How Do I Choose the Perfect Patio Flooring?
Stone is a natural and durable material for a patio, but it’s not your only option. Our experts suggest alternatives
Sophie Baylis
27 juli 2023
A patio often feels like an extension of the inside of your home, so, with the right design and materials, it can enhance your interior. And as with designing your rooms, you’ll get more out of your patio if you do a little research and reflection before you get going.
Stone is an obvious material for a patio, but it’s worth looking at all of the options, especially as some are easier to maintain. “You only want to have your patio installed once, so, if possible, stretch the budget to accommodate the best material that suits your budget and the look you want to achieve,” Paula Warman of Aura Landscapes says.
We asked a panel of experts to outline the options, so you can make the right choice for your outside space.
Professional advice from: Paula Warman of Aura Landscapes; Eloise Street of The London Tile Co; Tristram Minns of TL Landscapes
Beginning your garden project? Read How to Start a Garden Redesign
Stone is an obvious material for a patio, but it’s worth looking at all of the options, especially as some are easier to maintain. “You only want to have your patio installed once, so, if possible, stretch the budget to accommodate the best material that suits your budget and the look you want to achieve,” Paula Warman of Aura Landscapes says.
We asked a panel of experts to outline the options, so you can make the right choice for your outside space.
Professional advice from: Paula Warman of Aura Landscapes; Eloise Street of The London Tile Co; Tristram Minns of TL Landscapes
Beginning your garden project? Read How to Start a Garden Redesign
1. Concrete paving
Concrete paving is one of the most popular and affordable ways to build a patio, as it’s readily available in a range of sizes, shapes and colours. You can also use it to emulate more expensive natural stones, such as limestone and even slate and granite, for a fraction of the cost.
“Concrete pavers are installed via flexible installation, so any movement or subsidence can easily be rectified by lifting other blocks,” Paula explains. These types of pavers are also easy to repair, as singular blocks can be lifted and re-laid.
You can install pavers yourself, but bear in mind that the ground needs to be accurately levelled and prepped before you start to ensure there’s no shifting or movement. You’ll also need to consider drainage.
Concrete paving is one of the most popular and affordable ways to build a patio, as it’s readily available in a range of sizes, shapes and colours. You can also use it to emulate more expensive natural stones, such as limestone and even slate and granite, for a fraction of the cost.
“Concrete pavers are installed via flexible installation, so any movement or subsidence can easily be rectified by lifting other blocks,” Paula explains. These types of pavers are also easy to repair, as singular blocks can be lifted and re-laid.
You can install pavers yourself, but bear in mind that the ground needs to be accurately levelled and prepped before you start to ensure there’s no shifting or movement. You’ll also need to consider drainage.
How to care for concrete pavers: On the downside, concrete paving visually deteriorates more quickly than natural stone or vitrified (porcelain) paving products. “Maintenance of concrete is also more labour-intensive,” Paula says. “For instance, jet washing concrete products is detrimental to the surface texture, leading to exposed aggregate and premature ageing,”
Instead, she suggests regular sweeping with a stiff brush using hot detergent, such as washing-up liquid or non-bio washing powder, to prevent the build up of debris. “Then, thoroughly rinsing the patio with clean water should do the trick,” she says. She also suggests that, if you want to keep it looking new for longer, you should seal it.
Also be aware that a badly prepared sub-base can cause the paving surface to sink, particularly in high-use areas. Plus, weeds and moss can grow between the blocks. So ask yourself, do you have time to maintain your concrete paving regularly?
Take a look at the Houzz Professionals Directory to find a range of renovation pros in your area, see their projects and read client reviews.
Instead, she suggests regular sweeping with a stiff brush using hot detergent, such as washing-up liquid or non-bio washing powder, to prevent the build up of debris. “Then, thoroughly rinsing the patio with clean water should do the trick,” she says. She also suggests that, if you want to keep it looking new for longer, you should seal it.
Also be aware that a badly prepared sub-base can cause the paving surface to sink, particularly in high-use areas. Plus, weeds and moss can grow between the blocks. So ask yourself, do you have time to maintain your concrete paving regularly?
Take a look at the Houzz Professionals Directory to find a range of renovation pros in your area, see their projects and read client reviews.
Pattern-imprinted concrete: An alternative to concrete paving is a pattern-imprinted concrete patio. This is when concrete is poured over a suitable sub-base before a colour is applied, along with a colour hardener. A rubber mat is then laid on top to create a surface pattern.
