Outdoor Balcony Ideas

A deck makeover that changes everything!

With some clever design and landscaping love, this outdoor space is now an alfresco zone to admire 
Sue Stubbs

Five years after moving into their newly built home, these homeowners finally decided it was time to pay attention to their backyard.

The alfresco area of this home on Sydney’s northern beaches was basically a tiled patio, quite small and very slippery, which caused problems for young children. Apart from the patio, the backyard was chiefly grass. The couple agreed a new deck was the best way forward, and enlisted the help of landscape designer Adam Robinson.

Deck makeover | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
‘Watego’ sofa from Eco Outdoor, Rug from Armadillo & Co (Credit: Sue Stubbs)

“We wanted the style to suit the location”

Adam Robinson, Landscape Designer

In just two weeks, the space was transformed. Tiles were ripped out and the existing alfresco zone was replaced with a Hardiedeck decking system that extended beyond the eaves of the property to provide more space for relaxing and entertaining. The deck was and finished in a timber-look stain and the fence was given a coat of paint in Colorbond Monument to match the gutters, and new garden beds were created along the boundary.

Deck makeover | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
Metal framed chair from Tait (Credit: Sue Stubbs)

“I wanted more space for entertaining – to open up the house a little more.”

Lauren, Homeowner

The family chose a lounge arrangement over a dining setting on the deck to keep things comfortable and relaxed. Coated in Merbau Natural Stain from Intergrain, the easy to maintain 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. A slip-resistant finish was added to the stain for safety.

Deck makeover | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Sue Stubbs)

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