· 3 min read · By White Buffalo Bespoke
Choosing a garden surface is about how you want to use the space. Do you want somewhere to entertain, a play area for children, or low-maintenance greenery? Here is how the main options compare.
Patios
Porcelain, sandstone and other paving make a solid, long-lasting surface for dining and seating.
Pros: very durable, low maintenance, wide range of styles, works well next to the house. Cons: can feel cold and hard, needs a well-built sub-base, and needs to be laid to drain water away from the house.
A patio is only as good as what is beneath it. A correctly compacted base and a slight fall away from the building are what stop it sinking, cracking or holding water.
Decking
Timber and composite decking give a warm, natural look and are ideal for uneven or sloping ground.
Pros: warm under foot, quick to build, good for raised areas. Cons: timber needs regular treatment, can become slippery, and composite is more expensive.
As a rule of thumb, decking that is more than about 30 centimetres above ground level may need planning permission, so check before you build a raised platform.
Artificial lawn
A good-quality artificial lawn stays green all year and needs no mowing, which suits busy households and shaded or heavily used gardens.
Pros: low maintenance, usable in all weathers, consistent appearance. Cons: needs a proper base and edging, can get hot in strong sun, and does not support wildlife like a natural lawn.
Quality varies a lot. The base preparation matters as much as the turf itself.
Hard and soft landscaping together
Most successful gardens combine surfaces. A patio near the house for dining, a lawn for play, borders and planting for colour and a decked or gravelled area at the far end for a quiet corner. We offer a full service covering patios, decking and fencing alongside turfing, planting and hedging, so your whole garden is designed as one project.
Drainage matters
Whatever you choose, plan where water will go. Paving large areas of a front garden can be restricted unless it is made of permeable material or drains to a lawn or border, so check the rules before laying a driveway or parking area.
Fences and boundaries
A fence is often the finishing touch. As a rule of thumb, fences up to two metres are allowed at the back and sides of a home, and lower next to a road. Check the rules for your own property.
When is the best time to landscape?
Hard landscaping, such as patios, decking and fencing, can be done year-round. Planting and turfing generally establish best in spring or autumn. A patio or decking area might take a few days, while a full garden redesign can take several weeks.
Get a plan for your garden
We can build to a design you already have, or start from scratch with our own garden design and layout service, including smart irrigation and drainage. Have a look at our landscaping service and finished gardens in the gallery, or ask for a quote.
