Thinking about redesigning your back garden, but don't want to deal with a lawn? If so, you've come to the right place!

Here we have a few no-grass garden ideas that are sure to make a statement and impress your guests. From decks and patios to pools and flowerbeds, there are many ways to add some much-needed life and va-va-voom to your outdoor space without so much as a single blade of grass!

So, let's take a look at what options are available to you...

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If you're someone who likes to change your home and garden decor to match the seasons, you're probably already thinking about ways to add a touch of autumn. Well, here at PrimaPorcelain, we believe that any outdoor space can be transformed with a little imagination.

Once you've got your gorgeous, winter-proof porcelain pavers in place, you can focus on accessorising to create a truly autumnal space. Here are some of our suggestions for autumn patio decor that will have your neighbours looking green with envy.

 

1. Weatherproofing

During autumn the weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes, we'll have a really crisp, cold but sunny day, and before you know it it'll be pouring it down with rain. As such, it's important that you think about weatherproofing your patio. This means protecting, replacing or removing anything that could be damaged by the changing weather.

If you've got PrimaPorcelain paving installed, you can rest assured that the patio itself will withstand whatever autumn throws at it. As well as being non-porous, our porcelain paving features a rough texture that will help prevent slips and falls - perfect as we start to see more wet leaves and morning frosts.

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A great way to make sure you and your guests aren't caught out by a sudden downpour is to install an awning, veranda or sunroom. These provide overhead cover and, in some cases, come with optional sides that can provide protection from the wind too. Enclosing your patio area will also give it a cosier feel (just be careful if you plan to add a fire pit, not all structures are suitable to be installed over a fire).

Other things that may need to be weatherproofed include:

• Your garden sofa/chairs (we'd recommend waterproof cushion covers)
• Your outdoor steps (add a handrail for extra security)

 

 

2. Add Autumnal Colours

One of the easiest ways to make your patio look fit for autumn is to add earthy, deep tones and remove bright summer colours. Now we're not suggesting that you paint all your of your outdoor furniture a new colour (unless you want to), but adding autumnal accents of colour like rust, mustard and brown will really set the tone for the months ahead. Why not try:

• Changing your seat covers
• Buying new plant pots 
• Choosing a new throw
• Adding dried flowers or pumpkins

 

 

3. Make it Warm and Cosy

If you want to make the most of your patio on cold autumn nights, it's important that you invest in things to make it feel extra warm and cosy. Adding a fire pit or patio heater will keep you warm so you can spend longer outside.

You can't beat sitting around a fire with a cup of hot chocolate and some marshmallows for toasting! This is one of those autumnal patio decor ideas that's as charming as it is functional.  As well as a fire pit, you might want to invest in some additional throws and blankets that you can take outside on the patio with you for a little extra warmth. 

 

 

4. Add Autumnal Lights

In the summer there isn't much need for fairy lights, tea lights or lanterns. The light nights and warm temperatures mean you can happily sit on your patio until 9 or 10pm, no problem. As we move into September and October, you'll notice the dark nights drawing in all of a sudden, do you'll need to add some lights. 

There are so many different outdoor lighting options for you to choose from, but we personally love the look of tea lights (like those pictured above). They twinkle, they can be moved around your patio to add light wherever you need it!

 

 

5. Make it Child Friendly

One of the great joys of autumn is Halloween. Every year, children and their parents get dressed up and head out trick or treating, so, if your patio is at the front of your house, you might need to so some child-proofing. 

Removing sharp objects, breakables and precious items can help ensure that your patio is kept in good condition throughout autumn. Children with sheets over their heads  (also known as ghosts) could be stumbling around in the dark and easily fall over and hurt themselves. Being conscious of the little ones that might visit your patio this autumn is a great way to avoid accidental injuries. 

 

Hopefully, these autumn patio decor ideas will help you make the most of your garden patio this autumn. If you decide to make your patio look more autumnal, feel free to tag us in your pictures over on Instagram @primaporcelain or email us at info@primaporcelain.co.uk.

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Our outdoor tiles come in a wide variety of different colours, but if you want your outdoor space to be as bright and as beautiful as possible, there's only one way to go. We offer a stunning selection of white outdoor tiles that are sure to bring your garden to life!

