Whether you love entertaining guests, spending time with family or simply relaxing outdoors, choosing the right flooring for your outdoor living area is a crucial decision. While there are several materials to choose from, including pavers and tiles, a timber decks stands out as a timeless and versatile choice. Offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, a timber deck can elevate your...
When it comes to creating a stunning outdoor space for your Brisbane home, there’s no shortage of options to consider. Among the most popular choices are a timber deck, concrete, tiles and pavers. While each has its merits, timber decking stands out as a versatile, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly option. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of timber decks and why they...
If you’re thinking about adding a timber deck to your home, Outside Concepts Southern Branch in Adelaide has put together this guide to help you through the process. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about choosing timber, maintenance, finding the best Adelaide deck builder and more to take your new deck to the next level. Choosing the right timber for your Adelaide deck...
If you have timber deck for your Adelaide home, you know how much it enhances the outdoor living experience. Whether it’s a space for entertaining or relaxing, a well-maintained deck adds beauty and value to your home. A well-known company has promoted December as the perfect time to give your deck some love, mainly because of the play on words between deck and the name of the month. The truth...
Building a new timber deck for your Geelong home? Great idea, because a timber deck can significantly enhance your outdoor living space. As with any construction project, when it comes to nailing your new Geelong timber deck, the details matter. And when it comes to timber decks, one of the most important decisions is whether to use nails or deck screws to secure your decking boards. While the...
Creating beautiful outdoor spaces is our specialty at Outside Concepts and a recent timber deck project in the Adelaide suburb of Pasadena showcases our commitment to quality and innovation. While ground-level timber decks are common, the Pasadena project called for something slightly more challenging: an Adelaide timber deck on a second-floor balcony. Let's delve into the details of this unique...
If you’re planning a new outdoor living area for your Adelaide home, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right material for your deck. Various options are available – including a timber deck – each with its unique set of benefits and drawbacks. In this blog, we'll explore the different materials you can use for your outdoor living space. We’ll also delve into why...
If you’re considering building an Adelaide timber deck for your home, good on you. When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space, nothing compares to the beauty and functionality of a timber deck. But what’s the best timber deck for your home? Some Adelaide timber deck builders might suggest that Australian hardwood is the best choice, while others may advocate for Merbau. Meanwhile,...
Any timber deck can be a great addition to your Geelong home. To truly elevate a deck from great to outstanding, consider integrating innovative features that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Features like built-in seating, planters, storage solutions and lighting are just a few elements that can transform your Geelong timber deck into a versatile and inviting outdoor living area....
When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space, a timber deck is a timeless choice that brings natural beauty and functional versatility to your home. If you’re considering adding a new deck to your Adelaide home, there are two key questions you need to answer. The first is whether to use hardwood or softwood for the timber. The second is which Adelaide timber deck builder to choose to...
While in our books, any Adelaide timber deck can be a thing of beauty, there is one decking timber that is used in more decking projects than any other. Merbau, also known as Kwila, is valued for its durability and resistance to decay and pests. However, there’s one other quality that best sums up why it’s so popular. The advantages of a Merbau timber deck for your Adelaide home What is the...
Imagine spending thousands of dollars on a new Geelong timber deck for your home only to have it turn into disaster? Imagine having to pull it down and start all over again? In this blog, we’ll look at some of the common problems that can go wrong with timber deck projects when they’re not completed correctly. We’ll also show you how you can ensure your new timber deck is a masterpiece and not a...
A hardwood timber deck exudes timeless beauty and adds a touch of natural elegance to any outdoor space. If you’re lucky enough to have a hardwood timber deck at your Adelaide home, you’ll want to know how to preserve its beauty and ensure longevity. Obviously, regular maintenance is crucial, so in this article we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to maintaining your deck. Routine cleaning of...
If you’re considering adding a new timber deck to your Geelong home and are looking for the ultimate guide, look no further. Our Outside Concepts Geelong branch has compiled this extensive guide that includes practically everything you’ll need to know about timber decking. The only thing you’ll need to know after reading this guide is where to find the best Geelong timber deck builder. We’re got...
Most people would agree that a timber deck is a thing of beauty. No matter what timber is chosen, a deck is as stunning as it is practical, providing the perfect base to enjoy relaxation and entertainment around your Adelaide home. Before you start planning for a new timber deck for your Adelaide home, however, it’s important to understand any restrictions that may apply to your home. In...
