This clever DIY from Kmart saved a homeowner $3,100—would you try it?
- Replies 1
Transforming outdoor spaces can be a challenge, especially when costs start piling up.
Many homeowners dream of upgrading their yards but are put off by the hefty price tags that often come with professional renovations.
What started as a dull and unusable space soon became an inviting retreat—all thanks to a clever and affordable solution.
There is always that one outdoor space that feels wasted—whether it's an unsightly patch of concrete or a neglected corner of the yard.
Renovating these areas often comes with a hefty price tag, but one resourceful DIY enthusiast proved it doesn’t have to.
Faced with an unusable concrete space beside her home, she was quoted $3,500 to have a deck professionally installed.
Unwilling to spend that much, she took matters into her own hands and found a budget-friendly alternative that has left onlookers in awe.
She revealed on social media that her secret was Kmart’s wooden decking tiles, which cost just $19 per pack.
‘Very easy to cut to fit, interlocking so no nails or glue and they are real acacia wood with plastic bottom to elevate off concrete and allow drainage,’ she explained.
To improve durability, she applied two coats of Aquadeck decking oil before adding an outdoor rug, umbrella, and two striped sun loungers from Bunnings.
The entire makeover set her back just $400—saving her $3,100 compared to the original quote.
She described the finished result as a ‘useable poolside lounging space,’ transforming what was once a wasted area.
The project quickly caught attention, with fellow DIYers praising her creativity and cost-saving approach.
‘Wow, you did such a great job. It looks amazing,’ one person commented.
‘Wowsers I'm impressed you certainly are a very capable handy woman to have around,’ another added.
The idea also sparked plenty of curiosity, with people asking how the decking tiles would hold up in different conditions.
One user asked if they could be laid directly onto the ground with a weed mat underneath.
‘As long as it’s flat you absolutely can,’ another responded.
Questions were also raised about durability, with one person concerned about whether they could support heavy items.
‘The decking tiles are quite hardy so you’d be fine with your pots I’d say! That umbrella base weighs 25kgs alone!’ she reassured.
While some expressed concerns about heat and slipperiness, users agreed that they performed similarly to traditional decking or artificial grass.
Not everyone was convinced, with one critic claiming the tiles ‘lifted discoloured and also cracked’ over time.
The original DIYer was quick to counter, explaining that many people fail to treat them before installation.
‘They need to be treated before being laid down—many make the mistake of just laying the decking tiles assuming they are pre-oiled/treated and they’re not,’ she wrote.
Another user backed up the durability claims, sharing that her mother’s tiles had lasted five years despite heavy foot traffic.
‘They’ve faded but nothing a lil stain can’t fix,’ she added.
Reviews on Kmart’s website were also largely positive, with customers praising the tiles’ affordability and ease of installation.
‘After months they are still good as new,’ one review read.
‘Great product. Easy to clip together, looks great and more than half the price of other competitors,’ another person wrote.
‘I love these! They are so easy to assemble, look great and really elevate my balcony,’ a satisfied shopper shared.
DIY home renovator Bijour Jacqueline from Vanilla Palm Designs also praised Kmart’s home improvement products.
Although she hadn’t used the decking tiles, she was a fan of their viral travertine stone tiles, which she used for a bathhouse floor and pathway.
‘I was able to lay them myself, and they are as good now as they were the day I laid them about two years ago,’ she said.
She acknowledged the appeal of budget-friendly options, adding that Kmart could be a ‘home renovator’s real secret weapon.’
‘I cringe if I see a fully Kmart-decorated room, but having a mix of Kmart and other things is the way to go. We all have a budget, and we have to stop somewhere,’ she said.
Check out these other Kmart finds!
With such an affordable and stylish solution, it’s no surprise that DIYers are raving about this budget-friendly decking hack—but would you give it a go in your own outdoor space?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Many homeowners dream of upgrading their yards but are put off by the hefty price tags that often come with professional renovations.
