Are you set on keeping the dirt area for your puppy or are would you consider container gardening? Does the area get a lot of sun? My first thought is there is alot of brick already between the facade of the building and that two story portion shown. But the herringbone paver layout is great. If it were my home I would probably take that Trex decking and extend it over in to the dirt area at an angle and then use pots to make my garden. Really great pots that you can move around and change by adding colorful plants when the season permits and then I would invest in really nice outdoor furniture to make the space. I see you have a small teak table and with a good powerwash it can be made to look new. Then add some outdoor chairs and hang a piece of outdoor art on the brick and that would be a great start but definitely start by just getting rid of all those odd plantings. It will be a lovely retreat. Good luck.

Timber or composite decking also depends on what area you live in, regards the climate and where your deck will be. Merbau hardwood is an Indonesian timber that fares very well in Western Australia as the climate is hot and dry which tends to suit the Merbau. It can leech tannins, especially if wet, if not oiled straight after installation when these tannins are locked in. We laid a Spotted Gum deck for clients in Perth a year ago that needs constant oiling, every two months, to withstand the severity of the sun. Spotted Gum looks lovely but being in Perth, it is better to be covered. However Merbau hardwood decks are more stable, durable and don't tend to twist or shrink as other timbers such as Jarrah, Batu, Spotted Gum and pine may do. Merbau is a hardwood we recommend to clients in they are unsure what timber to go for. A timber deck fully exposed or beside a swimming pool will need more oil applications than one under a veranda or patio. NexGen composite is a beautiful board manufactured in the USA that comes in various colours and is secret clipped. This is maintenance free other than a wash down with warm soapy water every now and again. Trex is also an American board that is highly recommended. Millboard is a very good choice also and has a more of a natural look. This board is a bit more expensive than NexGen and Trex and looks great. Cons for composite is that it does get hot if exposed to the sun however, timber will get hot too. From experience, its also better to lay your composite decking when the boards are cool, not too hot as they expand and contract length wise. Composite is also scratch resistant but isn't scratch proof. Things to consider before having your deck installed are 1) how much maintenance am I prepared to do to upkeep my deck? 2) Is my deck in a termite or fire prone area? 3) Do I need a council permit? (if it is 500 mm off the ground in which case you'll need balustrading) 4) What look am I going for? (Modern, natural, rustic or contemporary) 5) How much money am I willing to invest? 6) What material do I like better? Whatever material you decide on, enjoy your deck. It will be a good investment for you and your family, and your property.

picture frame all around? Fashion is only dated if you can remember when it was new so, for me diagonal looks very 70's but, enough time passes and a look becomes vintage or classic so it's really a matter of personal taste. The difference will be that the new decking products look so much better, laste longer and are easier to maintain. From the little i can see of your house a more formal style would be my choice and decking laid at right angles to the house allows for the easier extending with more decking? if/when you replace the old bricks on this side of the pillar

I've been doing a lot of research on composite decking. Have narrowed down to TimberTech and Trex composite decking. Both are US products. For people who have installed either of these products in Australia, I'm seeking your opinion and advice. Also, do you know any builder who is qualified to install either TimberTech or Trex composite decking in Sydney?