UPGRADING YOUR ENTERTAINING AREAS WITHOUT BREAKING YOUR BACK

Ready to get stuck in

As summer entertaining season looms, Aussies are diving into backyard upgrades. Here’s how to do it smart, safe and without the sore spine.

As the weather warms and the invites start flying, many Australians are casting a critical eye over their backyards, decks and patios. From tired timber to patchy paving, the festive season often triggers a significant surge in DIY activity in Australia.

For some, it is about saving money. For many others, it is about the quiet satisfaction of building something with your own hands.

The problem is, too many renovation projects derail through poor planning, the wrong tools, or sheer physical overreach, turning a weekend upgrade into days of sore muscles and regret.

The good news is, a more innovative approach can turn that chaos into something genuinely rewarding.

Plan first, lift later

Most households carry a mental list of half-forgotten outdoor jobs. The warmer months feel like the natural time to tackle them, finally.

But the best results come from resisting the urge to charge straight in.

Mapping out your space correctly, measuring accurately, and identifying where specialised equipment may be required is crucial.

Jobs like sanding large decks or cutting pavers by hand can quickly lead to fatigue or injury if tackled without the right machinery, not to mention ballooning timeframes.

Breaking projects into stages also matters. Cleaning, prep, main work, tool pack-down and final styling all deserve their own window.

It prevents burnout and turns an overwhelming renovation into something manageable and far more enjoyable.

Safety must sit at the centre of the plan. From protective gear to understanding equipment before use, even seemingly basic tools like ladders, pressure washers and compact loaders carry real risks when misused.

A quick conversation with an expert before starting can often prevent injuries that cost far more than time.

The beloved pressure washer

Let machines do the heavy lifting

The biggest DIY mistake is underestimating how physically demanding outdoor renovations really are.

Shifting soil, removing concrete, laying turf, or resurfacing patios all put severe strain on the body.

Modern equipment now allows one or two people to tackle work that once required teams.

Pressure washers, carpet shampoo machines, chippers and compact loaders significantly reduce injury risk while speeding up the most complex parts of a job. Less recovery time, more progress.

Using the right machinery also lifts the finish. Clean cuts, even surfaces, and faster material movement free up time to focus on details, where the fundamental transformation happens.

Even lighter jobs benefit from smarter setups. Ergonomic tools, adjustable work platforms and dust control systems improve speed, comfort and safety without adding complexity.

DIY works better when shared

Tackling a project with a partner, a mate, or a family member turns the experience from solitary graft into a shared win.

Splitting the physical load, swapping ideas and watching tangible progress unfold together often becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of the project.

Momentum builds faster. Morale stays high. And the work gets finished sooner.

Brilliant DIY is not doing it the hard way.

Australians love doing things themselves, but DIY does not mean doing everything the hard way. The difference between a crooked finish and a rewarding transformation usually comes down to preparation, not talent.

Every summer, thousands of outdoor projects succeed not because the owners are experts, but because they make smart decisions about when to hire tools, when to ask for help, and when to put safety first.

Before firing up the hedge trimmer or dragging out the floor sander, taking a moment to plan properly can save weeks of frustration and days of physical pain.

With the right approach, a little patience and some creative ambition, it is entirely possible to build an entertaining space you will be proud of. One that is ready for long summer nights, good company and zero chiropractors.

Toa Fereti is the hire branch manager at Kennards. in Orange.