Design Buy Build Issue 51 2021 | Page 66

LANDSCAPE & EXTERNAL WORKS

EXPERTS REVEAL HOW YOU CAN CREATE YOUR OWN GARDEN BAR IN TIME FOR SUMMER

Since the 17th of May , the rule of six has applied to indoor gatherings , meaning you can host up to 6 friends and family members , or two households indoors and up to 30 people outdoors in your garden ...
... As a result , DIY bars are already proving to be popular with searches for garden bar ideas up 49 % since March this year . [ 1 ]
Here ’ s some top tips from outdoor building specialist , Lidget Compton , on how to create your own in time for summer .
USE WEATHER RESISTANT PAINT
If your outdoor building is constructed of wood , a good quality weather resistant paint is a must . This will help protect against the elements , but also add a stylish look to the outside of the building .
To ensure a long-lasting finish , opt for a latex acrylic paint over standard vinyl acrylic as this will help prevent mould or peeling .
Experts also recommend choosing neutral tones as they are more likely to hide scratches and marks that can occur in outdoor spaces .
INSTALL SUITABLE LIGHTING
Much like paint , lighting has the power to completely transform a room and set the mood , which is why it shouldn ’ t be an afterthought when planning your at-home bar .
Installing LED lights that will not only be long lasting , water resistant and eco-friendly , but also open up the space can be a great addition to an outdoor building . LED lights also come in varying colours so you can create different moods or dependent on the time of day .
INSULATE WALLS
It ’ s important to be aware of three fundamental points when converting an outdoor building : regulating temperature , protecting fixtures and furniture , and reducing noise .
Experts recommend using insulation materials such as sheep ’ s wool for your outdoor building as it not only has great thermal qualities but is also a breathable material .
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