Wooden or concrete posts? Choosing your fencing is a big decision to make. You need to decide on what you are looking for from your fencing. Is it for security or for design purposes? Your fencing can totally change the look of your garden and home so it needs to be thought through properly. One decision that you might need to make is whether to install concrete or wooden posts with your fencing. Here we take a look at the pros and cons of both: Wooden Posts Wooden posts are not as heavy as concrete posts so they are not as difficult to install which makes them more cost effective than concrete. Timber fence posts create a far more natural warmer look than their concrete counterpart. Wooden posts will match the wooden fencing or fence panels and can be easily matched to your fencing, creating a seamless boundary around your garden. They also blend in with trees and hedges creating a natural look throughout. If you have wooden decking installed in your garden then wooden posts and fencing really look great together. Looks great with pergolas too! Wooden fence posts allow the fencing to be fixed to the fence posts. Sometimes fence panels can rattle in the wind and by having them tightly fixed to the post alleviates that potential problem. Fixing fence panels to the posts can also make the fence more secure. One of the most common ways items or pets are stolen from a garden is by lifting the fence panel out of its slot. You can add fence post caps to wooden posts which adds an elegant finishing touch to your garden. They also add another step for a thief who would have to remove the post caps if they want to remove a fence panel out. You can personalise the fence posts with paint or varnish. Concrete Posts The posts are heavier which makes them more difficult to install making them slightly more expensive than wooden posts. There is little upkeep required with concrete fence posts. To keep them looking fresh just a quick wash with warm soapy water. Concrete fence posts provide a sturdy support for your fencing giving you peace of mind that your fence is robustly supported. Concrete Fence Posts are slotted, which means that if your fence panels need to be replaced you can simply slide out your existing panels and replace them with new fence panels. The decision is yours entirely to make and everyone has a different opinion. If you would like to discuss a fencing project and get some advice then please call us on or email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com
Decking or Paving. Which is Best.
Decking or Paving. Which is best? It can be very hard to choose. Both look great, easy to install and simple to maintain. Both are natural products, and are environmentally friendly. A pretty area of decking, or a smart paved patio or driveway definitely adds value to your home. It makes sitting outside even more fun, and provides a safe play area for kids without having to worry about problems of muddy grass. Decking is very appealing. It can be a pleasure looking at natural wood, with its gently tawny shades or you can paint the wood almost any colour you want. Smooth and slightly warm to the touch, it looks good all year round. Decking is ideal if you have a sloping area, as it can be easily adjusted to cope with uneven surfaces. It is also easy to modify in years to come when your needs change, for example if you need extra space to cope with children or plan more entertaining. Decking is very durable and retains its appearance as long as you do not mistreat it! Paving is very strong and hard wearing albeit a little less forgiving if you fall! Paving stones can be cut to suit a wide range of different shapes and sizes allowing you to create a variety of patterns and designs to give a very individual, bespoke style. You can even co-ordinate that design across your paths and driveway as well as a patio. It can look very visually striking and impressive. Paving makes the perfect choice for driveways as it is extremely strong and hard wearing. Keeping paving or decking clean is important. No matter whether you have chosen paving or decking, algae can build up during the winter time or after heavy rain and make surfaces slippery. A good clean and brush over will quickly deal with the problem. Choosing between decking and paving is not easy. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to making a final choice. It is very much a matter of personal preference. What do you like best? What will suit your home and your circumstances? A chat with a specialist supplier and installer can be of immense help. They can offer suggestions and advice that you might not otherwise have considered. Whichever you choose, installation is quick and easy – just call in the professionals who can install it for you giving you the garden of your dreams. If you are thinking of a decking or paving project for your garden please take a look at our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com and contact us by email at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call us on to arrange a free consultation and quote. We provide hard landscaping services in East London .
