In this blog, we’re going to take a look at the different styles of paving available for your garden. Choosing the right paving for your patio can really enhance the whole look and functionality of your outdoor space. From creating a welcoming path to transforming a neglected corner of the garden into a cosy seating area or adding paved borders for definition. The right paving can turn your garden into an impressive space that will be the envy of all of your family, friends, and neighbours. But, with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect paving for your garden?
What do I need to consider when choosing paving for my garden?
How do you want your paving to look?
The first thing you should think about is the overall look you want to achieve. Is your garden going to be a modern or traditional space? Do you want it to be a range of different colours or different shades of one colour? Deciding this will make it much easier to narrow down the options and choose a paver that will compliment and enhance the look of your finished project for years to come.
For a modern garden, porcelain tiles are more likely to be the best fit. Sleek and minimalistic! Whilst a traditional garden may be more suited to a natural paver such as Indian Sandstone or Yorkshire Stone. Timeless yet effective.
A mix of materials, styles, and textures can really bring a garden together, especially if you’re wanting something a little different. It’s also a great idea to consider any existing areas of your garden such as plants, gazebos, pergolas, etc., and look for paving that will blend with these well.
Think about functionality.
- Who will use the paved areas?
- How do you plan to use the paved areas?
- Do you need pathways to connect different areas?
- Is the patio for outdoor seating or dining, or for children to play?
Knowing the answers to the above questions will help decide on the best paving material to suit your needs and those of your family.
You’ll also need to think about slip resistance if that’s important for you. Porcelain paving has excellent anti-slip properties, though we recommend a rating of R11 or above as the best option.
You might want a paver that’s easier to maintain or you might like a more durable surface. These are all things that need to be considered when you’re looking to choose the perfect paving.
What’s the budget?
- Have a realistic budget before you start your search. Paving materials can differ massively in price so it’s important to have an idea of what you’d like to spend and look for suitable options within that price range. To get a more accurate idea of the cost, take some measurements of the areas in your garden that you’re considering adding paving. Keep in mind that the overall cost is much more than the paving itself. You’ll also need to add the cost of installation and think about the price of maintenance to keep your paving looking amazing for years to come. While the cost of a porcelain patio may seem higher initially, it would likely offer more durability and lower maintenance costs than a natural stone paver.
- Give some thought to any maintenance costs you might have over the life of your paving. No paving option is completely maintenance free but some will require less upkeep than others. Certain types will require regular cleaning or even sealing to prevent stains and damage. Would you do this yourself or would you employ a contractor to do it for you? Pavers such as porcelain are usually considered to be quite low maintenance but will benefit from a regular sweep and hose down to keep them looking their best.
Research for inspiration
- Do some research and get some inspiration. Gardening magazines, garden centres, or even a walk around your local area could provide lots of food for thought and help you choose the perfect paving. Look at paving suppliers and manufacturers online to get ideas of what you’d like. With different colours, patterns, and textures, the possibilities are endless! Lighter colours can make a smaller garden appear larger, whereas darker colours can add a sense of warmth. Doing a rough sketch of your garden will help to visualise where everything will be and how it might look. Don’t forget to take into account the direction of the sun at different times of the day if that is important to you.
Can Kettlewell Groundworks help you choose the perfect paving for your garden?
Covering Bradford, Halifax, and the surrounding areas, Kettlewell Groundworks is a trusted and highly recommended installer of porcelain, Indian sandstone, and Yorkshire stone paving. We’re extremely proud of our five-star reviews and the reputation we’ve built. It means that most of our work comes via word of mouth from our happy clients. In addition to our professional paving installation, we can also help with decking and fencing, driveways, turf and artificial grass installation, and excavation and drainage services.
We’re a family-run business with over 25 years of experience in landscaping and groundwork so we’re well-equipped to help you choose the perfect paving. Booking an appointment with us is easy. Please visit www.kettlewellgroundworks/contactus where you’ll see our online diary. You can choose a day and time that’s suitable for you, answer a few quick questions about the project so we can arrive prepared, and your appointment will be confirmed. If you’ve got some questions before we come out and see you, just give us a quick call on 01274 981995 and we’ll do our best to answer them.
