Pave the way
Tips and ideas on paving
TYPES..
Like plants, paving materials can add colour, texture, and pattern to your garden. However unlike plants, which grow, bloom, and often go dormant as the seasons change, paved surfaces contribute in equal measure throughout the year.
Building blocks
The most widely available paving materials fall into two broad categories: quarried stone and composite material. Quarried stone, such as granite and slate, is dug and shaped by splitting and cutting. Composite materials like brick and precast concrete pavers are processed and moulded when soft, then fired or allowed to dry.
The range of paving materials makes sourcing and designing enjoyable, but the number of choices can be daunting. Each one has its pros and cons, and some are better suited than others to particular uses and locations. By understanding and exploring your options, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your space and budget.
SANDSTONE PAVING SLABS
Sandstone is an excellent all-around choice. It’s tough enough for any paving application but is easier to cut and work than granite, which accounts for its lower cost. Available in many shapes and colours, it’s easy to come by in large quantities.
GRAVEL
Gravel is a great option for a small garden. Ideal for informal landscapes, short-term paving solutions and gardens built on limited budgets. But it can become weedy and is unstable underfoot. The avoid issues with footing select gravel in the 6-20mm size range.
STONE PAVERS
Stone is one of the most interestingly textured and luxurious of paving. It can be costly to buy and install but it’s durable and versatile, offering a range of colours, shapes and sizes, from irregularly shaped flagstones to precision-cut geometric blocks.
SLATE STONE CHIPPINGS
Slate stands out for its texture and colour.
It has a unique soft texture and subtle colour palette. Over time, in heavy rainfall or freezes, slate can flake and chip. The resulting uneven surface can puddle in wet weather and freeze over in winter. Best used in sheltered locations.
GRANITE SETT PATH
Granite is unbeatable for strength and durability. This is usually among the pricier paving stones. It’s sold as cubes or brickshaped pieces called setts or as uniform-size flagstone and offers a wide colour choice. Good to use for inset patterns or decorative edges.
LIMESTONE FLAGSTONES
Limestone adds a distinctive look to paths and patios. It is fine textured, so it takes on a velvety finish when cut for paving. Its colour range is limited but it tends to be more evenly coloured than sandstone or granite. Its fine grain makes it fairly easy to cut into shapes.