Sorting out your garden can be a nerve wracking task. Everyone wants a lovely garden, somewhere to relax after the pressures of the day. Creating it is another matter. There are so many decisions to be made. What would look good where? Should the seating area be placed beside the house or would it be better off further down the garden? What are the advantages of decking over paving stones? What materials should be used for paths? Is the fence stable and secure? What style of gate would work best with your fencing? How high should it be? How can you keep within budget? Then there is the time involved hunting for products, trying to decide which is the best value and installation. This can often take much longer than you expect since a fair amount of skill is needed to lay patios, decking, create paths and install fences. Getting the hard landscape right is essential since this involves the greatest expense. It is much harder to replace a badly laid patio than to remove a lawn. Once the hard landscape that acts as the ‘bones’ of a garden are in place and you have created the framework, it is a quick and easy job to add in the softer elements of plants and trees. Bringing in a hard landscape company like C&J Landscapes Ltd can make a tremendous difference in every way. It can actually make the task much easier and simpler. As they already possess extensive product knowledge and skills, knowing from experience what works and what doesn’t work in your area, they can provide the advice you need to make the best decisions as to how to transform your garden. An additional advantage is the fact that they can provide all the manpower needed. There are very few hard landscaping tasks that can be done with the aid of just one person. Although it might look easy to put together a patio or install a fence, you do need several pairs of hands to hold materials and assist with preparation. Wood and stone can be heavy and it is easy to be over confident. As a result, accidents can happen ensuring that the creation of your lovely new garden is delayed. With the right equipment, labour and materials, a hard landscaping contractor like C&J Landscapes Ltd can transform your garden within hours creating beautiful decking, fencing, paving and patios.
Planning a Garden Makeover?
Planning a garden makeover? Brought a new house and want to adjust the garden to suit your needs or simply improve what you already have? Altering gardens requires careful thought so as to make sure that you achieve the results that you want. Begin by taking a close look at your existing garden. Draw up a plan as to what it is like, highlighting all the key items such as big trees, boundaries as well as the things you want to keep like sheds, pergolas or seating areas. Are there any views that need screening or is extra privacy required? Think about the needs of the people who will be using the garden – ramps rather than steps may be better for wheelchair users or small children. Ponds, even small ones, may need safety barriers if you have toddlers in the family. If you plan to use the garden for entertaining, having a direct access from the kitchen may be a good idea, as it will make it easier to bring food outside. Measure up just how much space you have. Using a compass work out which way your garden faces. A north-facing garden will receive far less sunlight than a south facing one and this will affect where you place decking or patios. Likewise if your garden is very open and windswept, you may need to consider creating some shelter. Identify the shadiest and sunniest parts of the garden. Check this at different times of the day. How much sunlight does it get in the evening compared to the morning? Having obtained the basic information, decide what you would like – perhaps a bigger seating area, direct access from the kitchen, ramps rather than steps? Do you need a patio that can be easily maintained and kept clean? Do paths need to be moved? Take your plans to a landscaping company and discuss just how to create the garden of your dreams. They can give you ideas that you might not otherwise have thought about, simply because they are specialists and know the industry. The more relaxed feel of a wooden deck may be more suitable than a concrete paved patio. Curved edges can provide a pleasanter image than lots of straight edges. A company with a good knowledge of hard landscaping can advise on suitable materials within your budget, and undertake the work to your timescale. A new garden can be yours within a very short time.
Garden Decking As An Outdoor Room
Decking creates the perfect outside room no matter where you live. The warm, natural tones of wooden decking blends into all house styles and can be made as large or as small as you want. Placed adjacent to patio doors leading from the lounge, or beside the kitchen door; an area of decking gives the impression that the house is much larger than expected. In fact, it is an ideal way of extending your house at a relatively low cost as it provides a lovely place for children to play in safety, or where you can relax and enjoy a barbeque. Planning permission is not normally needed for decking so you can install an area of decking quite quickly. To create an image of another room attached to the house, choose decking colours that blend into your décor. Look for natural shades that will link into your colour scheme or reflect the colour of furniture. A slightly lighter shade of wood can make the area seem even larger. Consider adding a few extras that will make your decking unique. Some balustrading round the decking can add an elegant touch. If you have young children, add a little gate with a safety catch so that they can play in safety while you are busy indoors. Avoid steps if there is anyone in the family with mobility issues – a gentle ramp will be far more user friendly. Leaving the patio doors open so that you can go straight out onto the decking encourages people to relax when having parties. They have the space to move, and are not confined to a small room. The decking can even become a place for intimate conversations while watching the sun set over the horizon. Add a pretty table and chairs, perhaps a barbeque, some planters filled with fragrant herbs and perhaps a candle or two – and your outside room is ready for use. So sit back and enjoy a relaxing evening on your new decking, made even better by the knowledge that this is an experience you can enjoy time and time again in the months ahead.
