Concrete Paving
Concrete paving slabs can be used to create functional outdoor surfaces for patios, walkways or driveways.
Giving you the look of sandstone, limestone or porcelain paving but without the price tag - concrete paving slabs are an extremely cost-effective way to transform your garden.
Stone Warehouse stocks a stunning range of concrete paving slabs with lots of colours and styles to choose from. We also offer nationwide UK delivery on all orders.
Here is an overview of our concrete paving slabs to guide you. If you need any further assistance about your purchase please drop us a message using our website live chat or contact us here
Concrete Paving Slabs: An Overview
If you’re lucky enough to have any outdoor space, it’s essential to make the most of it especially as spending time outdoors can have excellent benefits for our health and wellbeing.
But with the average garden makeover costing between £5,000 and £10,000, there isn’t always room in the budget to opt for the most expensive materials. One way to cut costs and still end up with a fantastic looking patio is to use concrete paving slabs rather than natural stone, porcelain or block paving.
Replicating all your favourite natural stone styles such as sandstone, limestone, porcelain and granite - concrete paving slabs can give you the designer look you crave for your new garden but at a fraction of the cost.
Using a concrete slab offers up endless styles and colours, including grey, cream, yellow and brown. So whether you’re in search of a patio for a traditional property, or want to opt for something contemporary, you’ll find the perfect concrete paving slabs to suit your project right here on our website!
Concrete Slabs Usage Ideas
Whenever you are in search of a hardscaping material that will offer practicality, paving slabs make for a top choice. Concrete slabs are extremely versatile and can handle heavy foot traffic along with various weather conditions.
Here are some of the ways to put our concrete patio packs to good use!
Paths & Walkways
Every garden or driveway can benefit from a level surface to walk on. For pushchairs and wheelchairs especially, it’s essential to have a smooth surface for any wheels to comfortably go over, and concrete slabs offer exactly that. As you can prepare the ground and use a spirit level to ensure a level base, concrete pavers can be used to improve any current impractical or uneven paths in your garden. We also stock a fantastic range of border edging products to line any paths or walkways.
Garden Entertaining Areas
Do you know what also can benefit from a hard standing area? Your outdoor patio tables, BBQs, egg chairs, plant pots and anything else you like to keep outdoors! In particular, concrete slabs or concrete flags can be used to make highly practical entertaining areas in your garden. You can either install concrete slabs to capture the best of the sunlight, or even build a custom pergola in a cosy corner and use the concrete slabs as a flooring option.
Check out our garden furniture range and treat your garden to a full makeover!
Concrete Paving Slabs Benefits
Makes an instant visual improvement to your outdoor spaces - Concrete paving slabs are available in a stunning range of colours, including grey, cream, yellow and brown. Whatever fits your aesthetic, the finished look will add some serious kerb appeal (or back garden appeal!) to your property.
Provides a level and even surface in your garden - Never underestimate how useful a flat surface can be for walking on or even for placing garden furniture on top of. If you’re tired of sinking into the ground or having a rocking coffee table, concrete slabs installed using a spirit level could hold the answer! (Make sure there is a slight fall for water drainage)
Versatile styles that mimic expensive natural stone - If your budget doesn’t stretch to using real limestone, slate, granite or sandstone, concrete slabs can give you the same look without the hefty price tag. So whether you want to create a modern garden design or something more contemporary, there really is a perfect style for every project.
Can provide decades of use - Research suggests the lifespan of a concrete slab can be as much as 100 years! While we can’t make any promises, the correct installation and maintenance of your concrete paving slabs can mean they last for many years if not many decades.
Ideal for mixing and matching with other landscaping or hardscaping features - If you’re looking to transform your garden, why stop at concrete paving slabs?! On our website, you’ll find accessories to compliment your concrete slabs including other types of paving slabs, edging, circular patio kits, sleepers and stepping stones.
Comparing Concrete Paving Slabs With Other Material Choice Options
Similar to renovating the inside of your home, there’s a lot to consider when deciding how to design your garden, and ultimately, which materials best fit your requirements.
What we know about concrete paving slabs is that they are a practical surface for paths, and walkways. They also offer a cost-effective option compared with using natural stone, as concrete slabs mimic the look of various stone types.
Sometimes you might even want to combine concrete paving slabs with other paving types or even gravel, chippings and other hardscaping materials.
But here are some of the signs that for this part of your project, concrete paving slabs are the right choice.
Natural Stone Vs Concrete Paving
Stone Warehouse stocks both natural stone paving as well as concrete paving. Concrete slabs will work best for you if you are looking for a budget-friendly option over using real stone. Likewise, if natural stone would be impractical due to unsuitable conditions in your garden or the required upkeep.
