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| Backyard deck |
| If you are after a better outdoor entertainment area – then you will love this DIY deck. |
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Flares, flowers and fondue are all remnants of the seventies. Then of course, there's mission brown — like this old timber deck that desperately needs updating. The deck's poor design stops the owners enjoying outdoor dining because it's too small for a suitable table.
This deck was built in the seventies and stands just five metres long by three metres wide. It is enclosed on three sides by a high timber wall. The showpiece is a built-in spa, decorated with a blue mosaic surround and fenced with timber posts. The deck is elevated on brick piers and is quite high off the ground because of the property's steep slope.
The high fence cages the deck, making it feel very small. The spa takes up a lot of space and leaves little room for the small outdoor table and chairs to squeeze into. The deck is dysfunctional, dated and in need of repair, adding nothing to the value of the property.
The solution is to open the north facing rooms onto a new timber deck that will run the length of the side of the house. Aluminium framed windows will be replaced by timber doors to allow access from the living room. A pergola will provide shade in the summer and top off the renovation.
The spa will be retained and the fence will get a facelift. It will be extended to the side of the house and transformed with a new coat of paint. To save a little money, the owner will demolish the concrete slab outside the back door himself. Next, it's out with the old and in with the new. A builder is called in at this stage to remove the old planks and stairs, and lay the new boards. The old supports are unstable so reinforcements will be needed (this will blow the budget by about $3500).
When the deck is completed, a set of Airlite Timber Sliding Doors will be installed. These will replace the aluminium windows and improve the view from the lounge room. As well as providing access to the new deck, the doors will allow more light and ventilation into the home.
The doors are pre-primed to save time and money. They're installed with a full interlocking system for added security and protection from the elements. The Cedar doors will be painted Dulux White Birch on the inside and Dulux Wright Stone on the exterior. The weatherboards will be painted Legend Tan, the pickets painted Dulux Berkshire White and the rails Dulux Mountain Blue. A flyscreen door will be attached to let the cool breeze in and keep the bugs out during summer.
The cost of the doors is approximately $1650 each.
The deck cost a total of $16,400 because of the extra work and budget blow out caused by the unstable supports.
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More Info
For more information on the sliding doors contact Airlite.
Head Office (Windsor): 02 4577 4577
Thornleigh: 02 9980 6455
Homebush: 02 9764 2577
The builder was Guy Burton of Precision Pergolas.
36 Todman Ave
West Pymble NSW
Ph: 0418 441 701
Paint used was Weathershield from Dulux.
Ph: 13 25 25 for more information on Dulux paints.
Plants and pots from Sherringhams Nursery, Lot 1 Wicks Road, North Ryde 2113.
Ph: 02 9888 3133
Fax: 02 9888 2614
Plants and pots were from The Plant Kingdom, 59 Parkes Street, West Ryde NSW.
Ph: 02 9448 6688 (part of Northern Sydney Institute, Ryde Campus)
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Disclaimer
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