Outdoor delight A tired alfresco area is revitalised

WITH SOME CLEVER DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING LOVE, THIS OUTDOOR SPACE IS NOW AN ALFRESCO ZONE TO ADMIRE

Five years after moving into their newly built home on Sydney’s northern beaches, and a few too many grazed knees later, homeowners Lauren and Dave finally decided it was time to pay attention to their backyard. “The alfresco area was basically a tiled patio, but it was quite small and very slippery, which caused problems for my children,” says Lauren. Apart from the patio, the backyard was chiefly grass. “It was nice when the kids were smaller, but they are a bit older now and don’t play outside as much,” she says. “I wanted more space for entertaining – to open up the house a little more.” The couple agreed a new deck was the best way forward, and enlisted the help of landscape designer Adam Robinson. Original room: A small, tiled alfresco space built as part of the home’s original design five years earlier.

Time frame: Two weeks

Why the makeover? Small, dark and prone to pooling water in the winter, the existing space was as unsightly as it was hazardous underfoot – and it was Lauren and Dave’s turn to host Christmas lunch. The works:Tiles were ripped out and the existing alfresco zone was extended beyond the eaves of the property to provide more space for relaxing and entertaining. The fence was given a coat of paint in Colorbond Monument to match the gutters, and new garden beds were created along the boundary. major changes:The tiles were replaced with a Hardiedeck decking system, and finished in a timber-look stain.

Lessons learned: Have a budget in mind, but keep a contingency in place for unexpected expenses. “Don’t be afraid to question costs or negotiate on quotes if they are out of your price range,” adds Lauren. FURNITURE The family chose a lounge arrangement over a dining setting on the deck to keep things comfortable and relaxed (opposite and above). A sofa that fitted the whole family was a must, and the Eco Outdoor ‘Watego’ was the perfect solution. The modular shape, following the corner of the deck, also makes for ease of conversation. “Mixing it up with the metal-framed coffee table and chair from Tait keeps the look contemporary,” explains designer Adam Robinson, who helped source the furniture. “We wanted the style to suit the location.” An outdoor rug from Armadillo & Co adds to the interior appeal of the zone. DECK Coated in Merbau Natural Stain from Intergrain, the Hardiedeck boards have all the look and warmth of real timber without the upkeep issues, plus the system is relatively quick and simple to fit. “It’s much easier to maintain, it’s durable and we had a slip-resistant finish added to the stain, so the kids shouldn’t be falling over any more!” says Lauren.