Porcelain paving slabs are man-made using clay, sand and minerals which are melted in a high temperature kiln and chemically fused together. This process makes them highly durable, strong, and resistant to scratching. There are a range of shades available, from dark grey to cream – making them perfect for a wide range of garden aesthetics.

Porcelain paving stones are an ideal choice for gardens due to the high slip resistance and wide variety of styles available. They’re also stain, moisture, algae, mould and frost resistant because of their non-porous structure which means they’re easy to maintain. Porcelain paving is strong, so they’re thinner and lighter than many alternatives – making them easier to transport and install.  

Due to their extreme durability, specialist tools are required to cut porcelain pavers which few DIYers will have in their garden sheds. Also, porcelain paving stones can be more expensive than other paving types. 

Granite is a type of natural igneous rock, formed when lava cools and solidifies. You’ll find a range of granite paving stones designed for garden patios, offering a stylish and modern grey look to a home. This type of paving doesn’t lose its colour over time, even with heavy traffic and very little maintenance. 

Granite paving stones are highly durable and resistant to chipping and scratching. They’re an extremely durable paving type and also heat resistant and fireproof – perfect for busy gardens and BBQ areas. 

The strength and durability of granite paving makes them heavier than many alternatives – which could make installation more labour intensive. The strength also makes them harder to cut, requiring equipment that the average DIYer is unlikely to have.

Concrete pavers are a type of artificial paving made with cement, aggregates and pigments. You’ll find a variety of concrete paving at Toolstation which can offer a contemporary or traditional look. You’ll also find some concrete paving options in different designs, including wood effect – combining the luxurious appearance of wood with the low maintenance of paving. 

Concrete paving is very durable and is often chosen as a budget-friendly alternative to natural stone pavers. This paving type also has a high slip resistance, so you’ll know the garden patio and driveway is totally safe – even when it’s wet.

The main thing to consider when choosing concrete paving is that the slabs are thicker than other materials, as these man-made paving slabs need the extra thickness for greater strength. These thicker stones may be denser than other options and therefore installation could be more difficult.

Limestone is a type of natural sedimentary rock made of mineral deposits and formed in lakes, seas and oceans under extreme pressure. You’ll find limestone paving stones are perfect for garden patios due to their high quality appearance and durability. 

Limestone paving has a distinctive, soft appearance and every stone looks very similar for a seamless look. Unlike other paving types, limestone is easy to cut and work with – making it desirable for DIYers as well as tradespeople when it comes to installation.

To keep the high quality and luxurious, soft appearance, limestone paving stones require occasional maintenance with warm soapy water, and need to be treated with a sealer to protect them from acid such as some cleaning products. You’ll find there are limited shades of limestone paving available compared to man-made alternatives like concrete, so they’re less flexible for different garden styles.

Slate is a type of metamorphic stone – a rock that has been changed fundamentally as a result of extreme pressure and/or heat – and is formed in distinctive layers. Slate paving is perfectly suited for garden paving, offering a unique texture and dark colour – ideal for contemporary spaces. 

Slate pavers have low porosity, meaning they don’t absorb water. This means they’re highly resistant to mould damage which will help to keep them looking like new for years to come. Slate paving stones are also very durable and can easily cope with high traffic – perfect for busy gardens!

To keep your slate paving slabs looking fresh, they’ll need treatment with a sealer. The natural layers can be affected by moisture and the weather, meaning occasional maintenance is needed.

Indian sandstone is a popular type of paving made of sandy rocks, minerals and mud that have been subjected to extreme temperature and pressure over millions of years. Sandstone is held together primarily with tightly packed silicon molecules which makes the paving slabs very strong. 

Indian sandstone paving slabs have a timeless look and are easy to maintain, making it a popular choice for gardens and driveways. They also have a high slip resistance, are very durable, and are able to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Indian sandstone paving, like any natural stone, will occasionally need looking after to ensure it maintains its high quality and distinctive shades for years to come. There are natural variations in colour between sandstone paving, so you’ll want to consider whether you’re after a natural or more seamless appearance. You may also find the surface, at least for the first couple of years, is a little rough – but the slabs will get smoother over time.