Pave The Way This Summer

In recent years, the classic techniques of block paving have been making a well-deserved resurgence in gardens. Using various materials such as concrete, clay, or natural stone, the interlocking block style creates durable and attractive surfaces that can be used for many applications by homeowners looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of their outdoor space.

Whether used to extend into previously unused spaces or to separate zones in the garden, the qualities of block paving lend itself well to all kinds of landscaping. Paving is an easy addition to a garden that can enhance its appeal and add value to your property. With various colours and patterns available, you can choose a style that complements your space’s existing features and brings a cohesive design to outdoor living. As well as looking great, paving is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, weather conditions, and other environmental factors. It is also resistant to cracking and fading, as it does not require regular sealing or other types of upkeep. Regular cleaning with a pressure washer or a mild detergent will keep garden paving looking new for years to come.

 Paving can be used for a variety of garden projects. Kerb stones, for example, make pretty borders when used as a divider between planted and paved areas, holding in soil and roots for raised beds to create demarcated spaces for foliage without digging out the ground below.

When paired with decorative stones and anti-weed liners, kerb stones make a garden extremely low maintenance, which has enormous appeal for busy homeowners and buyers. Decorative stones come in many colours, sizes and textures. From marble, slate, flint and quartz, decorative stones are quite the eye-catcher. They can be used to frame bedding plants, landscape and raise areas, add colour and texture, or create garden paths or driveways. There is a classic feel to decorative stone, but it can be used in a modern and distinct way to breathe new life into dull areas.

Paving and decorative stone are also eco- friendly, as they allow rainwater to permeate through the gaps between the blocks and return to the soil. This can help prevent flooding and water runoff, which can harm the environment. The spaces between blocks or stones facilitate water flow back into the ground, which is useful for areas with heavy rainfall. Some types of paving are also made with recycled materials, meaning that homeowners can enjoy the benefits of beautiful outdoor spaces while being environmentally conscious.

FOCAL POINTS

Porcelain paving for outdoor rooms is a striking choice for a sleek, upmarket feel. The Barleystone Porcelain range is manufactured in Italy, and not only is it great to look at, but it is easy to clean and completely weatherproof. These machine-cut tiles can be installed quickly and tightly with small neat joints. The tiles have a minimum anti-slip value making them perfect for outdoor use and highly durable and hard wearing.

This contemporary range has all the modern, clean lines you expect from Italian manufacturers. It allows the homeowner to extend their internal living areas seamlessly to the outside.

Another neat trick to add a focal point in the garden is paving circles, ideal for placing a trendy bistro set for a relaxed seating zone. You can purchase many different design kits to bring a beautiful look into your space quickly and relatively cheaply. Feature circles from Barleystone are made easy with all the specific shaped bricks you need in a colourway that suits your area bundled together so you can easily add an eye-catching accent area.

KERB APPEAL

Increasing kerb appeal is one of the main things that sets your property apart and is important when selling, as buyers are said to make their minds up in the first five minutes of viewing a property. On a more practical level, with more cars on the road and parking difficulties in suburban areas, a driveway adds ease to the day-to-day life of a homeowner by saving time and frustration in finding a parking spot on the street. Additionally, it can provide easy access to your vehicle and make it more secure, as it is not exposed to the risk of damage or theft on a public road. With electric cars on the rise, adding a driveway that can be further equipped with an offroad charging point is an excellent way to future-proof your property. Other benefits include increased accessibility. Driveways can provide better accessibility for those with young children or mobility issues, adding a space that can serve your family for longer in many ways.

Homevalue carries a wide range of paving options in all colours and designs. The Barleystone range includes everything from classic cobble, textured top, permeable paving with space to facilitate water flow to natural granite aggregate shot blasted to expose the natural sparkling stone – a must if you are looking for luxury.

Overall, a driveway will significantly add to the kerb appeal of your property. It can increase the overall value of your home and protect it by directing the flow of water away from the building into drainage systems or landscaping, protecting the foundation from potential water damage.

SET IN STONE

As a key supplier to Homevalue stores, Barleystone believes in excellence and quality. All products are produced to the highest standard, offering a 25-year guarantee from the date of purchase on the structural integrity of paving in residential schemes. The company is also actively seeking ways to reduce its environmental footprint, from reducing CO2 emissions in its concrete to planting 15,000 trees; the company is proactively looking for new ways to improve its environmental ethos.