If you’re thinking of revamping your outdoor space with paving slabs or a patio design, you’ve probably been faced with the inevitable choice between natural stone and porcelain paving.

While both have their advantages, here at AlfrescoPlus we believe that porcelain pavers have the upper hand. From durability and practicality to aesthetics and maintenance, the power of porcelain has the edge over natural stone.

Don’t believe us? Let’s run through the pros and cons in more details in the battle of porcelain paving vs natural stone.

Disadvantages of Natural Stone

While natural stone has the obvious advantage of being the real article with its authentic features innately built-in, natural stone also has a number of drawbacks not applicable to porcelain.

Real stone requires real work to maintain a pristine aesthetic. High-maintenance is a common trait of natural stone and regular cleaning/treatment is often required to ensure its appearance remains presentable.

Natural stone is also uniquely crafted by Mother Nature, with each individual paver differing from the last. While this can be great for creating an organic-looking surface, it can be a detrimental attribute when looking to create a uniform finish.

While most of our porcelain designs feature a variegated pattern to differentiate between pavers, they don’t differ too drastically to ruin the overall aesthetic of the flooring. That being said, they still vary enough from tile to tile to maintain the natural deviation of genuine stone.

Benefits of Porcelain Paving

Porcelain tiles are specifically designed to mimic natural stone by recreating their organic appearance in a man-made product. From a production standpoint, this has a number of benefits, ranging from durability right down to the aesthetics.

Our porcelain products have been painstakingly engineered to look exactly like natural stone, so much so that it’s hard to tell the two apart. However, the materials used to create porcelain paving give them a distinct edge over their natural counterpart.

Extremely durable and low-maintenance, each paver is built to last. They require very little upkeep and have the ability to retain their vibrancy and unblemished finish for years with very little TLC along the way. An annual jet-wash is all that’s needed.

As well as being extremely resistant to stains, fading and abrasions, porcelain is also impressively slip-resistant when wet, providing a far more reliable surface in wet and damp conditions. This weather-proofing also extends to frost and our porcelain tiles are highly capable in sub-zero temperatures.

Why Choose Porcelain Paving?

From the durability and low-maintenance upkeep to its stunning design and impressive weather-resistance, porcelain is the next evolution of stonework design in the home. Porcelain has the ability to provide all the benefits of natural stone and more, culminating in a finished product that’s fit for 21^st century living.

In addition to its performance, porcelain pavers are also a great choice for environmentalists as all our tiles eco-friendly, made from natural raw materials, ethically sourced with minimal waste. Any waste that is created during the manufacturing process is simply recycled and each tile is meticulously made to meet European Ecolabel standards.

What are you waiting for? Request a FREE sample today and see for yourself or call now and speak to one of our experts using the button below.

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For long-time residents of the UK, our dull and dismal climate will be a gripe that’s all too familiar.

The weather across the UK is characteristically wet throughout the year, predictably unpredictable and habitually putting a dampener on British summertime.

With such a high likelihood of rainfall, it’s important that you take this into consideration when planning out your garden design.

If you’re planning on revamping your outside space, slip-resistant tiles are a wise choice. Luckily, here at AlfrescoPlus, we’ve got you covered.

Get a Grip

At AlfrescoPlus, all of our outdoor tile ranges have been specifically designed to withstand the environmental demands of an outdoor setting – including the eventuality of heavy rain.

Each of our porcelain paving tiles are extremely robust, vitrified for extreme durability. The vitrification process not only ensures their ability to resist scratches, cracks and abrasions, but it also provides each tile with an impressively low porosity.

With a porosity level of less than 0.05%, our tiles retain virtually no moisture. Not only does this mean they dry out faster in wet weather but it also means that they are frost-resistant, providing further slip-protection in colder conditions.

Last Traction Hero

Our wide range of porcelain tiles boast a myriad of features for grip and slip-resistance, most notably their textured finish. This is a specific design choice made to enhance underfoot stability in all weather conditions, while also making it a top material for a poolside surround or base for a hot tub.

Additionally, each outdoor paving tile is 20mm thick and durable enough to withstand a heavy weight, which – when coupled with their slip-resisting qualities – also makes them perfect for driveways, as well as back gardens and patios.

Rate Expectations

For clarity purposes, all paving tiles on the AlfrescoPlus site have been graded with a “Grip Factor” of 1-5, with 1 being low and 5 being highly slip-resistant. The majority of our outdoor tiles are rate 4 or above, making porcelain paving from AlfrescoPlus a safe bet when it comes to slip-protection.

Additionally, all our outdoor tiles are also given a designated slip score, known as an “R Rating”; this ranking system has been designed and implemented by the government’s Health and Safety Executive. While this is helpful in determining performance, it’s important to note that scores are recorded between R9 and R13 and not beginning at R1 as you would logically believe.

