Garden Structures

A garden isn’t just what grows in it, it’s also what gets built into it. Gates, decking, raised beds, the things that decide how you actually use the space day to day rather than just how it photographs.

Gates matter more than people think. It’s the first thing anyone sees before they’ve even reached the garden, and the material you go for says a lot about the rest of the property. Wood, metal, wrought iron, they all come with their own upkeep and their own look, and getting it wrong is an expensive mistake to fix.

Decking and raised beds are a different kind of structure again, more about function than kerb appeal. Decking gives you somewhere to actually sit outside. Raised beds make growing your own food a lot less back-breaking, especially if bending down for long isn’t easy for you anymore. And decking doesn’t last forever either, at some point it needs taking up properly rather than left to rot.

by

Things To Consider When Looking For The Perfect Wooden Bench

If you are looking to have an all-natural outdoor style, then you may have to go with wood. For best-quality wood used in outdoor or park benches look for the ones made with center-cut heartwood lumber that has consistent grain. It should be screwed using zinc plated or stainless-steel screws. Screws used in timber outdoor benches make tightening easy if the bench ever becomes loose because of age.

The best types of wood for an outdoor bench include:

  • Natural cedar or pine: these age to a silvery gray unless sealed or painted. If treated well, they will last for years outdoors. Cedar is expensive compared to pine.
  • Teak – this is a tropical tree that makes the perfect choice of material for outdoor furniture. Even when exposed to the elements, teak will last for at least 50 years. This is why teak is very pricey. You may want to apply oil annually or biannually just to maintain that natural reddish-brown color.
  • Australian Jarrah – just like teak, it is very durable and will last for decades. It has delicious and deep reddish tones that add warmth and style to the outdoor spaces.
  • Natural wood – this comes from roughly cut tree branches, and it doesn’t withstand the elements.
by

10 reasons why you need a decking in your garden

Have you been wondering whether you could benefit from a decking in your garden? It’s that time of year when we ponder the changes we can make to our outdoor areas, and a timber decking can make a huge difference to our daily lives, especially if we’re looking to entertain more next year. Here are just a few reasons why a new decking can improve your home:

Adds Value to a Home

A home with a decking sells quicker and better than those without. A considerable number of people looking to buy a house prefer those with a decking. If you get a decking kit and install your very own in the garden of your home, you will certainly sell your property for more.

For Socialising

With a decking, you can start to entertain and enjoy different activities with loved ones. People can gather up for dinners, parties, barbecues, cocktails and picnics. And let’s be clear, there really is nothing better than having a dedicated space for partying.

Offers Additional Living Space

Who wouldn’t appreciate more living space in their homes? With a decking, you can have more living space that can accommodate a big number of your guests.

Conceal Ugly Features

A decking is an excellent way to hide the ugly and outdated features of an existing outdoor area. You can cover up the cracks and mould of an old patio with a beautiful timber decking.

Elevates the Appearance of Your Garden

You not only hide the ugly features of a home with a decking but also improve the look of it. You can employ various designs of decking, creating very appealing areas.

Allows Incorporation of Exciting Features

You can add specific decorations in your garden when there’s a decking. You can add a pergola or a terrace. Maybe you have been considering adding certain plants. The effect of these decorations is actually improved by the existence of a decking.

For Relaxing

There may be those those times when you prefer relaxing outdoors. The openness, free flow of air and great looking features of a deck offer a perfect area for relaxation.

Convenience

A decking changes a garden into a space that is easily accessed. If your house is in a difficult sloped area, building a decking makes it reachable. People with mobility problems also find a garden with a decking quite accessible.

Adaptable for Various Seasons

A decking is undeniably flexible for most seasons. Think about swing seats in the summer, parties and the fragrance of flowers in the spring as well as the Christmas decorations in December. All these can be achieved with a decking.

Makes a Garden More Useful

To wrap it up, it is evident that a decking allows you to fully utilise your garden and outdoor space. With no decking, the garden might be just a useless area. We’re not saying a timber decking is of course the ‘be all and end all’ yet it will make a positive change and that’s why we’re such advocates of this timeless garden feature.

by

Protect your garden furniture over the winter

With the colder months setting in, protecting your garden furniture is vital if you want it to last until next summer. Unfortunately, with the heavy rainfall and frost that is coming, your garden furniture is simply not made for this weather.