Fence Replacements
A desire for privacy away from prying eyes, securing a boundary or the need to repair damaged panels usually results in a quick decision to install a new fence. But being too hasty can result in the wrong choices being made. Simply choosing a fence style is not easy. All too frequently people opt for straightforward larch lap type fencing because it is the most common type. There are lots of different types such as lap fences, closeboard, rails, wavy edged, hazel hurdles and willow weaves. Some types may be more suitable to your property than others. You need to consider style and colour as well as the need for security. Size too can make a difference. A desire for privacy can often result in installing too tall fence panels but if your garden is exposed to the wind, then you may find that these are more prone to wind damage during storms. It can also lead to problems with neighbours. This is certainly something that we can advise you on. You can easily find yourself breaching legal covenants and restrictions, incurring legal expenses and eventually having to replace the fence yet again. It may be you are not even responsible for the fence. Who owns your fence? Is it you or your neighbour? Many home owners have little knowledge of just what their responsibilities are with regard to property boundaries. Some housing estates have restrictions as to the type of boundary markers that can be used at the front of properties, requiring an almost open plan layout. Before taking any action to replace or install a fence, it is wise to check your deeds and identify exactly what you can or cannot do. Talking to a local hard landscaping company such as C&J Landscapes Ltd will be beneficial. Their in-depth knowledge of the area means that they will frequently already know what can and cannot be done with fences in your area. This can reduce the research time and avoid potential problems. Talking to the experts and seeking their help can be a much better longterm option than just choosing an off the peg fence and hoping it works. Using a specialist ensures that the fence matches your legal responsibilities, personal style and is installed safely and securely with minimum disturbance to you and your neighbours. If you would like to arrange a consultation to discuss your fence replacement please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com or email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Time For a Garden Makeover
Now could be the time for a garden makeover. It’s been a hard Winter. The ‘Beast from the East’ hit gardens just as the first signs of Spring had begun to appear. Bitter arctic winds played havoc with fences, while blankets of heavy snow followed by the impact of rain and thawing snow compounded any existing problems with patios, paths and decking. As the ground surfaces dry, the results are now becoming apparent. Fences may have become unstable, decking wood might have been damaged, paving stones dislodged. Worse still, the sheer amount of water in the ground and encountered over the past few weeks could well be the last straw for fence posts that had begun to rot in previous years. A slight push or a strong March wind can easily bring down such fences. It is not just the existing hard landscape that will be looking a bit sorry for itself. Trees, shrubs, flowerbeds and lawns will also be suffering. Walk on a lawn and often you sink into the ground or find yourself slipping on muddy surfaces. All this makes it an ideal time to consider a garden makeover. Replacing problem areas that have arisen as a result of the hard Winter is essential for the security of your property, as well as the pleasure of having a nice garden. But while doing so, it is worth considering whether paths ought to be re-routed to make access easier, fences totally replaced, or whether a new patio or decking is required in a different spot which would make cleaning, maintenance and relaxation much easier? Perhaps you are thinking of doing some entertaining this summer? Extending an existing patio area could make it much convenient by providing additional seating space that can be used all year round. After all, gardens are flexible areas and often need adjusting as your personal requirements change. The arrival of young children can lead to a need for safe play areas, while less able householders may need safer paths to decrease the risk of falls. Calling in a specialist contractor such as C&J Landscapes Ltd can make this task much easier. Not only will they be able to undertake the work quickly and efficiently, they can call on years of experience to provide the advice and information you need. They can make recommendations on just how to transform your garden to suit all your requirements. If you would like to discuss a project please get in touch by calling the office on or emailing office@eastlondonlandscapes.com. We provide a free initial consultation.
