Choosing Between Patio Slabs and Pavers

When you want to add hardscapes like pathways and patios to your landscape, you’ll have the option of choosing between slabs & pavers. Despite their similar appearance, they function very differently & have different applications.

If you’re considering installing an outdoor paving project, consider these factors to determine which paving material best suits your needs:

1. Durability

The durability of your paving slabs will largely depend on the material you choose. Porcelain is non-porous & hard-wearing so it should take up to the rigours of regular garden use with very little maintenance, unlike natural stone which has been formed over thousands of years & will require occasional re-pointing to keep it in good condition.

Stone slabs will season & weather over time giving your patio that lived-in look & character whilst working perfectly with both modern & country garden designs. This is particularly the case with sandstone slabs which will fade in strong sunlight over time but can be protected by using a UV protecting sealer.

Slate will also fade in sun but it is a hard-wearing material that is ideally suited to the UK climate, particularly darker coloured slates that are less likely to delaminate over time. However, all natural stone should be sealed to protect it from dirt & staining, whether it is the result of water or tannin stains caused by decaying leaves, trigs & berries.

2. Style

When you think of your garden, it is easy to focus on planting, turf, trees, and shrubs, but a well-balanced landscape will include elements of hardscape. These are concrete or wood additions that add style, functionality, and value to your outdoor space.

Slabs are a great way to achieve a classic, modern look that complements most house designs and garden furniture. They are available in a range of sizes and shapes to suit any space and can be laid in a variety of patterns, including diagonals and curves.

If you are looking to create a more contemporary, geometric garden patio design, slabs can be used in a matrix or stack bond pattern to create a grid like effect. The laying pattern will create a clean, uniform aesthetic that will look fantastic with contrasting grey grout. Alternatively, try a more decorative riven paver such as Provence Grigio or Hambleton Ivory for a rustic charm and authentic markings that will evoke the feel of a country garden.

3. Easy Maintenance

Slabs are a great option for people who like to keep things simple and straightforward. They’re relatively easy to maintain as they can be swept daily and jet washed seasonally with stone friendly cleaners.

You can also dress concrete patio slabs up with colors, textures and pressed in elements for more visual interest. This can be particularly useful for visually impaired people who use wheelchairs or walkers, as a more interesting patio surface will help them feel more confident and stable on the ground.

You can get natural stone paving slabs in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes. Slate, for example, offers a moody grey finish that works well with traditional designs, while limestone and sandstone offer honey-like hues that suit modern garden schemes. You can also find pavers in a range of size options, which allows you to create more intricate shapes with your patio design.

4. Value

There are a number of reasons to use slabs in your outdoor design. They are often less expensive than pavers and can be laid in a variety of ways to create a beautiful and functional space. They are also a great choice for creating paths that connect different areas of your garden.

If you want to add a roof or shade arbor to a patio slab it is important to provide adequate support for this weight. This will usually mean that footings must be built under the entire area of the patio. It is also important to consider using PVC conduit if you plan on adding any electrical receptacles or lights to the patio.

Patio slabs can be used in a variety of styles from cottage garden to contemporary new build garden. Techo-Bloc offers a vast range of colors and textures to choose from that are sure to complement any design scheme. Remember that you can mix & match pavers with the slabs to really bring your designs to life!



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