Are you looking to create the perfect patio with stone tiles? Then you have come to the right place. In this blog post we share stone tile design advice and inspiration. We also share tips on how you can decide the right area to pave in your garden. You can get some ideas of how to use your patio, if it needs to be non-slip and which style to choose. For all things stone tiles, this is a must-read blog post for you.
If you wanted to know more about each individual type of paving slab we stock, then you can check our main guide here: Types of Paving Slabs and Their Pros & Cons (Updated for 2023).
A patio with the right garden stone tiles can really transform a garden. Whether you live in an urban setting, a suburb or a quiet county village, stone tiles can really boost the kerb appeal of your home. If you are looking to redesign your outdoor space or even create a brand-new garden from scratch, our garden paving stones can offer you the exact finish you dream of for your outdoor paved space.
Masso Grey Porcelain Paving Slabs
Decide what space you want to pave
Before you start choosing your favourite garden flagstones, you need to think about where you will have the patio area in your garden. There are a few things you need to consider when thinking about what space you pave. Ideally it is somewhere accessible and away from the brunt of the weather that is likely to give it a battering in the colder months. This means you will be able to get maximum benefit and use of it.
It’s a good idea to choose an area of your garden that isn’t overlooked too. By choosing a more private area for your outside patio you are more likely to enjoy the space. To make an area more private why not consider a garden trellis or large plants to create the privacy you want. This will also introduce more greenery into your garden.
You may choose to have your patio area in the centre of your lawn. If this is the case, think about garden patio tiles to make a path or garden pavement from the door to the patio area. This will provide you, your family and guests with easy and safe access to the patio.
It’s important to think about the shape and size of your patio area that you will be paving. This will affect the size of the garden pavers you need and the amount of materials you need. In turn, this will affect your budget and the overall finish of you paved garden area.
Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone Paving Slabs
How are you going to use your patio?
When thinking about the shape and size of your patio, you also need to think about how you will use your patio. For example, do you want a seamless transition between the house and the garden. In which case you need to consider stone tile slabs that are similar to the flooring and colours in your home.
You need to think about if you want your patio to be in a sunny or shaded area. If you’re using your patio as an outdoor dining area, then you may prefer a shaded area. However, if you’d prefer a space to relax and sunbathe, you’ll want a sunny spot. Think about the colours of your garden tiles as darker colour outdoor flagstones will be hotter underfoot which may be uncomfortable in sunny spots.
Think about the overall look and feel of your garden too. Would you like more grass than paved areas, or would you prefer more patio than grass? Outdoor pavers with grass plants on can give you the happy medium you are looking for if a patio area and greenery are both important factors in your garden. You could also leave room for planting around your outdoor slabs, so it softens the edges of the patio area.
If you are using your patio as a dining area to entertain guests alfresco, or you would prefer to create an outdoor kitchen – size is important. The patio area needs to be large enough for the outdoor kitchen or any garden furniture, but also for guests to enjoy themselves and relax in the space too. You may opt for larger garden tiles if you have a larger outside patio area.
Think about who will be using the patio area too. If you have young children, we recommend you think about garden patio slabs with slip-resistance for their safety. Some stone tiles can even offer slip-resistance when wet – which is a huge plus if you’ll have a hot tub, swimming pool or paddling pool on or near your patio.
Rippon Buff Indian Sandstone Patio
How big will the stone tile area be?
Now you have thought about the size and location of your patio, you can think about the size of the stone tiles. If you have a small patio area, using smaller garden flagstones, or a random mix can make the patio area seem bigger. However, if you have a larger patio area, larger garden patio tiles will be more cost effective in terms of labour.
If you have a cottage garden, we recommend random sized garden pavers. These offer a more traditional look and feel. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to create a more contemporary feel in your garden, larger garden slabs will help you achieve this.
Maybe you are considering having a multi-use patio area. For example, garden tiles around your hot tub, an outdoor dining area and a space for the children to play. You can change direction of the outdoor flagstones to create different zones on your patio. Alternatively, you can use small cobble setts in the same stone or material as the outdoor pavers to gently separate the areas, while keeping it as one.
