Trevor Knight, head of group technical operations at Marshalls, shares expert tips to help you make the right choice for your self-build project.
Creating an inviting outdoor space enhances your home, and the right paving slabs used for patios, paths or outdoor dining areas can transform your garden into a stylish, functional haven.
Start with a plan
Before you start browsing different materials for your patio or paving, you need to start by thinking practically – it’s essential to start with a clear plan. Visualising how the space will look can help you make the right choices. Consider what the primary purpose of the paved area will be. Is it a high-traffic patio, a decorative path, or a hard-wearing driveway?
Establishing your budget early on will also help narrow down choices, as paving costs can vary widely depending on the material, preparation work required, and any additional features and products required, like edging or drainage.
Another crucial factor is deciding whether you’re installing the paving yourself or hiring a professional. Some materials are DIY-friendly, while others require specialist tools and skills. Finally, think about your garden style and how the paving will complement the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space and home.
Understanding materials
With these factors in mind, it’s time to explore the three main types of paving slabs – natural stone, porcelain, and concrete. Each has pros and cons, particularly if you’re planning on installing it yourself.
Natural stone paving, like Indian sandstone, limestone and granite, brings character and durability to gardens. Each slab has unique colour variations and textures, creating a one-of-a-kind finish. If you’re tackling installation yourself, opt for calibrated natural stone. These slabs have a uniform thickness, making them easier to lay evenly without constantly adjusting the bedding mortar.
It’s also worth checking the water absorbency and flexural strength of the stone. For example, sandstone with water absorption below 1.7% resists moss and tends to be less slippery, while flexural strength above 12 MPa (megapascals) ensures the slabs withstand harsh winters and frost.
Porcelain paving has exploded in popularity recently due to its modern look, stain resistance and durability. It’s perfect for outdoor kitchens, seating areas, and contemporary patios. While porcelain offers many benefits, it’s not the easiest material for self-installers if you don’t have much experience.
Cutting requires specialist cutting tools, and the slabs need to be laid on a uniform mortar bed. If you’re set on porcelain, it might be worth hiring a professional to avoid costly mistakes. To ensure safety, especially around pools or shaded areas, choose porcelain with a high slip resistance rating of R11 or higher and pair it with a chemical resistant grout.
Concrete paving has undergone a transformation thanks to innovative printing technologies. Today’s concrete slabs can mimic natural stone, wood, or even terrazzo, offering premium aesthetics at a more affordable price.
Concrete is arguably the most DIY-friendly paving option, especially the newer printed varieties. They can be cut with standard concrete blades and installed using traditional patio-laying techniques. When choosing concrete slabs, look for options with a protective surface layer. This not only boosts slip resistance but also protects against UV fading and frost damage.
Design your way
Once you’ve picked your material, it’s time for the fun part – choosing colours, patterns, and layouts that elevate your outdoor space. Grey paving remains a popular choice for its versatility, seamlessly bridging indoor and outdoor spaces. Warm tones, inspired by Mediterranean designs, create a relaxed, holiday vibe.
If you want to add depth and interest, consider patterns like running bonds or herringbone. For modern flair, large-format tiles laid in a grid pattern can create a sleek finish. Combining different materials can also produce stunning visual effects. Contrasting borders, mixing smooth and textured slabs, or alternating colours can help to define different zones in your garden and create a striking look.
Installation tips
Preparation is key to a long-lasting, professional-looking patio or outdoor paving. Start by clearing the area, removing any existing slabs, and digging to a depth of 150mm. Ensure the soil is evenly compacted before adding a 100mm sub-base. Rake it level and compact it until smooth and firm, making sure there is enough fall to direct water towards the borders. Most patios use a 1 in 80 fall longitudinally and a 1 in 40 fall across the surface.
Next, prepare your mortar mix using three parts sand to one part cement, adding water until it reaches a workable dough-like consistency. Test the mix by forming a ball in your hand, making sure you are wearing gloves; it should hold its shape without crumbling or leaking water. Spread the concrete evenly across the patio bed to a depth of around 40mm. Avoid the dot-and-dab method – using a full mortar bed is best practice.
Dampen each slab before laying to prevent moisture loss from the mortar and if you want to go belt and braces, slurry back the rear of your slab to ensure adhesion to your mortar bed. Place the first slab into position, tapping it down with a rubber mallet until it sits firmly. Continue laying, leaving a 10-15mm gap between slabs. Once finished, clean down and leave it to set for at least 24 hours before applying jointing material.
For the final touches, fill the joints with your preferred jointing material, whether a resin, cementitious, or a jointing compound to enhance the look and consider adding decorative edging, such as sea-washed aggregate or polished pebbles to frame your new patio or paving beautifully.
From bare to beautiful
Choosing the right paving slabs for your DIY project comes down to balancing aesthetics with durability, budget, and of course ease of installation. By considering how you’ll use your space once it’s complete, choosing the right materials, and following best practices for installation, you can create an outdoor area that’s both functional, beautiful and a true extension of your home that will last.
Trevor Knight is head of group technical operations at Marshalls