Gardens

Brick Veneer

Brick veneer or brick siding (or brick facing) is a cost effective way to get the look of a wall without actually building one. It is often used outdoors on garages but can also be used to face old walls or rendered walls that need a fresh look.

Brick veneer is a versatile solution that can be added to a variety of existing surfaces. On garages it is now used along the concrete walls, it looks like a simple job but if you haven’t fitted brick veneer facing before, it is advisable to employ a contractor. It is a skilled job to get the siding tiles perfectly aligned, and to secure them properly.

Still it is a very cost effective option compared to building a new brick wall. There are many different styles available of outdoor brick siding. It is not advisable to use it as a patio or driveway surface as brick veneer isn’t strong enough. There are concrete block paving tiles which some people use on a patio. Instead of individual block paving stones, a 2ft x 2ft concrete brick facing paver is used to lower costs. It is not a particularly good looking surface though.

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How much gravel is needed for a garden, patio or driveway?

Many people have a problem deciding how much gravel to buy for their patio, driveway or garden. Different types of gravel (or shingle as some call it) can be bought. As a general rule the pebble types will need to be laid in a thicker layer as they don’t bond together at all. Limestone or granite gravel is pieces of small stone broken up. These will compact together better meaning less is needed. Smaller cut stones will bind better and create a more solid surface which is less likely to move and create gaps or holes.

HOW MUCH GRAVEL DO I NEED FOR MY GARDEN?

For flower beds less is needed as gravel just needs to cover the plastic membrane laid underneath. You should always lay a plastic membrane to prevent weeds coming through, the membrane can just be cut to allow real plants to survive. I have found a single ton of gravel can be spread over an area of 25 square meters (5m x 5m) or

HOW MUCH GRAVEL DO I NEED FOR MY PATIO?

On a patio gravel should be spread a little thicker to allow for the fact that people will be walking on it. I have found that a ton of gravel will cover 15 square meters (160 square feet) of patio surface. Gravel isn’t the best surface for a patio especially if you have a table and chairs. It can also spread easily onto the lawn or into the house.

HOW MUCH GRAVEL DO I NEED FOR MY DRIVEWAY?

On a driveway gravel should be laid over a crushed stone foundation. The foundation should be compacted with a road roller, this is then a surface strong enough for cars and minimal weeds will get through. Car tyres will make grooves in even the most well binding gravel or shingle. Especially if you turn the steering wheel when stationary (with power steering). Therefore a thicker amount is required, I used to lay 8 to 10 square meters (around 100 square feet) per ton of gravel. Three inches is a good depth for a driveway.