If you are considering laying your own patio, then it is always a good idea to buy the highest quality landscaping products possible for the project. After all, patios and terraces are designed to last for a long time so you should try to obtain the right materials and not skimp. That said, some people have doubts about the best ones to choose and whether they can economise in some way. Read on to find out more about the sort of landscaping products you ought to be investing in if you want your patio to look good on day one and to keep on looking great for many years to come.
Bare Soil or Substrate?
If you have taken turf up to lay your patio down on a previously green section of land, then it can be tempting to lay patio tiles or slabs directly onto the ground. This is especially the case if you have a flat area of ground to work with and you are not using a substrate to level out the space. However, a granular or aggregate substrate does more than help to keep a patio level. It will help the patio to drain better after rainfall, too, as well as help to ensure the structure doesn't shift around when it is walked over. An aggregate substrate is always preferable for patio laying, but remember to compact it down before placing your slabs on top.
Patio Tiles or Paving Slabs?
For a general-purpose patio, patio tiles are usually the preferred landscaping product. Not only are they generally more attractive than paving slabs but they are lighter and, therefore, easier to work with, too. This can make a big difference to the appearance of your patio, especially if you have never laid one before. Be gentle with them, however, because they're not as robust as paving slabs. You should use paving slabs for a patio that will take a lot of usage, perhaps also serving as an area for a car to park on.
Premixed Mortar or Sand and Cement?
Mixing sand and cement to make mortar is not difficult and it is cheaper than premixed alternatives. Therefore, this is the best option to go for if you have a large patio to lay. For a small one of just a few square metres, the greater convenience of a premixed formula to which you just add water can make it preferable. They should both perform equally as well over time.
For more information on landscaping products, contact a company near you.