Horizontal Slatted Fencing
Garden fencing plays a very important part in the look of your garden and the overall image of your house. It is one of the more noticeable areas in a garden so it is really important to take your time and make the right choice when choosing which type of fencing to go for. There are so many designs and options available and it is good to do some online research to look at all the difference choices available to you so that you are happy and really comfortable with your fencing. It is important to select a garden fence that is in tune with the style of your home. Here at C&J Landscapes Ltd we love all the different options available and are able to install them all. One look that we really do love to install and that is very popular is the horizontal slatted fencing. It really does provide a streamlined look to a garden design and works very well with modern and contemporary gardens. When we install this type of fencing we work with both hardwood and softwood. If your existing fencing is sturdy the horizontal fencing can be applied to it. This is an easy update to create a new look. You can also paint the wood if required a feature colour to tie into a colour scheme in the garden. If you would like to discuss a fencing project then please get in touch for a free consultation. We provide fencing and landscaping services in East London . Please call the office on or email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Garden Fence Security
Here we look at garden fence security. With the arrival of the dark nights of winter, there are fewer people around in gardens and streets. All too frequently, people are tucked up warm inside their homes with curtains closed. But what is happening outside? As darkness falls, it becomes easier for potential intruders to take advantage of the lack of light, especially if houses appear to be empty in the early evening. It is not unknown for thieves to break into sheds even if you are at home. Problems with theft and burglary within the home and garden sheds often increase in winter. This can be costly due to possessions having to be replaced and the feeling of having your home invaded. Insurance does not always cover all the damage, and it does leave you feeling insecure. It is not just a matter of potential theft. Secure fencing can also make a difference if you have pets or young children. Gaps in fences and open gates can lead to children and pets straying into the road, which can lead to accidents. Making sure that your fences are totally secure has to be a priority, especially at this time of the year. It only takes a few minutes to check out fencing and identify any problems. All you have to do is walk along your boundary fences regularly and check to see that there are no gaps, no damaged areas and that the posts holding up fence panels are firmly in the ground. Fences should also be checked automatically whenever there has been any high winds or major storms. Any damage to fencing should be dealt with immediately – the longer you leave it, the greater the chance of further damage occurring and obviously it poses a risk to your own household security. Contacting a hard landscaping specialist ensures that the work is completed quickly and efficiently as they have all the tools and instant access to appropriate fencing materials that will match into your existing fence. Equally worth considering is talking to your contractor as to how you can improve the security of your fencing. It may be that your fencing could be increased in height by adding trellis on top. Your contractor can advise on this, making sure that height considerations do not damage your neighbour’s access to light. Taking action to minimize the risk of problems occurring makes sense. It can save you money and make you feel more secure. If you would like to discuss a fencing project or fence repair please get in touch by either an email to office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call our office on . We cover East London .
Benefits of Installing a New Fence in the Autumn
Here at C&J Landscapes we have a wealth of knowledge and some great New Fence Ideas. This post outlines the Benefits of Installing a New Fence in the Autumn. If one of the projects on your home-improvement list for this coming Spring is to install a new fence, you might want to reconsider your timeline. Installation of a residential fence during the Autumn or Winter offers several benefits, both to your budget and to your lifestyle. Let’s take a more in-depth look at four benefits of installing a new residential fence in Autumn and Winter: Want to enjoy a new fence in the Spring? Take advantage of Autumn. If you want a New Fence in your garden, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options that are out there. Before you can delve into fencing ideas, you need to work out what type of fencing will work in your space. So, which option is right for you? You should take into consideration your budget, the type of garden you have, and what you intend to use your fence for. 1. Save Money Fencing contractors, like most construction businesses, get busier in the Spring and Summer. In order to keep their best workers on the payroll and busy during the slower months, fencing contractors often will offer discounts or upgraded products for the same price if you keep them busy in the Winter months. Imagine stretching your pounds into getting a custom-made fence, rather than a standard privacy fence, or a vinyl or wooden privacy fence instead of chain link. Planning for your fencing project in the Autumn gives you more time to work with our professional designers to determine where you can save and spend those extra pounds to make your project more spectacular. For more information about our New Fence Ideas and to arrange a visit and quote please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 418 187 or 07751 164 932. 