Are you looking forward to improving your outdoor living space? Designing a new patio or garden is the ideal project to enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space and add value to your home.
But how can you create a unique look for your patio or garden? Your best solution is to lay down an aesthetically pleasing paving. You have decided to pave your patio or garden, but choosing the best paving material from the many options available can be daunting. It can be confusing to choose between artificial or natural stone paving slabs.
If you are looking for a natural, sturdy companion for your outdoor space, opting for natural stone paving slabs is the best option. Understanding the science behind natural stone and knowing different stone pavings can help you fall in love with this earthy, beautiful product. So, let’s dig in!
What is Natural Stone?
Natural stones include limestone, sandstone, granite, slate, marble, and other unusual paving materials. The paving slabs made from natural stones are some of the most popular types available in the United Kingdom market, and for good reasons.
Natural stones are formed in and extracted from the earth. They contain a natural alkali that attracts external dirt and algae particles from the surrounding environment. You should know that all-natural stone paving slabs UK are different. No two natural stone paving slabs are the same. They offer a diverse blend or mix of colours, veining, or patterns, giving your outdoor space a unique look.
Now that each paving slab is different, its internal structure will also differ. It means it’s natural for some paving slabs to be more porous than others, i.e., some can soak up water quickly. In addition, some natural stone paving slabs will naturally be denser than others, i.e., some can hold rainwater on their surface for longer.
Different Types of Natural Stone Paving Slabs
This section discusses some of the famous natural stone paving slabs you can choose from to give your outdoor space an extraordinary, earthy look:
- Limestone paving slabs
Limestone is mainly formed from the combination of silicone and lime, bounded by the natural elements over time because of pressure. It’s a sedimentary stone formed by tiny grains compressed under the earth. Although limestone is known as ‘softer,’ it doesn’t mean it lacks strength; it just means the stone has a softer appearance.
Moreover, limestone grains are more consistent in grains and, thus, provide a more consistent look when it comes to colours or hues. Its generally smooth surface can contribute significantly to uniformity in your outdoor space.
- Granite paving slabs
Granite paving slabs are ingenious and some of the most durable materials in the market. You can find this paving material in a wide variety of finishes and colours, varying from black to white. Moreover, granite’s lightly flecked appearance works well for a more modern, uniform outdoor space.
Now that granite is a tough material, it can be cut with a lot of precision. In addition, it’s highly resistant to water and chemical erosion.
- Sandstone paving slabs
Sandstone comprises many layers of sedimentary rock and debris compressed together for millions of years in the earth. This natural stone is ethically extracted from the ground and cut into paving slabs.
Natural sandstone paving slabs are available in various colours, from the lightest ivory and grey through grey-green, brown, beige, pink, and dark grey. While sandstone always offers predominant shades within each colour range, you can also get your hands on a selection of complementary shades that are rich in colour when wet and pastel-toned when dry.
Furthermore, the natural paving stone comes in various finishes, including natural hand-split riven through to sawn flat with varied texture finishes like flamed and sandblasted. It’s a hard wearing natural stone and offers excellent value for money.
- Slate paving slabs
A beautiful natural material, slate paving slabs usually come in darker shades of blue, black, green, or grey. They sometimes also contain iron and copper-coloured layers, giving them a more rustic look.
Slate stone has a relatively flat surface with sawn straight edges, and this classic choice works well with traditional and contemporary-styled outdoor spaces. In the UK, you can find three main types of slate paving slabs- Chinese, Brazilian, and Indian, with the Brazilian one being the sturdiest and most reliable.
What are the Pros of Natural Stone Paving Slabs?
Below given are some pros of natural stone paving slabs:
- Aesthetic appeal: Natural stone is famous for its unique and beautiful appearance. Available in a wide range of textures, colours, and patterns, homeowners can easily create a custom look complementing their landscape and architecture.
- Durability: These earthy paving slabs are highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, external elements, and heavy use. In addition, natural paving materials are resistant to chipping, cracking, and erosion, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Low maintenance: Natural stone paving slabs are relatively low maintenance, requiring occasional cleaning and sealing to maintain their look and durability.
- Weight: Because of the strength of natural stone, manufacturers can cut it into thinner paving slabs of around 20mm, making them easier to handle.
- Environmentally friendly: Natural stone is formed and extracted from the earth, making it a sustainable, chemical-free, eco-friendly paving material.
- Cost: Natural stone paving slabs with a hand-split riven surface are usually priced more economically than other paving materials.
To wrap up it all!
Choosing the ideal stone type for paving your patio or garden might seem daunting and time-consuming. But following this guide can encourage you to opt for natural stone to pave your outdoor space. As discussed, natural stones are formed in and extracted from the earth, giving your outdoor space a more natural, unique, and eco-friendly look and feel. In addition, you can find a variety of natural stone paving slabs featuring a range of colour palettes, textures, strengths, styles, durability, and finishes.
Ultimately, selecting the best paving material for your project is a personal decision. However, when choosing sandstone paving suppliers or any natural stone paving supplier, spend some time researching their credentials, warranty, cost, experience, and reputation.
