Sandy Diele, a 42-year-old mum from Broadford in regional Victoria, was left ‘shocked’ when Bunnings deemed her backyard bench the best DIY project in the country.

“It was so unexpected. You just never think something you make will ever be that popular or have so many people asking you questions about it,” said the mum of three.

For under $300, Sandy managed to beat around 150,000 other projects for the top spot with her Besser block bench complete with pavers, stones, and a concrete planter.

Sandy described her outdoor project as an easy and attractive corner makeover, including a bench seat made using Besser blocks and a concrete planter. Photos from Bunnings Workshop.​

Bunnings Workshop is a friendly community where Aussies can learn, get ideas, and find inspiration for their home improvement projects.

“It’s been a big year for DIY with so many fantastic projects shared by our Bunnings Workshop community members,” said Leah Balter, Bunnings chief information officer.

She stated that Bunnings’ list for the most popular projects this year included a diverse mix of projects - from Sandy’s winning backyard makeover to a fire pit entertaining area, kitchen overhaul, laundry renovation, even simple projects such as feature walls and work desks.

“Bunnings Workshop is part of our wider digital experience, offering customers an online community to get inspiration and advice from DIY customers who are keen to help and share their knowledge,” Ms Balter added.

This was how her backyard looked before the DIY project. Photo from Bunnings Workshop. ​

Sandy recalled looking at the empty corner in her backyard and wanting something ‘warm and cosy’.

“We purchased our property a few years ago, and it has all these empty spaces, and I really just wanted to make something in that particular corner spot,” she said.

“I had seen similar benches but I wanted to make something a bit more inviting.”

While the Besser block outdoor bench and landscaping project may look intimidating and complicated at first, Sandy admitted that it only took her a few hours.

For her materials, she purchased fourteen Besser blocks ($3.80 each), six treated Pine posts 100 x 100 ($18.40 each) and 450 x 450 pavers ($12.49 each) at her local Bunnings.

“I stacked up the blocks and put the wood through it to see what would work, and once I found a style I liked, I just kept going with it,” she said.

“I used liquid nails for cement and attached three blocks on top of each other, only exposing the top holes. I repeated this for the other three blocks.”

“Once I had the correct length I wanted, I glued the middle of the blocks. The last block was also glued to the top, so the holes ran in the same direction.”

After sanding and staining the treated Pine posts, Sandy slotted them into the blocks.

“They just sit on the inside. And because the Besser blocks are glued together, there’s no risk of it collapsing or falling out unless you pick up the beam and pull it across.”

Sandy liked how the whole setup could be taken apart and moved if needed. There was also minimal equipment required for the entirety of the project.

“You could get away with using a sander or sanding paper to do it by hand. It’s just preparing the post and making sure they are smooth.”

For the back planter, she attached fibre cement sheeting to a frame. Then she added some paving slabs and stones, which were purchased locally. She made the side gate with recycled pallet timber.

She also painted her fence and the Besser blocks using Colorbond Monument paint.

“Total cost for the bench, pavers, stones, paint and glue was under $300.”

Sandy also made other notable Bunnings makeovers, such as a barbecue entertaining area with pergola, and a baby change table turned drawer. Photos from Bunnings Workshop.​

 

[othayetman]

It seems to me that this is the most ordinary bench in the world...

 

[llanosline]

I also want to be able to do something with my own hands. But I use my design skills only in children's crafts for the assignment of my sons. Actually, I love working in my beautiful garden. I am fond of floriculture. It's very relaxing. What a pity that in winter, flowers die or fall asleep. Unfortunately, gardening is not the only skill needed for cool and professional landscape design. Soon, I'll turn to a landscape design specialist to turn my boring yard into something beautiful and sophisticated. I imagine how our neighbors or friends come to our barbecue, and we all spend a cool day together in our courtyard. My sons want soft grass in the yard and a beautiful swing.