When you design a garden the hard landscaping will form the structure and back bone of the design. The choice of materials you use have as much importance in creating the look as the plants. For this blog I will concentrate on paving. There is a huge range of styles on the market and this is increasing each year as new materials are introduced. For a little more inspiration you could also take a look at my Pinterest board.
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This year’s hot slabs are sure to be porcelain, I have three samples from London stone and they are impressive. As hard as stone but light with several choices of finish. Not a budget option but if you want a paving that will last and can invest in your garden I would recommend this product.
With the porcelain any number of looks are possible even a timber finish without the problems that real timber brings. It is also a low maintenance option. This is definitely a contemporary style choice.
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Sandstone is at the budget end of the stone market but there are two different looks to this stone. You can choose the riven more rustic looking slab in a variety of colours to suit any garden. Find the right supplier though as some slabs are to thin to last any length of time.
The smooth sandstone slabs have a more contemporary look especially when they have been sealed. Sealing is recommended as this stone is porous and liable to stain. Use a good quality sealant and your paving will last a lifetime.
For a cottage garden look clay pavers are designed to look like brick but meant to be frost resistant. Be careful to get samples first though I have found there are huge differences in quality, some I wouldn’t recommend at all.
You can use old bricks but be sure to put a good drop on them so water doesn’t sit and freeze. This will extend their life span.
One option that can be used for either a traditional garden look or a contemporary look is slate. It comes in a variety of colours from the well known blue/black, rustic/copper and green/grey. It is naturally a riven stone although not as rough as sandstone so its a smooth paving slab. It resists stains so no sealant is needed.
Another option which can cross the boundary between traditional and contemporary is granite sets. They come in a variety of grey’s and red or pink. Filled with quartz it gives a good sparkle in the sunlight. The thicker setts can be driven on for a front garden option and the thinner setts are great for paths and paved areas.
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For something a little interesting why not try fossil buff sandstone or mandala limestone, these lovely stones have fossilized plants and creatures embedded in them.
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Yorkstone paving is a classic which conjures images of large English country homes and grand gardens. Reclaimed York stone will have all this history on its surface but the costs may not be in most people’s budgets.
I could go on but it simply isn’t possible to cover every choice in one blog if you would like more help in choosing the right slabs for your garden give us a call on 01692 535431. We install paving and patios throughout Norwich, Norfolk and Suffolk.
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