We all have those trouble spots in our gardens that we’ve tried to do something with but have ended up just looking drab and uninspiring. Charlie’s here to show you that a complete renovation isn’t always the best answer. A few simple, but smart options like screening off unsightly rubbish bins, a garden bed to hide a plain wall and some funky planters and you’ve got a whole new garden that will entice you back outside more often than you imagined.
Read on for the full step-by-step guide.
Get the full garden makeover here.
Gather your supplies
- 90 x 90mm x 2.4m H4 treated pine
- Quick-set concrete
- 90 x 45mm H3 treated pine
- 86 x 19mm spotted gum decking
You’ll also need
- Tape measure
- Marking out paint
- Shovel
- Stringline
- Spirit level
- Drill
- 20mm spade bit
- 8mm drill bit
- 8mm masonry drill bit
- Blue wall plug
- 125mm galvanised batten screws
- 50 x 50 x 40mm galvanised angle brackets
- 50mm decking screws
- Black exterior paint
- Painting gear
- Decking oil
- 5mm plastic packers
Here’s how
Step 1
Measure then mark positions of 90mm pine posts for screen, using marking out paint. Space posts evenly a maximum of 1.5m apart. Use shovel to dig 600mm-deep post holes.
Step 2
Insert posts in holes and set up a stringline just touching post backs to mark line of screen up to brick wall where it ends. Use spirit level to make plumb, then concrete in posts, ensuring their tops are level.
Step 3
Cut a post to sit on wall. Mark position for screws on top, middle and base of post, ensuring they coincide with the centre of a brick. Use a 20mm bit to drill 30mm deep counter- sinking holes, then an 8mm bit to drill through the centre of holes all the way through.
Step 4
Hold post in position on wall and drill through the holes with an 8mm masonry drill bit to mark wall. Remove post and drill 80mm deep holes in the wall.
Step 5
Insert blue wall plug into each hole and cut off flush with the bricks.
Step 6
Position post on the wall and screw through post holes into blue plug with 125mm batten screws.
Step 7
Cut 3 rails from 90 x 45mm pine to fit between posts. Screw brackets to base edges, position rails and check for level, then join to posts using 50mm screws.
Step 8
Apply 2 coats black paint to posts and rails, leaving to dry after each coat.
Step 9
Cut decking to length for palings. Apply a coat of decking oil to back, front and edges of boards so they are fully sealed. Let dry.
Step 10
Step 10
Position boards on frame so tops are level with post tops and they are plumb. Predrill and screw though boards into posts using 50mm decking screws. Screw boards to frame using 5mm plastic packers for even gaps.
Step 11
Apply decking oil to one paling at a time to avoid unsightly lap marks.
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