Insider Tips to Sidestep Backyard Stuff-Ups
Get clued up on hidden costs and oft-forgotten regulations, to ensure your new backyard is built to last without breaking the bank
Winter is breaking and warmer days are getting closer. It’s usually about now that we start to daydream about getting outside for some sun and fresh air. Whether your outdoor space is for entertaining or for kids to run amok in, there’s no better time to put your mind to improving your backyard. Here are a few things to consider before you begin, that will help you to avoid hidden costs and hassles down the track.
There are several other sustainably grown Australian hardwoods that are well suited to decking, including blackbutt, spotted gum, ironbark and jarrah. While these are likely to cost a little more than merbau, they also give you more options in colour and character, as well as some peace of mind that they are at home in Australian conditions.
Hardwood isn’t your only option. Recent years have seen the development of composite decking products, which are a more environmentally sustainable option. These products are generally made from wood waste products and recycled plastics, and they are often selected for their low-maintenance credentials.
More decking hardwoods to consider
Hardwood isn’t your only option. Recent years have seen the development of composite decking products, which are a more environmentally sustainable option. These products are generally made from wood waste products and recycled plastics, and they are often selected for their low-maintenance credentials.
More decking hardwoods to consider
Fixing methods
When using hardwood decking you will also need to consider the fixing method. Nailing through hardwood is not only very difficult, but it is also less likely to stand the test of time as nails start to pop, leading to nasty foot injuries. Screwing your hardwood deck is a better option, and stainless-steel screws will last the longest.
When using hardwood decking you will also need to consider the fixing method. Nailing through hardwood is not only very difficult, but it is also less likely to stand the test of time as nails start to pop, leading to nasty foot injuries. Screwing your hardwood deck is a better option, and stainless-steel screws will last the longest.
Size of boards
When choosing your boards, take into consideration the fact that narrower boards will take longer to place, as there are more of them required to fill a space than with wider boards. However, remember that a deck sits outside in the elements all day long, and a down side of large boards is that they can be more inclined to twist and cup, so you may have to factor in this cost down the track. Ultimately, when building your deck, whatever width of board you choose, try to budget for higher quality; it will ensure that you don’t need to rebuild it in just a few short years.
When choosing your boards, take into consideration the fact that narrower boards will take longer to place, as there are more of them required to fill a space than with wider boards. However, remember that a deck sits outside in the elements all day long, and a down side of large boards is that they can be more inclined to twist and cup, so you may have to factor in this cost down the track. Ultimately, when building your deck, whatever width of board you choose, try to budget for higher quality; it will ensure that you don’t need to rebuild it in just a few short years.
The Cubby House
Building the kids a cubby is a great way to enliven your backyard. There’s no better attraction than a cubby house to draw young kids away from screens and couches all year round. Building the cubby can also be a great family bonding opportunity, where the kids can get involved in the process.
Council approval
One of the traps that I have heard about more recently is where cubbies are built too high off the ground, and have the potential to impact on the privacy of neighbours with children peering over the fence. I know of one client who had to spend several hundred dollars on cranes to have their custom-built cubby lowered, after complaints from neighbours due to it being too high and therefore considered an ‘upper floor’.
Building the kids a cubby is a great way to enliven your backyard. There’s no better attraction than a cubby house to draw young kids away from screens and couches all year round. Building the cubby can also be a great family bonding opportunity, where the kids can get involved in the process.
Council approval
One of the traps that I have heard about more recently is where cubbies are built too high off the ground, and have the potential to impact on the privacy of neighbours with children peering over the fence. I know of one client who had to spend several hundred dollars on cranes to have their custom-built cubby lowered, after complaints from neighbours due to it being too high and therefore considered an ‘upper floor’.
Where to put it
Another common oversight is building the cubby over an underground easement, which in most cases will never cause an issue; but if the utility provider needs to get access to the easement for maintenance or replacement, they are entitled to do so without restriction and relocating the cubby will be at your expense. Before launching into your cubby build, make sure you understand the planning limitations of such structures in your council area.
