Small spaces can be tricky to style but get it right and they can add functionality and style to your home. Here’s how we did one…
Looking to revamp your outdoor space? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how we transformed a patio using natural bamboo drops, LED lighting and some creative gardening and decorating solutions. Whether you’re after a cozy, stylish look or durable, weather-resistant features, this DIY project is full of inspiration for you.
Materials:
- Bamboo drops (2 m x 1.5 m)
- 38 mm x 38 mm CCA-treated pine battens
- Clout nails
- 8 mm nail-in anchors
- Solar-powered black square led lights
- Fired Earth Severe Weather paint
Tools:
Cordless drill, 8 mm drill bit, screwdriver, hammer, saw, spirit level, paintbrushes and ladder.
Optional
- 100% polypropylene outdoor rug
- Six-seater picnic table and bench set
- Pots for plants
- Water feature
- Wire and rope lights
- Patio umbrella
Step One:
To start, paint the bamboo drops with Fired Earth Severe Weather paint to add a textured, interesting finish. To accentuate the texture, we painted them more heavily at the edges and left the rest more lightly painted. Fired Earth paints are ideal for outdoor use, providing durability against harsh weather conditions.
Step Two
Measure the wall to determine exactly where the bamboo drops will hang. Once the spots are marked, cut 38 mm x 38 mm battens to size, ensuring they match the long sides of the bamboo rolls. Drill four evenly spaced mounting holes in each batten.
Step Three
Position the battens on the wall, marking the spots with a pencil where you need to drill holes. Then drill the holes using an 8 mm bit.
Step Four
Secure the timbers vertically to the wall using 8 mm nail-in anchors. Use a spirit level to ensure they’re level.
Step Five
Once the battens are mounted, move on to the bamboo slats. Since bamboo is a natural, hollow material, you need to drill holes for the nails so that you don’t split the bamboo. Pre-drill the top three slats of the roll, then attach the bamboo rolls to the mounted battens using clout nails. The large head of clout nails prevents them from pulling through the bamboo.
Step Six
After securing the top three slats, drill random intervals along both sides and secure the bamboo with more clout nails.
Step Seven
To finish off the bamboo drop installation, install decorative square black solar LED lights just above the bamboo rolls. Because they’re solar-powered, these lights don’t require any cabling. They’re also equipped with motion sensors, making them both energy-efficient and easy to install. Their soft glow will highlight the bamboo beautifully at night.
Step Eight
Once the DIY installation is complete, focus on decorating and bringing life to the space through creative gardening ideas. If you’re working with a small patio, these tips will help you to maximise the impact of the area.
Outdoor rug for a cosy touch: Think about using a 100% polypropylene rug. Made of durable plastic, these outdoor rugs can withstand both sun and rain, while adding comfort and style.
Picnic table set: We used a six-seater picnic table and bench set made of recycled plastic. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also requires minimal maintenance – just a quick wipe-down to keep it clean.
Planting and pots: Plant a variety of tough, water-wise plants in different pots and arrange them around the space to add greenery and texture.
Water feature: To enhance the patio, one option is to install a water feature and place plants around it to create a tranquil focal point.
Lighting: Lighting adds such ambience at night. We hung three wire and rope solar lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere at night.
This simple yet effective outdoor project improved both the beauty and functionality of this patio. The bamboo drop installation, paired with solar lighting and thoughtful gardening touches, created an outdoor haven that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing, but it was the decorating that sealed the deal.
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