What is the Best Paving Material?

Outdoor areas of the home offer a quiet retreat and an opportunity to relax, entertain friends and host gatherings. An outdoor patio is one of the most popular elements for rounding out your outdoor space as it allows you to take advantage of the fresh air and nature. However, the material you choose for your paving depends on the purpose of your project, the location, and your personal preferences. Porcelain, sandstone, and concrete are three of the most popular materials. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key features of each material to help you decide which paving material is right for your project.

Porcelain

Porcelain paving is a popular choice for those looking for a contemporary and sleek finish. It’s made of fine clays which are fired at high temperatures, in a “vitrification process”, making it highly resistant to water absorption and staining. It’s also perfect for outdoor use as it can withstand harsh weather conditions, without impact the quality of the tile. It comes in a range of shapes, sizes, and patterns, which makes it versatile for different projects. Its non-slip surface and low maintenance properties make it a popular choice for patios, especially those looking for a modern finish. However, porcelain paving is the most expensive option and should predominantly only be used to complement contemporary homes due to its straight lines and millimetre perfect finish.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a natural stone that has been used for centuries on patios and terraces. It’s highly durable and comes in a range of colours and textures, making it an ideal choice for traditional and rustic projects. Sandstone is weather-resistant, which means it can withstand exposure to sunlight, water, and frost. Because it is a porous material this is perfect for the wet British weather due to its water dispersion properties and the texture aids grip, so you’re less likely to slip. Sandstone patios provide a warm atmosphere along with durability and design flexibility—making them an excellent choice for homeowners wanting quality materials coupled with affordability.

Concrete

Concrete paving is a durable and versatile option for those looking for a modern, minimalist look. Concrete is highly durable and can be purchased in a range of colours to mimic the look of other materials like natural stone or brick. It’s also highly customisable, as you can choose between different colours, designs, and finishes. Concrete pavers are a popular choice for driveways, walkways, patios, and outdoor garden designs. They are now available in a range of design options that mimic the look and feel of traditional stone with a modern twist, without the price to match, making it the most affordable option.

Considerations

When choosing a paving material, consider factors such as your budget, the purpose of the material, and the location. Think about the colour, durability, and non-slip surface when choosing materials for patios. For example, porcelain and sandstone are more expensive than concrete, but both have better water resistance and durability. It’s also important to hire a professional installer who can ensure the paving is installed correctly and will last for years to come, by leaving no voids underneath the slabs which will cause them to come loose in the future.

Choosing the right materials for paving is crucial to ensure a long-lasting, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pavement. Porcelain, sandstone, and concrete are excellent options that have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. When deciding which material to use, first consider how it will be used and where, then factor in your budget. We’d recommend using a professional for installation, as paving can easily become a big headache if done incorrectly. Always remember to choose a material that fits your needs and complements your home’s design but is also something you like – after all you will have to look at it for many years to come!

For more information about paving call us today on 01164 979 755 or fill out our contact form and we will arrange for one of our friendly team members to give you a call.

Areas We Cover

The Leicester Landscaping Company undertake work in many of the local areas, including:

If you have a project in mind and would like to know whether we cover your area, please contact us.

Our Customer Testimonials

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 52 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Nick Davies 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a back garden redesign. The end result is exactly what we were after. Many thanks!
  
 
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   John 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reuben Aiden and Sean put in hard graft and completely transformed our garden within three weeks, Miles planned out the garden taking into account our specific needs, whilst Terry organised planting taking into account sun and shade requirements. It was a pleasure having them in our property as they are all such lovely guys. It wasn't cheap but it was value for money.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary A'Herne-Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had our garden make-over done back in January-February. This review hasn't taken so long to do because we're not happy but because of one of the factors that Miles had to consider when planning our garden.

So the factors he had to consider:

1. My health - I have fibromyalgia and therefore there are many times when my husband has to do everything. We needed a garden that was very easy to maintain and simple to develop.

2. We have an active Irish Terrier, and like all terriers, he likes to dig! We needed a way to protect the garden from our beloved dog.

3. We had exceptionally heavy clay in the garden.

4. It was a new build bungalow that was oddly shaped, with a patio that wasn't what we wanted it to be, and a hot tub to consider. We weren't sure how best to work around that.

