OUTDOOR LIVING
Paving perfection
Trevor Knight, head of group technical operations at Marshalls, shares expert tips to help you make the right choice for your self-build project.
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reating 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. s it a high-traffi c 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 fi nish. 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 fl exural strength of the stone. For example, sandstone with water
absorption below 1.7% resists moss and tends to be less slippery, while fl exural 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 benefi ts, 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 fl air, large- format tiles laid in a grid pattern can create a sleek fi nish. ombining different materials can also produce stunning visual effects. Contrasting borders, mixing smooth and textured slabs, or alternating colours can help to defi ne 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,
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