Patios and terraces – Garden Design Tips

Garden paving design: Plan it properly

As mentioned in previous posts, I am a firm believer in the idea of plenty of forward planning with regard to having paving design and build work carried out in your garden. It benefits everyone involved in the process. Most importantly, as mentioned in another post, it reduces the chances of you having to resort to employing a cowboy because all the good guys are booked up well in advance. This is particulary pertinent in the summer months. The unfortunate implications of the short sighted ’get the cheapest and the most readily available contractor in’ are often most visible when we consider the look and feel of the garden’s paving.

Factors to consider

A well-laid patio or area of terrace is a joy to behold, increasing the beauty and enjoyment of the garden immeasurably. With this in mind it is extremely important to select the right team to carry out the work. It is our policy at Landscaping Solutions to be on hand, prior to the undertaking of any design or construction work, to advise as to the most approriate paving materials and the best methods of installing them. As well as giving lenghty consideration to the credentials of the company that are carrying out the paving work, there are a  number of other factors that are worth considering when planning a patio or terrace. 

Where

Location is of the utmost importance. This will depend on the garden’s size, aspect and what role we are looking for the terrace to play. A patio located in a sunny spot directly outside the property and within view of an interesting focal point, such as in this Kingston garden design, will provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation. In this case, a light coloured Sandstone combined with a cream coloured Travertine were the paving types selected. A good choice.

What

The type of stone is also critical and this is dependent on the taste of the client, the nature of the surroundings and the functionality of the area to be paved. In the case of this Clapham garden design, the fact that the garden was well shaded by the surrounding buildings necessitated the use of a dark, hard-wearing stone. It was decided that Porphyry fit the bill. I have to admit to having a soft spot for this stone. I reckon it ought to be much more widely used than it is.

How much?

Budget is another aspect that can determine which type of paving is to be used. In this Teddington garden design, we had suggested to the client that grey sandstone be introduced. This type of stone was chosen on the grounds that it would tie in well with the existing property, maintain its looks over time and would be relatively easy to maintain. Using sandstone is one way to create a very cost-effective garden design. However, after much deliberation the client felt that the slightly more expensive ‘antiqued’ grey sandstone would be a better choice in that it would help achieve the more stately, time-worn feel that was desired. Having seen the finished garden, I had to agree that it was worth the extra expense. 

Who

Lastly, but by no means least, a good supplier is worth seeking out. What makes a good supplier? In my opinion one that carries a good range of stone and has plenty in supply, one that is always on the lookout for new products to extend the palette of the designer, one that delivers on time and with care and attention so that the contractors job is made a whole lot eaier and one that listens to the demands of the customer in order to provide a competitive and knowledgable service. At Landscaping Solutions, we tend to rely on London Stone who tick all these boxes and more. They have set themselves apart from their immediate competitors by genuinely caring about what they do. I tend to follow their informative blog in order to keep abreast of developments in this field. Well worth a read.

As always, if we can be of assistance in any capacity in your garden, don’t hestitate to get in touch. Thanks, Ben