What are you waiting for? Don’t slip up with your outdoor tile choice – call AlfrescoPlus today and give your outdoor design a tile it can rely on, whatever the weather!

For more information on our slip-resistant tiles and further details on outdoor paving attributes, why not drop us a line? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online using the button below.

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When it comes to breathing a new lease of life into your property, renovating your garden is a great way to do so in spades.

Back garden renovation, in particular, can really transform a property and, more specifically, your enjoyment of it, providing endless hours of outdoor relaxation and open-air fun.

However, with limitless potential for renovation ideas, settling on a way to do so can be a headache in itself.

Luckily, this blog is here to help get you on track to the garden of your dreams.

Garden Renovation Checklist

Like any big job, garden renovation isn’t something you can jump into without any forethought or planning. If you want it done right, you’re going to have to be organised.

Follow these steps to ensure your back garden renovation goes smoothly:

Draft a Design

Your first port of call should always be to draft up a rough design of how you want your garden to look. Just like any building project, flying by the seat of your pants without a definitive direction is a sure-fire recipe for disaster.

Even if your design skills leave a lot to be desired, a rough sketch of what you want where can really help you to visualise the finished product and go a long way in helping you achieve the end result.

Go Pro or DIY?

Once you’ve got an idea of how you want your garden to look and which creative direction you want to go, you should now have a good idea of what needs to be done in order to achieve your desired result.

From here, you should also have a general indication of what you are capable of achieving yourself and what you will need professional help with. The extent of outside influence can often depend on budget but it’s important not to overstep your boundaries.

While it is usually cheaper and more cost-effective to go the DIY route, a botched job done poorly can result in a sub-par finish and lead to further costs down the line. If you don’t think you’re capable of achieving the desired result on a specific task, don’t be afraid to call in an expert.

Shop Around

Speaking of budget, another important thing to keep in mind when you’re planning your garden renovation is that price can and will vary from one supplier to the next.

This can be particularly notable when it comes to accessories and features like garden furniture, plants and pots. Don’t settle on the first result and take time to shop around.

That being said, shopping around for the best item at the best price can also be quite a juggling act at times, as there’s a fine line between economical and cheap.

If budget is a concern, aim for a middle of the road item for the best of both worlds. The product with the lowest value may have earned that price tag for a reason.

Recycle and Upcycle

One of the best trump cards for keeping within your budget when it comes to garden renovation is to recycle and upcycle old/existing items.

Old indoor furniture with a lick of paint can get a second wind with a renewed sense of purpose outdoors, so think twice before you throw out those tired kitchen chairs.

Similarly, charity shops can be a treasure trove of potential when it comes to upcycling, while even industrial items like breeze blocks and disused timber can make for a surprisingly attractive shabby chic bench.

Deck or Paving

Proper planning and budgeting can give you the chance to visualise the desired look and feel you want for your garden. It can also allow you to consider possibilities that can truly transform your outside space.

If you don’t already have it, an instant way to revamp your outdoor property is to invest in decking or paving. Meanwhile, if you do have a patio or a deck area, trading one for the other can also reinvent your garden instantly.

Zoning is also an increasingly popular design trend, combining lawn, patio and deck areas in one single garden space. Don’t be afraid to play around with concepts during the design stage. After all, it’s your space – let your imagination take you where you want to go.

Space Jam

If you have a modestly sized outdoor area and space is a concern, you don’t have to lose out. In fact, small garden renovation can be just as rewarding and equally as stunning if you know the tricks of the trade.

From building up vertically using shelves and wall decorations to creating the illusion of space using light colours and clever furnishing, there are a whole host of tricks, shortcuts and hacks that can allow you to get the most out of the space you have.

Click HERE to find out more about space-saving tips for a small garden renovation.

For more information on back garden renovation and how to revamp your outdoor space, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or click the button below to get in touch online.

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When it comes to outdoor design, having a small garden can be frustratingly restrictive at times. With a limited amount of room to work with, every inch of floor-space can be vital.

However, just because you may have a modestly-sized outdoor space doesn’t mean you have to lose out on all the greeny garden gratification of a larger garden.

With a bit of creativity, an open mind and a little elbow grease for good measure, you can turn your pint-sized plot into a veritable Tardis of alfresco awesomeness.

Small Garden Ideas

There’s a fine line between busy and messy, and even the addition of a single plant pot can take up a surprising amount of room. As such, every small garden design addition needs to carefully thought out.

To help you make the right choices when it comes to your outdoor space, here are five great garden hacks that never fail to expand your exterior.

