How To Choose The Right Paving Materials

Paving Materials 

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

Aside from that, one has to consider what exactly they are paving. Many elements can depend on the project itself based on what is on the pavers, including 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. First, 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, consider your budget. Due to multiple factors, some paving materials will definitely cost more than others. 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?

Choosing the right paving materials for your project involves considering factors such as durability, aesthetics, cost, and suitability for the specific use and climate. Here’s a guide on selecting paving materials, with a focus on popular options like sandstone, gravel, slate, granite, and bluestone:

Factors to Consider When Choosing Paving Materials

1. Durability: How well the material withstands weather, foot traffic, and other wear and tear.
2. Aesthetics: The look and feel of the material, including color, texture, and style.
3. Maintenance: The level of care required to keep the paving in good condition.
4. Cost: Initial installation and long-term maintenance costs.
5. Suitability: Whether the material is appropriate for the specific use, such as patios, pathways, or driveways.
6. Climate: Consider resistance to freezing, water absorption, and heat tolerance, especially in extreme climates.

Popular Paving Materials

1. Sandstone Paving

• Appearance: Sandstone comes in warm, earthy tones like beige, yellow, brown, and red. It has a natural, rustic look, making it perfect for traditional gardens and outdoor spaces.
• Durability: Fairly durable but softer than granite and bluestone. Over time, sandstone weathers naturally, enhancing its character.
• Maintenance: Needs regular sealing to prevent moisture absorption and staining. It may require periodic cleaning to prevent algae and moss growth.
• Cost: Mid-range. It’s typically more affordable than granite but pricier than gravel.
• Best For: Patios, pathways, and garden paving, especially in warmer climates where freezing isn’t a concern.
• Pros: Warm, natural aesthetic, slip-resistant.
• Cons: Can absorb water and stain easily without sealing. Not ideal for freeze-thaw climates.

Paving Sandstone paving is one of the cheaper options. Given its ecru or sandy hue, it is attractive, hence the name. In addition, its shades have subtle changes that make for a pretty pattern.

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


Sandstone paving can also be easily shaped, so if you want to customize it, you will have an easy time doing so. However, 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. It is porous, so it can absorb water during rainy days, cause water damage, and be slippery. Also, its porousness makes it dirty faster than other paving materials.

2. Gravel

• Appearance: Comes in a wide range of sizes and colors, from small pea gravel to larger crushed stone. It gives a casual, informal look to paths and driveways.
• Durability: Very durable and low-maintenance. However, gravel may shift and need periodic raking to maintain an even surface.
• Maintenance: Minimal. Occasionally requires topping up or raking. Weeding may be needed if a weed membrane is not installed underneath.
• Cost: Low-cost, one of the most affordable paving materials.
• Best For: Pathways, driveways, and informal garden areas. Also good for drainage and erosion control.
• Pros: Low-cost, easy to install, permeable (good for drainage).
• Cons: Not ideal for high-traffic areas; may shift over time.

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

Gravel is a popular choice for patio pavements because it is relatively cheaper, easier to install, and does not have drainage issues.

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 accumulate 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.

3. Slate Paving

• Appearance: Slate has a smooth, sleek surface and comes in shades of grey, blue, black, and sometimes green. It has a contemporary, sophisticated appearance.
• Durability: Fairly durable, but can be prone to chipping and cracking if not handled carefully. Slate is softer than granite but more durable than sandstone.
• Maintenance: Requires sealing to protect against water damage and staining. Its dark color can show marks and dirt, so regular cleaning may be necessary.
• Cost: Mid- to high-range, depending on the type and thickness.
• Best For: Patios, garden paths, and pool surrounds where a modern look is desired.
• Pros: Smooth, luxurious appearance, slip-resistant if properly textured.
• Cons: Prone to staining if not sealed; can be expensive compared to other materials.

Slates are a more expensive paving material for your patio. However, they offer numerous benefits. One benefit is its attractiveness.

Slate's deep blue colors and soft texture make it an attractive choice for your patio. It is also a good choice if you want to add elegance to your garden.

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.

4. Granite Paving

• Appearance: Granite is available in a variety of colors, including greys, pinks, blacks, and whites. It offers a polished, high-end look.
• Durability: Extremely hard and durable, making it one of the toughest paving materials. Granite is resistant to scratching, weathering, and heavy foot traffic.
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance. Requires sealing to maintain its look and prevent stains, but it’s highly resistant to damage.
• Cost: High-cost due to its strength and premium appearance.
• Best For: Driveways, pathways, patios, and any high-traffic areas where durability is important.
• Pros: Highly durable, elegant look, resistant to weather and wear.
• Cons: Expensive, can be slippery when polished.

All the previously mentioned paving materials must be included in one aspect that Granite paving material addresses well: 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 of Granite paving material is its numerous color options. These color options give you excellent design scheme options for your garden paving, making Granite a great way to accentuate your garden.

5. Bluestone Paving

• Appearance: Bluestone, typically a form of sandstone or limestone, is known for its beautiful blue-grey hues. It has a classic, elegant look that complements both traditional and modern spaces.
• Durability: Very durable, especially if sourced from reputable quarries. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and weather extremes.
• Maintenance: Requires sealing to protect its surface from water and prevent fading. Regular cleaning will help maintain its appearance.
• Cost: Mid- to high-range, depending on the specific type of bluestone and source.
• Best For: Patios, walkways, and garden paths. Popular for pool surrounds due to its slip-resistant texture.
• Pros: Elegant appearance, slip-resistant, durable.
• Cons: Can fade or discolor without proper sealing; mid-to-high cost.

Choosing the Right Paving Material

For Patios and Outdoor Living Areas

• Best Materials: Sandstone, slate, and bluestone are ideal choices because of their aesthetic appeal and durability.
• Considerations: If you want a more casual or rustic look, sandstone or gravel is a good choice. For a modern, sleek aesthetic, consider slate or granite.

For Driveways

• Best Materials: Gravel and granite are excellent for driveways due to their durability and ability to handle vehicle traffic.
• Considerations: Granite offers a polished, high-end look, while gravel provides a more affordable and informal solution.

For Walkways and Garden Paths

• Best Materials: Gravel, bluestone, and sandstone are popular choices for pathways.
• Considerations: Gravel is an affordable and easy-to-install option. Bluestone and sandstone offer a more polished look and are easier to walk on.

For Pool Surrounds

• Best Materials: Bluestone and slate are good choices due to their slip resistance.
• Considerations: Both bluestone and slate provide an elegant, natural look while ensuring safety around wet areas.

Summary of Key Points

Material	Durability	Maintenance	Cost	Aesthetic	Best For
Sandstone	Medium	Moderate	Mid	Warm, rustic	Patios, paths, warm climates
Gravel	High	Low	Low	Casual, informal	Driveways, paths, garden areas
Slate	Medium	Moderate	Mid-High	Sleek, contemporary	Patios, modern gardens
Granite	High	Low	High	Elegant, polished	Driveways, high-traffic areas
Bluestone	High	Moderate	Mid-High	Classic, elegant	Patios, pool surrounds, paths

Each paving material has unique qualities, so your choice will depend on the specific needs of your project, the desired look, and the local climate.