Pictured: 20mm Tirolo White Paving

Our white outdoor tiles are:

• Highly durable
• Low maintenance
• Easy to clean
• Weather resistant
• Rectified for a flawless finish

Browse White Tiles >

 

Case Study: White Outdoor Tiles in South Wales

Our white porcelain pavers were used to create a truly spectacular raised patio on the South Wales coast. Read more here or watch the video below!

If you think our white outdoor tiles would be a perfect fit for your property, call PrimaPorcelain on 029 2080 3756 or order your FREE tile samples to take a closer look! We now offer both large and small samples so that you can get a real feel for your chosen range.

Once you've found the tiles you love, use our paving calculator to work out how much you need. Then place your order directly through our website, it's so simple!

Browse All Outdoor Tiles >

So, you've got your new design plans sorted and bought all of the materials that you need for your new floor, all that's left is to lay your slabs. Of course, the easiest option to choose is to hire an installer to lay them for you, but if you're running on a tighter budget and want to install them yourself, there may be some questions you're asking yourself. How long does it take? What do you lay patio slabs on? Well, here's what you're going to need to do! 

First things first, you're going to want to make sure that you have all the tools and materials sorted. Here's a list to double-check you have everything in place.

Tools Needed to Lay Patio Tiles

• Trowel 
• Rake
• Wheelbarrow 
• Rubber mallet
• Shovel 
• Tape measure 
• String line and pegs (optional)
• Cement mixer (optional) 

 

Materials 

• Paving slabs 
• Sand (sharp) 
• Cement 
• Sub-base aggregate 

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Laying Patio Tiles  

 

Prepping the area

Before you can even think about laying your new paving slabs, you will first need to prepare your patio area. Here, you will need to dig a depth of around 150mm across the whole area where your patio will be, ensuring the soil is evenly compacted. Once this has been done, you can begin to tip the sub-base in, raking it into a consistent depth of 100mm. You need to make sure that it is smooth, flat and firm. 

Getting the concrete ready 

Next, you'll need to create a concrete mix of three parts sand and one part cement, adding water to create a dough-like consistency. To do this, you can either use a cement mixer or a target bucket. Once done, to check that the mix is thick enough, pick some up and mould into a ball. When you let go, it should keep its shape without water oozing out of it or falling apart. Ensure you have mixed enough concrete to make an even 40mm layer in the patio bed. 

Laying the patio slabs

Before you can begin to lay your slabs, it's important to dampen them so they don't dry out your concrete too quickly. Once this is done, you can lay your first slab. Slowly lower your slab in position into the concrete mix and gently tap it with a rubber mallet in order to fix it into place. In ideal terms, you'll want your slabs to sit around 15mm into the mortar. Repeat this process with the remaining slabs, leaving a 10-15mm gap between each one until your patio bed is covered. After all of your slabs are laid, spray the entire areas with water until it's completely saturated and leave it to set for a minimum of 24 hours. 

Finishing touches 

The last part of laying your slabs involves applying the finishing touches. Here, use a trowel to fill the gaps between your slabs with a suitable grout, ensuring that no residue is left on the patio's surface. Clean away any other mess that may be laying on top of your slabs and leave to set.

 

Dry-Installing Your Paving Slabs 

The above method is what is traditionally used by the majority of patio installers. However, thanks to PrimaPorcelain's revolutionary pedestal support system, you are able to make the installation process even easier, with no mess whatsoever - laying patio tiles has never been easier! Eliminate the need for traditional adhesives and mortar such as cement and lay your slabs onto our state-of-the-art pedestals.

Here, your slabs can be laid immediately, with absolutely no drying-out time needed! You can even run any necessary cables and wires underneath if you have any special features in your garden - perfect! One of the great things about our pedestal supports is that if you ever feel like moving your slabs, all you need to do is simply lift them up and relocate without having to dig them up. You can find out more about our pedestal support system below. 

Pedestal Support System >

 

For more information on how to lay patio tiles or what you should lay your patio slabs on, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the PrimaPorcelain team today by calling 02920 803756 or emailing us at info@primaporcelain.co.uk. 

A homeowner in England recently used our 20mm Stoneware Silver porcelain paving to transform his back garden beyond all recognition. His outdoor space was barely usable before, but now...well, just take a look!

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