Composite decking is different to traditional wooden decking because it is made up of different composite materials. Composite decking might be part wood, part recycled wood, as well as other composite materials mixed in to create a versatile, sophisticated decking board that is suitable for use in many different areas. One of the main reasons why people choose composite decking is the maintenance. It won’t get slippy and dangerous over time, and the boards will generally have inbuilt grip to make walking on them safer. You won’t have to do a lot to maintain your decking boards and keep them looking new. Another key reason is sustainability. It is more environmentally friendly to choose a composite option, rather than selecting wood that has to be cut down. Whilst this is a... Read More

Awnings, canopies, verandas and patio covers are used to provide shelter to an outdoor area, usually around a home, or potentially in a commercial property where there is outdoor seating. However, it isn’t always practical to fix an awning to a building. You might want it further away from a building, or the walls might not be high enough (for example, if you own a bungalow). Freestanding awnings provide you with a sensible, attractive, highly practical solution. What is a freestanding awning?  Freestanding awnings are in many ways similar to the patio awnings that attach to a building. However, they can stand up on their own, meaning that they don’t need any kind of extra support. You can get freestanding awnings in many different configurations, such as umbrellas that fit... Read More

The gladiolus is a popular perennial that has tall, spiky flowers and comes in various different colours. Because of its shape, the gladiolus will stand out amongst other plants and flowers and will add some different shapes and textures to your borders. Here is a guide to growing these flowers: Plant gladioli in spring after the last frost. The ground needs to be warming up before you can consider it. Plant bulbs around 3-6 inches apart, and water once planted. Choose a spot that gets a lot of sunlight. Use mulch to protect the soil, keep it moist and prevent weeds. Water plants throughout the summer and don’t let the soil dry out. Remove dead flowers to help keep the plants healthy. Take the bulbs out and store them over winter – gladioli will be sensitive to frost and... Read More

Garden decks are a wonderful way to help you enjoy your garden. They can make an outdoor area so much more versatile – decks can easily be fitted over uneven ground, or on a surface that is not very stable, as they can use supports to lift them up. Many UK homes makes use of decks and in many cases, they are replacing patios as a more modern option. The timber decking you choose is going to be of the utmost importance, because it will dictate the quality and appearance of your decking. When you are thinking about the type of timber to choose, there are lots of different things to think about. Here are some of your key considerations during the process: Grip. You should choose decking boards that are ridged, to allow for better grip when walking on a deck – unless you are... Read More

As homeowners, we are always looking for ways to improve our properties without spending too much money. For summery home and garden improvements, you can’t get much better than a decking kit. These clever kits contain everything you need to build a garden deck in your own back garden, without having to spend a fortune on labour, parts and wood. If you are thinking of ways to get your garden ready for summer, even better. This could be exactly what you need. A decking kit doesn’t have to be for someone who is already really good at DIY. It has full instructions, so it doesn’t matter if you are a skilled builder. You will be able to follow the instructions and build a deck without too many difficulties. Just follow the instructions and make sure you carry out the steps in... Read More