Another common oversight is building the cubby over an underground easement, which in most cases will never cause an issue; but if the utility provider needs to get access to the easement for maintenance or replacement, they are entitled to do so without restriction and relocating the cubby will be at your expense. Before launching into your cubby build, make sure you understand the planning limitations of such structures in your council area.
The Retaining Wall
There are several choices for building retaining walls in your garden, from cost-effective timber sleepers, to masonry options that include user-friendly proprietary systems, as well as stone walls in various colours and finishing patterns. You may be tempted by the initial lower cost of a timber sleeper wall, but they are not long lasting and you will need to replace it in years to come.
Materials
Masonry options are generally longer lasting, but there are hidden costs that could blow the budget out; one of which is the footing that is required underneath it. Unlike a stone retaining wall, a brick or block retaining wall will need a concrete footing as a foundation. Digging the trench, as well as the need to supply the concrete and associated steel reinforcement, adds time and cost.
Finally, depending on the height of the wall, it may also need to be engineered so that the steel reinforcement is tied into the block work, which would in turn need to be core-filled with more concrete.
There are several choices for building retaining walls in your garden, from cost-effective timber sleepers, to masonry options that include user-friendly proprietary systems, as well as stone walls in various colours and finishing patterns. You may be tempted by the initial lower cost of a timber sleeper wall, but they are not long lasting and you will need to replace it in years to come.
Materials
Masonry options are generally longer lasting, but there are hidden costs that could blow the budget out; one of which is the footing that is required underneath it. Unlike a stone retaining wall, a brick or block retaining wall will need a concrete footing as a foundation. Digging the trench, as well as the need to supply the concrete and associated steel reinforcement, adds time and cost.
Finally, depending on the height of the wall, it may also need to be engineered so that the steel reinforcement is tied into the block work, which would in turn need to be core-filled with more concrete.
The big benefit of stone retaining walls is that in most instances, no footing is generally required. This is because a stone wall is known as a ‘gravity’ retaining wall, meaning that the weight of the wall itself is sufficient. To achieve this, stone walls are general much thicker than other retaining walls, being widest at the bottom and tapering up to a narrower top. The higher the wall, the wider the bottom of the wall needs to be; consult a qualified engineer for more detail.
The more expensive ‘facing’ stone is only used at the front and top of the wall where it is seen, while cheaper concrete rubble and stone are used to give the wall its thickness where it won’t be seen. When planning a stone retaining wall, you will need to make allowance for the additional thickness if excavating soil is required.
The more expensive ‘facing’ stone is only used at the front and top of the wall where it is seen, while cheaper concrete rubble and stone are used to give the wall its thickness where it won’t be seen. When planning a stone retaining wall, you will need to make allowance for the additional thickness if excavating soil is required.
Waterproofing
Other significant benefits of stone retaining walls are that only one trade is required, and no waterproofing need be applied to the back of the wall. They are free-draining walls, meaning that if water needs to pass through it does so easily.
Brick or block retaining walls, however, can get particularly tricky if you are trying to match the finish to the rendered finish of your house. Not only do you need to consider the additional cost of render and painting trades, you will also need to ensure that the back of the retaining wall is waterproofed so that ground water cannot seep through the wall, undermining the rendered finish and causing it to crack and fall off the wall.
The waterproofing step is critical in this process, and should be done by an experienced tradesperson. Make sure you weigh up all of the considerations, and make your decision based on longevity rather than short-term ease.
Other significant benefits of stone retaining walls are that only one trade is required, and no waterproofing need be applied to the back of the wall. They are free-draining walls, meaning that if water needs to pass through it does so easily.
Brick or block retaining walls, however, can get particularly tricky if you are trying to match the finish to the rendered finish of your house. Not only do you need to consider the additional cost of render and painting trades, you will also need to ensure that the back of the retaining wall is waterproofed so that ground water cannot seep through the wall, undermining the rendered finish and causing it to crack and fall off the wall.
The waterproofing step is critical in this process, and should be done by an experienced tradesperson. Make sure you weigh up all of the considerations, and make your decision based on longevity rather than short-term ease.
The Fire Pit
Fire pits are a popular addition to Australian gardens. They add atmosphere to outdoor entertaining spaces and can also increase the outdoor entertaining season by many weeks.