2. Shorten Your Time Frame By scheduling the work during the Winter when crews are less busy, you won’t have to wait to get your project started. Plus, we are more likely to commit a larger crew to your project to get the work done faster. If you wait until Spring to contact us, you may be be on a waiting list and the actual construction could take longer as crews are split between multiple ongoing projects. Another time-saver comes if there are any bureaucratic hoops we need to jump through to make sure your project meets all building regulations. That can be accomplished more quickly when building permit staff are less busy, as well. If you have other work you are considering for the Winter, such as a house extension, we can work with your other contractor to coordinate the projects and minimize disruption to your life. We can potentially help that work go smoother ie if we need to take out an old fence to allow them to get equipment in, then we could install a temporary fence during the work and get your new fence in once the heavy equipment no longer is needed for the other project. Benefits of Installing a New Fence in the Autumn For more information about our New Fence Ideas and to arrange a visit and quote please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 418 187 or 07751 164 932. 3. Landscape Friendly Working during the Winter when much of your landscape has gone dormant is less damaging to your plants. If you have bushes or roses that are near where the fence will be installed, they can be trimmed back or even relocated during their dormancy without causing long-term damage. Your grass will have gone dormant and won’t be affected as dramatically by our equipment and workers. Also some of your perennials will be safely protected under the soil as our crews work above them. If you do need to replace some plants or re-landscape areas where the fence was installed, getting the fence project done during the Winter will give you a head start in getting new plants in the ground come Spring. By getting them in early, you’ll ensure they are well established before the Summer heat causes stress that can harm immature plants. For more information about our New Fence Ideas and to arrange a visit and quote please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 418 187 or 07751 164 932 4. Enjoy Spring in your Garden Maybe the biggest benefit of all is that with the fence installation out of the way by the time Spring hits and warm temperatures lure you back outside, you will be fully able to enjoy your garden. Whether you desire your quiet time sitting in the garden or digging into your soil, or if you’d rather have the whole neighborhood over for a Spring celebration, you won’t have to delay your plans until your fence is complete. Getting outside after the Winter chill disappears and before the Summer heat settles over us can be a therapeutic time, so you don’t want to miss out on that golden opportunity. We have offices in Walthamstow, East London and Harlow, Essex. We are Garden Fence specialists in Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Bow, Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Hackney, Docklands, East Ham, Stratford, Forest Gate, Clapton, Wanstead, Chingford, Loughton, Woodford, Epping, Theydon Bois, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and other surrounding towns in London and Essex. For more information about our Garden Fence Ideas and to arrange a visit and quote please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 418 187 or 07751 164 932. Benefits of Installing a New Fence in the Autumn
Garden Decking Ideas
Here at C&J Landscapes we have a wealth of knowledge and some great Garden Decking Ideas when it comes to providing inspiration for your Garden Decking project. Garden decking is a great way to create a space for hanging out with friends and family and to encourage everyone to get outside. Read on to discover some great, modern garden decking ideas that will totally transform your garden. Whether you are looking to repair and remodel an old deck, or if you want inspirational decking ideas for a new build, we have you covered! What Type of Decking Is Right for Me? If you want to lay decking in your garden, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options that are out there. Before you can delve into decking ideas, you need to work out what type of decking will work in your space. So, which option is right for you? You should take into consideration your budget, the type of garden you have, and what you intend to use your deck for. Ground Level Decking Ground level decking is incredibly popular in households across the UK. It’s not hard to see why as ground level decking is usually very easy to install. Ground level decking is also often the cheapest type of decking to install due to its popularity. For more information about our Garden Decking Ideas and to arrange a visit and quote please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 418 187 or 07751 164 932. Multi-Level Decking Multi-level decking looks very impressive and it can really improve the overall look of your garden. Multi-level decking tends to cover a large area, so you can customise the area to fit your needs. If your garden is sloped but you still want to install decking, multi-level decking will help to solve this problem. Whatever type of deck you choose, we have plenty of decking ideas for you. Read on to find out how you can make the most of your garden decking. Decking Ideas for a Sloped Garden Many people wrongly assume that decking won’t work in a sloped garden. Of course, if you want to learn how to lay decking yourself, a sloped garden will be trickier than a flat garden. However, if you are ready to take on