The material you choose sets the whole feel of your garden. We weigh up the pros and cons of each.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
The surface of your outdoor space sets the tone for everything else. Patio, decking and gravel all have very different personalities, upkeep and price points — here's an honest comparison to help you choose.
Paving is the classic choice for a terrace. It's hard-wearing, easy to keep clean, holds its value and suits everything from a formal courtyard to a relaxed family garden. Once laid well, it needs very little beyond the occasional clean.
The trade-off is that it can feel hard and can crack or settle if the base isn't done properly — which is why good sub-base preparation matters far more than the choice of slab.
Timber and composite decking bring a warm, soft surface that's comfortable to walk on barefoot and sits naturally at a variety of levels. It's a strong choice for sloping gardens where you want to create a level entertaining area.
The catch is upkeep. Timber needs cleaning and re-oiling to stay looking its best, and decking can become slippery with algae in shade. Composite decking removes most of that maintenance but costs more up front.
Gravel is one of the quickest surfaces to lay and the most budget-friendly. It drains well, looks relaxed and is easy to change your mind about later. Loose gravel is also superb for informal, cottage-style planting.
It does need an edge to keep it where it belongs, and it moves underfoot — so it's less comfortable for high-traffic entertaining areas and can get kicked onto paths and lawns over time.
Think about how you actually use the space, how much maintenance you want, whether drainage is a factor, and your budget. There's no universally right answer — just the right answer for your garden and how you live in it.
From landscaping to a full landscaping-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
