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Hi All,
Wanting guidance on how to revamp the driveway area, verandah and backyard area WITHOUT breaking the bank. Happy to keep the existing concreting and paving but it obviously needs some work to fill in the cracks and holes and to smoothen it. Just looking for advice on how to go about that as it'll be our first time DIYing something like this.
We would love alternative suggestions as well to make the whole outdoor space really vibrant and colourful (instead of the bleak grey that it is) without removing any existing fixtures (pergola, raised garden bed, sheds,
We will be planting different flowers, hanging baskets, etc. Advice on that is also much appreciated since we have so much outdoor space and don't know how to optimise it. Will also be gardening ourselves and planting stuff for the first time ever.
Thanks heaps!
Hello @MP99
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your backyard.
To refresh the space, start by filling cracks and holes with a concrete patching compound or flexible concrete caulk for deeper cracks. Light grinding or a resurfacing compound can smooth rough patches. A good pressure wash will freshen up the surface, and for colour, concrete paint (like Berger Jet Dry) or a tinted sealer can transform the look without major work.
Great minds do think alike. To bring vibrancy, consider large potted plants with flowers, climbers like bougainvillea or jasmine, and even edible plants like chillies or herbs. Hanging baskets under the verandah add greenery without taking up floor space. Outdoor rugs or artificial turf can break up the grey and soften the area. If the fence feels dull, painting it in a fresh colour or adding climbing plants on a trellis can make a big difference. A mural or stencil design could also add personality.
For the covered section, string lights or solar garden lights create a warm atmosphere, while a simple seating setup with colourful cushions or an upcycled pallet bench makes it inviting. If privacy is a concern, outdoor curtains or bamboo screening are easy solutions. Defined garden beds with fresh mulch in red or black will add contrast and make plants stand out.
A DIY fire pit or a small decorative feature with pebbles and garden ornaments can add character. The key is layering textures and colours while keeping it practical and low-maintenance. My best advice is to draw up a plan on paper and take measurements to see if adding outdoor furniture and accessories is possible.
Here is a link to ideas and inspiration: Top 10 most popular backyard projects
I also suggest having a look at one of my favourite make overs - Mediterranean-inspired outdoor renovation by @LaCasaDIY
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Jewelleryrescue for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Good Evening @MP99
Thats an interesting area to work with 
I was scrolling through the photros getting a lay of your yard and might have some ideas.
With your pavers, relay them in straight lines. either from the driveway straight towards the tree or from the back of the house towards the rear fence. Something for the eyes to follow without realising it. Draw it up and the difference might tempt you. At teh same time you can make sure teh pavers are level You wont have a lot to do but it will be satisfying and look brand new.
Break up the area a little, Build a little white picket fence to stretch from the rear shed at the end of the garage to the rear of your house. You could make it so its like the movable panels for concerts/functions/weddings so it can get moved around as seasons change. No need for a gate as its just to give a "texture" to the yard.
Posts in metal garbage bins for support lights or even hanging plants from in baskets with some right angled brackets (not long brackets note).
The large metal garbage bins with the lids. Drill some holes in the base of them, throw some rosks in, then the post to sit in the middle, fill with more rocks wedging them in to make the posts solid. Backfill with gravel and then even soil on top for some bright flowers maybe, or bark mulch it to match what you have down the side of the carpot @EricL was suggesting. String festoon lights from the carport to these posts (maybe 3 or 4 all up) and move them around the yard as wanted. The will be heavy but thats the idea. You will need a trolley to shift them.
The tar under the carport, Maybe paint a straight white edge next to the concrete, frame the are with white paint. Not sure how it would look but breaking up the greyness/black of a solid piece of material.
Bench seats on wheels
Outside timber lounge with wheels I made this up with a higher backrest and it works really well for blocking the sun. You could have a few of these instead of the fenceline? Or maybe two of them and you leave them under cover until parties?
If the driveway uner the carport is tar I would suggest to pressure wash it, bring it back to new. Then paint the edge (by about a 20cmm thick line)
Dave
