15 stone patio ideas for your outdoor space
When it comes to creating a dream outdoor living space, the patio is the heart of your garden. It’s where you’ll enjoy lazy summer evenings, host family barbecues, and relax with a morning coffee. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to breathe new life into an existing area, the design of your stone patio can completely transform your space.
From timeless natural stone to bold patterned tiles, from classic brick styles to Japanese zen garden designs, there are countless ways to create or revamp a stone patio area.
Here at Marshalls, we’ve been providing hard landscaping solutions for over a century, so there’s no doubt we know a thing or two about paving. Discover our favourite ideas for stone patios and tips for recreating them in your own space.
In no particular order, here are our 15 favourite stone patio ideas
1. Centerpiece patio
Create a striking focal point in your garden with a centrepiece patio. Dining areas, firepits, statement statues, and water features deserve to be made the centre of attention, and our paving materials offer the perfect backdrop.
To highlight your centrepiece, use circular paving such as our Indian Sandstone Circles in a gravel or grass area or even as a contrast to uniform paving.
2. Statement patio
Bold patterned tiles are perfect for adding a pop of colour and a touch of European charm to your space. Complement your statement patio with native fruit trees, climbing plants, and laid-back garden furniture.
Our Symphony range features decorated tiles in various colours and finishes so you can make a statement with your patio. Your space will ooze that holiday-villa feeling, even if the weather has other plans!
3. Kaleidoscope patio
Make your garden stand out with an eye-catching kaleidoscope-effect mosaic patio. Use paving slabs in varying shapes, sizes, and even colours to create a one-of-a-kind design reminiscent of a courtyard. This design can be as subtle or as striking as you’d like. Use our natural stone paving to create a simple patio with a modern twist.
4. Natural stone patio
Natural stone has a classic, timeless beauty. This versatile material looks as good in traditional gardens as in contemporary designs. Rustic sandstone and luxurious limestone are durable and practical options for any space.
Our offering includes many styles of ethically sourced natural stone paving slabs in a wide range of colours and finishes, including our bestselling Indian Sandstone.
5. Scandi-patio
Be inspired by the clean lines, minimalism, and earthy tones of Scandinavian gardens. These gardens emphasise natural materials, so use natural stone in a muted hue for your patio.
Upcycled furniture, firepits, and large potted plants are great accessories for a Scandi-inspired outdoor space. For more Nordic inspiration, explore our Scandinavian garden ideas.
6. Wood effect patio
If sleek, stone styles aren’t to your taste, opt for a more relaxed look with a wood-effect patio. This organic style suits cosy outdoor sofas, large plants, and rustic lighting features like fairy lights and lanterns.
Our woodstone paving has all the aesthetic appeal of aged timber without the maintenance issues of natural wood. Use this to create a shabby-chic wood-effect patio with the durability and practicality of concrete.
7. Bold patio
A bold-coloured patio can create a striking backdrop for contemporary spaces. Black, grey, or blue garden paving is a stunning contrast to greenery, creating a serene, luxurious mood.
Create this elevated industrial-style design using sleek materials like slate and darker-coloured porcelain.
8. Patio zone
Those stylish, fully-paved gardens that ooze luxury are stunning in theory but not as appealing in practice. Of course, the aesthetics are important, but your garden should also be a practical and comfortable retreat.
Get the best of both worlds by creating zones in your garden. A patio zone is excellent as a dining area, a focal point, or a sheltered rest spot. Adding a paved section to your space can give your garden a makeover without removing grassy areas and foliage.
9. Brick-style patio
Brick-style patios are always in style. Their warm, earthy tones and uneven texture can bring rustic charm to any garden, from cosy cottages to new-build properties. Our Alvanley Pavers are an excellent option and can be laid in different laying patterns to add interest.
10. Peeking patio
Looking for a unique way to lay paving slabs? Look no further than a peeking patio. Instead of laying each tile side-by-side, leave small or large gaps between each. You can grow grass or flowers between the tiles or pour down gravel for a stepping-stone effect.
