Your Ultimate Guide to Paving

When it comes to hard landscaping, there are a few materials that can elevate and transform an outdoor space. But then came along stone paving! Stone and paving offer a stunning and durable alternative for those who avoid a natural turf finish.

At GDT&S, we’ve helped countless homeowners and landscaping professionals choose and install the right stone surfaces for their domestic and commercial projects. So, we’ve decided to pull our expertise into one ultimate guide – this one! Providing pros and cons, stone recommendations and step-by-step installation guides to get the most from your paving project.

Content Overview

• What is paving?
• Why choose stone paving?
• Paving Types:
  • Natural Stone
  • Porcelain
  • Cobble Setts
• Paving installation guide
• When to install pavers
• How to maintain pavers
• Speak to the experts

What Do We Class as ‘Paving’?

Paving refers to the installation of stone or brick materials as a ground cover. Various types of stone can be used as paving, including limestone, sandstone, cobbles, and granite, so there’s a style of stone to suit every garden design! The most common places where paving is used are:

• • Domestic and commercial patios
  • Driveways
  • Pathways
  • Border edges
  • Stepping stones
  • Outdoor kitchen setups

Why Choose Stone Paving?

As a hard landscaping material, paving offers extremely durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting solutions for landscaping. They also give you guaranteed longevity, aesthetic appeal and versatility. So, it’s obvious why paving is a popular choice! The right stone paving can comfortably:

• • Handle high foot traffic and garden furniture
  • Withstand heavy vehicle traffic
  • Provide multiple colours, textures and patterns
  • Create a solid, stable base for structures or furniture
  • Minimise maintenance
  • Add convenience and value to your property

Paving Types: The Advantages, Challenges & Ideal Settings

Before ordering your premium paving slabs or diving into how to install paving, let’s first look at the paving options available and which one works best for you.

Natural Stone

Indian Sandstone, Indian Limestone & Natural Granite

Pros:

• • Timeless and authentic aesthetic
  • Variations in texture and colour to match your style
  • Hard-wearing and durable when properly installed
  • Can withstand extreme weather conditions

Cons:

• • Variations in texture and colour (if you’re looking for uniformity)
  • Some types may be more porous and require sealing
  • A heavier option may cause installation complications

Where to install natural stone:

• • Garden patios, courtyards and terraces
  • Paths, walkways, steps and stepping stones
  • Seating or alfresco dining areas
  • Driveways

Porcelain Paving

Catherine Stone, Raj Green, Saga Black & more

Pros:

• • Uniform look and more consistent sizing
  • Low water absorption gives them higher frost resistance
  • Easy to clean with minimal staining
  • Slim profiles available for lighter slab weight when installing

Cons:

• • It can be more expensive
  • Risk of chipping or cracking if not installed correctly
  • Can be easily marked or stained if not sealed properly

Where to install porcelain paving:

• • Contemporary settings and modern garden designs
  • Patios, roof terraces or balconies
  • Around pools (when using slip-resistant porcelain)
  • Areas where staining is a concern (for example, under BBQs or grills)

For more insights into porcelain paving, head to our blog on the Benefits of Porcelain Paving Slabs. You can also read our guide on How to lay Porcelain Paving.

Cobble Setts

Kandla Grey Sandstone & Black Limestone

Pros:

• • Classic, rustic look with olde-worlde charm
  • Strong, durable paving surface
  • Ideal for unique shapes, sizes and designs
  • Easy to blend with existing period paving

Cons:

• • Can cause uneven surfaces
  • Joint movement can be an issue, resulting in weed growth
  • More labour-intensive to lay correctly

Where to install cobbled setts:

• • Driveways, entrance areas or vehicle access areas
  • Garden paths and walkways
  • Around water features
  • Cute courtyards seeking a rustic feel

For detailed step-by-step instructions on installing cobble setts, head to our How to Install Cobble Setts guide.

How To Correctly Install Paving in Your Landscaping

Let’s break down the different types of paving and the best steps to lay your paving material effectively. No matter which type of paving you’re installing, the first step is always the same. And it’s the most important step…preparation!

Step 1: Design & Plan

Mark out the area you want to pave. Use string lines and pegs to mark the specific space. Remember to include a gradual slope away from structures or properties to aid adequate drainage.