Garden Decking – A Child Friendly Choice
As the days grow longer, and the temperature rises, children love to be able to play outside. Yet it can be hard keeping an eye on young children roaming around the garden, while you try and do tasks inside the house. Many gardens incorporate water features and small ponds and these can be very dangerous for young children. Installing a decking area adjacent to the house is a perfect answer. Decking areas can be installed quickly and will blend into any garden and house design. Best of all, you can add some railings and a little gate so that children cannot stray too far. This solves the problem posed by water features. Children can play happily outdoors in safety. Decking provides a flat surface on which children can drive pedal cars, and run around in safety. Properly installed by a contractor, decking offers a safe and secure surface. Wood is quite forgiving if little children fall on it, so there will be no nasty accidents or tears. Consider building in a little sandpit. Children love playing with sand and if you place a cover over it, after use, it keeps the sand clean and fresh. Once the children have grown up, you can always turn the pit into a small water feature by installing a pre-formed pond base or covering the pit with a special liner. It is worth considering adding a covered section within the decking area as this will allow all year round use. After rain or periods of ice and snow, decking can become a little slippy. This is easily dealt with by using an anti strip treatment such as painting with boat paint. Talk to your installer about the best anti slip treatment to suit the wood you have chosen. It may be possible to build in anti-slip strips which can give just that little bit of extra grip. Best of all maintenance is simple and easy. All you need to do is brush daily and regularly wash down the surface. This will keep the surface clean and hygienic. A regular check should be carried out to identify any boards that might be working loose. This rarely happens, but is possible and with children around, it is important to be very safe. Once a year, use a timber treatment to keep the wood in good condition. Hardwood decking will stay looking good for many years making this a wonderful way to improve your home and garden.
New Driveway East London
New driveway East London that we installed. A new driveway can really make a good first impression and add the wow factor to a house. Plus with parking being more difficult it is a good addition to a home. Our client lived on a busy road and parking was proving to be a problem and trying to find a car parking space near their house was a hassle they could do without each day. So to get the year off to a good, stress free, start they decided to take action and get a driveway installed to eradicate the problem. Leaving them one less thing to worry about. They also took into consideration how fantastic their home would look to friends and family when they visited them and that it would add value to their home whilst they were there and when they decided to sell. We provide landscaping, driveway and fencing services in East London and Essex. We cover Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Stratford, Forest Gate, Clapton, Hackney, Bethnal Green, Docklands, Wanstead, Chingford, Loughton, Woodford, Epping, Theydon Bois, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and other surrounding towns in East London and Essex.
Garden Decking – Contractor vs DIY
Here we look at the pros and cons of contractor vs DIY for your garden decking project. Well laid decking looks fabulous in the garden and definitely adds value to your home. Not surprisingly, increasing numbers of home owners are installing it. Yet simply choosing materials and a design is not enough – fitting needs to be done just as carefully if you are to have the decking of your dreams. Installation is always a tricky question. Who is going to do it? Should a contractor be employed or should you attempt to do it yourself? Using a contractor definitely has distinct advantages. Contractors can design as well as install decking, making sure that it meets your needs exactly. They will know all the building regulations and ensure these are not broken. Contractors have the equipment, the materials and the skilled craftsmen who can deal with any problems that arise. Above all, a contractor will make sure that the decking is laid safely and securely. There will be no risk of loose planks or uneven surfaces that could pose a hazard to anyone in your family. An experienced installer will have a lot of experience on which to draw. They know what works and what doesn’t, and can bring this experience to bear when designing your new decking. It is not just a matter of putting down a few planks of wood. The site has to be assessed, prepared, foundations laid, wood chosen before the actual process of building the decking can begin. Adding features like steps or raised decking immediately makes the task even more complex. They can also add in seating areas, storage areas, flower beds and build sand pits within the decking and much more. Admittedly DIY can be cheaper. There are no installation costs. But you do need good DIY skills, and more than one person is needed on site. Help is needed to make sure the installation is safe and secure, moving large planks of wood around. It is not a simple task! Opting for a contractor will make the task easier and less traumatic. A skilled team can do the task in half the time leaving you free to enjoy the end result. If you would like to discuss a decking project with us please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com. We provide landscaping services in East London and Essex.
