5 Outdoor DIY Projects to Finish Before Christmas

TLDR – Quick Summary 

Get your backyard ready for summer by tackling five easy DIY projects before Christmas: add decorative pool screening for extra privacy, clean and oil your deck to protect it from the sun, fix broken fence palings to tidy things up, build raised garden beds for veggies and flowers, and put up a pergola for relaxed outdoor dining. 

The countdown to Christmas is on and it’s the perfect time to give your outdoor spaces some attention. A few weekend projects now will help you get the yard ready for pool days, long lunches and family catchups. Here are five jobs worth ticking off before the summer fun begins. 

Getting these projects done will make your Christmas break less stressful. Plus, they’re all DIY friendly and can be scaled up for bigger projects if you’ve got the skills for it! 

Contents

• Install a pool screening fence
• Clean & oil the deck
• Repair broken fence palings
• Build some garden beds
• Construct a pergola
• Final tips to get you started

Install a pool screening fence

If your pool area feels a little exposed, adding decorative screening can make the space more private and inviting. It’s also an easy way to introduce natural timber tones and elevate your backyard. 

Screening can be fixed horizontally or vertically to existing posts or used to build a standalone feature fence. Our pre-made screening panels have consistent 8mm gaps, which help create privacy while allowing airflow around the pool. 

Consult with relevant professionals to ensure your pool enclosure remains compliant with Australian pool safety laws. 

Supplies you’ll need:

• • Spotted Gum PoolSafe Screening Panels – pre-oiled & pre-assembled
  • Galvanised fasteners – screws provide the most secure fixing 

Tips:

• • Check pool safety regulations before you start
  • Keep panels level and evenly spaced for a clean finish

Clean & oil the deck

A freshly cleaned and oiled deck protects the timber from the hot Aussie summer sun and improved the look of your outdoor entertaining area. 

Start with a good sweep to clear any leaves or debris, then wash the boards with a deck wash that can pull tannins from the boards. We recommend using a pressure washer on a low setting. Once the surface is dry, apply a coat of decking oil to nourish the timber and help minimise cracking and weathering.  

Supplies you’ll need: 

• • Deck wash
  • Penetrating deck oil
  • Deck brush – for applying the oil 

Tips: 

• • If it’s been a long time since the last clean and oil (12+months), then 1-3 coats is best to rehydrate the wood
  • Apply oil in long, even strokes along the grain
  • Do two coats for better coverage
  • Reapply every 6–12 months to maintain protection

Repair broken fence palings

A quick and simply way of tidying up the yard for Christmas is repairing broken fence palings. 

It’s a straightforward job – just remove the old boards, check the rails and posts are sound and screw new palings into place. 

If you find leaning posts or significant rot, it may be worth strengthening the structure before patching. Recoating the fence with a timber oil once finished helps seal the timber and gives everything a uniform look. 

Supplies you need:

• • Matching fence paling
  • Galvanised screws

Tips:

• • Check for rot around the base of posts
  • Replace loose rails before installing new palings
  • Seal the ends of cut timber to re-treat 

Build some garden beds

Garden beds are a practical way to add structure and greenery to your yard – as well as learning to grow your own flowers and veggies. They’re ideal for herbs, veg or flowers and adding colour and life to your backyard. 

Timber sleepers are a great option because they’re easy to work with and look natural in the landscape. Plus, they’re an easy project to size up or down depending on the size of your yard. When positioning, consider sunlight, drainage and how the garden will be accessed. Line the interior to help protect your timber from soil moisture and fill with quality soil for the best results. 

Supplies you need: 

• • Pine, hardwood or composite sleepers
  • Galvanised corner posts – for creating 90° angles
  • Retaining wall wedges – keeps the sleepers flush with the post

Tips: 

• • Choose treated sleepers for longer life
  • Top up with compost to keep plants healthy
  • Place your garden beds in a space with equal sun and shade

Build a pergola for outdoor entertaining 

A pergola creates a comfortable, shaded spot to enjoy Christmas lunch outdoors. It defines your entertaining area and can make the space feel more connected to the garden. 

Start by choosing where you want the structure – near the house for easy access, or further out for a garden retreat. Use H3 treated F14 structural hardwood for the bulk of the build and H4 treated F14 structural hardwood for the in-ground posts. Consider adding screening to create filtered shade. Then, dress the space with lighting, plants and outdoor furniture. 

If you’re short on time, keep the design simple. Even a basic structure with a few hanging plants can transform your space. 

Supplies you need: 

• • Posts – GOS Hardwood F14 H4
  • Structure – GOS Hardwood F14 H3
  • Galvanised fixings

Tips: 

• • Check if you need council approval before starting
  • Use galvanised or stainless fixings for outdoor durability
  • Add screening to customise shade 

3 final tips to get your outdoor DIY projects started 

• • Plan ahead and order materials early
  • Check your tools before you start each project
  • Take advantage of our delivery (we deliver right to your driveway!) 

Ready to get stuck in? Pick up everything you need online and get your projects sorted for Christmas. From decking oil and fence palings to timber sleepers and pergola posts, we’ve got the supplies to help you tackle every job. Order now to make the most of your backyard this summer.