Wooden and metal garden furniture is affected by poor weather conditions in different ways. Metal can begin to rust with prolonged exposure to rainfall, while wooden items may rot. If you have enough space in your garage or garden shed, it is worth moving all exterior furniture in for storage until the bad winter weather has passed. If storing your garden furniture isn’t an option, finding protective covers to slot over each item is your next best option to help protect and preserve your outdoor furniture until next year. While you can buy standard garden furniture covers you can also get bespoke ones made for each item, ensuring they are protected in the best possible way.

by

The essentials of selecting garden furniture

Selecting appropriate furniture for the garden is as important as selecting furniture for the interiors of the house. The garden furniture must be such that it should be comfortable and must also add to the aesthetic beauty of the garden.

Garden furniture now available in the market is made of either wood or synthetic materials like plastic or steel. Whatever be the type of furniture, it is prone to reaction due to weather changes.

Apart from what has been mentioned above, the purpose for which the garden is generally made use of is the deciding factor for selection of furniture. Garden furniture includes dining set, hammock, side chairs, end table, etc. For example, if the garden is not big enough, then dining set may not be relevant. If it is a big garden and frequent dinner parties are held in the garden, then dining set will be more relevant. The dining set available with umbrella will be most appropriate because it protects against rain and the sun. It also protects the food from dust, etc.

by

The Aesthetics of Wooden Gates

Wooden gates & gate furniture bring a vintage charm and aesthetic beauty that is hard to replicate through other materials. These gates are usually preferred when one prefers the antique and classic look as opposed to the contemporary, sophisticated look which is represented by metallic constructions. Wooden gates can be carved into smart designs, and there is a whole range of varieties available for those who are interested in the earthy charm of wood.

When you are looking for varieties available, you have to consider a lot of different aspects. The longevity of the wood you pick and the cost are two obvious parameters which are most important. You will also have to pick something that stands up to your aesthetic requirements. Leading designers and wooden gates & gate furniture manufacturers will give you timber gates of the highest quality such as idigbo, European air dried oak. In fact, manufacturers also supply black epoxy finished accessories to produce elegance in look and feel. These gates are galvanised to protect them from vagaries of nature.

Styles

The style you choose depends on a lot on where you want the gate furniture. You can go for patterns like framed single gates which are commonly seen in gardens, ledge and brace gates, double gates for driveways, wicket gates for pedestrians, field gates, sliding gates and bi-fold gates. There are numerous designs too from each manufacturer. Wooden gates could be solid wood, patterned with lattice designs or arbour gates, which are square or arched, to support vine plants. In fact, arbour gates furniture provide a classy ambience with an overhead canopy. Handcrafted wooden gates are quite popular amongst those who care more for the beauty and look compared to the actual cost.

Softwood stands out as the opposite of hardwood because it’s easier to work with and also more commonly obtainable. Most timber gates are usually created from some softwood. The primary challenge with softwood as it will naturally break down quite easily specifically when left to the elements. Ultraviolet rays from the sun will certainly damage the wooden gate. The sun will make the wood a great deal more brittle causing fractures where weathering can then take over to produce even more deterioration.

When it comes to buying wooden gates & gate furniture for your house, you need to approach gate designers and manufacturers with the idea you have in mind. A distinctive style is lent by custom designed gates especially when there are kids, pets or beautiful gardens to consider. Moreover, the wood itself has to vary based on the climate of the region as different kinds of wood respond differently
to varying climates. It is advisable to look for workmanship quality which is obvious in the finish, sealing and the use of screws and bolts. If the weather extremes are to be catered to, the best options could be cedar; pressure treated pine and redwood.

The resilience of any wooden gate is good however when tested alongside steel or wrought iron there is no comparison. Nevertheless, as wooden gates can be easier to work with and more affordable, they will be the initial option for some people. Wooden gates should look impressive anywhere including your backyard, in your garden, or anywhere with wooden fences. The wooden gates should help keep out unwelcome trespassers for example youngsters as well as animals.