Hardie "Hacks': Making The Most Out Of Your Home

With lot size becoming smaller, it's more important than ever to maximise the use of outdoor space with these tips from James Hardie.

Outdoor rooms are being designed with a new level of sophistication that moves away from traditional timber, and toward modern materials in smarter layouts that make the most of decreasing block sizes.

Homeowners are being challenged to make use of every inch of their lot, often requiring decking up to the fence line. Now, premium fibre cement products are opening up new configurations including fire pits, BBQ surrounds, and poolside paths that could otherwise present safety and durability issues often associated with traditional timber. Here, James Hardie Product Manager, Christian Hansen, reveals how to create impressive outdoor spaces:

Exploring Elevation
"Modern building materials have elevated the humble deck to well-designed, multipurpose outdoor rooms," says Hansen.

HardieDeck has been developed to be compliant in bushfire zones, making it a style-savvy solution suitable for even the highest of attack levels.

"A split-level deck design can zone an outdoor room and highlight focal points and design features. A sunken fire pit is a great example of extending deck-usability beyond the warmer months, made possible by premium fibre cement products which are fire-resistant, such as HardieDeck."

The use of multi-level decks and floating steps also helps to create visual interest and define different areas of an outdoor space. Coupled with ambient panelled lighting, these areas have the ability to come alive after dark to enjoy even as the sun goes down.

Clever Construction
To make the most of smaller spaces, consider the addition of a shelf that extends from the railings or balustrades to create dual-purpose functionality around the home.

"The addition of a shelf to a railing can act as a breakfast bar, or high-top bar table. With a couple of stools, it's a fine place to gaze over the backyard or a view."

HardieDeck hacks like this allow homeowners to maximise otherwise redundant spaces that can easily allow for better living, while retaining the wider look of their space" says Hansen.

Homeowners should simply check the shape of their railing, measure the space and create a plan alongside a HardieDeck consultant for the best results.

Making A Splash
Creating continuity is key when planning and landscaping a smaller space, particularly if wet areas such as pools, spas, and jaccuzis come in to play.

"HardieDeck's premium fiber cement composition makes decks resistant to rotting from moisture and doesn't warp, even under continuous cycles of water exposure and baking under the Australian sun," Says Hansen.

The concealed fixing system hides the screws which holds the decking in place, creating clean lines but also removing snags which can catch bare feet. Alternatively, its natural hue incorporates perfectly with stone pool surrounds.

HardieDeck™ is a timber and aluminium alternative made using premium fibre cement, which is resistant to fire, rotting, splintering, and warping. With a superior level of durability over traditional materials, HardieDeck is a perfect option to almost any home as it can be finished in a range of colours, making it suitable for any outdoor space.

For further information, technical guides, warnings and warranties on HardieDeck and Stria, please visit jameshardie.com.au/