Mirrors are wonderful in any garden, but they work particularly well in small gardens. They add perspective, interest and depth, and create an illusion of extra space. Don added an outdoor mirror to a small, urban courtyard, with awesome results!

How it was done

1. Don decided to place the mirror on the timber fence behind a small water feature. (Tip: place the mirror high for best results. If you want to give the illusion of a doorway or break in the fence, place the mirror as close as possible to the top of the fence.)
2. A backing board of marine grade ply was cut to size (1600 x 800mm) and painted with exterior white undercoat. It was then screwed to the fence along the nail lines corresponding to the railings at the back. Next, four dog clips were attached with dog clip screws.
3. Maxbond construction adhesive was spread onto the ply in a snake-like fashion. The mirror was put into position and then removed quickly, allowing the Maxbond to air (this is part of the curing process). The mirror was put back into position, and the top dog clips locked into place. The edges of the mirror were sealed with neutral cure silicone. (Tip: apply the silicone to the bottom edge of the mirror before it is clipped into place.)
4. Don constructed an easy frame for the mirror, using treated pine fence palings. The two side pieces (1400mm) were simply screwed to the top and bottom pieces (1000mm). The ends were left square (not mitred) and a scrap of treated pine was used as a brace. The frame was painted with two coats of exterior wood stain. Finally, the frame was held over the mirror and screwed into place. The screw heads were coloured with permanent markers to blend with the frame.
   

Approximate costs

• Marine ply 2.4 x 1.2 x 13mm, $180
• Exterior low sheen undercoat, $20 per litre
• 1600mm x 800mm mirror with laminated back, $196
• 4 x mirror mounting clips (dog clips), $5 from glass and mirror shops
• Selley’s Maxbond construction adhesive, $6
• Neutral cure silicone, $7 per tube
  

1.8m length treated pine fence paling, $2.50

Copyright CTC Productions 2003