When it comes to time-saving solutions to your outdoor flooring needs, few can compare to the awesome efficiency-boosting properties of the Easy-Frame.

Providing your flooring with a supportive sub-frame, the Easy-Frame is the supreme structural shortcut you’ve been waiting for, designed to ensure your best-laid plans achieve the best-laid results.

What is Easy-Frame?

Made from galvanised steel, Easy-Frame is a strong and reliable underfloor support that won’t let you down.

Designed to support a variety of surfaces, the versatile structure allows you to lay your decking or porcelain paving with ease, achieving a level finish without a spirit level in sight.

Featuring a unique modular system for layout customisation, the supportive frames simply lock together for a solid base that makes outdoor flooring jobs a doddle.

Benefits of Easy-Frame

A truly innovative addition to outdoor flooring application, Easy-Frame boasts a laundry list of benefits that go far beyond what you would expect from a simple framework.

Durability

The steel composition of the frame provides the highest weight-to-strength ratio of any building product on the market. Unlike traditional timber decking frames, Easy-Frame can support the load effortlessly without risk of cracks, bows or bends.

Better yet, every inch of steel is zinc-coated, providing fully-enhanced elemental protection. Not only does this make it immune to temperature changes, but also leaves it unaffected by moisture and capable of withstanding the effects of the frost thaw cycle.

Versatility

Whether you opt for composite decking or porcelain paving, Easy-Frame is uniquely equipped to adapt to either flooring option.

In terms of positioning and design, the frame can be installed flush against your property, should you wish to create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Meanwhile, it can just as easily be installed as a free-standing structure elsewhere in your garden if you’re looking to create a featured presentation, like a hot tub area or outdoor lounge.

Exclusive

Bespoke and made-to-order, each Easy-Frame is meticulously assembled off-site to fit the exact requirements of your space, ensuring your Easy-Frame is the perfect fit.

Despite being extremely sturdy and hard-wearing, each frame is surprisingly manoeuvrable allowing them to be easily transported in their assembled form right to your property.

Appearance

From an aesthetic perspective, the “made-to-measure” aspect of the frame provides dimensional accuracy that allows it to fit perfectly in your outdoor space, achieving a clean, level finish with minimal impact to the ground below.

Best of all, the framework can also be used to hide unsightly housing necessities like electrical wiring and plumbing pipes.

Accessibility

On the subject of pipes and wiring, another perk of the Easy-Frame is that it can be installed without disturbing utilities. All electric and plumbing requirements can be safely housed within the framework.

Meanwhile, the suspended nature of the platform allows such requirements to still be easily accessible, while also providing access to any on-site maintenance features, such as manholes and drains.

All Easy-Frame systems are bespoke and made-to-order based on the dimensions of your chosen space. If you’re interested in installing your flooring using the Easy-Frame option, get in touch today on 0800 028 8756 or click the button below to send us an enquiry 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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When it comes to adding an element of contemporary garden design to your outdoor space, knowing where to start can be half the battle.

With so many options at the click of a mouse, the myriad of available avenues is virtually endless, leaving you spoilt for choice and none the wiser on where to begin.

To save you from an overwhelming state of mental design flux, we’ve laid out a few simple options to help you bring your contemporary garden design to life on your property.

Zone Out

A growing trend in the gardening community and exterior design is the art of zoning. This essentially splits your outdoor space into distinct areas with a designated theme, look or purpose for each “zone”.

Zoning can help open up your garden give it a more voluminous feel, while it can also increase your garden’s overall appeal by giving your outdoor space with a multi-dimensional sense of purpose.

Creating designated areas for dining, relaxing and play can instantly make your outdoor space an outdoor oasis for people of all ages, making your garden the place to be for a variety of occasions.

Hit the Deck

The multi-functional appeal of decking makes it the perfect addition to any modern garden design. Whether you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun or wine and dine with friends, a decking area can oblige with ease.

Providing the perfect surface to host a variety of outdoor activities, decking can also be a great way to break up your garden and separate it from your lawn and plants.

What’s more, modern composite decking provides both style and substance with its superior durability and range of board designs, making it the perfect material for a long-term garden fixture that looks good and lasts.

Pave the Way

Providing design diversity in droves and personality in abundance, paving for your garden can inject an immediate dose of personality into your property, bringing your outdoor space to life from the moment they arrive.

Available in a huge variety of design options, paving is perhaps the easiest way to make a wholesale change to your garden’s aesthetic presentation. Better still, porcelain paving is specifically designed for low-maintenance longevity and long-term lifespan, providing you with a durable design that retains its looks for the long-haul.

Additionally, lighter colours, like creams and whites, can help create a sense of space, giving the illusion that your garden is bigger than it actually is. If space is at a premium, a brighter tile choice could result in a visually expansive garden.

Lounge Around

Perhaps the ultimate in outdoor enjoyment and relaxation, turning your garden into a glorified lounge can be a perfect way to add a touch of contemporary design to your outdoor space.

While a lounge-like ambience can be achieved through many of the above methods – established to great effect when combining several of these options – the way you accessorise can make all the difference.

Modern design trends have seen interior design staples make their way out into the open air, from rattan style corner sofas to upcycled indoor furniture reborn for the outdoors.

Meanwhile, fire pits and fire bowls can make a great centrepiece for a social area that also provides a hypnotic, mesmerising quality you can just as easily get lost in.

However, no outdoor lounge would be complete without comfy weatherproof seating, so keep that high on the list. Complete the care-free atmosphere by adding an attractive water feature for an all-natural soundtrack.

For more inspiration and information on contemporary garden design, give us a call on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online using the button below.

