A question many people have when they are looking to create a living area in their garden is whether they should choose a decking area or a paved patio. There are advantages and disadvantages to both these options, so it really is a case of which suits your garden best.
Decking is a popular option for those with a smaller area to cover as it is more affordable and quicker to install. Many people choose to use decking around a hot tub or as a small seating area. One of the main disadvantages with decking is that it needs regular maintenance and does not last for years and years. Decking that is not maintained correctly by regular washing and treating with a wood preservative can quickly turn green and become extremely slippery making it a real hazard.
Paving slabs can be more expensive especially if choosing stone rather than concrete. They do take longer to install initially but require little maintenance. A once a year clean with a jet washer and some weedkiller treatment put down to kill any weeds that come up between the gaps is all that will be needed to keep the slabs looking good. Paving slabs will last for a long time meaning that the patio area can be built without the worry that in a few years it will need replacing.