How to Choose the Best Patio Paving

Quality patio paving not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of your garden, but it also plays a vital role in its functionality. However, with so many materials and designs to choose from, it can be hard to know which is the best patio paving for you. From affordability to durability, there are various factors to consider when making your choice. With that in mind, this post will explore multiple patio paving options, including their pros and cons, to help you pick the perfect style for you.

Concrete paving slabs

First up are concrete paving slabs. Generally the cheapest option, concrete is ideal if you’re short on time or have a tight budget. Each paver is moulded to create a uniform shape that is easy to install. They’re also more resistant to weathering than poured concrete and there are designs to suit every project.

Decorative concrete slabs are ideal for patios, as they are aesthetically pleasing and come in a range of finishes. Bradstone Ashbourne and Brett Canterbury pavers, for example, feature riven surfaces and hand-cut edges to replicate natural stone. Meanwhile, basic utility paving slabs should be reserved for shed bases, pet runs and outdoor storage areas. Choose from manmade Bradstone Peak Riven slabs or the brand’s practical, non-slip Textured pavers.

The downside of concrete paving slabs is that they don’t last as long as natural stone or porcelain. Their treated colouring fades over time and cracks can appear. Plus, due to concrete’s porosity, mould and algae can be an issue. That said, a well-cared for concrete patio should last up to a decade.

Natural stone pavers

Featuring some of the country’s favourite patio paving solutions, our natural stone collection has designs for every taste. Our AWBS Exclusive range, in particular, offers excellent quality and value for money. This is especially true if you opt for a random-effect patio pack versus individual slabs. And selected packs are now eligible for free nationwide delivery too!

Sandstone paving slabs

A long-standing bestseller, Indian sandstone pavers are a great all-rounder that can withstand changing weather conditions. These popular patio slabs are split along their natural layers to produce an authentic riven surface. As well as providing a unique and rustic finish, this also adds grip. On top of that, there is a huge range of natural colours available. From terracotta Tuscany pavers to cool grey Volcanic Ash slabs, both classic and modern styles are covered. We also stock decorative paving circles in two shades to create eye-catching patio features.

However, if you’re after a neat and uniform finish, sandstone paving slabs may not be for you. Colours and veining patterns vary and sometimes blemishes can be seen on the surface. In addition, while not as porous as concrete, sandstone is still prone to staining. Therefore, if you have children or pets, you’ll want to seal it, choose a dark colour or upgrade to porcelain or granite.

Limestone paving slabs

Another natural stone paver option is limestone. Compared to their sandstone counterparts, these slabs are made up of finer grains. As a result, the surface texture is smoother and only slightly riven. This makes limestone pavers perfect for outdoor seating areas, as your garden furniture will sit more level. Better still, our sleek Noire limestone paving stays cooler in summer and its inky tones are more consistent across slabs.

With that said, limestone is more likely to fade in the sun, so you’ll need to seal it to lock in the colour for longer. The colour selection is also significantly more limited than other materials.

Slate patio slabs

If creating a sophisticated-looking patio is your top priority, then slate pavers are the obvious choice. Combining natural blue and grey tones with a subtly riven surface that adds character, these slabs are both stylish and durable. The straight-cut edges also provide a clean and tidy finish to complement more contemporary gardens.

However, as slate is formed in layers, lower quality slabs can delaminate over time and under harsh weather conditions. To avoid this, opt for first-rate, calibrated Brazilian slate paving. Slate is also easily scratched, so is best for smaller patios without a great deal of foot traffic.

Granite paving slabs

If, on the other hand, you’re after robust stone patio paving that can cope with high traffic, granite is ideal. Made from a dense blend of quart and feldspar, granite paving slabs are some of the toughest you can buy. They’re also non-porous, crack and scratch resistant and undoubtedly chic. Our Digby granite pavers come in cool Ice, fiery Ember and moody grey Dusk packs, with trademark speckles. The surface is also lightly textured for slip-resistance.

The biggest downside to granite is the price tag. As it isn’t as readily available as other quarried stone and is also much harder to cut, it is a more expensive option. That said, it will stand the test of time and very little maintenance is required.

Porcelain patio slabs

Another premium patio paving option that is becoming more popular and affordable, is porcelain. Moulded from clay then fired at a high temperature, porcelain patio slabs are incredibly durable. In fact, they are just as strong as other materials at around half the depth! This strength and their stain-resistant surface means they can withstand lots of wear and tear.

Additionally, porcelain paving is more uniform than stone and designs are digitally printed onto the surface to create various effects. So, if you’d love a wooden deck but don’t want the upkeep, porcelain can provide a convincing imitation. Likewise, if you like the riven look, but worry how your furniture will sit, opt for rustic porcelain with artificial veining instead. Our classic coastal mix and contemporary stone grey porcelain packs are great examples. You can also install porcelain slabs indoors to create a seamless join between your patio and kitchen.

One consideration with porcelain is paving installation. Due to its very sturdy make up and unique texture, it can be harder to cut and needs to be primed to adhere correctly. As such, novices are advised to call in a professional landscaper to help, which will increase costs. But once in position, cleaning them is simple and they’ll look like new for years to come.

Find the best patio paving at AWBS

From wallet-friendly concrete and Indian sandstone slabs to luxury porcelain and granite, AWBS has options for every preference and budget. Browse all of our garden patio slabs online or visit us in branch to see what our patio paving looks like in person. Either way, we offer free delivery on all orders for customers living within 25 miles of our stores. We also offer free delivery further afield on selected paving packs, so be sure to check our blog for details.