Groundwork and Landscaping
Phase 4Lee Dunderdale, Product Manager at Bradstone, discusses the
design considerations for patios and the best products for the jobP
lanning your dream outdoor space
can be a daunting prospect as it
can be difficult to know where to
start. However, whether you are
planning your design from scratch
or replacing a pre-existing patio,
keeping the main objective of the design in mind
will ensure your garden is fit for purpose.
When you start to plan, think about the best
position for your patio and consider where the
sun will hit the garden at different times of the
day. Also think about any views that you want
to enjoy, or alternatively, how you can create a
private retreat so you can relax without being
overlooked. It’s also worth checking that your
garden furniture will fit comfortably within the
allocated space.
The way you choose to design your gardenPATIO DESIGNS
is a ref lection of your personal style. You
can incorporate your individual tastes, but
it’s important to be sensitive to the style of
your house too. A modern house will suit
more contemporary paving styles made from
porcelain, whilst traditional natural stone
paving lends itself well to period properties.
With the aesthetics in mind, it’s also important
to research the different materials available to
ensure you get the product right for you and
your budget.Porcelain
Porcelain paving is continuing to increase in
popularity due to its aesthetic appeal and hard-
wearing characteristics. It is an exceptionally
dense material making it scratch-resistant and
requiring minimal maintenance, making itthe ideal choice for high footfall paths and for
pairing with garden tables and chairs to create
an eye-catching seating area. What’s more,
smoother surfaced 10mm thick versions are also
available in selected ranges to allow you to use
the paving indoors, meaning you can create a
harmonious f low from the house to the garden.Natural Stone
If you want an individual look, natural stone
is the perfect choice. Nothing quite matches
the inherent beauty of natural stone as each
paver is different from the last with variations
of colour and texture determined by nature
over thousands of years. All natural stone is
incredibly strong and hard-wearing, and the
finest quality stone boasts low water absorbency.
This means it has a greater resistance to
weathering and is therefore easier to maintain
and will look naturally beautiful for even longer.Concrete
An alternative paving material such as
concrete could also be suitable for your garden,
especially if you are working to smaller budget.
Concrete paving is a strong, durable option that
can stand the test of time.Installation
When it comes to installation, you will need
to consider access into your property and how
you will navigate the space. Check if there are
any trees or manhole covers you’ll need to work
around and ensure you are fully prepared and
have everything to hand, ready to complete
your perfect garden. Alternatively, using a
Bradstone Assured Installer will give you a
five-year guarantee on installation and a 10-
year guarantee on the product to give you total
peace of mind. Our network of professionals
are nationwide so you can find one local to
you who will deliver the highest standards of
workmanship.http://www.bradstone.com
@bradstoneuk