the challenge, raised decking is a great option for you. So, what are the pros and cons of laying raised garden decking? Raised decking can provide an attractive focal point for your garden. If you want to sit in your garden and enjoy the views, a raised deck is an ideal choice. Raised decking is trickier to install. This means that the cost of a raised deck can sometimes be far greater than ground level decking. If you are new to D.I.Y., this won’t be a project that you can tackle on your own. Garden Decking Ideas (Lighting) Lighting is one of the key areas where you can get really creative with your deck. The right lights transform your garden decking into a space that looks just as great at night as it does in the day. Decking lighting allows you to entertain guests or just chill out in your garden once the sun goes down. Lights that are embedded into the wood are a very popular way to add light to a new deck. There are several key benefits to adding lights into your deck. Firstly, this lighting tends to be safe if you have small children, as it avoids using visible wires. Secondly, the bulbs don’t tend to be too bright, so the lighting will subtly compliment your deck and it won’t be intrusively bright. Even better, decking lights tend to be fairly cheap. So, once your new deck is in place, adding embedded lights won’t break the bank, but it will make your new build look stylish. Lights also make your deck far more versatile, because you will be able to sit out on in during the day or night. For more information about our Garden Decking Ideas and to arrange a visit and quote please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 418 187 or 07751 164 932. How to Make a Bright Decking Paint Work If you are more interested in unique decking ideas, adding a colourful decking stain could be right for you. Sometimes adding colour to furniture can make people nervous. It’s understandable that you might want to avoid garish colours that will fade considerably over time. Your deck is likely to receive heavy footfall, so you might want to consider that when you are choosing your colourful decking stain. Make sure that you apply a couple of coats of paint to make sure that your deck stays fresh. Colour makes a huge impact in a garden. A brighter deck looks especially striking in the sunny summer months. If you want something bright but still fairly neutral, you might want to choose a shade such as light blue. Bear in mind that paint will look very difficult on different types of wood. So, do a patch test on a piece of the same wood before you cover your new deck with paint. If you are looking for colour inspiration, consider the colours that are already in the garden. If you have previously planted flowers in your garden, you can compliment them by matching the colour of the deck to your plants. Whatever shade you go for, you need to make sure you are using appropriate decking paint. Make sure that you choose a paint that can withstand moisture and offers your wood some protection. Opt for a garden paint to make sure that you get great results that last a long time. Curved and Circular Decking Styles Standard square or rectangular decks are classic shapes that won’t go out of style. However, if you are investing in new garden decking, you might want to raise your game. Often raised decking and multi-level decking has in the past provided gardens with an interesting focal point. However, ground level decking tends to be quite traditional. But now, even with ground level decking, people are increasingly interested in experimenting with shape. Curved decking is also a good choice if you want to avoid harsh lines and if you want to create a gradual border between different areas of your garden. Be warned, circular decking and curved decking is harder to install than normal ground level decking. It also requires more skill to install. So, just be aware that if you choose circular or differently shaped decking, you will need to factor in the extra cost into your budget. For more information about our Garden Decking Ideas and to arrange a visit and quote please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 418 187 or 07751 164 932 Make Your Deck Look More Natural with Plants and Foliage It can be fun to build brightly coloured, eye-catching garden decking. However, sometimes you might want to help your decking to blend in, especially if it is in a small space. One of the easiest ways of doing this is to add plants and foliage around the perimeter of your decked area. This can help your decking to look softer and more natural. Plants can be helpful when you are adding decking to a small garden, and they can also improve the appearance of decking in a large space. Adding potted plants will help you to break up large sections of decking. You can add paving and gravel to keep the plants in place, which will add a new colour and texture to your decked area. How to Add Shade and Coverage to Your Garden Decking In the UK, it may seem incredibly optimistic to consider adding shade to your garden decking. However, decking can be a sun trap. You may be surprised by how sunny it gets when you are relaxing on your new decking in the warmer months. If you are looking for practicality and versatility, adding a retractable awning to your garden decking is a great idea. However, retractable awnings can be costly, as they are usually cut to your specific requirements. They are substantial structures, so you will need to hire an awning installation specialist to install it for you. Although it is a bit more expensive, the results tend to be worth the price. There are cheaper options available if you are on a budget but you still want shade. Canopies offer a good mid-range solution. They will still shelter you well from the sun but they are cheaper than an awning. However, the structure is usually immovable. We have offices in Walthamstow, East London and Harlow, Essex. We are Garden Decking Ideas specialists in Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Bow, Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Whitechapel, Hackney, Docklands, East Ham, Stratford, Forest Gate, Clapton, Wanstead, Chingford, Loughton, Woodford, Epping, Theydon Bois, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and other surrounding towns in London and Essex. For more information about our Garden Decking Ideas and to arrange a visit and quote please email us at office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call 01279 418 187 or 07751 164 932. Garden Decking Ideas
