We’d all love to have a tranquil, picturesque outdoor space to call our own—and with coronavirus restrictions still in place, a garden has become one of the most sought-after features a property can have.
But there are downsides to owning a garden. It’s not just al fresco dining and watching the sun set; there’s a lot of work to be done if you want your outdoor living space to look attractive and inviting. Lawns have to be mowed. Plants need to be watered. Decking must be stained and paving must be sealed. Truly, a gardener’s work is never done!
However, there are ways to reduce the amount of upkeep your outdoor retreat requires. Here are four low-maintenance materials that will help you to enjoy your garden without generating a whole bunch of extra chores for your to-do list…
Composite decking
Composite wood decking has been a huge presence in the UK decking market for well over a decade now, and its popularity only continues to grow. Unlike hardwood deck boards (which are made of solid wood, often sourced from tropical rainforests), composite deck boards are made using a combination of recycled wood fibres and synthetic materials.
Good quality composite decking often looks just like traditional timber, yet requires virtually no maintenance at all. An occasional wash should be enough to keep your composite deck in good condition for many years to come!
Composite fencing
Everything that’s great about composite decking is equally true of composite fencing. Wood fencing has to be treated periodically to prevent damage, whereas composite fence boards generally don’t require that kind of upkeep.
Both composite fencing and composite decking are available in a variety of attractive colours, too. Not keen on the traditional wood look? Why not go for a futuristic light grey instead?
Artificial grass
Mowing the lawn is a real pain, and depending on the time of year, you’re supposed to do it once or even twice every week!
It’s not hard to see why so many homeowners are choosing to leave the mower in the shed and allowing their lawns to grow wild. But if the overgrown look isn’t your style, you can still have a nice, neat lawn—just switch to fake grass and you’ll never have to fire up the mower or pull up another weed again!
Porcelain paving
Decking isn’t the only choice if you’re looking for low-maintenance hard landscaping materials. Porcelain paving is another product that seems to gain popularity with each passing year; unlike natural stone, porcelain has a very low porosity, which means that it doesn’t absorb very much water and thus never has to be sealed.
Hopefully you’re beginning to see that you can have a beautiful even if you don’t have the time or the inclination to look after it. Once you’ve got the right materials in place, you can start growing low-maintenance plants and purchasing weather-resistant accessories to add a bit of personality to your outdoor space!
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