Summer is the season of home entertaining \u2014 now is the time to ensure your outdoor area looks spick and span. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Want to create the ultimate outdoor area for fun in the sun (or shade) this summer? From DIY fire pits to patios, here are some tips to elevate your backyard.<\/p>\n

1. Install a fire pit<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re permitted to have an outdoor fire at your home, a fire pit isn\u2019t a complicated DIY project and can bring a whole new level of fun to your backyard entertaining.<\/p>\n

We followed expert renovator and former winner of The Block<\/em> Shannon Vos as he made one for his own backyard.<\/p>\n\n

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\u201cPlanning is everything,\u201d Shannon starts. \u201cYou can find some good fire pits that don\u2019t involve sand, cement and water, but if you\u2019re making one that does involve these things, time is of the essence. So, plan ahead, have everything ready to go and make sure you know exactly what you\u2019re doing before you do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

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An outdoor fire pit is an entertainer\u2019s dream! Picture: Reel Focus Films<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Part of planning can also involve hiring the right equipment. In Shannon\u2019s case, Kennards Hire supplied him with a cement mixer<\/a>, plate compactor<\/a> (or \u2018wacker packer\u2019, as many know it) and various power tools<\/a> used to complete the job.<\/p>\n

2. Oil your deck and furniture<\/h2>\n

Oiling outdoor timber items prevents them from splitting or splintering. It will also improve their longevity and appearance overall.<\/p>\n\n

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Sand back and oil your deck at least once a year. Picture: Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cOutdoor furniture doesn\u2019t last very well in the sun, so it\u2019s good to get on top of that,\u201d Shannon says.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiving your timber furniture a sand and oil before the summer hits will really help. Timber decks should be oiled at least every year, so it\u2019s good to do that before they get used a lot in summer. It\u2019s not a big job, but it can be if you leave it for too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you sand and oil a timber deck regularly, it shouldn\u2019t take you more than a day to complete the job, Shannon adds. Just start early in the day, try to keep it in the shade and wait a couple of days before you walk on it.<\/p>\n

3. Create a paved patio or pathway<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re short on space, a little tiled patio can be the perfect outdoor relaxation zone.<\/p>\n

If you have a level yard or area, you\u2019re halfway there. If not, you will need to clear a zone and get a wacker packer. It will tamp down and level the ground before you begin.<\/p>\n

Depending on your expectations and desired finish, some pebbles and pavers<\/a> can go a long way! Throw in an outdoor umbrella, plus some Parisian cafe-style table and chairs, then you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n\n

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Pressure clean your outdoor tiles to keep them looking fresh. Picture: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you already have a cement or tiled area, hire yourself a pressure cleaner<\/a> to spruce it up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWinter is the time for mould growth and moss, so grabbing a pressure cleaner from Kennards can help in sprucing up that back area for entertainment,\u201d Shannon says.<\/p>\n

4. Don\u2019t forget lighting<\/h2>\n

\u201cA poorly lit entertaining area is useless at night,\u201d Shannon rightly points out.<\/p>\n

While wired lighting should be done by an electrician, you can opt for solar-powered lights for a DIY approach.<\/p>\n

\u201cSolar lights are fairly inexpensive and very DIY-able,\u201d Shannon says. \u201cThere is also \u2018plug and play\u2019 lighting, like festoon lights, which just plug into a powerpoint.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. Spring clean the pool<\/h2>\n

Chances are you haven\u2019t used it all winter. Now\u2019s the time to give your pool a good sweep and scrub so it doesn\u2019t become an eyesore when entertaining.<\/p>\n

Start by clearing out debris and cleaning stains. Fix any issues with the surrounds, including a broken or lofty fence, uneven tiles or overgrown landscaping.<\/p>\n\n

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A clean pool with certainly elevate your outdoor area. Picture: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Shannon\u2019s main DIY advice is get an electric pool cleaner.<\/p>\n

\u201cPool cleaning is the bane of my existence,\u201d he says. \u201cWe did it manually for a year. Then, we bought an electric pool cleaner \u2014 you can just plug it into the wall and walk away. That has been an absolute godsend.\u201d<\/p>\n

The post 5 DIY projects to elevate your outdoor area<\/a> appeared first on realestate.com.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Outdoor Living – Landscaping, Garden & Backyard Design IdeasLifestyle, Outdoor Living<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Create the ultimate outdoor area for summer entertaining. From DIY fire pits to patios, here are some tips to elevate your backyard.\u00a0
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