Making the most of your outdoor area can bring so much worth to your home, not only for you to enjoy with family and friends but also when it comes to selling up. An attractive and well-kept patio area can be a big property selling point.
If you’re planning to upgrade your patio area you may be wondering where to start. After all, renovations to any part of your home are an investment, and you want to make sure it’s worthwhile. The paving you choose for your patio is important both visually and structurally, which is why we’ve pulled together this comprehensive guide to help you choose the right paving materials to look their best in years to come.
Where to Start?
Before embarking on your project, it’s best to understand your goals, how much you have to spend, and what it’s likely going to cost. Once you understand these important points, you can then start on the exciting part of choosing the right paving.
What’s the Purpose of Your Project?
Do you want to completely revamp your patio area, meaning that you will need current paving slabs removed and a whole new look created? Or do you want to add to your current patio slabs, possibly extending your patio area, keeping the current patio slabs, and adding to the existing theme? This will determine the size of your project and help you work out an overall cost.
What’s the Size of Your Budget?
How much money you have to spend on your patio will determine the materials you can use. It should also be taken into account the value this upgrade will have on your property, including the standard of living and resale price if it comes to selling up. You want to aim for the sweet spot of not over-investing but spending enough to make sure the work is carried out to a high standard and looks aesthetically pleasing.
What Are Your Preferences and Aesthetic Goals?
As well as ensuring that you like your chosen patio paving, it’s also important that it ties in with your home’s aesthetic, especially when it comes to reselling. If you have a modern, minimalist home, then you would want something sleek to tie in with it, such as slate paving. If you have a cottage or traditional red-brick home, then rustic cobbles or Indian stone paving may work best.
Understanding the Different Types of Paving Materials
There are many different types of paving materials to choose from when it comes to your patio, all with varying degrees of durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Below are some options for your patio makeover.
Natural Stone
There are many types of natural stone to choose from, including:
- Indian Stone – A very durable and attractive option for patio paving, Indian Stone is versatile, long-lasting, and affordable. It’s available in a variety of colours and is frost-resistant, making it an ideal option for patios.
- Limestone – Suited to both contemporary and traditional properties, limestone paving is typically available in black, grey, and cream tones and offers a consistent texture that is elegant and understated.
- Slate – Incredibly suitable for patios due to its low water absorption and durability, slate paving can create a striking look and is usually available in grey, black, and purple hues.
- Granite – Ideal for high-traffic areas like patios, granite is abrasion-resistant. It fits in with both contemporary and classic property styles and is extremely durable and available in a range of colours and finishes.
Porcelain Paving
Porcelain paving is often associated with more contemporary and modern style properties and gardens and offers extremely high scratch and stain-resistant qualities.
Concrete Paving
Concrete paving slabs are a cost-effective alternative to natural stone. Because it’s man-made, it’s suitable for a variety of outdoor surfaces. Concrete slabs are available in a variety of colours and suit both contemporary and modern property styles.
Which Paving Options Work Best for Patios?
Here at Premier Surfacing, we work with a variety of materials every day and have the expertise to understand which materials work best for specific surfaces. For patios, we recommend the below three versatile paving options:
- Block Paving – We recommend block paving for a patio that combines durability with aesthetic appeal. With a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures available, block paving allows for a customised and visually striking addition to your garden. Our skilled craftsmen ensure precise installation, creating a long-lasting and visually pleasing patio.
- Indian Stone – Indian Stone offers a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic, adding character to your home and garden. Our experienced team takes great care in the selection and placement of Indian slate and slabs, creating a unique and beautiful patio that stands the test of time.
- Resin Bound – For a contemporary and low-maintenance patio solution, resin-bound patios are an excellent choice. Resin-bound surfaces provide a seamless and permeable finish, allowing for efficient water drainage and preventing puddles. With a variety of colours and finishes available, resin-bound patios offer both style and functionality.
Important Points to Consider When Choosing Paving for Your Patio
Maintenance is an important point to consider when selecting the right paving for your patio. It’s important to understand how to look after your chosen material, how often and difficult it is to maintain it, and how much the upkeep costs. Also, think about whether you can commit to the necessary maintenance. Consider which type of paving will be suitable for a high-traffic area like a patio. Natural stone paving like Indian Stone can withstand high footfall and also withstand colder, wetter weather.
Speak to a Specialist Surfacing Company for Help with Planning Your Patio Makeover
Premier Surfacing is a specialist surfacing company with over 20 years of experience in patio installation. Our skilled professionals bring expertise and precision to every project and understand the nuances of each material, allowing us to tailor our services to meet your specific requirements.
We source high-quality materials that ensure the longevity and durability of your patio, and we recognise how unique each property is, allowing us to provide customised patio solutions to create your vision. We also offer additional services such as drainage solutions, turfing, fencing, and block and brick retaining walls should your project need them.
Premier Surfacing: Patio Paving Experts
We are a surfacing company serving areas through Staffordshire and Shropshire, including Stoke on Trent, through to Market Drayton. Contact us today to discuss your patio requirements and find out how we can help you achieve your outdoor dreams.
