Natural Stone Paving Slabs

Natural stone paving is stone that's been quarried out of the ground and cut into slabs for outdoor use. Nothing about it is moulded or pigmented. The colour and texture in each slab formed naturally over millions of years, which is why no two pavers ever look identical. Laid down, a natural stone patio looks like it belongs in the garden rather than like something that turned up on a pallet.

Porcelain is a manufactured product made from compressed clays fired at very high temperatures, which makes it dense, non-porous and extremely hard-wearing. Natural stone (sandstone, limestone) is quarried, so each slab is unique in colour and pattern. The practical differences: porcelain doesn't need sealing, resists stains and frost without effort, and has a consistent finish. Natural stone has more character and variation but needs sealing and more upkeep to look its best.

Concrete slabs are moulded and pigmented to imitate stone, so the pattern repeats every few slabs and the colour sits on the surface rather than running through the material. Natural stone doesn't repeat, because it isn't manufactured. Concrete is usually cheaper up front, but natural stone tends to hold its appearance better as it ages, since there's no colour layer to wear away.

Natural stone is laid on a full mortar bed, which is a mix of sharp sand and cement, over a compacted hardcore sub-base. The sub-base is the part people tend to rush, and it's what stops the slabs settling and rocking later on. Each slab is bedded onto the mortar and tapped down to level, with consistent gaps left for pointing afterwards. It's a job you can do yourself with a bit of patience. Our laying guide for beginners takes you through it properly.

It's fairly straightforward. Sweep it regularly so leaves and dirt don't sit on the surface and break down into a film, and give it a wash with warm soapy water a couple of times a year. For algae, moss or stubborn marks, a stiff brush and some elbow grease usually does the job. Go easy with a pressure washer. On a low setting and held back from the surface it's fine, but blasting natural stone at close range can pit the face and strip out the pointing. There's a full walkthrough in our guide to cleaning paving slabs.

For questions about delivery times, costs, returns, or anything else about your order, head over to our main FAQs page, where we've covered all the details.