Hard landscaping is the most expensive part of most gardens and the hardest to change later, so it is worth choosing materials and levels carefully.
Choosing materials
Natural stone such as sandstone, limestone and slate weathers well but varies in porosity; some sandstones stain easily. Porcelain is dense, consistent and easy to clean but needs the right slurry primer to bond. Gravel is cheap and permeable, but loose gravel migrates onto lawns and into the house unless it is edged or stabilised.
Falls and drainage
A patio should fall gently away from the house, typically around 1 in 60 to 1 in 80, so rainwater runs off rather than pooling. New front-garden paving over five square metres generally needs to be permeable or drain to a planted area to avoid planning permission issues, so check current guidance before you start.
Keeping paving clean
Green algae and black spots build up fastest on shaded, porous paving. Regular sweeping, clearing joints and treating with a suitable patio cleaner keeps them at bay. Pressure washing works but can erode soft stone and wash out jointing, so use a low setting and a wide fan.
Weeds in joints and gravel
Weeds need a gap and a little soil. Well-filled joints, a good weed membrane under gravel and occasional brushing out of debris prevent most problems before they start.
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