Natural stone vs concrete paving

So, you’ve spent all winter looking longingly at your garden. Soon, it’s going to be barbecue-central and a place for all those palliative sun-soaked afternoons. But, before all that, you need to put some time aside to pick the best paving stones for the job.

Where to begin? Well, if you’re like the majority, your research will likely lead you to the two most sought-after stones: concrete paving slabs vs natural stone paving. But what are the differences? And how do you decide which is right for your outdoor space?

Luckily for you, at Simply Paving, we have all the answers. Continue reading, below, to learn the difference between concrete pavers and natural stone.

Cost

Among the many queries you’ll have when researching natural stone vs concrete paving, the question of expense will likely be top of your list.

Well, per m², you’ll often find that the cheapest concrete option costs less than natural stone. On the other hand, you’re equally likely to come across premium concrete products that are more expensive than natural stone. As such, we always advise comparing prices before making your decision.

And how about if you’re trying to decide which is the most eco-friendly? Well you’ll be pleased to know that all our products at Simply Paving are responsibly sourced.  As for our future commitments, we are looking to add another string to our eco-friendly bow by carbon-offsetting all our concrete products.

Convenience

Of course, choosing natural stone or concrete paving isn’t as simple as just comparing costs. You also have to consider how much effort each paver requires to install and maintain – we all want the easy life, after all.

Let’s start with the most time-consuming part: the installation process. Rest assured, both types of pavers are laid in the same way, so there’s no ‘winner’ in that regard. However, natural stone’s lack of uniformity (which is part and parcel of its rustic appeal) lengthens the installation process. To save a bit of time and money, opt for a calibrated natural stone if you can.

As for versatility, concrete pavers come out on top. They’re dense and durable and they also offer an attractive finish, ideal for patios and garden paths. As always, we recommend selecting a stone that straddles the line between affordable and high-spec, like our hardy Bradstone Ashbourne Paving range, for instance, which costs as little as £20.99 per m².

Appeal

So, you want your outdoor space to look stylish? This part comes down to personal preference.

For example, natural stone looks just as good in traditional setups (think charming country cottage vibes) as it does in modern gardens. The same applies to concrete pavers; there are weathered styles, contemporary looks, multi-coloured packs, and more.

Still can’t decide between these two popular paving options? Head over to the Simply Paving website and browse our stunning collections of natural stone or concrete paving slabs. Alternatively, get in touch with the Simply Paving team, who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.