Pros of Natural Stone Pavers
Aesthetic appeal
Being entirely authentic, stone slabs create a genuine, timelesslook. Each slab is unique, with its own natural variations in colour, texture and pattern.
Design options
Stone pavers are available in a wide variety of shades, finishes, formats and materials. Limestone and sandstone are among the most popular choices, while other options include slate, granite and travertine. For most outdoor installations, we recommend paving with a thickness of between 20mm and 30mm, depending on the application and sub-base.
Durability
Natural stone is a hardwearing material that can last for decades when installed correctly. Some stones, like granite, are denser and more resistant to wear than softer stone varieties, like sandstone.
Practicality
Most stone pavers have a naturally textured surface, providing good slip resistance and grip underfoot.
Maintenance
Stone paving is easy to maintain. We recommend sealing the surface after installation with a suitable water-based protector to help guard against staining and moisture ingress. Regular sweeping and periodic cleaning with an appropriate detergent will help maintain the stone’s appearance and slip-resistant properties.
Eco-credentials
Stone is a natural building material that can be sourced responsibly and recycled at the end of its lifespan. Reclaimed stone paving is also available, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious projects.
Cons of Natural Stone Pavers
Moisture and UV resistance
Most natural stone is slightly porous and will benefit from protection against water, stains and general weathering to maintain its appearance and performance.
Pros of Porcelain Pavers
Aesthetic appeal
Modern porcelain paving has advanced considerably in recent years. High-quality pavers can accurately replicate the appearance of natural stone while offering a contemporary finish.
Design options
External porcelain tiles are available in a broad range of colours, sizes and finishes. Stone-effect and wood-effect designs remain particularly popular for landscaping projects. For external applications, a minimum thickness of 20mm is generally recommended.
Durability
Porcelain is exceptionally hardwearing and offers excellent resistance to scratches, stains, moisture, frost and UV fading.
Practicality
Textured outdoor porcelain tiles provide excellent grip underfoot. For outdoor use, look for products with an R11 slip-resistance rating or higher where appropriate.
Maintenance
Porcelain paving is extremely easy to maintain. Unlike natural stone, it generally doesn’t require sealing after installation. However, applying a pre-installation ‘barrier’ treatment can help minimise the risk of grout staining. Regular sweeping and occasional cleaning with a suitable detergent will help prevent dirt build-up and retain the tile’s aesthetic and performance features.
Eco-credentials
Porcelain tiles are manufactured from natural raw materials including clay, finely ground sand and feldspar. They contain no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and modern manufacturing processes can minimise waste and allow some materials to be recycled.
Cons of Porcelain Pavers
Paver depth
Unlike stone, the manufacture of porcelain pavers is standardised and most pavers are only available in 20 mm thickness. However, this is the standard thickness for outdoors and the uniform depth promotes an easy installation.
Stone vs Porcelain Paving: Which should you choose?
Both natural stone and porcelain paving are ideal for outdoors applications – and can provide a seamless floor finish from home to garden. Natural stone offers unmatched authenticity and unique character but typically requires a little more ongoing care to maintain its appearance.
Porcelain paving delivers outstanding durability, low maintenance and exceptional resistance to the elements, while still achieving a highly realistic natural look.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities, budget and personal style preferences:
- Choose natural stone if authenticity and individuality are your main priorities.
- Choose porcelain paving if you want a highly durable, low-maintenance surface with consistent colouring and performance.
