This compact rear garden in Tonbridge was reworked into a modern, low-maintenance outdoor living space — a raised porcelain seating terrace, artificial lawn for easy upkeep, a designer horizontal-slat fence and integrated uplighting so the garden works just as well after dark as in the afternoon.
Brief & Design
The clients wanted a garden they could actually use most evenings without spending weekends mowing and weeding. The layout splits the plot into two clear zones — a raised grey porcelain terrace for a corner sofa and coffee table, and an artificial grass run alongside it for a sun lounger and softer underfoot feel — with the whole space enclosed by a contemporary horizontal-board fence replacing the original lap panels.
Groundwork & Base
The old lawn and surface were stripped out and the area cut to level. A compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base was laid under the patio zone, bedded on a full mortar bed to take porcelain (no wobble, no hollow slabs). The artificial grass area was built up in layers: membrane, Type 1, granite dust screed and a final compacted finish — giving the turf a firm, free-draining base that won’t rut under footfall.
Fence, Patio & Lawn
The new fence is built from pressure-treated horizontal slats on concrete posts, painted a warm natural tone that softens the boundary without the visual noise of close-board panels. Large-format grey porcelain slabs were laid on the raised terrace with tight joints, and the artificial turf was stretched, pinned and sand-dressed for a realistic blade stand-up.
Lighting & Finish
Low-voltage spike lights were set into the lawn edge and uplighting run along the fence base so the garden turns from a daytime seating terrace into a soft-lit evening space with the flick of a switch. A black metal railing and matching bistro set on the adjoining level complete the look.
Final Result
The finished garden turns a small rear plot into a year-round lounge. Artificial grass means no mowing, porcelain means no sealing or weeding, and the lighting gives the space a proper evening feel in summer.
See more garden projects including our contemporary garden with artificial grass in Maidstone and a resin garden path in Tonbridge.
Explore our patio and garden services in Tonbridge or get a free quote to start your garden transformation.