Our concrete flags are ideal for this look, and if fun, quirky patios are right up your street, try combining this with our kaleidoscope patio idea.
11. Multi-level patio
A multi-level patio will add depth and dimension to your garden and can be a great way to maximise your space, particularly for sloping landscapes. Create a dramatic garden entrance with ground-lit stairs or use levels to create different zones, like a dining area and terrace.
Whilst our paving slabs make solid foundations for your levels, our garden walling can be used to create stairs and raised sections.
12. Cobblestone patio
A quaint, cobblestone patio is the perfect way to make traditional and cottage gardens more functional while retaining their whimsical charm.
Surround your cobblestone patio with lush greenery, colourful flowers, and vintage accessories to create a cottage garden, and don’t forget to read our full post for more cottage garden ideas!
13. Porcelain patio
A porcelain patio is sleek, stylish, and effortlessly chic. This contemporary aesthetic is ideal to match newer properties and pairs well with modern features like outdoor kitchens and stylish firepit tables.
We have dark-coloured porcelain slabs for a dramatic feel, earthy tones and textures for a durable but natural-looking solution, and plank-style paving for a timber effect with improved longevity.
14. Zen patio
Create a Japanese-inspired zen patio to bring a sense of relaxation to your space. Natural stone in neutral or grey hues is ideal for this design. Incorporate a water feature or stream to encourage mindfulness, and add potted plants to create a serene atmosphere.
Our Natural Slate and Sylvern Limestone paving slabs are great options for this minimalist design.
15. Garden kitchen patio
An outdoor kitchen patio is the ultimate addition for those who love to entertain. Consider incorporating features like a built-in barbecue, pizza oven, or even a complete outdoor kitchen with countertops, storage, and outdoor heating.
Marshalls’ slip-resistant paving options are perfect for outdoor cooking spaces, so you can create a kitchen patio that is durable, practical, and beautiful.
Read our outdoor kitchen ideas post for further inspiration!
What are the benefits of adding a stone patio to your garden?
Beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal, adding a stone patio to your garden has several benefits.
- Durability: A high-quality stone patio is highly durable. Whilst wood can rot or warp, stone patios can withstand heavy footfall and extreme weather conditions, making your patio an excellent long-term investment.
- Increased property value: Home buyers are increasingly seeking outdoor living spaces. A stone patio is a worthwhile addition to your space that can increase its market value.
- Functionality: A stone patio can make your garden more practical. It provides a stable surface for outdoor furniture, dining sets, and other amenities. Furthermore, non-slip and heat-retaining styles are particularly useful in certain climates.
Ultimately, a stone patio offers an unrivalled blend of beauty, durability, and functionality. A stone garden area is an investment that will benefit you, your property, and your lifestyle for years to come.
Create your dream stone patio with Marshalls
Whether you're envisioning a sleek, classic look or a quirky, modern design, Marshalls can help bring your vision to life.
With our diverse range of high-quality paving slabs and outdoor tiles, our network of accredited installers, and start-to-finish support, Marshalls has everything you need to design and create the perfect stone patio - including visualiser tools to help you envisage your dream garden.
FAQs about stone patios
Can I use these stone patio ideas on a budget?
Installing a stone patio can be expensive, but there are ways to incorporate one without breaking the bank.
Reducing the size of a patio will cut costs by lowering the amount of stone you need. A smaller, well-designed patio can still make a big impact. Create a cosy seating area or a focal point in your garden. A centrepiece patio or statement patio is beautifully budget-friendly!
Read our other guides about budget-friendly garden patio ideas and budget small garden design for more inspiration.
What are low-maintenance stone patio options?
There are many benefits of porcelain paving, one being that it is easy to maintain. Hard-wearing, resistant to stains and scratches, and non-porous, it’s difficult to penetrate or damage these tiles.