Step 2: Excavate

Remove any turf, topsoil, vegetation or existing stone from the area you’ve marked out. When digging, consider the depth of your slabs plus 100mm of crushed stone for the subbase, and 20 to 30mm for a bedding layer.

Step 3: Reinforce the Edges

To give your pavers the best chance, reinforce their foundations with a robust edge. Place bricks or concrete slabs around the edge of the area you’re excavating. This will create a frame for your pavers and help prevent them from shifting.

Step 4: Subbase Installation

Type 1 MOT or crushed stone make for a sturdy and adequate subbase for paving. Lay approximately 100mm for patios and walkways. Driveways require a little more at 150mm. Level the crushed stone and compact it into place to create a solid and even surface.

Step 4: Levelling Layer

This is also referred to as the bedding layer. This is when you apply a layer of sharp sand to help aid drainage and reinforce your paving’s foundation. As a general rule, add 30-50mm when using natural stone or cobbles. A thinner base of 20-30mm is suitable for porcelain.

Step 5: Laying Your Pavers

Paving slabs can be heavy! Be careful when moving and laying down each one. Remember to wear protective clothing such as steel-toe-capped boots, gloves and knee pads. You can also speak with GDT&S to arrange for your paving slabs to be delivered as close as possible to minimise handling of each slab.

Choose a corner to lay your first slab. If you’re following a pattern, have that to hand. Once it’s laid, tap the slab into place with a rubber mallet and use a spirit level to ensure consistency as you go. If any slabs appear uneven, carefully lift and adjust the sand until they sit level. Repeat this process with your remaining slabs, using spaces to leave a 5-10mm joint between each slab. Once the slabs are in place, use a plate vibrator on paving blocks to help compress them into place.

Step 6: Jointing/Pointing

Once your paving slabs are in place, it’s time to joint them! Paving grout, such as our Azpect EasyJoint range, helps strengthen paving slabs and prevent movement over time. It also suppresses weed growth and provides a smart, professional finish. Simply mix the EasyJoint with water and sweep it into place.

Step 7: Sealing Your Paving

Porous pavers, such as natural stone and concrete, naturally absorb water. Although this aids in water drainage and prevents surface water, over time, it can affect the appearance and integrity of the stone. This is when a stone sealant should be used. Products like Azpect EASYSeal help protect and preserve your paving installation.

Wait until your paving is fully dry, then spray the sealant evenly across the surface of your pavers. Apply generously and allow to dry before applying a second coat (if needed). It’ll need about 8 hours to fully cure. You can then have peace of mind that your natural stone pavers are ready to withstand whatever comes their way!

When’s the Best Time to Install Pavers?

You can install paving any time of the year! If the ground is frozen or waterlogged, we suggest delaying installation, as it’ll make the work harder for you.

Late winter and early spring are a great time – you’re already planning your spring garden, and you can get your paving in place before nature wakes up. The ground tends to be more malleable at this point, as well as more stable after wet winters.

You want to avoid heavy downpours so your paving grout can dry and cure thoroughly. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and pick a dry day. If it does rain, cover your paving to protect it.

How To Keep Your Pavers Looking Their Best

One of the main advantages of stone is its minimal maintenance! However, there are a few things you can incorporate into your garden routine to help them look and perform at their peak.

Natural Stone

• • Clean twice a year with a mild pH-neutral stone cleaner
  • Remove fallen debris promptly
  • Clean up spillages quickly
  • Remove weeds in joints before re-sanding or re-grouting
  • Avoid hard acid or alkaline cleaners

Porcelain Pavers

• • Sweep regularly
  • Wash with a mild detergent
  • Clean up spillages quickly with a non-abrasive sponge
  • Inspect joints for cracking or movement and repair promptly
  • Avoid hard acid or alkaline cleaners

Cobble Setts

• • Sweep and wash regularly
  • Remove weeds in joints before re-sanding or re-grouting
  • Inspect joints for cracking or movement and repair promptly

Speak to the Experts

Done right, paving can provide a beautiful, durable outdoor surface that elevates your garden for decades! By choosing the right stone for the job and following the correct installation process, you can ensure longevity and visual impact for your clients or your own garden.

If you have a project in mind, whether a patio, driveway or roof terrace, get in touch for our expert advice. Our team can help you pick the best type of stone and jointing grout for optimal results! You can also visit our stone display in St Alban and chat with our stone experts there.

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