Designing A Patio

Introduction

The first to consider is whether to build a decking area or a patio -- or both. It may be obvious to you which is the preferred option, but if not then try drawing your outdoor space on a piece of paper or on the pc and playing around with ideas for the outdoor area. Things to consider are

• Access -- is the patio used for access to other areas of your property
• Drainage -- will you be covering up drainage points with a deck. In which case, a patio is better as you can incorporate the drainage points in amongst the slabs.
• Style of your property
• Current lie of the land -- are they are slopes to levelled. Decks are better if the ground is particularly uneven.
• Shape -- both slabs and decking can create irregular shapes. Decking is easier to build, but that should not be the deciding factor.
• Space -- If you have a small space then you should consider using that space exclusively for the patio. This will stop a conflict of interests and you can use pots to add some foliage. If you are lucky enough to have a larger property, then you should be careful how much space is given over to a patio. Large empty spaces of slabs or decking can look pretty bleak.
• Plants -- will you want permanent raised beds (patios) or will you use pots (decking). You will have to consider how the plants will relate to the rest of the outdoor space. Plants break up the hard lines of decking very well.

There is plenty of literature and a fair few sites that will give you some more tips and ideas. As for whether stone or wood is better, that is really a question of choice. Feel free to send us any ideas or pictures and we will happily reproduce them on this site.

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webmaster @ patios-and-decking.co.uk

Double Glazing

Double Glazing and related articles about windows and frames can be found here including articles on Choosing Double Glazing , Replacement Double Glazing

UK Hammocks

Brazilian hammocks A look at garden furniture including hardwood garden furniture for the patio or decking. Mayan hammocks Nicaraguan Hammocks