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| Tuscan courtyard makeover |
| A stylish makeover turns this courtyard into a relaxing retreat. |
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This courtyard is in desperate need of a fresh new look. The owners want to transform the area into a Tuscan courtyard so they can use the area to entertain and relax. They've already started work, installing new cedar doors, so now Rebecca's stopping by to lend a hand with the next stage of the makeover.
The first job is to pull out a runaway potato vine covering the wall. It was originally planted in a couple of tubs, but has since spread. Once the roots are cut and the vine snipped, the potato plant just falls away. This bares the wall ready to be water-blasted then painted with an acrylic Murawash in stone.
The wall is a major feature in the new look backyard, decorated with a mural by Trompe L'oeil artists, Jenny and Kathy. They're sticking to the Tuscan theme by creating two niches, and separating them with a lion's head fountain.
Next, it's time for the pavers. The owners' chose 400mm x 400mm Stylestone pavers from Boral in a sandstone colour and rusticstone finish. These cost approximately $50 per square metre. To save time and money, the new pavers are simply laid over the old.
First, thick, black PVA plastic sheeting was placed around the floor and wall to act as a waterproof membrane and protect the new look wall. A border of pavers is placed against the wall, continuing with a 45° pattern in the centre. The black plastic is trimmed and sand is brushed between the cracks to give the paved area a neat finish.
A new drainage pit is needed because the old one is ugly and dangerous. Fibro panels under the kitchen window are clad with Weathertex and lattice is installed above the dividing wall, to complete the new look. For the finishing touch, the owners bought hedges in terracotta boxes and a new outdoor furniture setting.
The most expensive item in the backyard makeover was the Stegbar cedar sliding and bi-fold doors. These cost almost $7000, but they make a beautiful addition to the new backyard.
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Cost
Cedar bi-fold doors $6,900
Pavers $1,250
Labour (for pavers) $4,500
Trompe L'oeil art $1,000
Paint $160
Waterblaster (hired) $80
Lattice & cladding (incl. labour) $2,500
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Total Cost
The total cost for this backyard makeover was approximately $16,390.
Plants and outdoor furniture setting additional.
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More Info
Artwork from Murals & Trompe L'oeil
Ph: 02 9328 7094 (Kathy)
Ph: 02 9389 2417 (Jenny)
For brochures, stockists and more information on Stylestone pavers call their customer service number. We used sandstone coloured pavers with a rusticstone finish, costing approximately $50 per square metre.
Ph: 1300 134 198.
Paving installed by Hortulus, specialising in landscape, design and construction horticulture. For more information call Ron Pidcock.
Ph: 0417 451 419
Cedar doors from Stegbar Pty Ltd.
Ph: 1800 681 168
www.stegbar.com.au
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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