Planning a Garden Makeover: Patio, Decking, Fencing and Gates in Order

A garden makeover often involves several trades at once: a new patio, a deck, fencing and a gate at the front. Getting them in the right order, and using one contractor where possible, saves time, avoids damage and makes sure everything lines up when the work is finished.

1. Clear the ground and set the levels

Start with the hard decisions: where the patio and deck will sit, how the garden slopes and where rainwater will go. On a sloping plot that may mean a retaining wall, a raised deck or a patio built on two or three levels.

2. Lay the patio

Patios go in early because they involve the most digging. A well-built patio sits on a properly prepared base, with a slight fall so water runs off rather than pooling. Porcelain needs the correct paving adhesive to stop the slabs coming loose, while natural stone varies from slab to slab and should be sourced carefully. Experienced patio installers in Cardiff can also build the steps and walls that tie different levels together.

3. Build the deck

With the patio down, the deck frame can be built to meet it at the right height. A composite deck on a properly spaced subframe, with hidden fixings, needs very little looking after and should last for decades.

4. Fence the boundaries

Fencing comes once the heavy work and machinery have finished, so new panels are not damaged. It is also the moment to decide whether the fence should match the deck: grey or anthracite composite fencing alongside a composite deck gives a consistent finish.

5. Finish with the gates

Gates come last, hung on rigid posts once the paths and boundaries are in place. A side garden gate is usually made on site to fit the gap, while at the front of the house driveway gates in wood, composite or metal finish the job and add security.

Why one contractor helps

• One quote and one invoice for the whole garden
• No arguments between trades about who damaged what
• Levels, materials and colours planned together
• One point of contact from clearance to completion

A little planning before the first spade goes in makes the whole project smoother. For more on fencing contractors and the work they take on, see our fencing services category.