What started as a dull and unusable space soon became an inviting retreat—all thanks to a clever and affordable solution.
There is always that one outdoor space that feels wasted—whether it's an unsightly patch of concrete or a neglected corner of the yard.
Renovating these areas often comes with a hefty price tag, but one resourceful DIY enthusiast proved it doesn’t have to.
Faced with an unusable concrete space beside her home, she was quoted $3,500 to have a deck professionally installed.
Unwilling to spend that much, she took matters into her own hands and found a budget-friendly alternative that has left onlookers in awe.
She revealed on social media that her secret was Kmart’s wooden decking tiles, which cost just $19 per pack.
‘Very easy to cut to fit, interlocking so no nails or glue and they are real acacia wood with plastic bottom to elevate off concrete and allow drainage,’ she explained.
To improve durability, she applied two coats of Aquadeck decking oil before adding an outdoor rug, umbrella, and two striped sun loungers from Bunnings.
The entire makeover set her back just $400—saving her $3,100 compared to the original quote.
She described the finished result as a ‘useable poolside lounging space,’ transforming what was once a wasted area.
The project quickly caught attention, with fellow DIYers praising her creativity and cost-saving approach.
‘Wow, you did such a great job. It looks amazing,’ one person commented.
‘Wowsers I'm impressed you certainly are a very capable handy woman to have around,’ another added.
The idea also sparked plenty of curiosity, with people asking how the decking tiles would hold up in different conditions.
One user asked if they could be laid directly onto the ground with a weed mat underneath.
‘As long as it’s flat you absolutely can,’ another responded.
Questions were also raised about durability, with one person concerned about whether they could support heavy items.
‘The decking tiles are quite hardy so you’d be fine with your pots I’d say! That umbrella base weighs 25kgs alone!’ she reassured.
While some expressed concerns about heat and slipperiness, users agreed that they performed similarly to traditional decking or artificial grass.
Not everyone was convinced, with one critic claiming the tiles ‘lifted discoloured and also cracked’ over time.
The original DIYer was quick to counter, explaining that many people fail to treat them before installation.
‘They need to be treated before being laid down—many make the mistake of just laying the decking tiles assuming they are pre-oiled/treated and they’re not,’ she wrote.
Another user backed up the durability claims, sharing that her mother’s tiles had lasted five years despite heavy foot traffic.
‘They’ve faded but nothing a lil stain can’t fix,’ she added.
Reviews on Kmart’s website were also largely positive, with customers praising the tiles’ affordability and ease of installation.
‘After months they are still good as new,’ one review read.
‘Great product. Easy to clip together, looks great and more than half the price of other competitors,’ another person wrote.
‘I love these! They are so easy to assemble, look great and really elevate my balcony,’ a satisfied shopper shared.
DIY home renovator Bijour Jacqueline from Vanilla Palm Designs also praised Kmart’s home improvement products.
Although she hadn’t used the decking tiles, she was a fan of their viral travertine stone tiles, which she used for a bathhouse floor and pathway.
‘I was able to lay them myself, and they are as good now as they were the day I laid them about two years ago,’ she said.
She acknowledged the appeal of budget-friendly options, adding that Kmart could be a ‘home renovator’s real secret weapon.’
‘I cringe if I see a fully Kmart-decorated room, but having a mix of Kmart and other things is the way to go. We all have a budget, and we have to stop somewhere,’ she said.
Check out these other Kmart finds!
- A designer look for less: Shoppers grab this Kmart steal mimicking one luxury item!
- 'Fantastic solution': Kmart find making pet caravanning easy
- Can this $3 Kmart item really do its job? Shoppers weigh in!
- Is this Kmart cleaning gadget the secret weapon you need at home?
- Kmart product captivates shoppers everywhere with its unique features
With such an affordable and stylish solution, it’s no surprise that DIYers are raving about this budget-friendly decking hack—but would you give it a go in your own outdoor space?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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