A garden patio has become an essential element of almost any garden design, providing not only a space in which to eat, or simply to relax in comfort, but also transitional space between the exterior and interior of your home. As such, a patio needs to be large enough to accommodate you and your family and/or friends, but as a space that will be seen and used or a regular basis, it also needs to be attractive and hardwearing.

There are, of course, many different materials that you can use for the basic construction of a patio. Real stone, or lighter, less expensive, stone veneer, are popular options along with brickwork – using new or recycled brickworks – pavers, and at the less expensive end of the market concrete. Concrete need not necessarily be bland and grey and can, nowadays, be professionally stamped and coloured to resemble more expensive materials. Above anything else, however, you should try to choose a basic material that blends congruously with your home and indeed with your garden.

Similar comments apply to patio furniture, which can be chosen to match elements of your home, or of your hard landscaping. The chances are that you probably want a table and chairs, but maybe you want a bench, sun lounger, or a hammock too to wile away those sunny summer afternoons. Plastic is cheap, but not particularly aesthetically pleasing, whilst wicker or wood, is a little more expensive, but can be treated with paint, stain or oil for longevity and provides a more natural look and feel. At the other end of the scale, wrought iron patio furniture is expensive and heavy but is highly durable provided that it is treated against the elements, in which case it can be left outside all year round. Aluminium is a lighter, more portable alternative, but is once again extremely durable and easy to clean.

Related posts:

1. Bring the Outdoors Indoors – With George Clarke Channel Four’s, sparkly eyed home improvement hunk, George Clarke, is...
2. Affordable Solutions for Better Living – Your Garden, The IKEA Way Fresh from the brand that is synonymous with ‘flat-pack’, IKEA...
3. How to Erect a Garden Fence In the UK, November is traditionally regarded as the month...
4. Bag yourself a bargain – for next years barbecue summer! Okay, so the weather man got it wrong… again! Summer...
5. Turn on the Style with Tiles Tiles – in ceramic, slate, natural stone and a...