Perfect Patios

A patio of stone slabs is an ideal way to extend your living space into the garden. If the patio is adjacent to the house, make sure that the surface will be at least 15cm below the damp-proof course. And incorporate a slight fall away from the building, so that rainwater won't pool. A drop of around 1cm per 1m should do the trick. Design-wise, explore slabs of differing – but related – sizes. The patterns you can build up with these slabs will be much more interesting than a plain grid.

For more on this, see Laying Paving Slabs Video. To help you work out what you need, try our Patio Calculator.

All on Deck

Decking may have its critics but, as part of a sensitive design, this warm, foot-friendly material takes a lot of beating. Remember, you get what you pay for with decking. Cheap decking just won't last as long or look as good. When you're designing a deck, don't forget to allow sufficient room underneath for air to circulate. Before constructing the deck, cover the area with weed-suppressing membrane held in place with a layer of gravel.

See Laying Decking for more tips. Our Decking Calculator will help you work out how much you need.