Landscaping with timber adds a creative touch
From an inner city courtyard to the suburban backyard, outdoor areas present numerous opportunities to add flair and function using timber. Decking timber is an attractive and flexible option for the realisation of many landscaping design ideas, including the creation of walls, screens, seating, gates and fences.
According to Boral Timber, Australian hardwood species are an excellent choice not only for decking but also a variety of exterior home improvements, because of their high density, toughness and durability. Some species, such as Blackbutt and Spotted Gum, are bushfire resisting timbers which also offer termite resistance - qualities which are perfect for Australian conditions.
Garden walls can create privacy and provide an opportunity to construct an ornate outdoor feature. If existing walls and fences are unsightly, the application of timber decking, horizontally or vertically, is a smart makeover idea.
Timber screening, seating and storage can offer value-adding design features as well as functionality to outdoor rooms and patios. These structures help to define different areas for different uses, creating casual or formal zones within the garden.
According to landscape designer and horticulturalist Adrian Swain of Ecodesign, cited in the latest Boral Outdoor Design Guide: “Maintaining privacy with screens while still letting in as much sun as possible are key elements to a successful design for small outdoor spaces.
“With space (in a small garden) at a premium, function is king! Add features such as built-in seating and storage. Use screens to hide bins, rainwater tanks and compost bins,” Swain added.
Landscaping with timber can also create personal touches for an outdoor area. Landscape architect Ingrid Villata said in the Boral Outdoor Design Guide: “The use of minimal design is important with carefully chosen points of interest such as sculptural elements, pots and screens. Homeowners love to inject a personality into the design of their garden, choosing to include sunken fire pits surrounded by seating,” Villata said.
When selecting timber for landscaping projects, consideration should also be given to its strength and how easily it complements other materials. According to Boral Timber marketing manager Robyn Barnes, “Boral decking is seasoned to ensure optimum hardness, stability and long service life. Hardwoods are easy to stain to coordinate with an outdoor colour scheme or can be left untreated to create a natural, weathered look.”
Boral has achieved Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) chain of custody certification (AS 4707-2006) for its timber products. This means that timber used to produce Boral Timber's hardwood flooring, decking and structural timber has been sourced from certified, legal and sustainably managed resources. AFS Chain of Custody certification is the only chain of custody certification process that is an Australian Standard. The Australian Forestry Standard Scheme also has mutual recognition by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme (PEFC) - the world's largest forest management certifier.
Enquiries: Call 1800 818 317, visit www.boral.com.au/timber