The Garden Planner: A Data-Led Layout Tool

British gardens underperform because they are planned as one open space rather than two or three defined zones. That is the headline conclusion of a 2026 layout analysis published by Furniture in Fashion, built around the depths and clearances real outdoor furniture requires. The report identifies surface depth rather than total area as the limiting factor in most UK plots, finding that a dining set needs around 3m of patio depth once chair pull back is allowed, while lounge seating works comfortably on 2m. It notes that the Nationally Described Space Standard governs internal floor area only and sets no requirement for private outdoor space, so garden size varies widely between developments. A zoning table sets out minimum and comfortable dimensions for dining, lounge, lounger, bar and storage areas, alongside guidance on materials that survive a wet British winter and why storage sited far from the house goes unused....