Dining Out In Your Garden
Now that the rain has gone and the sun has reappeared we can look at dining out in your garden. Hot summer days bring out the fragrance of the flowers in your garden, the gentle sweetness of roses and philadelphus, lavender and buddelia. It makes an irresistible backdrop to dining outside, enjoying the fresh air and warmth. A beautiful patio or decking area complements that experience. It provides a place to sit and relax, enjoying the meal in comfort. But before you start planning your outdoor dining, check out the space. Is the patio big enough for all your guests? There is nothing worse than dining outside and finding there is not enough room for everyone you want to invite. A cramped table squashed into a tiny patio or decking creates the wrong impression, and destroys your enjoyment. Is the area clean and tidy? Are there any broken paving stones, or damaged planks of wood in the decking? Are any steps safe? Do the steps need handrails? Does the appearance of your decking look a bit jaded and tired? All these factors are often overlooked in the hurry to dine outside, but can make a tremendous difference to the experience. A quick chat with a hard landscaper can solve the problem. New patios and decking can be installed quite quickly, and often at short notice. You can even arrange to extend existing patios or decking, or add an extra section else where in the garden to take account of special views. A hard landscaper can provide lots of ideas as to how to improve your facilities, the colours that would blend in best or provide a contrast if that is your style preference. They can even add in extra pathways to make your garden more accessible. While planning your dining outdoors activity, think too about the little extras that can give your garden that extra special touch. Perhaps some lights twinkling in the trees, or winding through the shrubs. Try some pretty night light style candles edging pathways. Burning citronella candles will help keep the flies away, and add to the pleasing fragrance around your dining table. If you are having a barbeque remember to have some water and sand at hand, ready to put out flames in an emergency. Follow Food Safety Authority guidelines and don’t leave food out in the sun for too long, otherwise bacteria will start to develop. Ideally, food should be left outside for no longer than two hours. With a little bit of thought, dining outside in the garden can be a fantastic experience taking advantage of the pleasures of your patio or decking. If you would like to discuss a project please get in touch via email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or call our office on .
Summer Facelift For Decking
Summer facelift for decking. Give your decking a facelift by adding some extra features such as planters, built in seats, balustrades or arches. Within a very short time, tired decking can be given a totally new look. Raised beds make a perfect addition to decking as they enable extra space for planting, especially if you are less able and find bending difficult. The planters can be constructed to blend in with the existing decking colour scheme. By talking to your decking contractor, matching wood can be obtained so that the beds seamlessly link into the decking. Alternatively, opt for a contrast colour or a different shade to provide texture and style. Another advantage of adding a raised bed is that it offers quick access to an array of vegetables and herbs for the kitchen, as well as being a pretty and eyecatching feature. Bear in mind, that planters do not have to be square or rectangular – you can opt for a whole range of shapes such as circles, half moons and hexagonals. Size and height can vary according to your requirements. Your decking contractor can advise on load weights so that the planter does not damage the existing decking. Ever thought of installing some built in seating to adorn your decking? This can be a useful space saving feature since it can be combined with creating storage space underneath for bulky items like cushions. Seating can also be combined with built in planters and raised beds to create a pretty, fragrant corner in which to relax. Why not make a feature of your decking sides by adding balustrades and an archway full of fragrant roses, clematis or honeysuckle leading out to the rest of the garden? It creates a wonderful focal point wherever you happen to be in the garden or if looking out from the house. There are a wide range of options as to styles of balustrading and edging so that you can create a really personal effect that reflects your garden and house style. If your garden slopes, you could add steps or a slight ramp so that it blends seamlessly into your decking design. A practical measure, it makes access safer for all users. Decking can be so much more than just an empty space. A chat to your friendly decking consultant will provide lots of ideas as to how you can make it the perfect space for relaxing and entertaining. If you would like to discuss a project please get in touch to discuss via email on office@eastlondonlandscapes.com or calling .