Miles came up with a plan that delivered on ensuring the garden is everything we want it to be. It is easy to maintain and we have already started to put in little touches of our own.

By placing a lovely looking gate at one side, it can keep the dog out of the main garden when he's on his own  and it neatly separates the main garden from my kitchen garden.

40 tonnes of heavy clay was dug out and replaced the first week of the build. This has given the new plants ample time to develop.

The design of the garden has included an enlarged patio with paving linking each side of the main garden, preventing muddy sections. The pergola is already a stunning feature, with it only going to get better as the evergreen jasmine develops over time it.

At every stage of the work, Miles and his team were completely professional, with especial thanks to Terry for his choice of plants. Over 95% of them have thrived, which I have been told is very high when absolutely everything is new!

In June I was invited to open my garden for our village open gardens day. The compliments from everyone who came were lovely, though I had to point out it wasn't my work but the work of the Leicester Landscaping Company. Many thanks to them.
  
 
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   Jordan James 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such an amazing experience with Miles and his team at The Leicester Landscaping Company. From our very first conversation, they made us feel completely at ease and genuinely excited about what was possible for our garden. We asked them to design and build a space that felt like an extension of our homeâ€”and they absolutely delivered.
The whole team was fantastic to work withâ€”friendly, professional, and clearly passionate about what they do. They really listened to what we wanted and came up with a beautiful, practical design that included a stunning patio area and a gorgeous pergola. The attention to detail throughout the construction was second to none, and the finished garden looks exactly like the plans, which is such a rare and wonderful thing to say!
We honestly couldnâ€™t be happier. Our garden has been completely transformed into a space we now use and enjoy every day. Itâ€™s stylish, functional, and feels truly â€œus.â€ Huge thanks to the whole teamâ€”we wouldnâ€™t hesitate to recommend The Leicester Landscaping Company to anyone looking to reimagine their outdoor space.
  
 
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   James Wood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We honestly canâ€™t speak highly enough of Miles and his incredible team from everyone in the office to the team on the ground. When they arrived to discuss our garden transformation, we knew we were in safe hands. Miles brought not only his years of experience vut a genuinely was passionate about the project and suggested ideas that we adapted and now love.

The design process was detailed, enjoyable and collaborative. Miles took the time to understand how we use our garden, what we loved and what we dreamed it could be. It wasnâ€™t just a garden makeover; it was a vision brought to life.

Once the build began, the teamâ€™s professionalism was second to none. Every member of the crew was friendly, respectful, and clearly took pride in their work. We were kept in the loop throughout the process, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. They worked with real care, precision, and attention to detail and it shows in the stunning end result.

The transformation is honestly breathtaking. Our garden has become our favourite space, and weâ€™re still blown away by how beautiful, functional, and full of character it is. Friends and family canâ€™t stop commenting on how incredible it looks.

Miles, thank you â€“ you and your team have given us more than a garden. Youâ€™ve created a space that truly feels like an extension of our home. We couldnâ€™t recommend you more
  
 
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   TP Golf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. âââââ
Iâ€™m so happy with my new garden â€“ it looks amazing! The whole process was super easy, especially with the design process, which made everything really straightforward and stress-free. Miles was brilliant to work with â€“ friendly, professional, and really understood what I was after. He made the whole project feel effortless. Couldnâ€™t recommend the team enough thank you so much!
  
 
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   Benjamin Marriott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldnâ€™t be happier with The Leicester Landscaping Company and the incredible garden design they created for us.

From start to finish, the team made the whole process feel effortless and stress-free. We wanted a low maintenance garden and they really took the time to understand what we were looking for, making us feel completely at ease with their friendly, professional approach.

The final design exceeded all our expectationsâ€”we now have a garden that not only looks stunning but is also practical and usable for everyday life. It truly feels like an extension of our home.

Would highly recommend Miles and his Team - thanks all!
  
 
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   Mike Ford 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So pleased with our new garden. Transformed a boggy mess (heavy clay soil) into a lovely relaxing space. The whole process from planning (Miles came up with some great ideas for us and the design images were so close to reality),  groundworks (removing 35 tonnes of clay and putting in drainage) to the final fixing were all painless.  The guys that did the work were great and it was amazing fo see the transformation happen before our eyes.  We would highly recommend 'The Leicester Landscaping Company'