Why Opt For Paving Over Gravel Or Decking?
Similar to the choice of opting for concrete paving rather than natural stone paving, there’s no one right answer over whether to opt for paving, gravel or decking - instead it’s important to think about what’s going to be best for your project and budget specifically including the level of maintenance you can tolerate.
We’ve established that paving offers a level and practical surface that’s excellent for walkways, driveways and entertaining areas within your garden. So let’s check out the competition!
Gravel - Gravel can also be walked on, although after a certain size (above 20mm) gravel becomes difficult to walk on. Also, gravel may prove impractical for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Gravel can of course work fantastically, and be used for decorative use alongside your concrete pavers. But pavers offer that flat, hardstanding, level and practical surface wherever needed.
Decking - While decking can also look beautiful, the main issue is decking requires a lot of upkeep to maintain its structural integrity and appearance. If you don’t want to undertake constant cleaning and maintenance, and instead want to be able to enjoy potentially decades of use, then concrete pavers offer a far more durable alternative.
From £399.50 inc VAT (£29.51 per m2)
From £355.50 inc VAT (£29.38 per m2)
From £219.00 inc VAT (£35.61 per m2)
From £399.50 inc VAT (£29.51 per m2)
From £289.00 inc VAT (£23.88 per m2)
From £269.50 inc VAT (£24.15 per m2)
From £269.50 inc VAT (£24.15 per m2)
From £205.50 inc VAT (£76.39 per m2)
From £279.50 inc VAT (£36.73 per m2)
Concrete Paving FAQs
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about all things paving slabs made of concrete below.
If you don’t see your query, the Stone Warehouse customer service team is only a call or a click away. Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call on 01629 636 212.
You can also follow us over on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or YouTube.
Or check out our inspiration page where you’ll find helpful guides on how to make the most out of your garden, plus hints and tips on how to use concrete paving slabs and much more.
How To Lay Paving Slabs
Head over to our how to lay a patio guide where we explain the steps involved in good detail. To summarise the steps, start by designing how your patio will look and mapping out the space. Dig out the ground and then prepare the ground by laying a sub-base, making sure there is a fall. Mix up your mortar and lay it where your paving stones will go. Add each paving stone on top and tamp down, ensuring each stone is level and even as you work. Leave the paving slabs to set for 24 hours and then add pointing in between the joints.
How To Cut Paving Slabs
A circular saw with water suppression is the most recommended tool to cut through paving slabs as it offers excellent precision. However, it is sometimes possible to use a hammer and chisel to cut slabs by hand. Cutting a stone while wet will reduce the toxic silicosis debris and dust generated. Make sure you take all relevant safety precautions and if you’re not confident, ask a professional to do it for you.
How To Clean Concrete Patio Slabs
Concrete paving slabs should be cleaned with a stiff brush and hosed down with water. Alternatively, various concrete slab cleaning products exist to eliminate algae, lichen, fungi and bacteria with less than 5% acid content to avoid erosion. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your concrete patios looking their best.
How To Grout Paving Slabs
EASYJoint Select keeps the convenient sweep-in application method that made EASYJoint Original a favourite. It’s simple to use and quicker than traditional techniques. Just wet the paving, brush in the compound, and finish the joints for a flawless, professional result every time.
Browse EasyJoint Products here
Can You Pave Over A Manhole?
You absolutely can pave over a manhole in your garden. In fact, creating a custom manhole cover using your paving can create a cohesive look.
You will need to purchase a recessed drain cover and ensure that ease of access to the drains is still maintained. That’s because you can redesign the look of manhole and drain covers, but not build anything which would block access to the important structures which lie beneath. Seek advice if you have any concerns about paving over or near drainage before you begin your project.
Is It Cheaper To Do A Concrete Patio?
Concrete can offer a cost-effective option compared with using natural stone patio or concrete block paving. Also, concrete slabs offer excellent surface area meaning you can cover a lot of ground quite easily. You should also take into consideration any labour costs when creating your patio budget.
Is Concrete Good For A Patio?
Yes! Concrete is fantastic for patios as it provides a level and functional surface to walk or sit on. Concrete patio slabs are available in lots of different colours making them highly versatile too.
Are Concrete Paving Slabs Any Good?
Concrete paving slabs are more than good, they are fantastic! Concrete slabs offer excellent versatility, as a highly practical outdoor surface material. They are a fantastic hard-wearing surface for garden paths, walkways and for adding a level ground base for seating areas.
Is Block Paving Cheaper Than Laying Paving Slabs?
On the whole, it is generally considered that paving slabs (especially concrete paving slabs!) are cheaper than block paving. But as with all building or landscaping jobs, there are some caveats which mean the answer isn’t always straightforward for example labour costs in your local area.