Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or want to completely remodel your outdoor space, natural paving stones could be just the ticket! After enduring multiple lockdowns over the past few years, it has become more important than ever for us to spend time in nature and as a result, many of us have turned to our gardens to fulfil this growing desire. 

Traditional country house with natural stone patio

Embracing imperfect beauty has become a notable trend within landscape and interior design alike, as we strive to feel a deeper connection to nature. Natural materials strongly lend themselves to this trend due to their subtle irregularities and variations. Imperfect beauty is a trend far removed from the polished and sleek look of urban gardens that we once strived for. 

Natural paving lends itself to a multitude of functionalities; from extending your outdoor living space to adding depth to your landscape and creating focal points within your garden. The beauty of natural paving stones is that each is unique due to the natural variation in colour and texture.

With an abundance of high-quality paving stones to choose from, it can be a minefield choosing the right one to suit you and your space. We take a look at our range of natural paving so you can rest assured in the knowledge that you’re making the right choice.

Benefits Of Natural Paving Stones

  • Strong and durable 

Natural paving stones are inherently strong and durable as they have formed over thousands of years. Able to withstand harsh weather conditions and showing minimal signs of wear and tear, natural stone is an excellent paving choice for high-traffic areas such as patios, driveways and garden pathways alike. 

  • Low-maintenance

Maintaining outdoor paving is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding on the best material to suit your application. If you want a paving solution that you won’t have to replace every few years and will need minimal attention during its lifetime, natural paving stones are a great choice. A simple cleaning process of water is simply enough to enhance the natural appearance of your chosen paving. 

  • Natural beauty 

Not only are natural stones a brilliant practical solution, but they also look beautiful against colourful flowers and plants, providing a subtle contrast of colour and texture against flora and foliage to create a truly immersive experience of nature, in your own back garden. 

  • Cost-effective 

As mentioned above, natural paving stones don’t need to be replaced frequently and require little maintenance, saving both time and expense in the long run. You won’t need to repair and replace sections of your paving as no significant damage should occur due to their inherent robustness.

  • Value and character 

Natural paving adds charm, character and ultimately, value to your property. First impressions count. So having a beautifully landscaped driveway that will withstand the weight and traffic of a busy household and also ties in with the aesthetics of your property, is sure to capture the attention of potential buyers. 

Additionally, moving house can be an extremely stressful process so presenting your property with stunning paving materials that won’t need to be replaced anytime soon, can be a real selling point as buyers know they won’t have to put in much work soon after the move. 

Types Of Natural Stone Paving

Let’s delve into the various types of natural paving stones and see some examples of how they’ve completely transformed our customers’ gardens and outdoor spaces. We’re certain you’ll be as impressed with the results as we are!

Limestone Paving

Natural limestone paving is extremely durable and is available in a variety of beautiful colours and tones ranging from blue and yellow, all the way to black. Whether you prefer a light or dark paving stone, there are many options to choose from within our limestone paving range. 

Limestone is an extremely versatile material that can be used in pretty much any area of your choice; from driveways and patios to courtyards and pathways. Each limestone paving slab is completely unique in colour and texture due to how it has formed over millions of years on the seabed, providing a truly natural feel that looks harmonious against many traditional and modern properties alike. 

One of the main advantages of limestone is its non-slip surface that lends itself to areas that are prone to getting wet such as around swimming pools and water features. Not only that, it is also naturally frost resistant so is unlikely to get damaged during winter. Making it the perfect paving material for the drizzly UK climate!

Whilst limestone (like all-natural paving stones) doesn’t need much maintenance, it's always a good idea to familiarise yourself with best practices to ensure your paving lasts for years to come. 

crumbling patio terrace paving
Before
New patio terrace limestone paving in sunlight
After

Landscape garden designer Sarah Fletcher worked her magic on this rural home that wasn’t quite living up to its full potential. Fletcher chose our stunning Antique Honey Cathedral Paving stones to compliment the stone walls of the property whilst also respecting its long history and heritage. 

The naturally warm honey colour of the paving stones completely transforms the terrace from a dull and unkempt space to a much brighter, contemporary and chic aesthetic that remains in-keeping with the look and feel of this period property.

Find out more about this garden transformation right here. 

Sandstone Paving

Natural sandstone is an inherently hard-wearing and durable stone that provides a beautiful and natural look which is particularly well-suited to patios, paths and driveways. 

Similarly to limestone, sandstone paving is naturally weather-resilient and absorbs little water. However, the porosity of sandstone varies depending on the lightness or darkness of the stone and the lighter the colour, the more porous it will be. It can become slippery in wet conditions, especially if honed or polished so ensure you give it a little additional care to ensure your paving has a long and happy life. 

Natural sandstone paving varies in colour, texture and pattern from stone to stone, making them ideal for creating a special and unique outdoor space. 

We love this beautiful example of natural paving created with our Hand Cut Desert Sand Sandstones. The clean and contemporary look remains homely with warm terracotta undertones that really complement the surroundings.  

Slate  Paving

Slate is a robust natural stone which is available in a range of strong, saturated colours. Slate is extremely resistant to chips and cracks, is long-lasting in severe weather conditions and doesn’t fade over time. 

Natural slate paving tiles are extremely low maintenance and ideal for those who love an elegant and stylish aesthetic, without the hard work. We particularly love this example using our amazon black slate paving slabs to create a very sleek and contemporary look. 

The stark contrast between the matte black slate stone and vibrant green grass ensures a modern aesthetic whilst not feeling too stiff or uptight. Slate paving is extremely stain resistant, making it the perfect choice for patio areas dedicated to dining and entertaining.

The beautiful rustic gold slate paving pictured right, expertly combines hues of blue and black with vibrant gold, copper and bronze to create a striking and unique natural patio design.

The autumnal colour palette of this slate paving lends itself to elegant garden designs. Tonally, it relates to other natural materials which are typically included in outdoor areas such as wooden furniture, brick walls, gravel paths and trees or foliage. 

Transform Your Garden with the Timeless Beauty of Natural Paving Stones

Natural paving stones offer a harmonious blend of durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal, making them the perfect choice to elevate your outdoor space. From the classic elegance of limestone to the modern sophistication of slate, the variety of options allows you to create a garden that truly reflects your personal style.

Ready to embark on your garden transformation? Explore our stunning range of Natural Paving Stones and discover the perfect material to bring your vision to life. Our expert team is here to guide you through the selection process and provide valuable advice. Contact us today for a free consultation or request a sample to experience the quality firsthand.

About the Author

Sian McHugh

'Sian has been working with us at Westminster Stone for over 5 years and has developed expertise in garden design and landscaping. Her passion for nature extends to tending her own garden, teaching yoga and hiking during her free time.'