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FAQs

Decks, Pergolas, Paths and Paving

Decks:

Ground level, medium level, 2nd level or roof-top … some need large steel supports and some are simple and straight-forward. And we can add steps, multiple levels and seats. Whatever you want we can create it for you.

Create an outdoors “room”, or an extension of your inside space. Get that much wanted indoor/outdoor flow. Will your new deck or patio then flow through to the garden area as well?

If you’re going to install a deck, it’s always a good idea to arm yourself with some information beforehand. That way, you won’t wind up with a deck that doesn’t fit your needs or, worse, is potentially too small or dangerous. After all, your friends, family and visitors will likely spend time on your deck, so choosing the most appropriate materials and construction methods is crucial.

We can help with both the design and construction of your new large, multi-level deck.

Pergolas and Other Outside Structures:

Pergolas built for outdoor entertainment and family gatherings can define extra spaces and provide shade etc., and a well-designed pergola should complement your home.

You can use a pergola and trellised areas to add romance and enchantment to the outdoor living area surrounding your home. Or they can help define entryways, provide a perfect backdrop for climbing plants, and add tons of street appeal to your home.

From simple archways to more lavish designs that incorporate shade and protection from the elements, outdoor pergolas and other structures can become quiet corners of your home … ones that you won’t want to live without. And if you correctly blend the construction into your overall new home design, renovation or extension, it can look like it has always been there.

Paths & Paving:

Paths enable us to get from point A to point B without getting our shoes dirty. That’s what they’re for isn’t it? Maybe, but they don’t have to all be boring, straight and made from concrete.

They can be charming and lead visitors to interesting parts of the garden. But they can add more interest to the garden themselves by meandering around trees, shrubs, statues, seats and other garden objects.

Paths can also be as decorative or as plain as you like. Work hard on creating beautiful paths and paving to lead you through your landscape, and you will be justly rewarded.

When planning a new garden path take into consideration the likely traffic it will take, i.e. wheel barrows, bikes, wheelchairs and pushchairs. Ideally it should be wide enough for two people to fit along it at the same time, but if you only have a small area to work with then your path should at least be as wide as your wheelbarrow or mower.

Choose your pathway material according to the style of your house and garden, how much use it will get and who will use it. And, obviously it needs to be constructed of a material that won’t be slippery.

One last thing … ensure that the base for the path or pavers is prepared correctly (this is the most important part of any paving job!!) Form Your Foundation First!

Driveways:

It’s just a driveway, so what’s the big deal?

What is one of the very first things that people will see when they visit your home … your driveway of course, and it’s highly likely that they will either drive or walk up it to get to your front door. So it needs to be both impressive and functional.

Here are some of the things you need to think about when it comes to your driveway:

  • You must decide on the actual design along with the driveway width. It’s also a good idea to think about extra driveway parking for guests, so that access is not blocked.
  • What about the edges? With some paving materials a driveway edge is functional and necessary, while with others it’s simply about visual appeal.
  • Where will your driveway entry be? And where will it end?
  • And what are you going to do about moving surface water away correctly?
  • Also, should you include an extra area so that you can back the car up and drive out forward?
  • What driveway materials will you use? Your paving can be as simple as loose stone chip or it can be constructed from pavers with a range of patterns.
  • There are also a range of special surface finishes that can go over the top of the likes of concrete.

Lots to think about in relation to your “simple” driveway. But we can help.

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