Paving & Patios

​​​​​Paving is one of those jobs that looks simple from the outside, and can often look good on top, but important that you have a good sub-base. This is the part that often requires more work and inevitably costs, but in the long run creates paved areas that can last a lifetime.

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Sandstone

Two of the more typical types of sandstone used for patios and paving are English Yorkstone and Indian sandstone. English Yorkstone or is a variety of sandstone, specifically from quarries in Yorkshire that have been worked since the middle ages. It is a tight grained, Carboniferous sedimentary rock.

Indian sandstone formed millions of years ago in extreme heat from quartz grains which naturally become cemented together. India's varied geology gives the stone a naturally veined look, so no two slabs of Indian sandstone are identical. Both types of sandstone can create really beautiful paved areas - so which one should you chose?

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Indian sandstone is certainly more affordable than English Yorkstone and in our opinion, every bit as good a product in terms of durability. If you have an older property, you may need to match and new paving work in with existing English Yorkstone, but more commonly now, patios are laid using Indian sandstone. Indian sandstone in particular, has such a vast array of colours and patterns that it can create an exciting finish that is inherently unique.

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Concrete slabs can also be used for patios and paving. But whilst they are undeniably more cost-effective in the short-term, they tend to lose colour over time and often create an unnaturally uniform look and finish. In our opinion, you can't beat the more natural materials both in terms of durability and aesthetic.

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Cobblestones

Cobbles can create a great look for paths and driveways. They are not the most cost effective option in the short-term, but when laid on a proper base they can last for many lifetimes. You only need to look at the cobbled streets in many of the cities in Europe to understand how hard wearing and aesthetically pleasing they can be.

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Brick paving

A popular choice for patios and paths is concrete bricks. As well as being a cost-effective option, you have a wide choice of colours and patterns and they can create an attractive, warm look - they can be a better aesthetic fit for new housing, in particular (although there are options for a less-modern look, if required). If laid correctly, this type of paving will last many years.

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