Landscaping Trends for 2015
As we begin a new year now is great time to look at landscaping trends for 2015. Wooden decking is set to remain one of the most popular trends in garden landscaping during 2015. It is easy to see why. Maintenance is simple and decking always looks good. The natural timber or stone look remains highly desirable. This reflects increasing environmental concerns and the desire for natural products. Householders are seeking ways to make the most of their decking and patios by adding inbuilt planters and outside kitchen areas. Linking the patio/decking and the interior of the house is becoming more important among garden designers. It enables home owners to bring the outside inside and expand available entertainment and living space. To achieve this look, the same materials and wood stain colour are being used for both flooring and decking. This look works best when the house and garden are at exactly the same level. Greater need for privacy is also set to become a feature of 2015 gardens. Fences will increasingly incorporate trellis to add height and interest, while providing increased privacy from neighbours. Vintage and retro looks dating to the thirties, forties and fifties are very much in fashion. This is being reflected in the garden with an increasing demand for traditional materials and styles. Crazy paving, antique look paving slabs, bark and stepping stones along with reusing and upcycling materials are regarded as chic and up to the minute. Forget ideas of sleek metal that have been so beloved of garden designers for so long – 2015 is clearly the year for natural products, timber and stone paving to become regain prominence within the garden. Easy maintenance is essential as pressures on time are becoming ever more acute. Adopting patina of age and period charm amid environmentally friendly hard landscaping while extending living space is definitely the upcoming trend for 2015. As we begin a new year now is great time to look at landscaping trends for 2015. Wooden decking is set to remain one of the most popular trends in garden landscaping during 2015. It is easy to see why. Maintenance is simple and decking always looks good. The natural timber or stone look remains highly desirable. This reflects increasing environmental concerns and the desire for natural products. Householders are seeking ways to make the most of their decking and patios by adding inbuilt planters and outside kitchen areas. Linking the patio/decking and the interior of the house is becoming more important among garden designers. It enables home owners to bring the outside inside and expand available entertainment and living space. To achieve this look, the same materials and wood stain colour are being used for both flooring and decking. This look works best when the house and garden are at exactly the same level. Greater need for privacy is also set to become a feature of 2015 gardens. Fences will increasingly incorporate trellis to add height and interest, while providing increased privacy from neighbours. Vintage and retro looks dating to the thirties, forties and fifties are very much in fashion. This is being reflected in the garden with an increasing demand for traditional materials and styles. Crazy paving, antique look paving slabs, bark and stepping stones along with reusing and upcycling materials are regarded as chic and up to the minute. Forget ideas of sleek metal that have been so beloved of garden designers for so long – 2015 is clearly the year for natural products, timber and stone paving to become regain prominence within the garden. Easy maintenance is essential as pressures on time are becoming ever more acute. Adopting patina of age and period charm amid environmentally friendly hard landscaping while extending living space is definitely the upcoming trend for 2015. If you would like to discuss a landscaping project please get in touch to discuss and get some advice www.eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Garden decking – things to consider for your project
Garden decking is a fantastic way of providing a relaxing area in the garden. It looks good and can be styled to suit your needs but choosing the right decking is another matter. This can be a difficult choice to make because there are so many potential options. It is not colour and style, but where to place it, what materials you want to use, costs and practical considerations. Decide where you want to place the decking. Putting it next to the house is the usual answer but it may not be the best one for you. When will you be using the decking – all day or just in the evening after work? Decking works best in the sunniest part of the garden. Make sure that there is privacy from neighbours too. Fences, trees and shrubs may be needed. Check out the location of any manhole covers or drains in the chosen area. Decking can be created around these, but it is essential to seek advice from a skilled professional. Decking can work anywhere in the garden as it can be adapted to slopes, ridges or steps. Rather than just a simple rectangle of wood, it is worth considering giving it some style using circles or varying the level slightly. Building in some raised beds, a little pond or water feature such as a millstone trickle fountain will add interest to the overall design. A sand pit can be installed for young children to play in. This can always be converted to a flowerbed or water feature when they get older. Decking is very versatile and seating and storage options can be built into your deck to create a streamlined beautiful look for your garden. A great place to hide away garden toys or cushions. Consider too whether to add some balustrading around the decking. This can look very stunning. It can be a useful safety feature if the decking is elevated or on a slope. It can even be combined with a small gate to reduce the risk of children falling off the decking. Planning permission may be required and this needs to be checked before installation begins. There may be constraints if the garden is in a conservation area, the building is listed, levels are raised, or if it borders a neighbouring property. Doing your research beforehand can make a tremendous difference. Seeking the help of a professional contractor will certainly reduce the time scale as they can advise on location, materials as well as install it. Just think – planning now could mean your new decking is ready for use by Easter! If you have any questions on a decking project you are planning and would like some advice please get in touch www.eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Landscaping in Winter – Why it makes sense to carry out the work now.
