What is the best paving stone? Pros and Cons of Each Type Explained

Jun 27, 2025

Picking a paving stone for the exterior of your home can be a tough choice, what with so many options and the fact that it can dramatically transform the space. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern patio, a cosy cottage-style path, or a durable driveway that can handle a busy home, there are plenty of decisions to be made.

With so many materials on the market, how do you know which one is the best?

The fact is, there’s no single “best” paving stone that’s ideal for every home. The choice comes down to multiple factors, such as budget, taste, maintenance, and how you use your garden. With that in mind, we’ve come to answer the question: What is the best paving stone?

We’ll be sharing the pros and cons of each type, including porcelain, concrete, and natural stones. Sharing advice on how they’re best used and where they’re best installed, helping you to make an informed decision for your next home improvement project.

Let’s get started…

Porcelain slabs

Porcelain paving slabs offer the benefits of a man-made tile with the beauty of natural stone. They come in a wide variety of designs, colours and finishes, so there are ample choices. And you can reap the benefits of having something that’s designed to last with minimal maintenance needed.

Pros	Cons
Low maintenance – resistant to staining, moss, and algae	Higher cost compared to other paving stones
Doesn’t fade in sunlight	Professional installation is recommended for the best results
Slip resistance, even when wet	Limited natural variation, which means it can feel too ‘perfect’ for rustic homes
Frost-proof	Difficult to cut, an extra blade is needed

Concrete block paving

Concrete block paving is a hard-wearing choice for the outdoor areas of your home. The real beauty lies in the character it brings to space. With a selection of colours, you can choose an option that suits your home’s style and keep everything looking uniform, whether you have a brick, rendered, painted, or pebble-dashed exterior.

Pros	Cons
Affordable and readily available	Can fade or discolour over time
Hard-wearing even under vehicles	Weed growth is possible
Comes in a wide range of colours, shapes and patterns	Can stain if not regularly sealed
Easily repaired – individual blocks can be replaced if damaged	Lacks the premium look of natural stone or porcelain

Natural stone paving

Natural stone paving is a timeless beauty, as every stone provides a distinct texture and hue. It’s nearly impossible to recreate this using artificial materials.

Whether you seek a classic, rustic appearance or something a little more sophisticated, a natural stone exists that will match your aesthetic. Here are the top natural stone paving choices:

Indian sandstone

Indian sandstone is a popular choice for paving, thanks to its affordability. It adds a warm, rustic feel to your home’s exterior with the unique, tonal variations and textures of the stone.

Pros	Cons
Affordable and widely available	It can fade if exposed to strong sunlight over time
Broad range of earthy colours	Some varieties are porous and will need sealing to prevent stains
Easy to cut and work with	Natural stone may come with imperfections like blotches
Long-lasting and will add value to your home	The surface can feel rough

Granite paving

Granite makes a great choice for paving stones, as it’s extremely durable and abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for walkways around your home. The timeless look, available in a range of colours and finishes, makes it a versatile choice for both classic and contemporary style gardens. The clean lines and consistent texture make it a go-to for high-end landscape designs.

Pros	Cons
Extremely hard wearing	More expensive than other natural stones
Non-slip even when wet	Hard to cut, as it’s really strong
Colourfast - retains its appearance for years	Labour-intensive as it is, so heavy
Sleek, upscale aesthetic	Microscopic holes can lead to staining if liquids are left to sit for a long time

Limestone paving

Limestone paving is ideal if you want a natural-stone paving for your home that gives you a consistent colour. Sandstone is made up of a blend of colours, whereas limestone is made up of much more consistent grains. These similar grains also allow for a smoother finish compared to other natural stones. With limestone paving, you get a softer, more muted finish compared to other stones.

Pros	Cons
Even colours to create a uniform look	Susceptible to colour fade if not properly maintained
Very easy to cut and work with	The colour palette is limited
Naturally non-slip	Prone to acid damage
Very fine texture for a soft-looking finish	Look out for acid in your patio cleaners

Slate paving

Slate is a metamorphic stone that forms in layers; therefore, it’s always best to buy calibrated slate for your exterior. The rich colours and distinctive surface texture help to create a beautiful contrast in your garden design. It’s a durable stone choice and naturally slip-resistant, which is why it’s a great choice for paving.

Pros	Cons
Bold, striking colours like charcoal, black, and purple	Can be brittle if not sourced from a quality supplier
Rich texture with a natural, layered look	Needs sealing to help protect from water absorption and flaking
Slip resistant and low glare - ideal for shady spots	Water can pool on the surface if the layers flake off

Factors for choosing the best paving stone

How it looks, it’s just one aspect when it comes to choosing the right paving stone for your home. In fact, these are the key factors that you should consider before you make your choice:

Aesthetics

The style of your garden will play a part in choosing the right pavement. If you want a crisp, contemporary look, then porcelain or granite would be the best choice. If you’re after something a little more timeless, then Indian sandstone or limestone looks beautiful in traditional or rustic settings.

Budget

Concrete block paving is a budget-friendly option, but it requires more maintenance over time. On the other hand, while you’ll pay more upfront for the other paving stones, they’re much more long-lasting and low maintenance. Consider what you’d like to invest now and in the future.

Durability

Gardens in the UK face many different weather conditions, with rain, frost and the occasional heatwave. Choosing a paving stone that will withstand the elements is important. Driveways and high-traffic areas are best with a tougher paving stone like granite or concrete, while sheltered patios are fine with more delicate finishes.

Maintenance

How much time and effort are you willing to put into maintaining your paving? Porcelain is the low-maintenance choice, while sandstone and slate will benefit from regular sealing to keep them looking their best. Block paving could potentially need regular weeding if it's not sealed properly.

Installation

Some paving materials, such as concrete blocks or Indian sandstone, are DIY-friendly. However, if you’re installing porcelain or granite, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to get a proper base and quality finish. Poor installation can affect the quality and durability of your stone in time.

So, what is the best paving stone?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the best paving stone for your home. It ultimately comes down to your personal taste, what you want to create, and how you plan to use the space. Whether you’re after a modern, low-maintenance patio or a charming, traditional path, there’s a paving type to match.

Here’s a quick summary by garden style:

Modern minimalist: Porcelain or granite
Rustic/traditional: Indian sandstone or limestone
Budget-conscious: Concrete block pacing
High-traffic durability: Granite or sealed concrete
Shady areas: Slate paving

At Ovation Landscaping, we understand the transformative power of the right surface and want to help you achieve it. From choosing materials to expert installation, we offer bespoke solutions tailored to homes across the North West. Get in touch with Ovation Landscaping for expert paving advice.