy enough to last through even the coldest Sydney morning.

Iresine herbstii: this bloodleaf plant, almost glowing a fuchsia-tinged red, is a surefire standout in any garden. It’s incredibly easy to grow from cuttings, with roots propagating from just a glass of water.

Alcantarea species: Alcantarea are a modest-looking species, but give them a few years to grow big and strong and they’ll steal the show. However, once it flowers, bear in mind that the end is near. The plant will die, but it will leave many alcantarea babies in its wake. More to love, right?

What winter plants do you love? Make sure you write your recommendations in the comments below.

Need a bit more outdoor area inspiration? Try this: 5 Home and Garden Blogs You Can’t Live Without

blogorama.com

Related Tag: Best Outdoor Blinds Sydney

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The Elevate Pool Deck

A raised pool and decking makes your pool area much more aesthetically pleasing in an otherwise average backyard. Additionally, it makes both the pool and decking easy to uninstall without too much damage to its surroundings, should you decide that you do not want it in the future.

The Totally Decked Backyard

You don’t need to have a huge outdoor area to have a pool – this modern Australian backyard makes the most of what it’s got, with decking all over the backyard and a gorgeous infinity pool. 

Modern and Minimal 

This deck proves that with a sleek and modern look, no space is too small for a pool. Opt for composite timber. It’s chemically treated to be of minimal fuss and requires the bare minimum when it comes to maintenance.

Feeling inspired to frame your pool with a deck? Spruce it up afterwards using our list of ideas here: Dress Up Your Deck Without Blowing Your Budget

The post Looking for a Pool Deck to Really Knock Your Socks Off? appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Never underestimate the power of a great outdoor entertainment area.

A deck or a patio will transform your backyard from somewhere to mow grass and hang wet clothes to dry into a place where you can relax with a book or entertain guests and loved ones.

A good deck can extend a living area outdoors and entice the outdoors back inside. The costs are relatively inexpensive to have a deck installed and is a great investment into your quality of life, as well as boosting the value of your property overall.

If you have an outdoor pool, creating decking around it makes the area much more attractive and will also create another seating area that you can lounge around on after a dip.

Got a barbecue or outdoor fireplace? There’s nothing quite like dining outdoors on your deck, especially on a cool summer’s night.

Decks aren’t just great for boosting your outdoor entertainment areas, they’re also great when your garden is on a slope and you would like to create a more functional area.  It’s also a less expensive way of grading, and can easily be removed if you decide you no longer want it anymore.

Don’t get it in your mind that installing a deck will take away the nature aspects of your backyard – decking looks great with plants potted on the deck or framed around the deck in a garden bed.

So when it comes to the grand question of to deck or not to deck, you really have to question firstly: What kind of space do you currently have? Then – do you want it to be more functional? Do you want to increase the value of your home? Do you want to be able to entertain guests outdoors? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may seem like installing a deck is the thing for you.

Enjoyed this post? You might also like reading about how to make the most out of small outdoor entertainment areas here: Dress Up Your Deck Without Blowing the Budget

The post To Deck or Not to Deck? appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

1.    Sweep. It’s a tiresome task for some, but a necessary habit to get into. Sweep about once a week (less if your outdoor areas aren’t too leafy) to get rid of leaves, dirt and other miscellaneous debris that may accumulate on the deck.

2.    Scrub. Even more tiresome, but a less frequent activity, purchasing a composite-friendly decking cleaner and getting down to business every three or four months will see your deck looking as good as new. Before you grimace, it’s a much easier task than sanding back and refinishing, which other types of decks require you to do.

3.    Take the pressure off. There will be times that you come across some stubborn grime that refuses to unstick, no matter how hard you try. While the temptation of the pressure cleaner may be strong, be careful with it – too much pressure can damage the surface of the composite decking boards. If you’re concerned, call a professional.

4.    Mind the gaps. The whole reason there are gaps between the boards is so that water and dirt can fall through easily to the earth below. Be mindful that debris does not get caught in these gaps. To clear the gaps, run a blunt blade between the boards to scrape them clean. Do this about once a year, but be careful to avoid scratching the boards.

Liked this post? Share it with your friends! You’ll probably also enjoy our post on Wizard’s dream decks.

Related Tag: Outdoor Blinds Sydney

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1.      Planning: Before you make any decisions or spend any money you need to get planning and to plan right you need to do plenty of research. Break out the magazines and head online and find out what looks are making people take notice and take notes of what appeals to you.

2.      Big Features: A stylish room will always have some sort of eye-catcher, whether it’s a piece of distinctive furniture or a stunning sculpture is up to you. If you’re clever you can get this feature for next to nothing. Your best bet is to look out for hard rubbish days in your area and see if any distressed pieces of furniture are hitting the curb. Be prepared to do a little cleaning and making over of them but the work will definitely be worth it. Alternatively start looking at local markets and seeing what sort of sculptures are being sold by local artists – they’ll definitely cost you far less there than they will in a shop.

3.      Colours: A lot of outdoor furniture can easily be repainted to suit a certain colour scheme, or if you’re dealing with fabric make use of patterned cushions to tie a lounge in with the rest of the deck.

4.      Plants: No room, indoor or out, is complete without a little greenery. Certain plants like the Boston fern always go with any modern trend and are extremely easy to care for. Experiment with pots, planters and hanging baskets till you find what’s right for you.

5.      Accents: When you’ve got the heavy work out of the way it’s time to tie it all in together. See what nick-nacks and bits and pieces you can find hidden away in your home that’ll suit your deck’s new look, even with just a touch of paint, or head on back to local markets to pick up those last few key pieces like old glass bottles to bring home a vintage feel.

Updating your deck doesn’t have to cost a fortune as long as you’re willing to put in the hard yards to find those bargains. For more inspiration, have a look at Home & Garden Inspiration: Decks, Pools and Sunrooms.

Related Tag: Cost Of Pergola Sydney

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