Hints & Tips

Thinking of a new outdoor entertainment area?
but your not sure where to start.

This is simple. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel… get your inspiration from the following sites below.
We have even pre-loaded some to get you started.

Use Google Images for Outdoor Entertainment Areas

Visit Houzz for the latest Outdoor Design Ideas

Visit Pinterest for the latest Outdoor Design Trends.

Collect a range of ideas and add them to a file on your computer. Some images might only have 1 aspect or feature that you like, that’s ok, just make a note of it. As you browse through your collection, narrow it down to your final selection. Print these out or have them available to view during our initial consultation. Doing this simple step will help us to envision the style and finishes that appeal to you. It will also ensure that we arrive on the same page faster and get the most value out of our time together.

With so many different styles and flavours on the market, this step is vital to fast tracking the preliminary stages of your project.

Other aspects to look for and think about within your design?

Starting a design from scratch is often difficult if your not following a few simple steps. With so many products and endless ideas it can often be overwhelming. We have put together some simple questions to help you narrow down the key aspects of your project:

  • What is the purpose of your project?
  • How many people do you plan to entertain?
  • What aspects does your project include (deck, patio, pool, landscaping, screening)?
  • Do you require detailed items such as build in seating, outdoor kitchens, blinds or awnings?
  • What is the style and colours of your existing dwelling?
  • What is the style and colours for your new outdoor area?
  • How little maintenance do you like?
  • Does your project need to include lighting, power or plumbing?
  • What is your timeframe for the project?
  • What is the budget for the build?

Does your project need approval?

A deck or patio is classed as a Class 10a (non-habitable) structure under the Building Code. The current code states, if your deck or patio design meets one or more of these four requirements your project will require a set of building plans and approval by a private certifier:

Decks that are greater than one metre above the ground

A structure that is larger than 10 square metres in size

Any aspect is higher than 2.4 metres high with an average mean height of no more than 2.1 metres

Any side exceeds 5 metres in length

If your project needs approval, we can make this aspect easy for you. By offering cost effective basic 3D concepts through to detailed architectural plans our range of designs options are tailored to your projects requirements. Ensuring that the design stage remains on time and on budget before heading into construction.

Please note:
Adding a structure such as a deck or patio to your property will increase its value, however if it is constructed poorly or illegally it can end up costing you more in repairs or even fines down the track.

Have you got a deck that needs to be refreshed?

A quality deck coating can make or break a deck in a very short period! Pour quality systems or incorrectly applied coatings can become very un-sightly and even cause damage to your timber deck. So follow our simple suggestions along with the manufactures guidelines to achieve the best results. Alternatively contact our team to organise a quote to professionally refresh your deck.

Recommended Products:

Intergrain

Intergrain UltraDeck is an extremely long lasting, water based oil for decking and exterior timber. UltraDeck contains unique Hydroguard technology to guard timber against Australia’s harsh conditions as well as the abrasive effects of foot traffic. The natural looking finish resists stain absorption and dirt and dust adhesion, helping timber stay clean. The result is timber that stays protected and looking fresh for significantly longer than traditional decking oils.

Being water based, UltraDeck emits significantly less VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) into the atmosphere than traditional oil based timber finishes. This makes UltraDeck safer to use, and much gentler on the environment.

UltraDeck is fast drying, allowing two coats to be applied in one day, and will weather naturally, without risk of flaking, blistering and peeling.

UltraDeck is available in a lightly pigmented natural colour or with mild timber tones to highlight the characteristics of popular timber species. More colour tones can be achieved by tinting UltraDeck at the paint counter.

Note: As a transparent oil, the final appearance of UltraDeck is affected by many factors, including the timber species and unique characteristics of timber within the species. The colour and timber species combination used on their web site, in store on point of sale, and in the Intergrain Timber Finishes Guide should be used as a guide only.

Check the website for more details
www.intergrain.com.au

Flood

It’s a breakthrough in exterior wood care.

It’s Spa-N-Deck, and it’s so advanced, you can apply it right after cleaning – while wood is still wet – so there are no delays to your schedule.

100% Acrylic – That’s Tough.

Looking for strong protection? Spa-N-Deck uses the same acrylics used in the windshields of aircraft. If the airlines trust these acrylics to protect their investment, shouldn’t you?

Spa-N-Deck is guaranteed not to crack, flake or peel even in the toughest climatic conditions for a period of 2 years on horizontal surfaces such as decks and for 4 years on vertical surfaces such as weatherboards and fences.

Check the website for more details
www.floodaustralia.net