With longer days and warmer evenings, summer is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and transform your garden into a space you’ll actually use. Whether you’ve got a weekend to spare or you’re ready for a bigger project, there’s a garden DIY job for every skill level.
Quick and Simple Ideas
If you’re short on time or new to DIY, start small:
Raised Planter Beds: These are ideal for herbs, veggies, or flowers. All you need are some treated timber boards, screws, a drill, and a saw. Add a weed membrane and fill with compost.
Outdoor Bench Seating: Knock together a basic bench using pallet wood or reclaimed timber. A simple frame with a backrest can give you extra seating for summer BBQs.
Hanging Shelves or Pot Holders: Attach some rustic timber shelves to a fence or wall using basic brackets or wall plugs and screws. Great for plants, lanterns or garden tools.
Intermediate Projects
Ready for something more involved?
Garden Bar or Serving Station: Build a small bar using plywood, decking boards, or treated timber. Add shelves inside for glasses and drinks, and use angle brackets and exterior screws for sturdy assembly.
Vertical Garden Wall: Perfect for smaller spaces, these can be built with a timber frame and chicken wire or planter boxes. You’ll need timber fixings and wall plugs if attaching to brick or stone.
Advanced Builds
For those who want a real summer challenge:
Decking Area: This transforms your garden into a usable living space. You’ll need treated joists, decking boards, weed membrane, and plenty of structural fixings. Joist hangers, post supports, and decking screws are essential to keep everything safe and secure.
Pergola or Gazebo: A statement feature for shade and structure. Build with heavy-duty posts and rafters. You’ll need truss clips, joist hangers, angle brackets, and anchor bolts. Proper fixings are key to ensuring it withstands the elements.
Garden Room or Shed: More like a mini house project, you’ll need a solid base, stud walls, insulation, and a roof frame. Nail plates, joist hangers, and wall ties are common fixings for this level of build.
Don’t Forget Your Fixings
Whatever project you’re tackling, good quality fixings are what hold it all together. From nails for hanging a basket to joist hangers for holding your decking together, you’ll need the right parts for strength and safety.
Speedy Fixings is your one-stop shop for all construction fixings. They stock everything from brackets and clips to heavy-duty anchors – delivered fast, so you don’t lose momentum on your project. Plus, as a blog on abeautifulspace.co.uk explains, Speedy fixings will guide you through choosing the correct fixings suitable for your project.
So whether you’re building a new deck or just hanging up planters, there’s no better time to make your garden work for you.