You can replicate a wide range of more expensive stones with this method, so ask your installation company to help you decide which pattern and colour would work best for you.
The added benefit of a pattern-imprinted concrete patio is that it’s poured and can therefore be moulded to suit any landscape.
You can replicate a wide range of more expensive stones with this method, so ask your installation company to help you decide which pattern and colour would work best for you.
The added benefit of a pattern-imprinted concrete patio is that it’s poured and can therefore be moulded to suit any landscape.
Cons of pattern-imprinted concrete: Pattern-imprinted concrete has a tendency to crack and is tough to repair when it does. An area can be cut out and replaced, but there’ll be an obvious difference between the old and new areas.
Also, once it’s laid, pattern-imprinted concrete is permanent, so if any services underneath need to be accessed, it has to be dug up. “This material also needs to be sealed every three to five years to keep it looking new,” Paula says.
Also, although it’s generally cheaper than natural materials and installed in a shorter amount of time (thus causing less disruption), if you want an authentic, natural look, a pattern-imprinted concrete patio may not be for you, either.
Is concrete paving or pattern-imprinted concrete best? “A concrete paver is better, but if you like the look of pattern-imprinted concrete driveways (like the one pictured here) and you want a low-maintenance option, we would recommend using Marshalls Drivesys systems,” Paula says.
Also, once it’s laid, pattern-imprinted concrete is permanent, so if any services underneath need to be accessed, it has to be dug up. “This material also needs to be sealed every three to five years to keep it looking new,” Paula says.
Also, although it’s generally cheaper than natural materials and installed in a shorter amount of time (thus causing less disruption), if you want an authentic, natural look, a pattern-imprinted concrete patio may not be for you, either.
Is concrete paving or pattern-imprinted concrete best? “A concrete paver is better, but if you like the look of pattern-imprinted concrete driveways (like the one pictured here) and you want a low-maintenance option, we would recommend using Marshalls Drivesys systems,” Paula says.
2. Porcelain paving
External porcelain tiles may seem a more expensive option, but they can save you money in the long run. Fully vitrified porcelain is frost-proof and slip-resistant and, in general, porcelain tiles are extremely strong (they’re fade-proof and less prone to scratching than other materials), so they’ll last – and look great – for many years.
Porcelain is low-maintenance, too: it’s non-porous and resistant to moss and mould growth as well as staining. “You won’t need to spend money on expensive cleaning and sealing products every year,” says Eloise Street, who advises simply to do an occasional sweep and mop. “The tiles do have a slightly textured, anti-slip surface, so we recommend using a protective sealer before grouting, as residue can be hard to remove once it’s cured,” she adds.
Ceramic tiles aren’t suitable for outdoor use. Although they’re made in the same way as porcelain, they’re not fired or pressed to the same extremes, so they’re not recommended for the outside world.
External porcelain tiles may seem a more expensive option, but they can save you money in the long run. Fully vitrified porcelain is frost-proof and slip-resistant and, in general, porcelain tiles are extremely strong (they’re fade-proof and less prone to scratching than other materials), so they’ll last – and look great – for many years.
Porcelain is low-maintenance, too: it’s non-porous and resistant to moss and mould growth as well as staining. “You won’t need to spend money on expensive cleaning and sealing products every year,” says Eloise Street, who advises simply to do an occasional sweep and mop. “The tiles do have a slightly textured, anti-slip surface, so we recommend using a protective sealer before grouting, as residue can be hard to remove once it’s cured,” she adds.
Ceramic tiles aren’t suitable for outdoor use. Although they’re made in the same way as porcelain, they’re not fired or pressed to the same extremes, so they’re not recommended for the outside world.
Another benefit of laying porcelain outdoors is that you can use matching tiles internally to create a seamless transition between your living spaces. This works particularly well when used with bifold doors or French windows, as the wide open doorways and flush thresholds help create the feeling of flow and make both spaces feel larger.
Rectified tiles, which have been cut or ground to create straight, even edges, are your friend here. They’ll reduce the amount of grout needed so your flooring appears uninterrupted.
More: A Beginner’s Guide to Porcelain Patios
Rectified tiles, which have been cut or ground to create straight, even edges, are your friend here. They’ll reduce the amount of grout needed so your flooring appears uninterrupted.
