Is your garden looking tired and uninspired? Fear not! With the winter months firmly behind us, it’s time to get set for summer and spend time enjoying the glorious weather from your garden! For many of us the house takes priority while the garden often suffers neglect and is used simply to deliver a low maintenance and child friendly space during the summer months, but with a little imagination it can offer so much more! Think barbeques, family games and quiet relaxation areas all rolled into one.

Dedicated Spaces

The first thing to decide is what your garden needs to deliver and from this you will be able to plan dedicated spaces with a purpose, but a good place to start is with your patio. It is important to consider where you enjoy relaxing in the garden and if you like to sit in the sun or the shade. It is also worth noting how large an area you want to dedicate to this space in relation to the others. One you have planned this, you will need to decide upon the materials you wish to use.

Concrete Slabs

Perhaps most commonly seen are traditional concrete slabs and contemporary wood decking. Concrete slabs are a hardy and low maintenance option for those looking to create a patio area and reclaimed slabs can often be sourced at a fraction of the cost. They also offer a low maintenance solution, only occasionally requiring weeding in between each slab, which can be easily achieved using a paving brush and or weeder.

Wooden Decking

In recent years however, wooden decking has provided a fashionable alternative to the traditional concrete slab, but does not offer the durability of a concrete slab and requires regular treatment to ensure a lasting finish. Solid wood panels are also much more complex to install, as the decking needs to be mounted over a slightly elevated framework to avoid direct contact with the ground. While this is a nice feature for those seeking a quiet haven to relax in, it is also imperative to ensure that the rain water does not soak into the wood causing warping and rot.

Composite Decking

PVC and composite decking offers a compromise between the low-maintenance properties of concrete slabs and stylish appearance of wooden decking, boasting easy fit functionality, anti-warp and low maintenance properties making this innovation a strong contender to suit a busy modern lifestyle. It is also available in a spectrum of colours, making it easy to make your garden a true extension of your home. For a monochrome interior think striking black decking or subtle silver-wood tones. If you really want to work the garden into your living space however, why not opt for copper door handles on wood-frame doors to replicate the natural tones of your garden?

Read our article How to Look after Garden Decking for top tips on how to maintain or refinish your garden decking.