Where to put it
Before you go out and purchase that fire pit you saw at your local garden centre, make sure you plan the space well with consideration to the fact that with fire comes smoke, ash and burning embers. Generally speaking, that means your fire pit needs to be out in the open and not under a roof.
Fire pits are a popular addition to Australian gardens. They add atmosphere to outdoor entertaining spaces and can also increase the outdoor entertaining season by many weeks.
Where to put it
Before you go out and purchase that fire pit you saw at your local garden centre, make sure you plan the space well with consideration to the fact that with fire comes smoke, ash and burning embers. Generally speaking, that means your fire pit needs to be out in the open and not under a roof.
What to put near it
You will also need to think about the surrounds of the fire pit in relation to red-hot burning embers that spit out of the fire from time to time. The surrounds need to be both non-combustible and also safe from being charred. Gravel or river pebbles are a popular choice, and concrete is another option if you can put up with the odd small char stain. For the same reasons, you’ll also need to think about the type and placement of furniture in that area.
You will also need to think about the surrounds of the fire pit in relation to red-hot burning embers that spit out of the fire from time to time. The surrounds need to be both non-combustible and also safe from being charred. Gravel or river pebbles are a popular choice, and concrete is another option if you can put up with the odd small char stain. For the same reasons, you’ll also need to think about the type and placement of furniture in that area.
The Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to celebrate the warmer months, and they are becoming a highly desirable item in the Australian way of life. Just like your everyday kitchen there are endless options for an outdoor kitchen; however, there are some important distinctions that must be addressed to ensure you select the right products and avoid costly repairs or replacement in the process.
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to celebrate the warmer months, and they are becoming a highly desirable item in the Australian way of life. Just like your everyday kitchen there are endless options for an outdoor kitchen; however, there are some important distinctions that must be addressed to ensure you select the right products and avoid costly repairs or replacement in the process.
The benchtop material
One of the most important considerations is the benchtop material you plan to use, and the main issue you will face is that you need to consider exposure to the elements. Most of the mainstream benchtop material providers will not warrant their products if they are used outside; though some do have specifically designed products for the purpose. Just be sure to check the fine print regarding warranty limitations.
One of the most important considerations is the benchtop material you plan to use, and the main issue you will face is that you need to consider exposure to the elements. Most of the mainstream benchtop material providers will not warrant their products if they are used outside; though some do have specifically designed products for the purpose. Just be sure to check the fine print regarding warranty limitations.
If you fail to find anything suitable, you may need to consider a stainless steel or concrete benchtop. Both of these options are typically dearer than other benchtop materials, but they are also most likely to stand the test of time.
Where to put the barbecue
Another thing to consider when planning your outdoor kitchen is the placement of the barbecue and the ventilation required. If your bbq is going to be placed in an internal corner of a covered alfresco area, it will be protected from the elements, however it is also likely to be an area that doesn’t ventilate easily. The result is a smoke-filled space that just isn’t pleasant to use. To avoid this occurring, you’ll need to either reconsider the bbq location to an area that will benefit from natural air movement, or add a range hood above the bbq.
Another thing to consider when planning your outdoor kitchen is the placement of the barbecue and the ventilation required. If your bbq is going to be placed in an internal corner of a covered alfresco area, it will be protected from the elements, however it is also likely to be an area that doesn’t ventilate easily. The result is a smoke-filled space that just isn’t pleasant to use. To avoid this occurring, you’ll need to either reconsider the bbq location to an area that will benefit from natural air movement, or add a range hood above the bbq.
The Pool
A swimming pool is one of the most expensive additions to consider for your backyard, and clearly not a decision to be taken lightly. But when budgeting for your new pool, make sure you have a detailed understanding of all of the extra costs that are associated with it.
Swimming pool extras
Firstly, modern pools have an increasing number of optional extras that can blow a budget in a hurry; like self-cleaning technology, covers, automated chemical balancing, heating options, water features, swimjets, lighting and more.
A swimming pool is one of the most expensive additions to consider for your backyard, and clearly not a decision to be taken lightly. But when budgeting for your new pool, make sure you have a detailed understanding of all of the extra costs that are associated with it.
