Each new year brings a whole host of new ideas for our gardens. We watch these trends so at Consumer Grass we can help and advise you with the landscaping solutions to future proof your Garden.
Porcelain Tiles
Sandstone paving stones have been the popular choice for homeowners for a very long time and it’s easy to see why when you consider their natural look together with their smooth surface and texture. However, whilst this look might be pleasing on the eye this type of flagstone can involve quite a lot of time-consuming upkeep.
Like any natural stone paving products sandstone is quite porous, meaning that it’s susceptible to water absorption and the associated frost damage that comes with that. Another effect of moisture damage is dulling and fading.
The constant maintenance required can be quite laborious with sealing the paving stone and the regular jet wash.
Whilst taking these steps will prolong the life of the paving stone and improve performance, their longevity still pales in comparison to that of sandstone effect porcelain slab tiles. This type of tile is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing yet doesn’t require sealing and keeping them in tip-top shape throughout the life of the product is as simple as washing down with a mild detergent diluted in warm water every now and again.
Also, the grout used can be matched to the colour of the slab tile, enabling a seamless look.
Chill Out Zones
Taking the interior meets exterior a step further, we believe the demand for relaxing chillout zones in gardens will gain momentum in 2019. The use of white rendered walls and using garden buildings, or separate seating areas with featured fire pits or fireplaces. Wood fired ovens are also on the increase as we are keen to take our garden experience outside.
Fixed ornate gazebo’s are also on the increase to offer sun/rain protection from these new relaxed areas.
More Artificial Grass Areas
Sales of artificial grass rose significantly across the UK over the summer, thanks to the extremely hot weather. With the now annual regional spring and summer water restrictions, especially across the West Midlands, we are seeing a lot of homeowners making the switch to an Artificial Lawn or featured area. We are told one of the reasons is they can’t keep their grass nice and green if they can’t water it.
In fact, a lot of our grass installations are because customers simply cannot keep the lawn looking good.
The five main reasons are as follows:
- Shading
- Large trees sapping all the water.
- Pets
- Water restrictions
- Children playing
We are also seeing a large increase in the amount of new build properties investing in artificial grass as the garden area can often be overlooked needing desperate attention. We find the ground can often be full of clay making it even harder for grass to grow.
Composite Decking
We have seen a huge surge in the popularity of Composite Decking, although this product is more costly, the finished look, combined with the reduced maintenance is winning customers over.
We all know that traditional wooden decking requires a lot of maintenance. It can quickly lose it’s colour, become fungus infested or slippery and eventually it will rot.
With Composite Decking you do not have any of the same pitfalls as traditional wooden decking, the materials are more versatile, the finished look is stunning and you have virtually no maintenance giving you more time to spend on other areas of the garden.
We have compiled a list of the 8 main reasons Composite Decking is seeing a surge of popularity
- Tough and strong.
- Slip-resistant.
- Colour lasts indefinitely.
- Textured finish.
- Stays cool.
- Won’t rot, splinter or warp, like wooden decking
- Fireproof
- Recyclable
Taking all of the above into account, we do know that each and every Garden is personal to you ! ! Our team of Garden Designers and Landscaping experts are here to work with you across all aspects of Garden Landscape design.
Why not contact us on 0121 716 0001 and ask for a FREE Consultation with one of our West Midlands based Design Experts.