Shelf-Respect

Building up is a recurring trend when it comes to making the most of a small garden. Adding shelves to your garden courtyard can be a great way to save space. Providing multiple levels of decorative space at your disposal, shelves make for the perfect place to house potted plants and garden ornaments,

Climbing the Walls

Much like shelving, another great way to incorporate flowers and plant life without monopolising floor space is to utilise the fences and walls around the garden. Incorporating trellis fencing to hang plants from the side and rear walls can create a beautiful space-saving perimeter for a truly stunning visual.

Pane Relief

A fantastic alternative to a bulkier flower bed that will eat up a chunk of floor space, window boxes are a great way to provide colour and vibrancy for your garden using a minimal amount garden real estate.

Don’t Cut Corners

Adding seating to your outside space can and usually will take up a lot of room, particularly if you incorporate a table into the mix as well. Opt for a weatherproof corner sofa to ensure you utilise every inch of space to its fullest potential. Meanwhile, this will also cover the walls giving the illusion of additional space.

Lighten Up

Finally, be sure to incorporate light/bright colours into your small garden design. Whether you opt for creamy-coloured flooring tiles, white-painted fencing or even lightly-coloured garden furniture, a simple bright colour-scheme can have an instant impact on space. 

For additional small garden ideas or more information on how to make the most of your small garden design, why not drop us a line? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or click the button below to get in touch online.

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In the world of garden design, outside of grassy lawns, there are two primary design options that stand head and shoulders above the rest: paved patios and wood decking.

These tried and tested options have long been duking it out for garden supremacy, consistently engaged in a tug-of-war of exterior design.

When it comes to finding a winner in this popularity contest, it’s hard to pick a standout victor. Thanks to modern innovations in porcelain paving and composite decking, both offer fantastic benefits that are truly hard to choose between.

With such a fine line between the two, the final decision ultimately has to come down to personal preference. With that being said, which one is right for you? Let’s run the garden gamut and find out.

Patio Magnifico

For a classy, stone-look surface, nothing beats the almighty awesomeness of the porcelain-powered patio paving.

Extremely durable, indistinguishable from the real thing and available in a wide variety of colours and patterns, our porcelain paving slabs offer a wealth of creative freedom when it comes to creating patio perfection.

AlfrescoPlus has one of the largest selections of porcelain paving designs in the UK, giving you ample choice and unrivalled freedom when it comes to formulating your outdoor design.

From light, Mediterranean warmth of the Turin Cream to the dark and stormy allure of the Slate Riven Black, we have a tile for all tastes and a patio for all personalities.

What’s more, porcelain boasts an extremely low porosity that absorbs very little moisture, making it highly resistant to water, as well as frost and ice. This gives it added traction and grip for reassuring slip resistance in a number of wet and icy conditions.

Best of all, all our porcelain tiles extremely low-maintenance, requiring very little TLC at all. Inherently scratch, fade and stain resistant, all you need to do is give them an annual jetwash to keep them looking as good as new!

Hit the Deck

If stone-look isn’t quite your cup of tea, the alternative is the wood-grained garden grandeur of composite decking.

A more than fitting replacement, composite decking from AlfrescoPlus is made from a combination of natural hardwood and synthetic materials, giving it an authentic aesthetic appeal with the unparalleled durability of modern technology.

Composite decking boards never have to be sealed, painted or stained to retain their visage, while they will also never crack, splinter or bow. Each board is also capable of retaining its grip even under harsh conditions, engineered to be resistant to rain and frost.

Available in a variety of colours, shades and designs, our collection also caters for all manner of budgets. What’s more, our impressive warranties also provide unrivalled peace of mind, proof that your deck will last.

From a maintenance standpoint, each deck board is made for independence and requires very little upkeep to retain its looks. An occasional once over with warm, soapy water when necessary will be all it needs to return to its original glory.

Deck Out Your Patio

So, you’ve heard both sides of the argument and are still torn like Natalie Imbruglia. Now what?

Well, who’s to say you have to choose between the two at all? There’s always the option to blend the two using the art of zoning in your exterior design.

Garden zoning is an increasingly popular trend in outdoor design that sees your garden effectively split into sections (or “zones”) with a different setting for specific activities or ambiences. This method allows you to incorporate a patio with decking, all in one garden.

A great example of zoning is the standard three-part split. Imagine a rectangular garden: you step out the back door onto a paved patio, which leads onto a grass lawn with a raised deck area at the bottom of the garden.

From a zoning POV, the initial patio creates the ideal area for alfresco dining and barbeques; the grass is perfect for kids and pets to run, play and enjoy; while the decked base of the garden is tailor-made for relaxing and unwinding.

Naturally, the extent of the combination is entirely up to you and how you blend the two is restricted only to your own imagination. If you have a particular combination, design or layout in mind, we can make it happen.

For more information and advice on which garden design is right for you, why not drop us a line today and speak with one of our experts? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or send us an email with your queries using the button below.

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