Composite decking vs timber: pros, cons, planning rules and how much you need
Composite or timber decking? Compare maintenance, look, heat and lifespan, check when decking needs planning permission in England, and work out boards and joists.
Garden & Landscaping
Design, build and care for outdoor spaces: lawns, patios, irrigation, lighting and pools.
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Paving slabs: porcelain, natural stone or concrete, laying on a mortar bed and how many you need
How to choose paving slabs: porcelain, sandstone, slate or concrete, sub-base and full mortar bed, falls for drainage, jointing and how many slabs to buy.
Pergola ideas: materials, sizes, positioning and what to check before you build
How to plan a garden pergola: timber, metal or louvred aluminium, size and height, where to put it, climbing plants, foundations and planning checks in England.
Raised garden beds: how to build, fill and plant them
How to build a raised garden bed: the best size and height, timber, metal or brick, what to put in the bottom, how much soil and compost you need, and what to grow.
Small garden ideas: layouts, planting and tricks to make a tiny garden feel bigger
Small garden ideas that work: zoning a tiny space, diagonal layouts, vertical planting, multi-purpose furniture, mirrors, lighting and plants for small plots.
How to sow grass seed: when to sow, preparing the ground and caring for a new lawn
When to sow grass seed in the UK, how to prepare the soil, which seed mix to choose, how to sow evenly and when to mow a new lawn for the first time.
Lawn weed and feed: what it does, when to use it, and when you don't need it
What lawn weed and feed products do, the best time to feed a lawn, why the RHS says most lawns don't need them, and non-chemical ways to control lawn weeds.