You’ve decided to design and build a new timber deck for your Melbourne home. Congratulations, you’ve made a great choice. While there are many options to choose for outdoor living surfaces, timber is considered by many people to be the best option because of its beauty and durability. Now the question is, which timber will you use for your deck? There are so many different timbers to choose for...
Have you ever heard someone describe a timber deck as shining? Look at the images on this page and you’ll soon see that it can be a very appropriate description. The timber deck in question was built by one of our Adelaide branches, Craig Arthur and his team from Southern Branch. The homeowners wanted a great looking, functional deck with a verandah they could sit under and not lose their...
Adding a new timber deck to your Adelaide home is one of the best ways of increasing the value of your property. A new deck will provide countless entertainment and relaxation options for you and tempt the hordes of Australians who want improved outdoor spaces when it comes time to sell. How do you design and build a new timber deck for your home that will add the most value? Follow these tips...
If you’re adding a new outdoor living area for your Sydney home, you have many options to consider for the flooring. Tiles, pavers, stone and concrete are common choices, but there’s one option that we think is naturally better. The timber deck. What makes a timber deck the best choice for your Sydney home? Timber decks are simply stunning and they provide the wow factor that so many people are...
A leading timber finishes supplier has labelled December as the best time to maintain your timber deck, but we reckon January is just as good, particularly if you’re lucky enough to have some time off work. So, what’s involved in maintaining your timber deck? Believe us when we say it’s not very difficult and won’t take too long, and the benefits are big. Here are Outside Concepts’ tips, brought...
If you’re considering building a new outdoor space for your Adelaide home, a key question you’ll need to answer is what material to use for the flooring. There are a lot of options, including pavers and tiles, but none are more stunning or versatile than a timber deck. Here are our 7 reasons to install a timber deck for your Adelaide home and key considerations to keep in mind. 7 reasons to...
If you’re considering building a new timber deck for your Adelaide home, where you live can play a big part. If you live in the inner-city, virtually anything goes – as long as you comply with your local council’s requirements. While if you live in our leafy surrounds – say the Adelaide Hills, there are extra precautions you need to take due to the risk of bushfires. In this blog we’ll take a...
If we had to count the number of timber decks we’ve built for Melbourne homes, we’d have to get all hands on deck to help us out. There are so many, we’ve lost count. So, you know, when you choose Outside Concepts, we’ve got the experience to build a great timber deck for your home. Customised Melbourne timber decks One of the interesting things about the timber decks we’ve built in Melbourne –...
Not that long ago Melbourne people were satisfied if they had a verandah, pergola, patio or other outdoor area. These days, however, most of us want more. Instead of a simple patio, we want an outdoor living space to entertain and relax in style. We want an outdoor space to blur the lines between our home’s interior and exterior. So, how can you create a patio that blends the indoors and...
With maximum temperatures in Launceston barely getting into double figures lately, it’s easy to think the weather will never warm up again. But it will, which is why now is the time to start planning for a new timber deck for your home. Of course, if you are looking to build a new deck for your home, timber isn’t your only choice. There are a multitude of options you could consider, including...
With the first real taste of winter weather in the Essendon area of Melbourne, you could perhaps be forgiven for heading indoors and beginning the hibernation process. However, what if we said there’s a way to spend time in your pergola, verandah or patio, while being comfortable even in the coldest weather? Read on for our top tips for keeping warm and comfortable in your Essendon pergola. Top...
Creating a new patio for your Melbourne home can be completed the easy way or the hard way. In this blog, we’ll look at the steps you can take to design and build a patio, as well as highlighting the easiest way to make it happen. 7 steps to create a new patio What’s your objective? Many people bypass this step but you shouldn’t because it’s very important. With a clear aim in mind, you’ll be on...
A steep site, difficulties getting materials to the project area and red tape hasn’t stood in the way of our South Brisbane branch building a spectacular timber deck for clients. The brief was pretty simple. The homeowners of this Brisbane property wanted a beautiful timber deck to be built around their pool. In most cases an easy job, but the site and other challenges made it anything but...
While our friends in the south (well, more frenemies in NSW during State of Origin time!) are cooling down, winter in Brisbane is mild, which is why it’s a great time to invest in new timber decking for your North Brisbane home. Outside Concepts branch owner in North Brisbane is Martin Harris and he has been responsible for building hundreds of timber decking projects over the years. You can...
