Transforming your outdoor space takes a lot of time, effort and money. Whether you have visions of entertaining friends and family or relaxing on your own in your garden, you want to make sure your investment is worthwhile.
One of the most important parts of your garden, both visually and structurally, are the paving slabs and coping stones you'll use to lay paths and protect walls.
If you choose the right patio slabs in terms of colour, material and quality, they'll become a cherished fixture of your outdoor space for years to come.
So, if you don't know your concrete paving slabs from your Indian sandstone paving slabs, this one's for you.
Here, we explore the different types of paving available, the things you need to consider before buying, and the best paving solutions for gardens and pathways.
First, let's look at a few things you need to consider before you start selecting paving slabs for your outdoor space.
Things to consider before buying patio and paving stones
When you've decided that you want to add some new paving to your garden, you should first consider three main things:
1. The purpose of your project
Are you re-laying your existing patio or adding a new garden path? If you're completely renewing your paving, you have a chance to start afresh and choose whatever paving suits your taste.
If you're adding a path to an existing scheme, you'll need to make sure it is well coordinated with your current design and colour schemes.
2. Your budget
This is an important one, especially when it comes to the size of the project. If you have a small area that you want to breathe some life into, consider researching small patio ideas and try to ensure you don’t over-invest in the space. You should always consider the value this will add to both your life and the potential resell price of your property. When thinking about a larger and more complex space, you should ensure you get an accurate quote of material and labour as soon as possible so you can budget accordingly, and still have a little left over for “nice-to-have’s!
3. Your property's existing aesthetic
If yours is an ultra-modern home, then perhaps rustic cobbles might not be for you. Similarly, a traditional red brick building might look odd with sleek slate paving.
Remember, you're not just picking a paving slab material you like, but one that suits your home's style.
Keeping these three things in mind when you start perusing our selection and picking out patio paving samples will help you make the right decision for your pursestrings, project and property.
What are the different types of paving slabs?
Natural stone paving slabs
Natural stone paving is a popular option for patios due to the variety of stones and colours available. The following options are all types of natural stone:
Slate
Slate is known for its durability and low water absorption, which make it ideal for garden flooring and roofs. Slate paving is available in predominantly grey, black, and purple shades, making it a striking addition to any outdoor space.
Granite
Granite is extremely durable and abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like walkways. Its timeless look and availability in a range of colours and finishes make it a versatile choice for classic and contemporary style homes and gardens.
Indian sandstone paving
Indian sandstone is available in an array of colours and textures, suiting many aesthetic styles. It's also frost-resistant and durable, making it a hardy option for outdoor paving.
Limestone paving
Natural limestone is typically available in black, grey and cream hues and offers consistent colour and texture. Thanks to its subtle elegance and understated colour options, limestone can be used in contemporary or traditional style settings.
Porcelain paving
Porcelain slabs are incredibly hard-wearing and boast exceptional stain- and scratch-resistance qualities. More commonly associated with modern-style gardens, porcelain paving slabs are available in a variety of colours.
Concrete paving
Concrete paving slabs are available in almost any shade you can think of and are a cost-effective alternative to natural stone and porcelain paving. Because it's man-made, concrete paving can be made suitable for various different applications and both modern and traditional style gardens.
What's the best stone for gardens and patios?
In addition to standing up to the weather, garden and patio paving must be aesthetically pleasing. The best options for garden and patio slabs are:
- Limestone: If limestone is more suited to your garden or patio project, we also supply Fairstone Limestone Aluri Garden Paving. Robust and easily installed, it can create a stunning visual in any garden and will create a patio area that you'll want to sit in all day.
- Granite: The Fairstone Granite Eclipse is a particularly beautiful option for contemporary designs. Its lightly flamed surface has excellent non-slip properties.
- Sandstone: If you're considering adding a paved or patio area to your garden, our selection includes the ethically sourced Indian Sandstone Paving, which is available in three different natural colour blends.
- Porcelain paving: Porcelain paving is a great option for your project if you require low maintenance. It predominantly has a contemporary look with its clean lines and cool colours, but there are also traditional-looking colours and shades available that emulate natural stone.
Practical tips for choosing the best paving slabs for your outdoor space
To ensure you make the right decision when you buy your paving slabs, make sure you consider the following:
- Maintenance: When selecting stones, consider the maintenance required. Some stones, such as sandstone and limestone, will need to be sealed regularly to ensure their upkeep. Porcelain is easier to clean and has a high resistance to stains and scratches.
- Durability: Natural stone paving, like granite and slate, can withstand colder, wetter weather and is highly durable, making them suitable for high-traffic areas
For more garden ideas, take a look at our inspiration gallery. Here, you'll find completed works to see what our paving slabs and stones look like in real gardens.
Our blog is a treasure trove of advice and tips to help you maximise your outdoor space. So, whether you need inspirational driveway ideas or budget patio ideas, want to look at the latest garden trends, or want to know how much it costs to landscape a garden, we can help.
Having trouble visualising how different slabs will look in your garden?
Visualising how different slabs and colour schemes will look in your existing space can be tricky, but it doesn't need to be.
Our Outdoor Reality uses augmented reality to bring different paving materials to your garden. So, if you're struggling to decide between stone types, you can see exactly how your garden would look.
The app will measure your outdoor space and calculate the number of stones you need, so there's no need to worry about over- or under-ordering.