Saving money makes sense – which is why it is now worth thinking about undertaking hard landscaping projects such as new paths and driveways. Prices for gravel and other hard landscaping materials are lower in winter – but rise again as soon as demand increases in the spring. Just like buying heating oil in September can result in significant savings on your heating bills because the cost of oil is lower, so buying hard landscaping in wintertime can result in similar savings. The price of many landscaping materials goes down during the winter simply because there is less demand. This means that contractors can pass on these savings to the customer. It may even make projects more cost effective and give you more choice in terms of designs and styles. An added advantage is the fact that the lower demand means that installing a new path or creating a new hard landscaping project can be completed more rapidly. As contractors are less busy, they can undertake work at short notice, and get it finished quickly. Then there is the question of the disruption caused by installing hard landscaping. This is inevitable. Construction work is noisy and plants within the area being landscaped may be damaged during the work. Although contractors will do everything they can to minimise potential damage, plants may be stepped on or branches broken by accident. During the winter, most plants are dormant so there is less risk of any damage being caused. Thinking and planning ahead is worth the time and effort. While other people are busy replacing or undertaking landscape projects at higher costs in the spring and summer, you can use the money that has been saved to do other things in the garden or around the home. Above all, with the lovely new look given to the garden of your dreams safely in place; you can sit back in the sunshine, relax and enjoy it. If you are planning a landscaping project please get in touch for a free quote or some advice www.eastlondonlandscapes.com. We provide landscaping and fencing services in East London .
Garden Fencing – DIY versus a Professional.
Installing a fence sounds easy – after all, what could be simpler than digging in a few fence panels. But is it? All too frequently, DIY attempts to install a fence result in a quick call to the professionals! It is not hard to see why this happens. Garden fencing requires a lot of skill and care to be installed correctly and safely. For most DIY’ers the risks of getting it wrong are very high. Buying a cheap fence from a DIY store can result in damage, problems with neighbours, and lack of security. If badly fitted, it is likely to fall down as soon as bad weather occurs. There are so many advantages to using a fencing contractor. They will help you choose the best fence for the purpose. A fencing contractor can advise on style, security and the most appropriate height. This is very important. If you install a fence that is too high, then neighbours will complain about losing their light and can order that it is taken down – a costly mistake. Fencing contractors know the law and what can be done. Measuring the boundaries needs to be done with care. Get it wrong and you could find yourself buying too much or too little. Uneven or sloping sites will require extra care since it may require the use of stepped panels. Fences have to be secure, which means correct installation is important. Fence posts need to be encased in metal or concrete to prevent rotting, and the individual panels should fit tightly. Accidents are all too common if care is not taken when installing fences. Mallets and hammers can hit the wrong thing (or worse still a person). No one wants to be rushed off to hospital. Fence panels are bulky and cumbersome. More than one person is needed to hold and secure them in place. There is little doubt that fencing contractors can do the job much faster than you can do yourself. They will advise on the most appropriate fencing to use, install it safely and securely. Skilled workmen mean that the potential for accidents is decreased significantly – they have been trained to do the job. They will have all the tools that needed, the extra hands to make sure that it is completed safely from start to finish. Using a contractor also means that the fence and the work are guaranteed, enabling you to rest easy knowing that your property is secure. If you need any advice on fencing please contact us via www.eastlondonlandscapes.com. We are always happy to help.