Whether you’ve lived in your Melbourne home for some time or you’ve just moved in, if outdoor living space is lacking then it’s time to do something about it. Upgrading your home by adding a timber deck is a great idea and will provide many benefits. Let’s take a look at the main ones. 6 reasons to add a timber deck Outdoor living is one of the biggest trends in the lifestyles of Melbournians...
While many Australians have had to find space in their homes to work during the last two years, some smart people have gone a step further and created an outdoor office space. So, with no sign of the working from home phenomenon letting up, if you live in Melbourne how can you join them? Simply add a pergola. The benefits of a home office in a pergola The benefits of having a pergola where you...
The great thing about the new year is that you can dream up a whole new list of achievements to complete. The bad thing is that those achievements will probably still be left undone come 2023! Well, if you’re looking to design and build a new Adelaide patio in 2022, this is one resolution we can help you achieve. The person to help you tick a new patio off your list, if you live in the southern...
With the COVID-19 pandemic, not to mention another brutal loss in the AFL finals, chances are you haven’t given much thought to your Geelong timber deck for a year or more. In that time, it may have been copping a hammering from rain, sun and hail, birds, scraping furniture, dog paws and more. So, now’s the time to show it a bit of love with some deck maintenance. It’s easy to maintain your...
Perk up your health in a Melbourne pergola Here at Outside Concepts we don’t need an excuse to get into our pergolas more often, but if you do, here’s some advice that may motivate you. Getting outside more is good for your physical and mental health. That’s right, if you have a pergola at your Melbourne home and you use it regularly, you’re doing your body and mind a favour. But don’t...
With summer, Christmas and the January school holidays fast approaching, there’s never a better time to start planning for a new patio for your Brisbane home. To make sure the planning, design and building process is more smooth than stressful, take a look at our top tips, bought to you by our Outside Concepts South Brisbane Branch. Top tips for a new patio for your Brisbane home Patio Style...
Which wood would we use for our Melbourne timber deck? One question we get asked quite a bit at Outside Concepts is which is the best timber to use if you are building a new deck or replacing a worn out deck. It’s a good question and perhaps not one with an easy answer, but let’s take a closer and see if we can help you decide. Timber deck options While there are many different options for the...
If you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor living capabilities in Adelaide, who are you going to call to make your dream a reality? Think carefully, because if you make the wrong call you could be looking at months of stress and be very unsatisfied at the end. But if you make the right call, you’ll have nothing but pleasurable experiences to look forward to, now and in the future. Why you...
How do you take a traditional pergola and add to it in a way that elevates it way above the original? There are perhaps several ways, but if you’re looking for a blueprint, look no further than the Sydney pergola pictured on this page. Before we take a closer look at the project, it’s worth highlighting that a traditional pergola will generally have four or more posts, joined together at the top...
If you’ve been doing your relaxing or entertaining on grass, sand, mud or pebbles, or your current outdoor living area is more shabby than chic, it’s time to think about getting some timber under your feet. Yes, that’s right, it’s time for a new Melbourne timber deck. There are so many advantages in choosing a timber deck over other possible choices. Prime amongst them is that timber looks...
These days we’re all about climate control. We control the climate in our homes with heating and cooling and in our cars with climate control systems. So, why not control the climate inside your Sydney North verandah, with help from a very clever product. The product? Insulated roof panels, an ingenious idea that features a polystyrene core sandwiched between a steel roofing sheet and an...
Take a look at the main image of the timber deck on this page. How old do you think it is? Brand new. A couple of years old. You might be surprised to hear that the deck is in fact over ten years old, which is why when you invest in a timber deck in Adelaide you’re making an investment for the long term. Timber decks in Adelaide do require maintenance The qualification we should make when...
Now is for many people the perfect time to enjoy a barbecue, eating outside and relaxing outdoors if you live on the Mornington Peninsula. With the perfect set-up, including a great outdoor living area, you can enjoy relaxing times with friends and family on almost any day or night. But what if there is one big thing lacking, that is, a great outdoor living area. If you’re resorting to having...
If you own a home in Launceston, chances are you have plenty to do so your timber deck may not have received the loving attention it deserves for some time. So, this weekend, it’s time to get out the oil and the brushes and re-oil your Launceston timber deck. Don’t worry, it’s a lot easier and quicker than you might think! Launceston timber deck re-oiling in three steps In fact, it’s so easy to...
