As nights draw in and the brilliant autumn colours begin to emerge, this is the perfect time to take a look at your patio or decking with parties in mind. After all, Halloween and Bonfire Night will soon be here. Patios and decking are ideal venues for autumn parties. With just a little preparation, they can be turned into enchanting locations using twinkling lights twined into railings, in trees or along paths. Chimeneas and built in barbeques add warmth on cold nights as well as allowing you to cook bonfire night food. It makes a wonderful gathering place, where your guests can sit and relax, or stroll around the garden. Decking can be easily extended or added to a garden to make extra space for outdoor parties of this kind. Think about the extras that can make a party extra special while providing facilities that can be used all year round. Covering part of the patio or decking with a pergola will provide additional shade in summer as well as a wonderful support for themed decorations and outdoor lights when holding autumn parties. The soft browns and gleaming golds of timber reflect the natural shades of autumn. The deep reds of brickwork and the neutral colours of stone make a pleasing contrast. Paper pumpkins, witches and bats create eye catching décor when hanging from a pergola, or attached to railings on around decking or patios. Specialist contractors can provide the advice and construction skills to create a new patio or install decking in time for a party. Existing decking may need extending or you can add an extra decking area elsewhere in the garden to emphasise a special feature such as a fountain or pool. This will encourage guests to meander and explore the garden. Contractors can also add in the extras such as railings or pergolas. Think long term as well, and consider adding in some storage areas under or incorporated in the decking, a built in fire pit or barbeque. Curved edgings can add a stylish touch while ramps rather than steps may be safer for guests during evening parties. Talking to a specialist landscaping company will often provide ideas that you might not otherwise have considered. As specialists they know the industry and can advise on quality products that will match your budget. A new patio or decking area ready for autumn parties can be achieved with only a little thought. If you would like to discuss a decking or patio project please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com or email office@eastlondonlandscapes.com.
Planning a new patio or decking for your home?
Planning a new patio or decking for your home? With a little bit of thought you can transform a simple patio or decking area into an incredibly stylish area that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Adding a little extra value can work wonders for the overall design and concept. If opting for decking, opt for higher quality woods. These will last longer and feel much nicer when you walk on them. The higher the quality of wood, the greater the choice of woods available – which means you could use oak rather than pine, or something unusual like maple. The use of colour stained wood is beginning to reappear again. Instead of the natural look, you could aim for cool blues or verdant greens. Try colour co-ordinating with colours that dominate in your garden, give planters a slightly darker shade of your chosen colour to make them stand out. Fixing a mirror on the wall is a well-established way of making a small area seem much bigger and it can give the garden greater depth. Consider adding balustrading around the patio or decking as this adds a touch of elegance as well as practicality. What about incorporating a water feature such as a trickling fountain or millstone fountain, or building in lots of planters using wood or brick. Waist high planters can be an excellent idea if there is anyone in the household who is disabled or elderly as it avoids back problems when caring for the planters. It can ensure keen gardeners with health problems can continue gardening whatever their circumstances. Make decking across two levels or incorporate some steps around the garden to add greater interest. Contrasting colours of wood or stone help to add interest, while other colours like grey and dark blue can look very distinguished and elegant. Bricks are also useful if you have problems with water retention and flooding, as they will allow rainwater to permeate through to the soil below. As a final touch, consider building in a seating area which is tailor made in matching wood. Storage can be built into the seating areas to create a streamlined look and provide the important storage space needed in a garden. Adding value to your decking and patio will not only make it a more pleasurable place to live, but will increase the price when the time comes to sell your house. If you would like to discuss a decking or patio project please get in touch via our website www.eastlondonlandscapes.com.
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 – 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 .