More: A Beginner’s Guide to Porcelain Patios
Practicalities of porcelain pavers: “It’s tempting to use the same thickness of tile for both indoor and outdoor areas, but, in our experience, the standard 10mm tiles aren’t strong enough for outdoor use,” Eloise advises. She recommends at least 18mm for outside, so they can withstand heavy foot traffic and garden furniture.
Slip-resistance varies, too. It’s measured using its own scale, so ask for advice on what the ratings mean if you need to.
As external porcelain tiles tend to be thicker, they’re heavy and can be difficult to cut. “An experienced tiler will have all the right tools to install your new patio, and will probably be able to do it much more quickly,” Eloise says. “They’ll also be aware of any tiling standards and be able to advise you on the right products for the job.”
Slip-resistance varies, too. It’s measured using its own scale, so ask for advice on what the ratings mean if you need to.
As external porcelain tiles tend to be thicker, they’re heavy and can be difficult to cut. “An experienced tiler will have all the right tools to install your new patio, and will probably be able to do it much more quickly,” Eloise says. “They’ll also be aware of any tiling standards and be able to advise you on the right products for the job.”
3. Stone paving
Different stones have different qualities – just think how different granite looks from limestone and slate. So if you’re keen on stone, you’ll need to think through how those qualities will work in your space. Some stones change colour in the rain, for example; others vary widely in colour and may not suit a large area. Consider maintenance, too: if you choose sandstone, for example, you’ll need to jet wash it every six months to remove grime and dirt build-up.
Sandstone, however, is a popular option, especially if budget is an issue. “It’s affordable, available in a wide range of colours, and is easy to lay, as the slabs are only a depth of 20-25mm,” Tristram Minns says. Sandstone is also sturdier than concrete slabs.
Always buy sandstone from a reputable retailer and avoid ‘too good to be true’ prices. This means the stone will be softer, which lowers the price but heightens the risk of the slabs not being strong enough to withstand the UK climate.
More: A Beginner’s Guide to Natural Stone Patios
Tell us…
Which patio material has worked for you? Let us know in the Comments.
Different stones have different qualities – just think how different granite looks from limestone and slate. So if you’re keen on stone, you’ll need to think through how those qualities will work in your space. Some stones change colour in the rain, for example; others vary widely in colour and may not suit a large area. Consider maintenance, too: if you choose sandstone, for example, you’ll need to jet wash it every six months to remove grime and dirt build-up.
Sandstone, however, is a popular option, especially if budget is an issue. “It’s affordable, available in a wide range of colours, and is easy to lay, as the slabs are only a depth of 20-25mm,” Tristram Minns says. Sandstone is also sturdier than concrete slabs.
Always buy sandstone from a reputable retailer and avoid ‘too good to be true’ prices. This means the stone will be softer, which lowers the price but heightens the risk of the slabs not being strong enough to withstand the UK climate.
More: A Beginner’s Guide to Natural Stone Patios
Tell us…
Which patio material has worked for you? Let us know in the Comments.
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Disappointed there are no porous options, that allow rain water to reach the ground below , as concrete and the like take away valuable drainage to the land, so caution if covering a large area. We had a couple of flash floods in this area just a few weeks ago and main outside drainage was overwhelmed within minutes causing water to rise up to our barn property boundary. The shale and soil areas in our drive and cottage garden saved the day and absorbed the excess waters and stopped them causing damage. This contrasted with roadside which was tarmac where the drains overloaded and there was nowhere for the water to go but upwards, it became a river.
Last summer we replaced conventional patio pavers with porcelain tiles in our covered patio area which includes a Gas Grill and small casual marble dining table. We feel the end result is so much better -- feels like an extention of the family area. Also level, better for the BBQ and just so much classier. Found they are easy to clean with hot detergent and a stiff broom.
Overall really pleased with the end result.
Update on my 2017 comments on how my sandstone and porcelain paving has fared. Over the years both got very grubby. The porcelain I had laid 3 yrs ago was 20mm completely non slip (can’t remember the rating) and it got very muddy looking and hot water, detergent and a broom hardly touched it. I’ve since found out the very non slip porcelain is just that, but this means the shot blast finish holds onto dirt for dear life. I would recommend a less non slip rating which may be easier to clean. The sandstone was grubby but as it has a more natural, country finish it didn’t look so bad. I decided to get someone in to jet wash it all and it has come up beautiful. Not like new but near enough. Here are some pics of the porcelain new and then jet washed. Can’t find a pic of the grubby tiles!