The NB Guide To Garden Paving

The best patio paving material depends on your style, budget and how you plan to use it.

• Porcelain paving slabs are ultra low maintenance, non-porous and durable, so they’re the perfect choice for patios with heavy use.
• Classic Limestone and Indian Sandstone  offers a timeless look. Moreover, each slab is unique, adding to the natural charm and character of your outdoor space.
• Chelmer Valley Clay paving is strong, durable, colourfast and slip-resistant. You can also create some stunning designs with it – see our Blog on Clay Paving Patterns.
• Block paving is durable and good for driveways, edging or smaller patio areas.

Find more about Garden Paving Ideas for 2026, natural stone vs porcelain paving, a Spotlight on Indian sandstone paving and a clay pavers Q&A in the NB Blog.

Image credit: Built By WCL Estates | Photography by Creative Commercial Photography 

Below is a simplified explanation of how to lay patio paving slabs, for your information:

1. Excavate the area to the required depth, usually 150–200mm.
2. Add sub-base & compact in layers to create a stable foundation.
3. Lay a full mortar bed of sand/cement mix, not spot bedding.
4. Place slabs the joint gap desired depending on the type of paving slabs used.
5. Use spacers for porcelain or precise installations.
6. Tap slabs level using a rubber mallet.
7. Grout or joint the patio paving once set, after 24 to 48 hours.

However, we would always recommend that professionals undertake this work, to ensure longevity and reduce the risk of wobbling, cracking and drainage issues. Indeed, please get in touch for contact details of local patio paving slab installers.

Image Credit: Built By CJA Bespoke Landscaping

Costs can vary depending on the materials and labour, but here are quick links to browse the prices of materials for each:

• Porcelain paving prices
• Indian Sandstone prices
• Limestone paving prices
• Chelmer Valley clay pavers prices
• Block paving prices

Labour prices depend on your ground conditions, patterns, cutting, edging, drainage and waste removal. Get in touch for contact details of local patio paving slab installers.

Image credit: Built by Baikie Landscape Construction

Start by sweeping the area thoroughly to remove loose dirt, leaves and debris. Once the surface is clear, mix water with a suitable cleaning product (if unsure contact us for advice on the right cleaning product for your paving) in a bucket and apply it across the slabs. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the paving, working the mixture into the surface to lift grime. When you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse everything well with clean water to wash away residue.

For a deeper clean, use a specialist patio slab cleaner designed for the material of your paving, because each type requires slightly different care. Apply the cleaner in according to the manufacturer’s instructions, giving it time to work. Scrub again if needed and then rinse thoroughly.

Pressure washing is another option, but it must be done carefully. Porcelain can handle pressure washing well, but natural stone slabs should be cleaned with lower pressure to avoid damaging the surface. In all cases, avoid blasting the joints directly and keep the nozzle at a 45-degree angle, at least 30cm from the slabs, to prevent dislodging pointing or joint compound.

Always avoid using bleach on limestone, because it can cause permanent yellowing or surface damage. Please get in touch for more information on cleaning your paving.

Image credit: Built by Totem Landscapes

The most common causes of wobbly patio paving slabs are:

1. The paving being laid on spot bedding rather than a full mortar bed.
2. Not using a priming slurry to bond the mortar bed and the paving slabs.
3. An inadequate sub-base or one that wasn’t compacted properly.
4. Soil movement or poor drainage.
5. Incorrect jointing that has washed out over time.

Fixing the problem usually involves lifting the affected patio paving slabs and relaying them on a proper bed.

6. What is the best base for paving?

A durable paving installation is important to prevent movement, sinking and cracking. A properly prepared base will include:

1. MOT Type 1 sub-base
2. A sharp sand/cement full mortar bed
3. Priming slurry for all slabs to improve adhesion.

Indeed, we would always recommend that professionals undertake this work.

The longevity of different outdoor paving materials’ lifespans depends on the installation quality and maintenance, but as a general rule:

• Porcelain paving should last from 30 to 50+ years.
• Sandstone & Limestone paving should last 20 to 40 years.
• Chelmer Valley clay pavers should last 50 to 100 years.
• Block paving should last 20 to 40 years.

8. How to stop weeds growing between paving slabs?

1. Use a high quality jointing compound that hardens (two parts epoxy resin, cement resin flex grout or sand and cement).
2. Ensure a full mortar bed underneath so weeds can’t grow from below.
3. Apply weed killer to existing growth before re-grouting.
4. Keep the surface clean to reduce airborne seeds settling.

Weeds usually grow from wind-blown seeds, not from underneath patio paving slabs, so maintaining joints is key.

Image credit: Designed by OK Lister Garden Design | Built by The Team Landscapers