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Why choose porcelain tiles for your outdoor space?
I Garden Vision • November 7, 2023

Benefits of using porcelain tiles outdoors

There are huge benefits to using porcelain tiles over the more traditional outdoor materials like concrete or decking. Porcelain tiles are strong and hardwearing and will last for years to come whilst maintaining their original character and charm, and their low porosity also makes them resistant to the growth of moss or mould. As porcelain is nonporous the tiles are naturally stain resistant and easy to clean, what’s not to like!


Porcelain tiles come in a choice of colours, sizes and textures, transforming your outdoor space into somewhere uniquely beautiful. Even if your garden patio area is small, choosing a larger tile can emulate the feeling of space creating a stunning area in your garden.

If you are thinking of a non-slip option, then the porcelain tile is a must. Porcelain is nonporous so will not absorb water, and with the great British weather, porcelain tiles are a great option for all year-round use, the water simply evaporates. Porcelain tiles come with a non-slip rating so you can choose how textured you would like the surface to be. They are also a great option for swimming pool or hot tub surrounds as porcelain is unaffected by changes in temperature so they will not expand or contract, and their surface won’t fade or change in colour.



So, with their superior durability, versatility, variety of choices and low maintenance, the porcelain tile is an excellent choice.

Rats and your steel deck: What you need to know

By I Garden Vision • March 6, 2025
Firstly, lets understand what attracts rats to your garden. Rats are opportunist creatures and are attracted to gardens for several reasons : Food sources Rats are drawn to gardens with readily available food. This includes fruits, vegetables, seeds, and even pet food left outside. Compost bins and bird feeders can also be significant attractants if not properly managed. Shelter Gardens with dense vegetation, wood piles and clutter provide excellent hiding spots and nesting areas for rodents. Overgrown ivy and thick bushes can offer them the cover they need to feel safe. Water Rats need water to survive, so gardens with birdbaths, ponds or even leaky hoses can attract them. Plant types Certain plants can attract rats. For example, ivy and rose bushes provide excellent cover, while crops like tomatoes and cucumbers are appealing food sources. So lets ask the question: Would a steel deck structure attract rats ? A steel frame deck itself does not inherently attract rats. However, like any decking, they can provide shelter if there are gaps or spaces underneath where rats can hide but they are mostly used as a staging post, a safe stop off from nest to food source. The key is to ensure that the area under the deck is clean and free of food scraps or debris that might attract rats.  Regular maintenance and sealing any gaps can help prevent rats from making a home under your deck. Having an access point to maintain under your deck is useful just to keep check. Rats like to burrow and often live both inside and under sheds, drains, embankments, under rubbish piles, under hedges or shrubs, compost bins / mounds or anywhere that can conceal their activity. So, what deters rats from making your garden their home ? Keep your garden tidy : Regularly trim vegetation and remove any clutter or debris. Secure food sources : Use rat-proof compost bins and bird feeders and avoid leaving pet food outside. Eliminate water sources : Fix and leaks and ensure birdbaths and ponds are well maintained. Use natural repellents : Plants like peppermint, lemongrass and snake plants can help deter rats. Let’s sum things up! - Where there are humans there are rats! There will always be a rat living near or visiting your garden – but don’t blame your deck . Every garden in the UK will get visited, sometimes as often as every night by a rat on the hunt for food, but you probably won’t see them. If you follow the advice given here, they shouldn’t become a problem. Remember to make sure that there is no easy food or water for them to get at or any cosy places for them to sleep. But remember if Mr & Mrs Rat get busy don’t ignore them, they breed rapidly and carry some nasty diseases.

Understanding the DPC and the iFrame System

By I Garden Vision • March 5, 2025
Our iFrame system is specifically designed to maintain the integrity of the damp proof course (DPC). It does not affect or bridge the DPC in anyway. Here’s why: Free-Standing Design : The iFrame system is entirely independent of the house structure. It is not attached, ensuring that airflow is maintained and the system is always breathing. No Capillary Action : Compromising the DPC typically occurs when there is direct contact with the house, which can create capillary action. This phenomenon allows water to ingress and climb during continuous rain, leading to damp issues. However, our system eliminates this risk by avoiding any physical connection with the building. Free - Draining System : Unlike systems that channel rainwater in specific directions, our iFrame system is designed to be free-draining. It ensures water disperses naturally without causing localized pressure or water build-up near the property. Compliance with DPC Standards : On traditional builds, the damp proof course is positioned 150mm below the finished ground level to prevent water ingress. Our system respects this standard, ensuring no interference with the DPC or its functionality. By keeping the system free-standing and non-invasive, we guarantee that the DPC remains uncompromised, providing a robust solution for managing airflow and drainage effectively.
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