Swimming pool extras
Firstly, modern pools have an increasing number of optional extras that can blow a budget in a hurry; like self-cleaning technology, covers, automated chemical balancing, heating options, water features, swimjets, lighting and more.
Pool safety
There are other costs that must also be considered when installing a pool, like pool safety fencing (this is compulsory and the various options can vary dramatically in price), installation of plumbing and drainage to the pool, and the pool surrounds which are often paved, tiled or decked.
Access
Access to and from your backyard will also have an impact on the cost of pool installation (there’ll be a lot of dirt to be removed and a big pool to get in). While the base price to get a fibreglass pool installed is about $25,000-$30,000, the total project cost could easily be double that by the time you have signed off on all of your options.
There are other costs that must also be considered when installing a pool, like pool safety fencing (this is compulsory and the various options can vary dramatically in price), installation of plumbing and drainage to the pool, and the pool surrounds which are often paved, tiled or decked.
Access
Access to and from your backyard will also have an impact on the cost of pool installation (there’ll be a lot of dirt to be removed and a big pool to get in). While the base price to get a fibreglass pool installed is about $25,000-$30,000, the total project cost could easily be double that by the time you have signed off on all of your options.
Concrete pools involve more preparation and labour and are dearer to install than fibreglass pools. But they are highly customisable and offer even more options in size, shape and finish; so the total cost is likely to be dearer again.
Planting Trees
Dig the right size hole
You’ve invested in a lovely mature tree for your backyard; how sad and frustrating it would be for that tree to not make it through summer. One of the most common mistakes people make when planting trees is not digging a hole with the right proportions. The hole should be no deeper than the soil or container it came from, and it should be about three times as wide as the diameter of the container or root ball, so that the root system can develop and strengthen.
Dig the right size hole
You’ve invested in a lovely mature tree for your backyard; how sad and frustrating it would be for that tree to not make it through summer. One of the most common mistakes people make when planting trees is not digging a hole with the right proportions. The hole should be no deeper than the soil or container it came from, and it should be about three times as wide as the diameter of the container or root ball, so that the root system can develop and strengthen.
it’s important to back-fill the hole with lightly packed soil so that the roots can easily grow through it. The tree should then be staked by driving a stake through the root ball into the ground beneath; larger trees may require more than one stake. The stake should then be loosely tied to the tree. Water the tree soon after and a little every day for a few weeks, depending on what season you are planting. Then sit back and enjoy the colour, shade, movement and bird life that the tree will bring to your backyard for many years to come.
Location
When planting your tree, give thought to its location in terms of proximity to underground services like stormwater and sewer drains. If your home was built within the last 20 years it is likely that PVC drainage pipes were used and the risk of root invasion is much less. However, if your home is older than that, it is likely that clay pipes have been used. Cracking in clay pipes is more common and a hairline crack is all it takes to attract tree roots to the source of moisture and into the drains. The roots then quickly grow inside the drains causing reduction of flow and blockage.
Location
When planting your tree, give thought to its location in terms of proximity to underground services like stormwater and sewer drains. If your home was built within the last 20 years it is likely that PVC drainage pipes were used and the risk of root invasion is much less. However, if your home is older than that, it is likely that clay pipes have been used. Cracking in clay pipes is more common and a hairline crack is all it takes to attract tree roots to the source of moisture and into the drains. The roots then quickly grow inside the drains causing reduction of flow and blockage.
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Did you learn a backyard design tip the hard way? Share it with other Houzzers in the Comments.
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Browse more inviting backyard schemes
Did you learn a backyard design tip the hard way? Share it with other Houzzers in the Comments.
MORE
Browse more inviting backyard schemes
Building a deck is a popular way to create an outdoor room that can give year-round enjoyment, and depending on how handy you are you may even be able to build it yourself. However, regardless of who builds it, there are several relatively small decisions that can have a big impact on the final costs of a deck.
Decking materials
Firstly, consider the timber species itself; merbau is the most popular species of hardwood decking, but its use has been criticised as it’s sourced, in some cases illegally, from tropical forests in South-East Asia and Papua New Guinea that are in need of environmental protection. Always check with your supplier that the wood is certified as sourced ethically from a legitimate supplier.