Decking, when installed correctly, looks the part and functions, providing homeowners with years of longevity. This can be emphasised further by fitting newel posts, spindles, and balustrades properly, which makes the difference between a deck that looks great and one that actually feels safe to use.
Looking to put the finishing touches on a deck in the most professional way? This guide walks you through each element step by step, so you can get the job done confidently.
What You'll Need to Begin
Before you pick up a drill, make sure you have the following to hand: 100mm and 150mm landscape screws, 8mm galvanised screws (40mm and 63mm), a cordless drill and bits (8mm wood bit, 35mm forstner bit), a spirit level, tape measure, pencil, and exterior wood glue or silicone.
How to Fit Newel Posts on Decking
Newel posts are the structural backbone of your balustrade system, so getting them right from the start is essential. Plan where they’ll go before laying your deck boards.
Topsoil is a massive help to West Midlands landscapers who are either upgrading a tired garden or starting from scratch.
If you’re looking to utilise topsoil and do so effectively, the team at Emerys have compiled this guide to help you use topsoil in a way that delivers the best results possible.
What Is Topsoil?
In essence, topsoil is the highest layer of ground, typically comprising the top 5cm to 20cm of earth. Building up over years, topsoil comes from weathering, decaying plant matter, and the work of earthworms and microorganisms, producing soil rich in organic material, nutrients, and materials.
The layers beneath it simply do not have the same biological activity or fertility.
This is key in West Midlands landscaping projects, where building and development work routinely strips topsoil away during construction, leaving compacted subsoil behind. That is what many homeowners are actually gardening in without realising it. Bringing in quality topsoil addresses that problem at
When it comes to selecting a good paving material for a driveway or garden, the ideal scenario is something that looks the part and does the job. Often, driveway spaces do one but not the other.
Two popular options are Indian stone and porcelain paving; they’re popular for good reason. However, many find themselves stuck when it comes to making that selection.
If you’re unsure which way to go, read on as we give you all the useful information you need.
Advantages of Indian Stone
Indian stone is a natural material quarried directly from the Indian subcontinent, one that has been a staple of garden design in the West Midlands for decades, known for its earthy tones, tactile surface, and organic character.
These are some of the main Indian Stone benefits:
Aesthetic character: Each slab is slightly different, contrasting to alternative identical options. In turn, this gives patios more identity and a look that gets better as time goes on.
Fantastic value: Generally speaking, Indian stone sets
