How to makeover a courtyard?

[477bus]

Thank you MitchellMc, Eric and Jacob for helping me get my apartment to a state I could sell it easily.

My (under contract) new place (townhouse) has a courtyard which could do with a makeover.

I don't expect free comprehensive design but perhaps a few ideas for mainly the ground please?

I intend to put a small outdoor setting of table and 4 chairs and 3 x 2m potted fig trees.

That drain looks awful and would be right under the table position.

The washing line will go.

The walls reach to the top of the upstairs level, so it's high and open to rain.

Any ideas for the ground please?

Cheers, Peter

[JacobZ]

Hi Peter (@477bus),

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your purchase. I'm sure you're very excited to make it home.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure you can do much about the drainage pit as it is essential to the area's drainage. If you were set on removing it, the whole area would need to be regraded so the water flows to a different point. This is certainly possible, but you would have to rip up all the concrete and have it repoured.

The first thing I would do is pressure clean the ground and then assess it. In my opinion, Exposed aggregate concrete is a fantastic finish and you may find that with a good clean, you like it.

Do you have any ideas on what could be better for the ground? Perhaps you could tile or pave over it?

There are a variety of outdoor tiles that could fit your style and will be relatively easy to lay over the existing concrete. Our friends at Beaumont Tiles will also have a massive variety of Outdoor Tiles that might fit your aesthetic.

Alternatively, pavers would be a relatively easy option to change the look of the area.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Noyade and @JoeAzza to see if they have any ideas.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[477bus]

Great thanks.

I don't want to do anything major at all.

Thanks to your advice a few months ago I now own an inexpensive pressure washer.

I'm guessing the seller would have cleaned the surface to the max before listing.

Drain must stay!

I even thought of the cricket where the umpire has a hatch for helmets with a square of turf that goes on top.

Artificial turf. Is that an option?

Tiles may be an option for sure but I think there's a dip around the drain area. I'll check tomorrow.

Even something painted or poured over the existing in a similar colour?

Appreciate the help!

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @477bus 

I really cant think of too much you can do to the surface of the pebblecrete type material.

I did think if a vertical slat style wall to break up the concrete around the area. Dosnt have to be higher then a normal fenceline just something to break the eyeline.

Tring to put even the square timber tiles dowm from Ikea I think would be problematic as the drain will have sloped surfaces towards it.

Maybe some timber lined thin flower boxes around teh edge to soften the look? I know you dont really want to do stuff to the walls but lightening the overall feel may help.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @477bus,

Artificial turf is an option, although it is typically used over natural ground, so you may have some drainage issues.

You can adjust the slope using Easy Mix Traditional Floor Screed to account for dips in the concrete. This would give you the ability to use tiles.

It's also likely that you could raise the drainage pit so the grill runs flush with your finished flooring, although this might require the assistance of a plumber.

Unfortunately, our epoxy flooring solutions are all for indoor use only, which rules them out. 

You could use concrete paint, with the Dulux Concrete & Paving range being a fantastic option.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Jason]

Hi @477bus,

I would recommend you check out the Courtyard garden makeover by @homeforeverhome. The project was the winner of best outdoor project in our 2023 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects and should give you some fantastic inspiration.

Jason

[477bus]

Brilliant. Loads of ideas there so thanks a bundle.

When I'm actually in there I'll get a feel for the place and work out which of those ideas suits best.

Glad you mentioned artificial turf and drainage as that was one I was considering.

It's very high walled but fencing, trellis or something on the lower walls would break it up and divert attention.

I also have some heavy duty cleaner I bought from Bunnings earlier. I'll use that first with a pressure hose.

Great advice and thanks!