Small concrete courtyard ideas

8 years ago

Hi I am thinking about painting my courtyard. Is painted concrete easier to clean then bare? I am also wondering if it would be possible to tile this area....given it has a big drain and is not flat. I would like to paint the wooden fence a dark grey and have bamboo in narrow pots along the back. This is also the only area I have to hang washing outside so not sure whether to install folding washing line over the pebbles on the left (afternoon sun) or in the corner (morning sun). Any ideas advice would be greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

annb1997

8 years ago

I think after painting, the concrete will be easier to clean simply because the surface will be more uniform and somewhat smoother.

As for where to install a folding washing line, the brick wall looks an ideal location. The radiating heat from the morning son will also help dry clothes just that bit quicker.

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Comments (22)

annb1997
8 years ago
Here are a series of easy how-to videos using Haynes concrete paint products.
annb1997
8 years ago
http://www.haymespaint.com.au/inspiration/diy-know-how/diy-how-to-videos/painting-concrete/
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annb1997
8 years ago
Morning SUN, hehe!
lmabbatt
8 years ago
Best get rid of the pebbles altogether (on all sides) and soften the area with planting (eg) clumping bamboo, natives like grevilleas, native ground covers, anything that can be easily pruned if it gets out of control and doesn’t mind a bit of neglect.
You might find that, when you have the plants in, you don’t feel an urgent need to paint the concrete or tile (very expensive, particularly if not level).
Yes, paint the fence a dark gray as a backdrop for plants. Put the folding clothesline on the brickwall.
If it’s going to be a seating area, Kmart and BigW have cost effective large outdoor rugs. Try one and see if that softens the space enough when you have seating as well.
Photo of our tiny backyard 5 years after planting from scratch. Was a mud pit. Raised garden beds helped.
alisonlangdon111
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you so much. Yes the clothesline is definitely going on the brick wall, however not sure where over the pebbles or over the concrete. I f I put it over the pebbles and get some large pots where the current mish mash of small pots is, then the planting/pots will be a continuous L shape. If I put it over the concrete there will be a gap between plants.
alisonlangdon111
Original Author
8 years ago
I should also mention where the pebbles are near the brick wall I cannot plant anything that requires more then very light watering if planted in the soil. (Specified in the soil report).
lmabbatt
8 years ago
I personally would put the clothesline over the concrete and get rid of the pots completely. Remove the pebbles. Put the plants in the ground. They will flourish and love you for it!
annb1997
8 years ago
I'm thinking over concrete rather than pebbles cuz if any wet laundry should fall, it might be easier to brush it off than if it falls onto pebbles.

i like your idea to paint fence charcoal. Had you considered a vertical garden? Might be a nice alternative to pots, provided it would be okay to install on the fence.
alisonlangdon111
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi annb yes my original idea was a vertical garden but pretty sure the fence can't support the weight, not sure if you can tell but there is nothing supporting it on the left where it butts up against the white rendered wall.
annb1997
8 years ago
As for potted plants along a section of the brick wall, you could place your potted plant (in a pot w/drain holes) inside a larger decorative pot. That way any drainage is contained w/in the larger pot. The pots would look great in raised plant stands like these:
annb1997
8 years ago
Oh okay, I see that now. What is purpose of that rendered wall, or is it the neighbouring building?
annb1997
8 years ago
BTW, what kind of tree is that? Nice green lush foliage.
alisonlangdon111
Original Author
8 years ago
It's the neighbours wall, also the red brick wall is the neighbours garage. I'm in a block of townhouses with shared walls on both sides.
annb1997
8 years ago
Imabbatt, what gorgeous birds in your garden. What are they?
annb1997
8 years ago
Ahhh okay. Now I understand about being careful with plantings and drainage.
alisonlangdon111
Original Author
8 years ago
Almost certain the tree is a CrabApple - Bechtel.
siriuskey
8 years ago
Agree with clothes line on brick wall above the concrete, succulent Mexican style planting in pebbled area very easy they look after themselves. Painting back fence will really make a big difference, are you allowed to paint the brick wall's, if so what colours would the Body Corporate allow. Painted concrete can look great but will need maintenance, what about a screed of a large stone pebble create a neighbours just done this looks good and he said was really cost effective, comes in different colours. cheers
PRO
Evergreen Walls Pty Ltd
8 years ago
Hi Alison,

We have found that painted concrete requires a lot more effort to clean than bare concrete.

Also, instead of placing potted plants in a section of the brick wall, we suggest softening your space with our Evergreen Wall panels. They will definitely help to keep your space looking lush as well as add to the minimalistic feel without cluttering your floor with pots that need a lot more maintenance. Feel free to check out our range of styles here: https://evergreenwalls.com.au

Richard
PRO
User
7 years ago
Hi,

We supply and install X-Bond which is a seamless finish. Check out our ranges - https://www.alternativesurfaces.com.au/xbond-seamless-stone/

Feel free to call us on 03 9427 1100

Thanks
kazzh
7 years ago
A good pressure wash on the concrete, then try the suggestion of an outdoor rug for colour might help you feel different about spending on paint that will eventually need more up keep than time spent on a good clean. Pursue the vertical garden idea, it is a good one ! A planting style that won't encroach on your limited space and would look good against a darker painted fence.
dreamer
7 years ago
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Small concrete courtyard ideas

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