Patios and Decking

A beautifully designed patio or deck which connects the house to the garden is the perfect addition to every home. It is a place to relax and entertain friends and family. A large patio provides a great surface for children to play when the lawn is damp and for placing pots for seasonal flowers. We are on hand to design a patio or deck to suit your lifestyle, guiding you through the different choices of paving and decking products.

Paving choices

When it comes to choosing paving there is a vast selection. Here are a few features to consider.
What colour paving will match your design style?
From pure white to near black, there is a colour to suit every garden design. Typically, natural paving varies in colour with some containing interesting fossil-like markings. These all add interest to an expanse of paving.
  • Light creams and white Mid-brown, buffs and yellows
  • Grey
  • Terracotta, peach and rose tones
What type of paving stone are you looking for?

From traditional, large Yorkstone pavers to small-scale bricks, there is a stone to suit every project.

  • Sandstone
  • Limestone
  • Granite
  • Slate
  • Yorkstone
  • Brick
  • Manufactured concrete
What surface texture do you prefer?

Choose a smooth surface for a contemporary design or a more natural-looking, riven surface for a cottage garden.

  • Textured
  • Riven
  • Honed
  • Polished
What size slabs suit the area?

Small size paving in a large area can look very busy. A large-scale paving stone in a small space can actually make the area look bigger.

  • Large, single size paving stones for a contemporary look
  • Random paving in multiples sizes for an informal feel
  • Small-scale terracotta bricks for a Mediterranean style
Do you want different patterns set within your paving?
  • Circle or semi-circle features add interest to a large patio or can form stand-alone features in a lawn
  • Edging a patio in a different product, such as granite setts, can give the area a sophisticated look

Planning well in advance is an important part of the process and we will help by providing you with samples of paving and showing you the ranges from the different brands we recommend.

Decking choices

When choosing decking the first decision is to check its suitability for the location. A north-facing, shady area is unlikely to be suitable for timber decking which can take a long time to dry out in wet weather and become slippery in the autumn and winter months, particularly in frosty weather.

In a sunny, bright location there is nothing quite like a beautifully installed timber deck. Choose from affordable, treated softwood, such as western red cedar or long-lasting, durable hardwoods, such as ipe or balau. Consider anti-slip coating or textured strips for safety.

An alternative to timber is composite decking which is easier to maintain, available in multiple colours and very long-lasting. Composite decking resists staining, fading and scratching and is splinter free, making it the ideal surface for small children.