Beyond interior decoration, don't overlook outdoor areas such as the front lawn, walkways and terraces. In the rainy season they often suffer from mud, standing water and soil wash-out, and a lawn can't be used for parking. A popular solution is to combine grass with precast concrete, known as a "grass block", which protects grass roots even when walked or driven on. Traditional small grass blocks measure 25×40 cm, 10 pieces per sq m; the ground must be graded so water drains and compacted with fine gravel and a plate compactor. They suit small areas and need no machinery, but are slow to lay over large areas. Today there are large grass blocks of 50×50 cm (4 per sq m) and 100×100 cm (1 per sq m), reinforced with steel. They are strong, quick to lay, crack-resistant, carry heavy loads and help reduce settlement. The drawback is that installation equipment is needed, but given the speed and labour savings, they are well worth it.
