Types of Paving Slabs & Their Uses

Over 10 plus years of experience in the UK home and outdoor renovation, one of the most asked questions from the homeowners' side is: What type of paving slab should I choose for my patio, driveway, or garden?

Well, it's not a decision that you make very frequently, but paving slabs do define your personality and its age. Porcelain paving slabs are one of the most sought-after paving slabs in the UK. The right paving slab not only creates a surface to walk on but also makes it functional and stylish for your use. A well-chosen material will add value to your property, stand up to weather changes, and set the tone of your space design overall, whether indoor or outdoor. 

In this guide, we will walk you through different types of paving slabs, their pros and cons, and which paving material works best where. 

Concrete Paving Slabs

If you are searching for cheap paving slabs, concrete paving slabs are your go-to. Concrete slabs pavers may not be the first option that comes to mind, but they come in a variety of colour options and are much more affordable than other types of paving slabs for patios.

Best Uses of Concrete

Indoor

• Kitchen: They are durable, easy to clean, and bring the industrial chic to your home. 

• Utility rooms: They are sturdy and easy to wear and tear.

• Lofts: Creates a raw and modern feel to your lofts and extensions. 

Outdoor

Some of the best uses of concrete paving outdoors are in:

• Driveways: It withstands heavy-duty concrete slabs that withstand vehicle traffic. 

• Utility space: They are perfect for sheds and bin stores.

• Garden paths: they are easy to lay and replace.

Pros and Cons of Concrete Paving

Concrete slabs are one of the most budget-friendly paving options. They are available in a wide range of colours and finishes and are easy to replace if they break or wear out after many years of use. 

However, plain concrete can feel cold indoors if you have not installed underfloor heating. They will also need sealing if laid outdoors, as they can accumulate algae and can get damaged by frost if not sealed. 

Pro-Tip: For indoor projects, either choose polished concrete or if you only want the look of concrete, go for concrete-effect porcelain slabs, as they bring greater warmth and comfort to your home than the actual types of concrete paving slabs.

Natural Stone Slabs

Natural stone slabs have been a popular option for centuries for indoor and outdoor use. They are not only durable but also add character and uniqueness to your space. Some of the most practical uses of natural stone slabs are:

Natural Stone Uses

Indoor

• Hallways: Sandstone and limestone add a welcoming and rustic charm to your hallways.

• Living rooms with Fireplaces: If your living room has a fireplace, slate and granite will pair beautifully with hearths. 

• Bathrooms with Stones: Especially marble, give a spa-like luxury feel. 

Outdoor

• Garden Patios and Terraces: Sandstones are the most liked natural stones for rustic gardens, and granite for modern garden designs. 

• Pathways and Steps: They provide a safe walking experience and are extremely durable. 

• Feature Zones: You can use sandstones like Raj Green around pools, firepits, and seating areas, as it stands out very well. 

Pros and Cons of Natural Stone Paving

Natural stones, including indian sandstone, granite, and limestone, come in authentic and premium finishes. They are highly durable and age beautifully if properly cared for. 

However, they cost more than concrete and need sealing to fight against stains and frost. 

Pro-Tip: If you're using stone paving slabs indoors and outdoors, use the same type of stone slabs for both to create a seamless transition. 

Porcelain Paving

Porcelain paving slabs are an indoor and outdoor all-rounder. They are a designer’s dream. Porcelain pavement mimics all: wood, marble, concrete, and natural stone. They can be used in both places and remain timeless. Some of the most appropriate uses of porcelain slabs are:

Porcelain Paving Uses

Indoor

Indoor, it shines in:

• Open Plan Kitchens: They are resistant to spills and stains. 

• Bathrooms: They are highly resistant to moisture and are easy to maintain. 

• Hallways: They withstand heavy foot traffic. 

Outdoor

Outdoor porcelain slabs are best for: 

• Patios and Terraces: They look very sleek and modern

• Outdoor Dining Areas: They are stain-resistant, so you don't need to worry about wine or barbecue spills. 

• Small Gardens: Using light colour porcelain garden tiles makes your small garden feel bigger. 

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Slabs

Porcelain paving slabs have a porosity of 0.5% which means it is highly resistant to water, frost, and stains. This quality also makes them very low-maintenance. You can also find a huge variety of finishes, colours, and textures in them. Porcelain slabs 

However, they are very heavy and trickier to install, especially outdoors, as outdoors requires thicker slabs of 16mm to 20mm. They also cost more than concrete. 

Pro-Tip: If you want an indoor-to-outdoor seamless flow, porcelain slabs are ideal. Many UK suppliers, including Pave Direct, sell a range of porcelain paving specifically designed for seamless transitioning from indoor to outdoor slabs, ensuring colour consistency and weather resistance. 