If spring isn’t just the current season but also a good way to describe how it feels to walk on your deck, there is more rot in your decking boards than a termite infested house, or you simply stare out the back door to where a deck could go, it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning for your new Sydney timber deck. Here are our six key tips to plan for a new Sydney deck that will be the...
There are many things that have helped people get through the worst of the isolation of COVID-19. Things like takeaway dinners, Netflix, a good Internet connection and alcohol! But there’s one other important thing that we think deserves a mention as a mainstay during the past few months for those in Melbourne and that’s having a nice outdoor living area to retreat to when you’ve needed a break,...
If you’re looking to create a new outdoor living area for your Melbourne home, there are lot of options to choose from. These include tiles, stone, pavers, concrete and even budget options such as artificial grass and gravel. And then, of course, there is our favourite, the timber deck. So, let’s look at this with a bit more vigour. Let’s build the case for the Melbourne timber deck and help you...
Picture this: You have a lovely home on the Mornington Peninsula, with nice views of the natural surrounds and maybe, if you’re lucky, some bay or ocean glimpses. However, there’s something missing. When you go outside you step onto dirt, gravel or an old deck or terrace that’s nearly as old as you are. The solution: It’s time for a new Mornington Peninsula timber deck. Not just any old timber...
Deck your patio with hardwood timber, fa la la la la, la la la la. Apologies for the corny opening, but given the date we thought it was an appropriate starting paragraph for a post about Geelong timber decks. By the way, we also thought about putting softwood timber decks in there somewhere, but it just wouldn’t fit! Now, let’s get a little serious. If you’re thinking about building a timber...
Wondering How to Prepare Your Berwick Deck for Oiling? If you have a timber deck in the Melbourne suburb of Berwick, chances are you haven’t given it much thought for 12 months or more. It’s copped abuse from feet, dog paws, birds, furniture, the elements and more, so it’s now time to give it a bit of tender loving care so that it will continue to look its best for the next 12 months. Maintain...
So you’d like a new timber deck for your Melbourne home. Perhaps you could build it yourself. You’ll need to draw up plans, see if you need council approval, jump through all the red tape, order and pick up all the materials, measure and set out your deck, dig the holes for the foundations after travelling to the hardware store for a new shovel, install the stumps and bearers, fit the joists…...
Your Stylish New Pergola in Melbourne Western Suburbs We're not fussed about whether you want to call it a pergola or a patio – or simply an outdoor living area. Just call Outside Concepts in Melbourne once you decide on the name and we’ll make your Melbourne pergola, patio or outdoor living area a reality. Traditionally, there is a difference between a pergola and a patio to set the record...
Picture this, a timber deck that wraps around your Kew swimming pool or surrounds your pool, creating a perfect launching pad for your daily swim and a terrific spot for relaxing and entertaining outdoors. While it might be a little cool to contemplate this picture now, remember that warmer weather isn’t that far away, which is why it’s time to consider a new timber deck in Kew. Why build a...
How can you create a relaxing outdoor haven for you and your family in your Lane Cove home? Start with a Lane Cove timber deck and work your way up! When the owners of a Lane Cove home approached Outside Concepts they had a pretty simple project brief. They wanted a functional outdoor living space for their cosy backyard. The team from our Lane Cove branch met with the homeowners to discuss the...
One of the great things about living in Ferntree Gully is that while we’re relatively close to Melbourne, we also have the natural beauty of The Dandenongs on our doorstep. Which is why, if you’re looking for a flooring product for your new patio, pergola or verandah, a timber deck is a natural choice. Here are 8 reasons why a timber deck is a great choice in Ferntree Gully: Timber is, well,...
If you need to pop shoes on to walk on your timber deck for fear of getting a splinter in your foot or stubbing your toe on a raised nail, it’s time do something about it. Whether it needs to be repaired, maintained or ripped up and started again, Outside Concepts have the tips to get your deck summer-ready. Repair a timber deck Repairing a timber deck is something the average DIYer can do...
You’ve decided to build a timber deck for the flooring of your outdoor living area. Great choice, as a timber deck has many advantages over other materials, not the least of which is that it will look great for many decades to come. But which timber will you choose for your timber deck? Hardwood or softwood? Timber decking – what’s your budget? In the end your choice is likely to come down to a...
When you’re looking to extend your outdoor living and entertainment opportunities, we reckon timber decking is the best choice. At this time of the year it gets pelted with rain, hail and debris, gets leaves, dirt and mud ground into the surface and still looks great. It’s less likely to stain than some hard surfaces and, with a little maintenance, you can easily keep your timber decking looking...
