Hard Landscape Features

Steps are how we move from one level of paving to another. They may be single or a flight of multiple steps. This page looks at the principles involved in step design and construction, and some of the materials commonly used.

This page follows the construction of a simple rectangular step using readily available block paving materials.

This page deals with the construction detail for steps constructed using block paving elements steps.

Stepping stones, or step stones, is the term used to refer to small, isolated areas of paving within an area of other surfacing, usually turf or a loose material such as gravel. This page looks at how they are constructed.

Decking: using planks of treated timber to provide a usable outdoor surface. Some love it, many hate it, but regardless of our own opinion, it has to be acknowledged as a valid choice for some projects. This page looks at the basic principles involved.

Fences are another regular feature of hard-landscaping projects. Whether they are built from scratch using timber, or constructed using pre-formed modular components, such as posts and panels, this page aims to explore what's available and how they are best used.

Decking is experiencing a massive resurgence in interest, and much of that is due to the use of new materials in place of traditional timber. Leading the charge is the inimitable Millboard - the deck-builder's decking of choice!

Those bands of gravel or shingle lying between the paving and the house - are they really necessary? Do they actually provide any real benefit? This page explores their uses and abuses.

Plastic ducting is the best method of protecting any cables, pipes or other services that need to be buried beneath paving. This page looks at what is used, and how a simple colour scheme alerts others to just what lies within the buried plastic pipe.

A Flag-On-Edge is a simple retainer structure suitable for shoring-up small differences in levels. This page looks at how they are constructed.

Artificial Grass has come on leaps-and-bounds compared to the knee-shredding plastic 'Astro-Turf' of the 1970s and is now a popular choice for many garden makeovers. This page follows the step-by-step installation of a modern artificial grass lawn to a small residential rear garden.

Gabions, mattresses and baskets are, essentially, cages filled with rocks or stone which, when linked together, act as retaining structures with a more naturalistic look than brick or concrete walls. This page looks at their use and their potential for hard-landscaping projects.

Lighting is becoming increasingly popular for all sorts of paving schemes. This page aims to provide an overview of what is used and how.

This page follows the installation of an upright lighting column for residential driveways, paths or patios.

Terracing is simply a way of creating wide steps on a gentle gradient. Using a wide variety of materials, this page aims to introduce the basic principles and techniques.

This page provides a simple set of plans for building a timber garden pergola. Pergolas are used to provide a shaded walk within the garden and are typically draped with climbing plants such as roses, honeysuckle and clematis.

Sleepers, whether reclaimed railway sleepers or brand-new treated timber baulks, are an incredibly versatile building material for all sorts of hard-landscaping projects. This page looks at just a few of the potential uses.