Monthly Archives: July 2026

  1. Timber Decking Boards: Types, Sizes, and How to Choose

    timber decking board

    There are four key areas to look at if you are choosing decking boards. These are wood species, profile, thickness, and treatment. 

    In UK gardens, we’ve found timber decking boards are up there with the most popular choices. They're natural underfoot, straightforward to work with, and available in a range of species and sizes to suit most budgets. Building a small patio platform or a larger outdoor entertaining area? The right board makes a significant difference to how the finished deck looks and how long it lasts.

    If you’re able to get the above correct, the rest of this project falls into place. Ready to decide what timber decking board suits your project best? Read on.

    Wood Species

    Softwood is the most widely used option in the UK. Softwood boards thrive due to their affordability; they’re also readily available and come pre-treated to handle outdoor conditions. They take stain and paint well, so you can match them to any outdoor scheme. With annual treatment, a softwood deck will

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  2. Artificial Grass vs Real Grass: Which Is Right for Your Garden?

    artificial grass in a sports field

    Many of you have let us know you’re in two minds between artificial grass and real grass, and it’s a dilemma that many garden-conscious homeowners throughout Kettering meet.

    Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you want for your garden. There isn’t a universal answer for this question. That may make it seem even harder to choose. But, you know your garden best, and this guide will help make it much clearer which one to opt for heading into the summer months.

    Is Artificial Grass Worth It?

    There’s an obvious appeal to artificial grass. Once it’s installed, it looks the part whatever the weather, whatever the time of year, and it doesn’t need mowing or watering. Instantly, this means that if you want a low-maintenance garden and that’s a priority, there’s a good chance artificial grass is the best bet. We should add that some maintenance is required, mainly involving brushing and clearing leaves, although it pales in comparison to the upkeep of real grass.

    On top of that, it’s also great

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