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There’s no denying that rivalry and competition can often make for a better outcome, particularly when two rivals are seeking the same end goal.

When there’s an equally appealing Ying to the opposition’s Yang, the game of one-upmanship makes for a mutually beneficial environment where the ultimate winner is you – the consumer!

Sonic had Mario; Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier; even Bill Gates had Steve Jobs! In keeping with the theme, the outdoor flooring industry is no different.

Paving vs. decking

Patio vs decking has long been the ultimate showdown between garden gunslingers. Find out which side of the duel you reside on, as we run down the pros and cons of paving and decking.

Benefits of porcelain paving

Providing all the aesthetic allure of natural stone, porcelain paving provides a modern twist on the classic stony façade, with heightened durability, hard-wearing properties and extremely low-maintenance.

Built to not only withstand elemental demands like fades and frost, these tiles are also slip, stain and scratch-resistant, leaving you with a new-look tile long after their introduction to your property.

They also come in a wide range of sizes and style, providing you with a huge selection in terms of outdoor design and patio finish.

Meanwhile, the low porosity of the pavers also makes them ideal for a variety of purposes and surfaces, from outdoor dining spots and hot tub areas to pool-sides and driveways.

Benefits of composite decking

Much like porcelain paving, composite decking also mimics its natural counterpart, this time providing a remarkably uncanny aesthetic of real wood.

However, unlike natural wood, composite decking won’t rot, fade, chip or splinter, nor will warp, bow or crack. Better still, it’ll never need to be sealed, stained or painted either.

Also built for slip-resistance, it’s extremely resistant to liquids and frost, particularly the capped composite range, which comes with protective polymer sleeve for enhanced moisture resistance.

Composite decking also boasts an eco-friendly design, made of reclaimed wood and polymer resin for a top-quality end product with a minimal carbon footprint for sustainability.

Porcelain paving or composite decking?

When it comes to choosing one of the other, it’s difficult to identify a clear-cut winner between pavers and decking.

Both offer similar advantages, providing long-lasting durability and weather-resistant stability. Meanwhile, both also offer low-maintenance properties for minimal upkeep.

However, while both porcelain pavers and composite decking are available in a variety of designs, the sheer variety of pavers give them the edge in terms of design freedom.

That being said, composite decking is available in a range of deck types and brands, offering additional diversity in terms of the materials.

The verdict

With porcelain tiles and composite decking boards acting as the Coke to the other’s Pepsi – ultimately, it all comes down to a matter of taste.

Both provide a feast for the eyes and either one would make a fantastic addition to any property, providing an instant upgrade for any property they reside on.

Whether you prefer an authentic stone-look space or a natural wood-look finish, you won’t be disappointed with either one!

For more information on our paving and decking options, feel free to get in touch today on 0800 028 8756 or drop us an email using the button below.

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Adding decking to your garden can be a great decision that can quite literally revolutionise how you utilise your outdoor space.

From social gatherings to solo relaxation, a beautiful deck area really can change how you enjoy your property and truly enhance your outdoor experience.

However, while the end result can boast all those things, in order to get there, you need to keep a few things in mind.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered for just that!

Deck Building Tips

Before you set off down the path to decking decadence, here’s a list of the most important things to consider when building your deck area.

Fit for purpose

The first lesson of deck building 101 is this – purpose. Ask yourself why you want a deck area and what you intend to use it for. This will help you considerably during the planning stages and allow you to create a detailed blueprint of what to include and where.

If you want to create a social spot, you’ll need to create a space big enough to accessorise with the appropriate furnishings, whether it’s an outdoor sofa, a dining table or a hot tub. Whereas, if you simply wanted a spot to light up the barbie, you’ll likely require far less space.

Funding the fun

Next up, is the all-important topic of finances. Naturally, building a decking area can incur a hefty cost, particularly if you plan on creating a large decking area using high-quality materials.

As a result, it’s important to be realistic and know just what you can afford. The last thing you want to do is get half way through a project, only for your pot to run dry.

Work out what deck you can manage financially – including any desired creature comforts you need to furnish it – and work your decking dreams around it.

Grand designs

Designing a deck area from scratch can be a difficult task, even for those with a vivid imagination. With so many variations and moving parts in play, it can be hard to know where to start, let alone how to finish.

Nevertheless, creating a plan of what you want your finished deck to look like is vital in achieving a successful end result. From size of the area to the type of board you want to use, creating a detailed blueprint of what you want to achieve provides a logical path for your project.

A good way to approach this is to complement your home’s design, not to compete with it. If the exterior wall of your house has a contemporary aesthetic, choose a deck that offers the same appeal.

Undercover

If you want an outdoor space that can be enjoyed all-year round, regardless of season and weather, it may be worth considering getting your deck area covered to protect you and your guests from the elements.

For year-round use, complementing your deck with protective shelter can instantly broaden the scope for outside fun, allowing you to enjoy your decking area whatever the weather.

Whether you want to create a shaded spot for the summer heat, an outdoor shelter for the wind and rain or simply a shielded sanctuary for heightened privacy, a roofed refuge can give your decking area limitless usage.

Lighten up

Why limit your outdoor hours to daylight when you could enjoy your decking area at any time of the day? Adding lights to your deck area can instantly alter how you enjoy your decking and allow you to indulge in your outdoor oasis long after the sun goes down.

Whether this is achieved through strategic deck lighting built-in to the deck boards themselves or outdoor fixtures and fittings, such as hanging lights and wall lamps, the addition of appropriate illumination can make the world of difference.

There you have it, five fundamental things to consider when building your deck dream space. For more information on deck ideas, check out our blog section for inspiration or click the button below to get in touch.

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