When it comes to designing a new patio, perhaps the most important consideration is which paving slabs to use. After all, with dozens of sizes, shapes, and materials on the market, how do you know you’re getting the right pavers for the job?
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the different types of paving slabs and what factors can affect your final decision.
The Different Materials, Shapes and Sizes of Paving Stones
The first thing you’ll notice when sourcing your paving slabs is just how many different varieties are available. It can be a lot to take in at first glance, but these are some of the main things to consider:
Shapes
As you might expect, squares and rectangles are the most common shapes for patio paving slabs, and with good reason. They are easy to fit into the typically rectangular garden patio and, in the case of rectangular slabs, easy to trim when you reach the edge. Other shapes are available, usually in the form of polygons (triangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc.), which slot together nicely in a pattern. These are less common as they are difficult to border and require a clear plan for laying from the outset.
Sizes
Like with shapes, there are all kinds of sizes of paving stones available to you. The most common are the large 90cm x 60cm rectangular slabs, with 60cm x 60cm square slabs coming a close second. However, there are many different sizes beyond those two. Small pavers are particularly popular—these brick-sized mini paving slabs (roughly 21 cm x 10 cm) are often used in patios that feature a more decorative design.
Materials
Pavers fall into three broad material categories: natural stone (slate, limestone, granite, etc.), man-made ceramics (clay, terracotta, and porcelain), and concrete. Each material has its own benefits and disadvantages, which may be the subject of another article.
How to Choose the Right Paving Stone for Your Project
Getting the right paving stone for your new patio depends on four key factors: purpose, style, budget, and sustainability.
Purpose: are you planning to have garden furniture on your patio? If so, larger pavers will provide a more stable surface, while natural stone or concrete will be more durable, for instance.
Style: your patio should complement the rest of your garden, your house, or (ideally) both. You might try looking for pavers that match the colour of your home’s brickwork, ones that work well with an existing garden path or wall.
Budget: generally speaking, concrete pavers are the most cost-effective slabs on the market, while natural stone options tend to be more expensive. Ceramic pavers fall at both ends of the spectrum, with clay pavers being fairly affordable and porcelain slabs being one of the more expensive choices.
Sustainability: if you want an eco-friendly patio, concrete and clay slabs are your best options, since they have a lower carbon footprint than quarried stone on a paver-by-paver basis. That said, some natural stone can be reused or recycled as aggregate if it gets chipped off during the cutting process.
How to Choose Patio Paving Stones: Final Thoughts
With so many options available to you, there’s no reason you can’t find the ideal paving stones to complete your patio installation to the finish you want. If you’re having difficulty deciding on the best pavers for the job, have a word with your paving company and ask them if they have any recommendations they can make for you.
If you’re looking for a reliable driveways and paving installer in Armthorpe, Bessacarr, and the broader Doncaster region, you have come to the right place. At BBS Paving & Driveways we design, supply, and install high-quality patios for customers across South Yorkshire. Our team of patio surfacing experts provides expert advice on the right paving slabs for you, ensuring a patio you can be proud of. Call us on 07970 125 551 to see what we can do for you.
