The materials of a garden or terrace are felt as much as seen: warm stone under bare feet, the grain of a teak table, the cool edge of a pool coping. Premium materials earn their place not through rarity but through the way they perform and age, weathering into something richer rather than simply wearing out. Choosing them well is one of the most lasting decisions in any outdoor project.
This section covers natural stone, durable woods, porcelain, metals and the finishes that suit each of them. We look at how materials behave in sun, frost and salt air, which surfaces stay safe around water, how to care for them over the years and how to source them responsibly. The aim is practical guidance for owners, architects and garden designers who want outdoor spaces to look as good in many years as on the first day.
Natural Stone and Wood Outdoors: Travertine, Basalt, Teak and Oak
Travertine, limestone, basalt, granite, porcelain, teak, oak and modified wood: how premium outdoor materials perform, how they age and how to care for them.
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Inspiration for premium materials.
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Choosing Luxury Outdoor Furniture: Teak, Aluminium and Performance Fabrics
How to choose luxury outdoor furniture: teak, aluminium and steel frames, woven fibres, performance fabrics, layout by zone and care through the seasons.
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Designing a Garden in Rooms: Structure, Rhythm and Seasons
How to design a garden in rooms: axes and sightlines, hedges and evergreen structure, repetition and rhythm, seasonal interest and links to the house.
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Infinity, Lap or Natural Pool: Choosing the Right Pool for Your Plot
Infinity, lap, family, natural or plunge pool: how to match pool type, finishes, placement, covers and lighting to your plot, your climate and your routine.
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