Marble (Premium Stones)

Some natural stones are more expensive than others. These natural stones are the epitome of indoor luxury and outdoor statement. Here are some of the most common uses of these luxury stones:

Marble Tile Uses 

Indoor

• Bathrooms: Creates a luxury and spa-like retreat

• Living Room: Adds opulence to your floors and makes them look wider and brighter.

• Kitchen: Looks stunning but needs to be sealed against spills and stains. 

Outdoor

Seal your stones before using them outdoors

• Patios: They create luxury patios for high-end homes

• Garden Courtyards: These garden slabs give an elegant European feel to your garden

• Accent Areas: You can use them around pools, fountains, or outdoor kitchens.

Pros and Cons of Marble 

Marbles and other premium stones look very high-end and boost the property value. The unmatched natural veining and texture give a modern and luxurious look. If maintained properly, they are very long-lasting and give a good return on your investment. 

However, they are very expensive to purchase and install. Not only that, they require regular sealing indoors and outdoors. 

Pro-Tip: Use marble sparingly in your outdoor space. Combine it with more affordable paving slabs if you do not intend to blow your budget on paving only.

Reclaimed Slabs

Reclaimed paving slabs are a very eco-friendly option to add sustainable character to your home. There are ways you can use it in your space. 

Reclaimed Slab Uses

Indoor

Indoors, you can use these sustainable reclaimed slabs in:

• Rustic Kitchens: Slabs like reclaimed Yorkstone slabs are perfect for adding charm and heritage to your kitchen. 

• Conservatories: Reclaimed slabs look and feel already lived in from day one. 

• Farmhouse Interiors: They are perfect for flagstone floors and hallways. 

Outdoor

You can use the reclaimed paving in: 

• Cottage Gardens: They blend naturally and perfectly with greenery. 

• Period Properties: They help you maintain the authenticity of your heritage property renovations. 

• Eco-Conscious Projects: They lower environmental impact than new stones. 

Pros and Cons of Reclaimed Slabs

They are one of the most sustainable choices when it comes to paving. They are not only environmentally friendly but also add unique character and patina. They are far more cost-effective than premium and other natural stone options. 

However, you may not get a lot of size options, and most sizes are irregular. There is a very limited supply and availability of reclaimed slabs in the market.

Pro-Tip: As they come in irregular and mixed sizes, use this to your advantage to create a more authentic, rustic finish in your indoors and outdoors. 

How to choose the Right slab for your Indoor and Outdoor

You can not randomly pick a paving slab and call it a day. You need a lot more to consider in order to save yourself from future headaches and waiting time, and money again on choosing paving slabs. In order to get it right on your first try, consider the aspects below: 

Style

If you are going for a rustic style, choose indian sandstone or reclaimed slabs. For a modern minimalism, porcelain, polished concrete, and granite work best. For luxury, choose marble or travertine. 

Function

Looks are not the only thing to consider. Think about functions like durability and more. If you are about to use the space more frequently and it will receive high traffic, choose porcelain or granite. For bathrooms and outdoor kitchens, go for non-porous paving slabs like porcelain. For heritage properties, nothing can beat natural stone or reclaimed Yorkstone. 

Maintenance

Don’t have time to maintain your paving? No problem, porcelain has got your back. Concrete requires medium maintenance along with its price flexibility. One of the high-maintenance pavings is natural stone and marble. 

It is also important to inspect your paving slab from time to time and check for cracked or loose slabs. If you have loose slabs, you should know how to point paving slabs or hire an expert to do the job. 

Continuity

For a seamless indoor and outdoor flow, choose types of paving stones that can transition effortlessly. The effect of one floor from the kitchen to the patio is incredible!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some of the most common mistakes while choosing types of patio slabs that homeowners make that you can avoid in your next paving project:

• Using Indoor-only Slabs in Your Outdoor:  Not all stones are water and frost-resistant.

• Forgotten Underfloor Heating: Some floor tiles can feel colder underfoot indoors without it. 

• Skipping Sealing for Your Natural Stones: They need protection against natural elements in your outdoor space. 

• Choosing Style Over Safety is a Huge No-No: Check the slip resistance of paving slabs and go for textured tiles for your patios, garden paths, and bathrooms. 

To finish it up

Your paving slabs’ beauty lies in their versatility. You can use the same material in your kitchen and garden to create cohesion and extension in your living space, but you need to consider whether it is suitable for the use or not. 

In short, Concrete is one of the cheapest paving slabs, natural stones offer timeless, porcelain bridges your indoor and outdoor living, marble makes luxury statements, and reclaimed slabs bring sustainability and heritage character. It all depends on what you need. 

With thoughtful planning, the right paving slabs not only improve your home’s look but also change how you live in it. In your indoors and outdoors, paving slabs are the foundation of your personal style, functionality, and space that is enduring. But the first thing that matters is, does it reflect you? And you will know what you need to do.