Hints & Tips
Thinking of a new outdoor entertainment area? Not sure where to start?
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 Our Inspirations Page for the latest ideas
Collecting an array of photos or creating a 'project story board' is a perfect place to start for any new project.
This can be done by simply collecting photos and highlighting your likes or dislikes. As the collection grows you will start to establish a clear vision for the outcome you would like to create. Some images in your collection might only have one aspect or feature that you like. This is perfectly OK. Simply add a note or crop that part of the image to highlight that feature. As you build up your story board, browse through the images and refine the selection. You may find that throughout this process you change your mind on some of the photos or styles you initially liked. This is great! You are adding clarity and refining your style. It is much easier to change your mind in this step than once it has been built.
With so many different styles and flavours on the market, this simple exercise is vital to fast track the preliminary stage of your project and put you on the path to obtaining the best outcome.
Once you have a selection of photos (minimum 3), have these available during our free onsite consultation or email them through to us. This will help our team to envision the style and finishes that appeal to you. The photos also ensure that you receive the most value out of our time together and that our ideas and advice is tailored to the outcome you would like to create.
Other aspects to look for and think about within your design
Starting a design from scratch is often difficult if you're 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:
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 that 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 project’s requirements. This ensures 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! Poor quality systems or incorrectly applied coatings can become very un-sightly and cause damage to your timber deck. 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 the 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. It 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, you can too.
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. This extends for 4 years on vertical surfaces such as weatherboards and fences.
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