If you haven’t re-oiled your timber deck for a year or more, it’s time to set aside some time and get ready some work. But don’t worry, re-oiling a timber deck is easier than you probably think and the results are certainly worth it. Why re-oil every 12 months? There are two main reasons why re-oiling your deck is best thought of as an annual task. Firstly and most importantly, re-oiling...
In past blogs we’ve looked at the conundrum of what to do if you want a pergola or patio that provides cover from the sun and rain, while at the same time having an open roof to enjoy sunshine in cooler weather. For most people, the best solution is to have a pergola or patio that is partly covered. However, if you have the space, there is another solution that you perhaps should consider. The...
Most of us know the feeling at this time of the year. After spending big on Christmas presents and perhaps a summer holiday, money is tight. But you’re desperate to get a new timber deck designed and built for your home, to enjoy family relaxation and entertainment opportunities. Well, Outside Concepts has some good news for you. You can afford that new timber deck and while it may take a minor...
New Year’s Day is here and Outside Concepts has a resolution to add to your list. Thankfully, it’s not an overly onerous resolution so there’s no excuse for not ticking it off. So, let’s get outside and make your outdoor living area the envy of friends and neighbours! 6 tips for a great outdoor living area The first job is easy and you’ll only need to use your eyes. Simply look around for any...
While there are many materials you can choose to surface your outdoor living area – whether it be a verandah, patio, porch or pergola – a timber deck is hard to beat. Whether you have plans for a large outdoor living room for entertaining family or friends or an intimate area for relaxation, a timber deck will be an investment you’ll enjoy for decades to come. Our 7 top reasons to install an...
There would be few who would argue that a well maintained timber deck isn’t something to be admired, so how can you make your new timber deck even more beautiful, practical and the envy of friends, family and the entire street? Outside Concepts has come to the rescue for our top tips for a great looking timber deck. Five timber deck tips Know your council and safety requirements because if you...
If you’re considering building new timber decking for your house, possibly the most difficult decision you’ll need to make it the choice of timber for your decking boards. So which is best? Softwood or hardwood timber decks? The ever reliable and beautiful merbau or a stunning timber deck made from one of the varieties of Eucalyptus species? Softwood or hardwood? First, let’s clear up a common...
Whether it’s a large deck for entertaining and relaxing or a small deck for a enjoying a coffee outside, a Brisbane timber deck is a thing of beauty and one of the best additions you can make as a homeowner. As with any outside project, you’ll want to make sure your investment will add the greatest value to your home at a reasonable price, and to help you do this Outside Concepts has produced...
There’s little doubt that a timber deck can be as beautiful as it is practical, but what do you do if your Melbourne deck’s best years were last century? What do you do if your Melbourne deck is sagging, splitting, lifting and generally in a poor state of affairs? You’ve essentially got two choices: rip it up and replace it or, if your deck is in reasonable condition, give it some much necessary...
If you’re looking to renovate or improve your Brisbane home - to enjoy now and increase your home’s value for the future – timber decking is a great option to consider. New timber decking for your Brisbane home will improve your lifestyle. It will provide you with a great place to relax with a coffee in the morning, and to entertain with family or friends during the afternoon and evenings. The...
It’s little surprise that in these days of hi-tech gadgets and machinery, even the humble timber deck has gone hi-tech. In fact, it’s so hi-tech that we can safely say that the low maintenance deck is here (but we should we mention that it’s not really made from timber anymore?) While there’s little doubt that a timber deck is a thing of beauty, it does have one feature that for some is a flaw –...
Autumn is a fantastic time of the year, particularly with the beautiful colour of the deciduous leaves to admire. Which is all well and good when the leaves are on the trees, but somewhat of a pain when they fall on your timber decking. Cleaning leaves, twigs, dirt and other material from your timber decking isn’t just a good idea to keep you deck looking good, it’s also good for it. Leaves and...
If you’re looking for some Canberra decking, for your Canberra house, the obvious choice is hardwood timber. It’s a beautiful product that with ongoing maintenance will look great and provide many years of service. However, if you’d prefer to be entertaining and relaxing on your deck rather than maintaining it, Outside Concepts has the product to fit the bill. It’s called HardieDeckTM, a product...
Imagine having low maintenance decking that has no screws or nails, and can be sealed or painted in a colour to match your house. Imagine a low maintenance deck that is resistant to termite damage and can be used in bushfire prone areas. Imagine low maintenance decking that is tough, hard wearing and resistant to rot, water damage and splintering. Imagine no more. Introducing the HardieDeckTM...
