The summer finally put in a late appearance this year, and you may have enjoyed a few fine days relaxing, dining, or entertaining in your garden. It’s an ideal way to unwind from the stresses of everyday life and top up the vitamin D levels. However, having the right surface to place your outdoor furniture on can make or break the experience.
Gardens in Lancashire can be prone to the odd spot of rain, and this can lead to muddy lawns that your lovely sun lounger sinks right into. Maybe you have an area of decking or paving, but after the seemingly constant waves of storms over the past 18 months, it’s a little worse for wear.
Rotting or cracked hardscaping not only looks unsightly, but it can also be a slip or trip hazard. Not ideal for gardens with boisterous youngsters rushing round, or for entertaining company. Maybe it’s time to take the plunge and invest in an upgrade or install a new feature. But should you choose paving or decking? Read on for some top tips!
The difference between decking and paving
First of all, here’s a quick definition of each installation before drilling down into the details. A patio is a paved or concrete surface laid over a prepared flat area of ground. A deck is made from timber or wood composite and is usually aligned to patio doors to the rear or side of your home, to act as an extension of the living area.
Decking can be raised off the ground on supports, so it is not necessary to have a flat even surface to build on if you have a sloping garden. Decks can be a stand alone feature, but are more usually constructed alongside a home or garden room.
Pros & cons of decking
Decking is a versatile solution that can be installed to create a level surface in a sloping garden, which is a distinct possibility in hilly Lancashire. It can also be used to create an elevated area in your garden to make the most of far reaching views.
The material blends well with any surroundings, and the wood can be stained to enhance its natural warmth and texture. However, wood can be a high maintenance material and it will require regular work to keep it looking good and properly sealed from damp and cold conditions.
Pros & cons of patios
Patios are constructed from natural stone or paving slabs to create a traditional and timeless surface. Stone or concrete is more hard wearing and durable than wood, so this may be a consideration if the paved area is going to be used regularly and subject to heavy objects such as barbecues and lots of bulky furniture.
Patios are usually easier to maintain than decking, although certain types of natural stone may require waterproofing occasionally. In wet weather, paving is less slippery than wood.
Final thoughts
If you have an uneven garden and want an elevated flat surface, then decking is the natural choice. However, if you want a low maintenance solution for an existing flat area, then a patio may be the way to go.
