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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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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Porcelain tiles can provide the ultimate flooring solution for your home, both inside and out.

Beautifully designed, steeped in personality and extremely hard-wearing, they truly make for the perfect base for your homely space.

If you’ve really fallen in love with an indoor tile, why should you be forced to choose a different design for your exterior space?

Luckily, PrimaPorcelain has you covered for just that with our comprehensive range of indoor/outdoor transition tiles.

Benefits of an indoor outdoor transition

For many properties, space can be at a premium and any inside tricks to increase that space is a welcome blessing.

Using the same tile/paver design both inside and outside can create a seamless transition from your interior design to your outdoor space. It’s also a fantastic way of creating space and instantly opens up each room.

Alternating flooring designs stop the aesthetic flow of an interior design. By continuing the same floor pattern from one room to the next, you can effectively make each room seem bigger by allowing them to flow seamlessly into the adjoining space.

Best of all, this ethos can just as easily be applied to the outside, making your interior design flow effortlessly into the outside and vice versa.

How to create an indoor outdoor transition

The first port of call for anyone looking to create a seamless indoor outdoor transition is the subject of tile design. Naturally, you’ll need to pick the same tile design for both your indoor tile (10mm) and outdoor paver (20mm), so be sure your chosen design is available in both formats.

Once you’ve settled on a design, your next area of focus should be the adjoining border between interior and exterior. For the most effective use of indoor/outdoor transition pavers, it’s well worth investing in sliding or foldable patio doors. This can be utilised to particularly notable effect if you have a level patio.

That way, when you open up the doors, you effectively merge your outdoor space with your interior, creating a continuous pattern with an unbroken design flow that spills out into the outdoors.

Blurring the lines between where the interior ends and the exterior begins provides space on both sides of the coin, regardless of which side you find yourself.

The garden will feel bigger from the outside, while the indoors will seem more spacious from the inside, truly creating the best of both worlds in terms of space.

Things to consider when creating an indoor outdoor transition

It’s important to remember that indoor tiles are more often than not just that – designed for the indoors. As such, indoor tiles are typically not suitable for outdoor use.

In order to create continuity with the same design inside and out, you must first find an indoor tile design that is also available as an outdoor paver.

Sadly, this isn’t always the case and, as a result, not all indoor tiles will be available in outdoor form, effectively putting the kibosh on your indoor/outdoor design dreams.

To avoid disappointment, be sure to check your tile of choice is stocked in both indoor and outdoor forms before you let your imagination run wild. It could help prevent porcelain heartbreak down the line.

Hints & Tips: indoor/outdoor transition

Light pavers have a knack for opening up a space, creating the illusion that your property is bigger than it actually is. For the ultimate space saving solution, combine bright tiles with a level patio and foldable doors to bring your outdoor space and interior design together as one.

Additionally, be sure to keep an eye on the slip rating. If you intend to use your outdoor space for watery fun and games – whether it’s a kid’s pool, a jacuzzi or anything else – a tile with a low grip rating could become a hazard when wet.

Where possible, opt for a tile with a high grip rating for outdoor use. This will provide firmer traction underfoot, limit potential slips and make for a safer surface, particularly after heavy rainfall.

For additional information on outdoor to indoor tile design and transition tiles, call now on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online using the link below.

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AlfrescoPlus products are specifically designed and engineered for low-maintenance durability and long-lasting performance.

That being said, a good buff now and then never hurt anyone and occasional TLC can help keep your deck sparkling spectacularly week in and week out.

For a show-room shine that wows year-round, follow this handy guide on how to clean composite decking.

Basic Cleaning

For optimal performance, we recommend periodic cleaning with a power washer, using a fan tip nozzle. To avoid damaging the finish, we recommend spraying in the direction of the grain with a pressure of no more than 1500psi.

Decking Maintenance Guide

If you want to give your deck a thorough polish to really bring it back to “like new” health, we’ve got you covered for that too.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean composite decking for a spotless finish that truly sparkles and dazzles.

Prep Work

Before you begin cleaning your deck, it’s important to clear the area, particularly if you have furniture or outdoor accessories that aren’t made of composite material. Splashing these items with a bona fide composite cleaning solution could damage them, so it’s worth getting them out of the danger zone, just in case.

Clean Sweep

A quick once over with a broom prior to scrubbing can prevent the spread of surface dirt. Meanwhile, any accumulated dirt found gathering between boards can be removed by using a wallpaper scraper or a putty knife.

Mix It Up

If you’re using a professional composite decking cleaner, we recommend following the instructions on the product to ensure no adverse effects. However, AlfrescoPlus decking can usually be adequately cleaned using simple soapy water.

Work It

Once you’ve prepped your chosen cleaning solution, you can now get to work on scrubbing your deck. Apply the solution to the deck in 5-metre sections, allowing one section to soak while you work on another. Brush through using a stiff broom to scrub through any obvious patches of dirt.

Power Through

Finally use a jet wash to power off the remaining suds, methodically working your way through the entire deck as you clean, section by section. Once you’ve reached the finish line, take time to stand back and admire your handiwork – you deserve it!

Additional Cleaning Tips

While general sprucing can be easily done using the jet wash steps above, you may find there are some occasions that require a method that’s a little more specialist.

AlfrescoPlus composite decking, particularly capped composite decking, is impressively resistant to a wide variety of conditions; however, there may be the odd occasion where additional TLC can work wonders.

For those instances, try these handy tips below to keep your deck in fighting shape.

Ice & Snow

For chilly occasions of ice and snow, rock salt or calcium chloride can work wonders, keeping your deck safe in wintry conditions. After application, simply rinse with water or mild, soapy water to remove the residue for a frost-free deck.

Tannin, Mildew, Dirt & Grime

Mildew stains can occur due to an excess build-up of debris. Periodically rinsing your deck can prevent this problem from escalating.

Spot Stains

Spots and stains can be a real blemish on your otherwise awesome deck. Clean with soapy water and allow the area to weather for 8-10 weeks to regain its colour.

Scratches, Nicks, Cuts and Grooves

Despite their heightened durability, composite decking isn’t indestructible and abrasions/indentations can occur. Treat damage by brushing in the direction of the grain with a stiff broom. The brushed area should weather back in 8-10 weeks.

If you would like to find out more about decking maintenance or have any further questions about how to clean composite decking, why not drop us a line? Call 0800 028 8756 today to speak with one of our helpful staff or click the button below to get in touch online.

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