Are you planning on giving your garden a makeover? Great quality patio paving is worth the investment. Creating a patio in your garden will give a whole new dimension and look for you to enjoy. Patio paving is low maintenance, long-lasting, and a great addition to your garden. Building a patio can also help create a seamless flow between outdoor and indoor living. A patio and paving company can help you decide the best patio design for and carry out all the work in your garden. If you are looking for some inspiration here is our guide to garden patio paving.
Paving Types
There is a range of different paving options available for you to choose from. Whatever design you have in mind here are some of the types you can choose:
- Concrete slabs
- Natural stone
- Limestone paving
- Sandstone
- Porcelain
- Slate paving
- Carpet stones
1. Concrete Slabs
Concrete slabs are a common and popular choice for most paths and patios. These are a great way to cover a large space more efficiently and create a clean look. Concrete slabs come in a variety of different colours such as grey, charcoal, rustic, and more. They also come in various shapes such as curved or round and are also available in a wide variety of textures. They are ideal for installing due to their size and thickness and are always of good quality that will last a lifetime.
2. Natural Ston
Natural stone is a slightly more expensive paving option. It has seen an increase in demand and became popular in recent years. Natural stone is individual, unique, and is available in different patterns, materials, and colours. Due to its laying process, you will have no weeds and a low maintenance patio for years to come.
3. Limestone paving
Limestone paving is a beautiful and popular paving option. Limestone is consistent in colour and comes in various colours generally from black, yellow, grey, blue grey, and blue black. It is considered a hard-wearing stone and is consistent in textures and colours. Many garden projects will feature white walls with dark flooring. Limestone will make a real statement in your outdoor garden area. It boasts a consistent and natural colouring across slabs which gives the stones a tidy and sleek look.
4. Sandstone
Sandstone paving is attractive paving with earthy tones throughout each slab. It comes in a variety of different colours and shades these include grey, mint, browns, golden, orange, and more. Sandstone is known for its natural veining and its tonal variations. It will inject rustic style into any outdoor garden space.
5. Porcelain
Porcelain is manufactured from a blend of quartzitic sands, high quality clay, and other materials such as granite which are then baked in a high temperature kiln. Porcelain is one of the more expensive options for patios. It offers durability and strength. Its highly attractive aesthetics make it a great option to make your garden look fabulous and last for many years to come. There are endless possibilities of textures and appearances. Porcelain requires little maintenance and have the ability to retain their unblemished and vibrancy finish for years. The slabs are stain, frost, and fading resistant.
6. Slate paving
Slate paving is considered to be a premium quality paving option. Slates have very low porosity and are very dense. Slate paving has a sleek appearance with rich colours available such as greens, rustic, and dark blue tones. It is easy to clean and requires little maintenance. The slate colouring will never fade.
7. Carpet stones
Carpet stones are cobble stones that are set out onto a flexible mat which can be trimmed to the shape and size that you want. They offer an easier way to complete the desired rustic cobbled look without having to individually lay each stone. Carpet stones are optimal for fitting into awkward shaped areas such as around garden ponds and curving garden paths. Carpet stones are a distinctive feature of any outdoor space.
Choosing garden paving by stone type
The type of stone you choose for your garden patio is determined mainly by colour or usage. If you are driving your car onto your patio paving, you should consider hard-wearing stone in dark shades. Most paving’s are suitable for every driveway once they are installed correctly but the stone that is absorbent like sandstone may not be as practical. If you are looking for paving that is easy to clean, granite or porcelain would be your best option. Consider the style of your garden, you want the stone to look natural and blend in.
If you have an urban and modern garden, choose a sleek slate that will contrast with the surrounding gardening fencing and walls. Always choose and buy a good quality stone to make your garden stand out. Once installed correctly, it is a great investment piece for your home.
How much does patio paving cost and how to keep your paving in top condition
The cost of patio paving depends on their size, design, quality, and quantity. Cut natural stone costs more than split. You must factor in machinery and labour costs. Once your patio has been laid and looking exceptional, how do you keep it that way? Unless you have had concrete slabs put into your outdoor area, most stone paving imitation or real will require regular maintenance mainly in the springtime essentially when they have been exposed to damp and cold weather conditions in the winter months. Clean your patio with a power pressure washer, patio cleaner, and a stiff durable brush.
The safest way to wash your patio is with soapy water. This could be a floor cleaning or liquid cleaner product. Always make sure the product is acid free as it is safer on all types of paving. If it needs a very deep clean equip yourself with a power pressure washer.
Bleach can be used on sandstone, slate, and granite. Never use bleach on concrete or limestone. This could potentially harm your paving.
