Functional Outdoor Living: Custom Timber Pool Bench with Hidden Storage by Terraform Landscaping in Bulimba, Brisbane
In the riverside suburb of Bulimba, Brisbane, known for its stylish homes and love for outdoor living, a backyard pool area just received a clever and elegant upgrade. The transformation came courtesy of Terraform Landscaping, who were tasked with building a custom timber pool bench seat that would enhance the space both functionally and aesthetically.
The end result? A beautifully crafted timber bench seat that not only complements the surrounding landscape but also includes a hidden lift-up storage compartment, a thoughtful design feature that has added practicality to this family’s poolside sanctuary.
With Brisbane’s warm climate and long summers, poolside areas are often the hub of outdoor activity. However, they can also become cluttered with towels, pool toys, cushions, and cleaning equipment. The homeowners in Bulimba wanted a seating solution that would offer more than just a place to relax, they needed extra storage without compromising the look and feel of their backyard.
That’s where Terraform Landscaping came in. Known for their custom outdoor solutions, they designed a timber bench seat tailored to the family’s needs, perfectly situated along the edge of the pool area where space could be maximised without disrupting the existing layout.
The bench was constructed using durable hardwood timber chosen for its weather resistance, strength, and natural aesthetic. In a high-humidity area like Brisbane, especially close to water, timber selection is critical to ensure longevity and performance. Terraform opted for a timber species known for its durability in outdoor settings, such as Merbau or Spotted Gum, both popular for their rich tones and resilience.
Before construction began, Terraform Landscaping carefully measured and marked the installation area to ensure a perfect fit against the pool coping and adjacent landscaping. The bench’s frame was built with treated pine supports, overlaid with hardwood cladding for a polished look.
What makes this pool bench stand out is the integrated lift-up seating lids, which provide discreet access to generous storage compartments beneath. The lids were fitted with heavy-duty stainless steel hinges and gas struts, making them easy to lift and close while ensuring safety for fingers, especially important in a family-friendly setting.
Terraform Landscaping paid close attention to the visual integration of the bench into the wider backyard design. The horizontal timber slats were spaced evenly and finished with a UV-protective oil to bring out the natural grain and colour of the wood while guarding against sun damage and weathering.
The result was a clean, modern aesthetic that harmonised with the existing pool area, decking, and garden elements. The bench runs parallel to the pool edge, offering comfortable seating for multiple people, perfect for hosting friends or watching the kids swim.
Inside, the bench provides ample storage space that’s ventilated and water-resistant, ideal for storing pool toys, floaties, towels, and even small cleaning equipment. It eliminates the need for plastic storage bins or poolside clutter, keeping the space neat and inviting.
One of the standout aspects of this project is how thoughtfully functional the bench is. Unlike store-bought furniture, which rarely fits an exact space or need, this custom-built bench was designed to solve real lifestyle problems. From its ergonomic height to its spacious storage and weather-hardy construction, every detail was tailored to the homeowners’ routines.
As with all Terraform Landscaping projects, the construction process was completed with precision and professionalism. The team took care to minimise disruption to the household, maintained a clean worksite, and communicated regularly with the clients to ensure the final result matched their expectations.
The custom timber bench has not only added seating and storage but has also contributed to the overall comfort and usability of the pool area. With Brisbane’s outdoor culture and the popularity of entertaining at home, features like these elevate the backyard from basic to boutique.
Now, the family enjoys a cleaner, more organised pool area that feels intentional and inviting. Whether it’s a quiet morning by the water or a weekend barbecue with friends, the bench is a feature that gets used every day and looks good doing it.
This Bulimba project is a prime example of how smart, customised landscaping solutions can enhance lifestyle and add value to a home. With Terraform Landscaping’s expertise, what started as a simple request for seating evolved into a high-quality, multi-functional feature that blends seamlessly into its surroundings.
For Brisbane homeowners considering a poolside upgrade, this project proves that even modest additions, when thoughtfully designed and professionally built, can have a big impact.
Check out our Terraform Landscaping services.
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