If you live in Sydney and you’re struggling to decide what material to use for the floor of your outside area, draw inspiration from inside your home. With the flow between inside and outside an important design trend, if you have timber floors leading to the outside it makes sense to build a Sydney timber deck. Once you decide that a Sydney timber deck is the way to go, you then should...
Imagine a deck that won’t split, warp and needs virtually no maintenance… Plus it looks great too! Outside Concepts is proud to announce a new product that is available for decking projects. Called HardieDeckTM, the product is machined 19mm fibre cement decking boards with a concealed fixing mechanism. The result is a very low maintenance deck with no visible nails or screws. But these are not...
One of the common misconceptions about timber – and one that we get asked about quite a lot – is that softwood is an inferior product. Part of this misconception is simply because of the terms soft and hard. Obviously softwood can’t be as tough as hardwood, can it? Well, yes it can and that certainly applies to softwood timber decking. While some hardwoods are in fact extremely tough, some...
Whether you’ve just had your Sydney timber deck installed by Outside Concepts or it’s older than you’d care to admit, it will be as happy as the proverbial pig in mud if you give it some tender loving care. Better still, take the time to re-oil it in the approach to summer and it will reward you with many months of beauty! You might ask how can a simple sweep help maintain a deck, but it can,...
When you’re planning a new Sydney timber deck area for your home, the biggest decision you’ll need to make is how big will it be. Get this right and you’ll have years of leisure and entertainment to look forward to; get it wrong and you’ll be cursing yourself for years to come. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider your current and likely future needs for the deck. If you have a big...
Whether it’s a large Melbourne timber deck off the back of a home for entertaining and relaxing, or a small deck to act as a front porch, installing timber decking is one of the best investments you can make as a home owner. While there are a number of materials you can choose for a deck, timber is and always will be the best choice. Here are just a few reasons why a Melbourne timber deck should...
Winter is a great time to plan and build a new outdoor area, including a Canberra deck, so it will be ready for the warmer months. One of the choices you need to make if you are considering a new deck is what material to use for the decking. These days we are spoilt for choice with the main contenders being hardwood, softwood and composite material, which is sometimes called modwood. So which...
If you live in Adelaide and your building a new timber deck or replacing the timbers on your old Adelaide deck, there are a myriad of decking timbers to choose from. So how do you make the right choice for your situation? Let your Adelaide deck take inspiration from your natural environment If you live in a bush environment surrounded by eucalypts, then using a eucalyptus decking timber such as...
If you’re contemplating Adelaide timber decking, one of the questions you’ll need to answer is whether to use nails or screws as the fastening device. For most of us the decision might not seem that important but it is, and the answer for the most part is a matter of quality versus budget. The case for the nail is pretty simple. Using nails will make the process of building your Adelaide timber...
While all our branch managers are proud of the decks, verandahs, carports, patios and pergolas they design and build, every now and again a project comes along that is even more satisfying and fulfilling. As in the case of this Melbourne decking and verandah project, completed by Jaan McKenzie and his team in Melbourne’s West. The project required two verandahs and a merbau deck, which featured...
If you’re considering adding a new Melbourne pergola to your house but are unsure about a range of options, an answer might be to do what this family in Melbourne’s Western suburbs did… Build two pergolas! The modern contemporary project was designed and built by Jaan McKenzie, who’s the manager for Outside Concepts Western and Geelong branches. It involved building two separate pergolas that...
While there’s nothing more delightful than a beautifully maintained timber deck, there’s nothing sadder than a deck that hasn’t received any maintenance since the new millennium ticked over. So, with summer on the way, it’s time to get your Brisbane deck shipshape, with these tips from Outside Concepts. Tips to keep you Brisbane deck in good condition: First of all, remove garden furniture, pot...
One of the questions often posed to our team members is, how do I reduce my exposure to the elements in my outdoor living area? There are a variety of things to consider when faced with this question, depending on your location and whether you’re looking to reduce your exposure to sun, rain, wind, heat, cold or a combination. Options can include café blinds, heating systems and screens and,...
Developing a great outside project can be a bit like producing a good meal. Where ingredients, cooking skills and a tried and true recipe can produce great results in the kitchen, for an outside project, good materials, expert craftsmanship and a simple design will always be a winner. Take this project, completed by the team at Outside Concepts’ Western Branch in Victoria. The owners of the cute...
