There is now more choice than ever when it comes to paving choices and brickwork. Natural products such as Indian sandstone and limestone used to be the most popular choices for customers patios.
However, a few years ago companies started to develop vitrified paving such as porcelain. The trend at the moment is one of a sleek, modern, uniformed look which lends itself to this man-made stone. When these products first entered the market, they were priced significantly higher than the natural products. With more companies entering the market and manufacturing this type of paving, the price has slowly come down which is making this product more and more attractive to customers.
The standard ‘house brick’ hasn’t changed drastically for over a hundred years. Modern techniques have been introduced to increase manufacturing capabilities but, in the main, they remain the same, albeit with more choice available.
Decorative walling has become a popular product over the last few years within the landscaping trade. Similar to the natural paving products, companies now manufacture these. Different shapes, sizes and colours have been created but mostly based upon traditional quarried stone such as a Bath, Cotswold or York. You are now able to create that classic country house look without having to source reclaimed stone which sells for a premium.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the difference between natural and man-made paving?
As you would expect, the main difference is that one is manufactured in factories, the other is quarried naturally and shipped across from overseas. One of the key benefits of a man-made stone is that is it designed in order to have a low moisture penetration level of around 0.5% as opposed to sandstone which soaks up moisture and ages over time. This can be combatted with sealing your natural paving with a solution to repel the moisture.
What paving would suit my garden?
Firstly, this depends on your personal taste and the surroundings your garden will be in. Much depends on how much sunlight your garden gets, not just through the summer, but the winter also. For example, if you have a north-facing garden that has a lot of trees surrounding it, you would get less sunlight than say an open southern or westerly facing garden. In this instance, we would recommend a harder wearing stone such as a slate, porcelain or limestone rather than a sandstone as this type of paving retains moisture and can age or discolour more quickly.
Can I see paving samples before I decide?
Absolutely! We encourage our customers to take their time when choosing their materials. It’s really important that you feel comfortable about the colours, style and textures in your garden before your contractor gets started. That’s why we have samples with us when we visit you. This allows you to see a tangible product in the early stages of planning, mix and match different styles and see what feels right to you.