Hard Landscaping: Porcelain Paving, Decking, and Contemporary Fencing
Hard landscaping can be anything from outdoor structures to water features. Through hard landscaping, you can add further visual appeal and functionality to your outdoor space. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at how elements such as porcelain paving, decking and fencing can make your garden more practical and attractive.
Porcelain Paving: Upgrading Your Outdoor Flooring
In the world of gardening, porcelain has always been a popular choice and over the past few years, we have seen this trending once more. This is because porcelain can be used in a variety of ways and can replicate many different types of hard landscaping. For example, porcelain tiles can replicate the natural look of stone.
From everything from granite to limestone, the aesthetic of your outdoor space can be done through porcelain, making it a versatile addition. Not only can porcelain mirror stone, but it can also minnick the warmth and texture of wood – perfect, if you are looking for a more rustic garden design. Porcelain is not as susceptible to rot and decay, like wood is, making it an ideal alternative.
How To Integrate & Blend Porcelain Paving With Your Surrounding Garden Design
Many people opt for porcelain tiles because they are timeless and can offer expansive design options for your garden. Whether you are looking to create a bold statement outdoors with geometric shapes and patterns, or you simply want a modern and finished feel with large format tiles, porcelain is extremely adaptable. Integrating your new porcelain tiles into your already existing garden design can also be simple. Firstly, we would recommend choosing colour and textures which complement your colour scheme in your garden. The beauty of porcelain tiles and paving is that they come in all different shapes, sizes and colours, meaning there are plenty of options.
If you have a bright garden, with bursts of colours throughout, this can be further accented with your paving. Or, if you have a more sleek and modern design, then you also choose the more standard white or light-wash porcelain tiles. We would also suggest paying close attention to the size and shape of your garden space. You are going to want your porcelain pavers to harmonise with the rest of your outdoor space’s layout. Where rectangular or square pavers can create a more structured look, irregular shapes are much better for adding an organic feel.
Finally, remember to blend with the natural elements of your garden. To truly incorporate a new paving style, it’s important to look at what you already have throughout your garden. Plants, stones and water features can all benefit from seamlessly integrated porcelain paving stones, when done correctly. We would further recommend planting low-maintenance grasses along the edges of the paving stones to soften the transition between hardscape and softscape.
Benefit of Porcelain Paving
Porcelain tiles and paving can be beneficial for many reasons. They are versatile and timeless, making them ideal for all garden design. They are also durable and low maintenance. With the weather being unpredictable in the UK, it’s important to choose hard landscaping designs based on the longevity they will have being outside all year round. With porcelain tiles, you can be guaranteed that they will withstand the test of time.
Porcelain tiles and paving are also a much more economical and environmentally-friendly option. The environmental impact of creating porcelain paving is low, as the clay, sand, and kaolin used in porcelain production are abundant and relatively eco-friendly.
Decking: Crafting Functional and Stylish Platforms
As well as upgrading your garden design with porcelain paving, decking can be a great way to add dimension. Decking can be constructed using many different materials, including traditional timber, stone, PVC, bamboo and vinyl. Decking is also seen as a versatile design option, due to its ability to be built in a variety of layouts.
For large estates, decking can offer a custom seating area, with built-in chairs and storage or a spot to hold all your more delicate plants, with integrated planters. Decking can also be multi-level, including custom railing, pergolas, shades or even patterns. To create functional and stylish platforms, decking can offer a blank canvas for all of your design needs.
How To Preserve Your Decking
Aside from the design aspect of decking, your gardening team will also be well-versed in preserving this structure. For decking made from more traditional materials, such as wood or timber, it’s important to keep it well-maintained. When designing your very own decking solution, a protective sealant or stain to wooden decks will be used. However, it’s important to do it every two years or so, as ‘this step is crucial for preventing water damage, UV fading, and maintaining the wood’s overall integrity’.
Our garden maintenance team will happily take care of this for you, to preserve the longevity of your hard landscaping. Another way to keep your decking in tip top shape is purchase a decking cover. This doesn’t have to impede on your garden design, as there are plenty of stylish options to choose from, from high-tech, louvred, backyard pergolas complete with heating and lighting, to simple-yet-chic shade sails’.
Benefits of Decking
Much like porcelain tiles, decking can be a versatile addition to your garden. It can be customised to suit your specific needs and preferences. There are endless design options, including the shape of the decking and the material it can be made from. Decking can not only add aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space but it can also increase the property value. A well-designed and properly maintained deck acts as the perfect place to entertain guests, dine al fresco and take enjoying your garden to a whole new level.
Contemporary Fencing: Defining Boundaries with Style
A fence can be both a practical solution as well as a way to bring further aesthetic intrigue into your garden. Alongside your other hard landscaping choices, a garden design team can coordinate fencing designs with porcelain paving and decking.
Enhancing The Aesthetic Appeal Of a Fence
Gone are the days of basic wood panelling fences – you can now design beautiful, long-standing fences which suit both your personal and garden aesthetic. Depending on what style you are going for in the garden, there is a range of options. For example, if you have a rural garden, then an estate fence is recommended. This is because they are ‘classic and timeless and they’re actually one type of boundary marker that is pleasant to look at; especially when you have mown grass up to it and pasture beyond’.
Or, if you are located in a more urban setting, then a Western Red Cedar fence could be a better option. Whilst they can appear ‘quite yellow when it’s first installed it does quickly age and turn a more silvery colour. But you can also opt for a different wood choice such as ‘iroko, due to its longevity’.
Benefits of Fencing
One of the main reasons for installing a fence is security. A fence provides a physical barrier that will stop unwanted animals or people from entering. It can also act as a noise reduction technique, as a muffler for nearby roads and neighbours – making your garden a safe and peaceful haven. Much like the other hard landscaping choices mentioned above, fencing can also have other aesthetic appeal. A well-designed fence can complement other architectural or environmental choices throughout a garden, adding more visual excitement.
Landscape Design Services – Surrey Professional Gardeners
If you’re considering expanding your garden design with elements like fencing, decking, or porcelain paving, our team of professionals are ready to assist you. We provide a variety of services, including landscape design services, to help you maintain and enjoy your outdoor space – no matter the season. Whether you’re looking for a stylish new fence, a functional deck, or bespoke porcelain pathways, we have the expertise to bring your ideas to life. Reach out to our team today to find out more on 01483 967160.