When you’re considering building a new deck, the last thing you probably think about is whether the timber you use is legally harvested, but perhaps it should be. As Tony Cibiras, branch manager at Outside Concepts Canberra Southside points out, it’s common knowledge that illegal harvesting of timber in South East Asia is widespread, but exactly how much ends up in Australian patios, decks and...
When David Buntin got the call to fix a front door that had virtually disappeared, he must have thought the caller was looking for Ghostbusters rather than Outside Concepts! But the branch owner from Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs took up the task and soon found it was something he could solve. It might seem ridiculous, but it’s not unusual for homes to have front doors that are practically...
How can you have an outside spa that can comfortably be used for 365 days of the year, while still maintaining strict Council regulations? That was the question posed by the homeowners at this property in Somerville, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. They wanted a spa room that would be closed in the cooler months and open in the warmer months, to enjoy the best of both worlds. The answer,...
A patio – or pergola if you prefer – can be a valuable addition to any home but it’s important to choose your materials well to get the most value from the project. Take the case of this stunning patio and hardwood deck, built by David Bunton and his team at Outside Concepts Bayside Victoria branch. The deck has been built using spotted gum, a eucalyptus hardwood timber that’s not only extremely...
When it comes to choosing a material for your new deck there are several choices, namely hardwood, softwood and a composite material often referred to as modwood. Which material you choose for your deck often comes down to personal preference, but when it comes to looks its hard to go past hardwood. Hardwood decking timbers include the commonly used merbau, which is sourced from South East Asia,...
Asking us which is the best material to use on a deck is a bit like asking us which of our children we like the best – we might have a personal favourite but it’s best left unsaid! When it comes to decking materials, now more than ever there are a multitude of choices. Firstly, and perhaps most widely known, is hardwood, including merbau, ironbark and blackbutt. Hardwood timbers are durable and...
What’s the best material to use when building steps for outside? While there are a multitude of materials and designs you can use, one of the first things you should do is look at the existing outside paths and decks and build steps that will complement these surfaces. That’s exactly the approach used by our team at Ferntree Gully in Victoria. Their steps were to lead from a new merbau deck,...
Any well-built timber deck provides a wealth of entertainment and relaxation opportunities for its owners, but this deck in Blackwood South Australia takes these opportunities to new heights! The timber deck has been built to wrap around a large section of the home and its height means that it almost meets the canopy of surrounding trees. Steel posts were used to give the deck maximum stability...
Question: Is softwood or hardwood a better choice for an outside project? Answer: It’s a common misconception that hardwood is a better choice because it’s tougher but this isn’t necessarily the case. The difference between softwood and hardwood is defined by plant reproduction, not toughness, and in fact some hardwoods are softer than softwoods. That said, hardwood is generally denser than...
Question: How do you pick the correct materials for your outside project? Answer: One of the things that our Outside Concepts experts do when helping clients choose materials, is to take a look at the surroundings. Obviously, this includes existing structures, in particular the house. But it can also include the natural surroundings. Take a look at this image of a large decking project, for...
When a client from Bayside in Victoria contacted David Buntin from Outside Concepts’ Bayside Branch to erect a verandah, one of the key design briefs was for an outside structure with added headroom. While verandahs are often attached to the facia of a house, in some cases this can create a structure that is low. Not only can this cause difficulties and potential safety issues for tall people,...
Helmut Huber, Branch Owner of Outside Concepts Ferntree Gully Branch, has helped the owners of a Bayswater home to create a stunning entrance by replacing their hardwood deck. The deck, which leads to the main entrance at the front of the house, replaces an existing deck that was worn and had become a hazard and an eyesore. The new deck was built using Merbau, a beautiful timber that is not only...
How can you create a beautiful outdoor living area that requires virtually no maintenance? With the Blue Mountains as a backdrop, the owners of this home wanted to create an outdoor living area that they could use all-year-round. A place to relax and entertain, a place to enjoy a barbecue, a place for the dog to eat and sit with protection and even a place to dry the clothes. To help them...
That was the problem facing a homeowner in a Bayside Melbourne suburb. While the owners had the ideal location for an outdoor entertainment area they were faced with a hot and sunny aspect that would limit the area’s use during summer. The homeowners called on David Buntin, branch owner of Outside Concepts Bayside, to help them find a solution. After sitting down with the owner and discussing...