Kota Blue Limestone Paving Slabs
Do You Need A Non-Slip Patio Area?
If you have older people or young children using the patio area, we recommend a non-slip garden pavement. This will offer extra resistance underfoot for those that are more prone to slips or trips. If you have a hot tub or pool nearby, you may want to consider garden pavers that offer slip-resistance even when wet. This will offer extra safety for you, your family and your guests.
However, if you have a patio area that may collect water that could potentially damage your garden furniture, why not consider gravel or decking? This is a good alternative to garden slabs. If you love the look and feel of garden tiles, then you could always have gravel in between. This will help with the drainage of standing water.
Riva Cream Outdoor Porcelain Paving
Would you prefer a traditional or contemporary patio?
There are two main styles when it comes to outdoor patios. These are contemporary or traditional.
If you are looking to create a chic, modern and stylish looking patio area we recommend smooth sandstone, limestone or porcelain outdoor pavers as just a handful of good examples. However, if you are looking for a more traditional feel in your garden riven sandstone outdoor slabs work well, as do tumbled paving slabs.
One thing to consider when choosing the style of your outdoor patio area is your home. Your outdoor paving tiles and patio need to complement the style of your home. This is especially the case if you are looking to link your indoor living space with your outdoor patio area.
Should the paving match your house?
While we did say that your patio and garden tiles should complement your home, we didn’t say they need to match. That decision is up to you. Many homeowners choose garden landscaping and external structures that match reflect the style of the property, and blend into the garden. However, the choice is yours.
If you would like to reflect your property in your paved garden areas, then look at the colour of your home. Then choose garden patio slabs of the similar colours so they blend into the garden and match your home. Continue to the indoor colour theme of your home outside to create the perfect outdoor / indoor blended setting.
Does your home have a lot of red brick or clay tiles? Then similar colour sandstone garden flagstones will work really well at blending in with your property. If you have light coloured rendering that is more modern, we recommend granite garden patio tiles or natural stone garden paving.
However, if you would like something more modern that really stands out, why not go for the opposite for your home? Black stone tile slabs or polished white stones are a great way of making a statement while complementing the style of your home and keeping it contemporary.
Consider: Do you want and indoor-to-outdoor outdoor space?
This is a question we are often asked here at Primethorpe Paving. Many people want to open their kitchen into the patio area for an alfresco dining experience. This can work really well and actually help the indoor and outdoor areas look bigger too, when done right.
If you are looking to blur the boundary between your indoor and outdoor areas, we would recommend using the same materials and wall colours inside and outside your home. If you have dark wood flooring inside your home, darker sandstone garden flagstones to keep the dark reds and browns. If you have light colours and whites in your home, then opt for lighter garden patio tiles that keep the same shades as the inside of your home.
When thinking about garden pavement options for the outside of your home, from the inside, think about a textured finish to the garden pavers. This will offer extra grip. Choosing the same size garden slabs outside as the tiles inside will help create a seamless feel from inside to outside too. Make sure you consider weatherproof garden tiles too.
Planning permission consideration
There are no restrictions on the area of land you can cover with hard surfaces in your garden as long as it is near ground or ground level. However, if significant works of embanking or terracing is needed to support the hard surface, then planning permission may be required.
If you live in a listed building it is essential that you get listed building consent before any external works are completed. It is likely that the approval will be given if the outdoor flagstones match the style, look or age of the listed building.
In Conclusion - You already have the best person for the job. You!
It's an important thing for you to get right, but there is often no right or wrong answer. The right option for you is normally the one you are drawn towards. The only way you can really get this wrong is by trying to pick what you think is the correct option. As with most things, you can try to replicate styles and what's "in fashion", but trends come and go and really there is no replacement for simply going for something you love.
If you did want to discuss with someone, you can contact us via our live chat and one of our staff members will be more than happy to provide advice. You can bounce ideas off of them, and just give yourself a little more confidence that you are truly making the correct decision. The chances are - if you like it... it's the right decision!
