Paving Materials
Paving Materials 

Before one starts paving anything, many factors have to be considered. One has to decide what the overall look of what you are paving should be and ensure it matches its surroundings.

Aside from that, one has to consider what exactly they are paving. Many of the elements change can depend on the project itself based on what is being paved. One of these elements is the paving material.

Although you have free reign over the creative side of your garden’s paving plans, you should be careful with your chosen paving materials. If you have no clue what paving material to choose, read this guide on choosing suitable paving materials for your garden.


Which Patio Paving Material To Pick?

One can be surprised to note that there are many choices for patio paving materials. The burden of choice may lead to analysis paralysis, making one unable to choose.

Consider several factors first to help guide you in making the right choice. One, consider the weather in your area. Make sure your paving material of choice can last no matter what weather conditions come down on your home.

Aside from that, consider how much pressure the paving material will be experiencing. Whether it will be dealing with a lot of foot traffic or the weight of cars, some paving materials are better for withstanding pressure than most.

Lastly, do consider your budget. Some paving materials will definitely cost more than others due to multiple factors. Identify how much you are willing to spend, especially if you might have to buy extra paving materials than initially thought.

On that note, which patio paving materials are available, and what are their qualities?


Sandstone Paving

Sandstone paving is one of the cheaper options as a paving material. Given its ecru or sandy hue, it is an attractive paving material, hence the name. Aside from that, its shades have subtle changes that make for a pretty pattern.

This kind of paving is durable enough and, when well-maintained, can last for a relatively long time. It is environmentally friendly and biodegradable, too, so it is a greener choice for many people.


Sandstone paving can also be easily shaped, so if you want to customize this, you will have an easy time doing so. On that note, its softness also means it is prone to dents, so take note of that.

Sandstone paving is not recommended for areas that get rained on frequently. This paving is porous, so it can absorb water during rainy days, get water damage and be slippery. Also, its porousness makes it dirty faster than other paving materials.

Gravel

Speaking of cheap paving material, gravel is another affordable paving material option for your patio. Although higher price tags exist for other gravel variants, it is still relatively more inexpensive than others.

Aside from being relatively cheaper than other paving materials, it is also easier to install. Plus, you will not have to worry about drainage issues of gravel. All of these pros are the reasons why gravel is a popular choice for patio pavements.

Although there are many benefits to using gravel as a paving material, there are also downsides. People have one issue with using gravel for their garden paving: it tends to accrue weeds quickly.

Aside from that, gravel is an inexpensive choice, and it shows. It is not the most attractive of paving options and is best used for more informal-looking gardens. The weeds that may sprout around it do not help, either.

Before using gravel, make sure that you keep the design in mind because a polished home with gravel paving in the patio may not suit well if carelessly used.


Slate

Slates are a more expensive paving material choice for your patio. However, they offer numerous benefits to people. One benefit of using Slate as a paving material is its attractiveness.

Its deep blue colors and soft texture make for an attractive look on your patio. If you are looking to up the look of elegance in your garden, then Slate is a good choice for that.

Aside from that, Slate absorbs less water, so it won’t suffer from any water damage. Aside from that, it won’t receive as much damage as other paving materials when it comes to chemical spills, either.

Although this is the case, it could be better in weather conditions that change from freezing to thawing patterns. This weather condition can chip away at this paving material, so there may be better choices for people who live in this kind of weather.

Granite

All the previously mentioned paving materials must be included in one aspect that Granite paving material addresses well. This aspect is durability.

It is very weather-resistant and is a strong material. Given this fact, it is much more expensive than the other options. Aside from that, its durability makes it hard to shape.

Another benefit that Granite paving material provides is its numerous color options. With these color options, you have excellent design scheme options for your garden paving, thus making Granite a great way to accentuate your garden.

Concrete Pavers

Another popular paving material for your garden is concrete. Much like Granite, Concrete paving is a durable option that can survive for a long time no matter the weather conditions.

Aside from durability, concrete provides a lot of stylistic options for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for a different color or texture, concrete offers you a wide range of styles.

Durability is one of many things that it has in common with Granite. There are more affordable options out there. Aside from that, it can also be challenging to maintain because it is a porous material.

Bluestone

Bluestone is a more expensive variant of paving material in this list. Due to the difficulty of the installment, Bluestone costs more than your average paving material.

Although it costs a lot, Bluestone paving material is an excellent addition to any patio because of its timeless elegance. It can match well with anything and can withstand considerable foot traffic.

Do note, however, that it can still get dinged up. Plus, Bluestone stains quite quickly and may also need a sealant, so consider this when choosing Bluestone.

There are many choices of paving materials for your patio; the right one will depend a lot on your environment, needs, and tastes. Read through the listed paving materials above and identify which elements match well with your needs.

Paving materials are an essential aspect of an attractive home. If you want durable and attractive paving materials, http://www.firth.co.nz/ can help you get the suitable paving material for your home.