Guides & extras

How to use these guides

The guides collected here fall into two broad groups, and it helps to know which one you need before you start reading. The first group is about the structures themselves: what to weigh up when choosing materials, how to look after a deck as the seasons turn, what pool fencing is meant to achieve, and what changes when you build in a bushfire-prone area. The second group is about enjoying outdoor life beyond the back fence, from walks around Sydney Harbour to an evening at the Opera House or a day at the football.

If you are planning a build

A sensible order is to start with the general picture, then narrow down. Read about how outdoor living differs across Australia's climates, then compare timber and steel for your conditions. Coastal salt air, humid summers, termites and strong sun all affect which material suits a carport, pergola or verandah. If your block carries a bushfire attack level rating, that will shape materials and design choices, so it is worth understanding early rather than after plans are drawn. Once you have a rough brief, the questions-to-ask guide helps you talk to builders in a structured way. You can compare quotes on the same terms and check licensing and insurance with your state's regulator.

Rules on approvals, pool barriers and bushfire construction vary between states and councils, and they are updated from time to time. Treat these guides as background. Confirm the details with your local council, a certifier or a licensed professional before committing to anything.

If you are already living outdoors

Maintenance and comfort guides are most useful at the change of seasons. Late spring is a good moment to think about shade and sun protection before summer UV peaks. Autumn suits cleaning, re-oiling or resealing a deck while the weather is mild and dry. The garden photography notes pair well with our gallery if you want to record how a space changes over a year, or how a new structure has settled into its surroundings.

For more on the topics we write about, see What We Cover. The FAQ answers common questions about the journal itself.