Embarking on a patio makeover or contemplating creating your own serene outdoor design? The right paving slabs can transform your outdoor space into a functional and stylish haven. Whether you’re envisioning a cosy patio area for family BBQs, a peaceful retreat to enjoy your morning coffee or a durable and inviting pathway to your garden, the possibilities are endless. We have a variety of paving slab ideas tailored to fit every style, budget and outdoor space in mind. From the timeless charm stone effect styles to the contemporary flair of porcelain designs, we’ll help you select the perfect paving solution to complement your home and lifestyle.
Paving Slabs in All Shapes and Sizes
Whether you need a large format, an extra large format, or something a little smaller, we are sure to have the right thing for you. Choosing the right paving slab is crucial in the execution of your design, and can make or break the overall look of the space. Choosing larger format slabs creates a grand and luxurious design, but if you haven’t got the space to accommodate them, a smaller format can be just as effective in creating your dream outdoor space. Take the Icarus Grey, for example, coming in at 595x595mm. This may sound large, however, in terms of paving slabs, this is quite small. The smaller format creates a detailed design bursting with character and personality.
Above, Icarus Grey Porcelain Outdoor Slab
How to Choose the Right Paving Slab
Choosing the right shape and size paving slab can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. As a general rule, we would say if you’re hoping to pave a larger area, you should be looking at large-format paving slabs. This works the other way too, if it’s a smaller outdoor area, browse smaller slabs. If you’re thinking of creating stepping stones with your slabs, we recommend going for smaller slabs, whereas if it’s a driveway you’re hoping to redesign, definitely look into the larger formats.
Above, Stoneland Cream Matt Stone Effect Porcelain Outdoor Slab
Patterned Paving Designs
Using patterned paving slabs across your outdoor design is a surefire way to create a design that is full of character and personalised style. Different designs and patterns are perfect for adding texture to a space for a varied scheme that you and your guests are sure to love for years to come. Thanks to their porcelain construction and quality matt finish, you can rest assured your slabs and their pattern will stand up against the harsh British weather. The possibilities are endless with pattern slabs, and they make it easier than ever to create a bespoke design. Create borders with plain slabs and patterned in the centre, providing an innovative overall finish, or a stepping-stone effect with singular patterned slabs dotted throughout your space.
Above, Porto Decor White Concrete Effect Matt Porcelain Outdoor Slab
Natural Beauty with Stone Effect Paving
Stone effect paving slabs are the perfect choice for those who are desperate for that natural stone design but at a fraction of the cost. Our paving slabs are constructed using durable porcelain, meaning they require significantly less upkeep and maintenance, but still offer all the visual aesthetics of the real thing! With their ease of maintenance, it’s a case of installing the paving slabs and letting them work their magic in terms of visuals and functionality.
Above, Piazza Greige Stone Effect Matt Porcelain Large Outdoor Slab
Create Zones
Paving slabs are ideal for creating zones throughout your garden space and perfect for breaking areas up for separate purposes or aesthetic reasons. This works particularly well if you have a large garden space that you’re unsure of what to do with. It offers the opportunity to have separate areas for each garden activity, for example, relaxing, eating and sunbathing (if the weather allows it!). In our example, we’ve used Maverick Bone Slabs to create a sectioned off area with a sun lounger, perfect for creating a more private feel.
Above, Maverick Bone Outdoor Slab
Unique Wood-Effect Outdoor Paving Slabs
For something out of the ordinary and unique to you and your home, check out a wood-effect porcelain paving slab. They provide all the aesthetics and comfort of real wood flooring but in a way that is suitable for outdoor use! The warmth and character that comes with wood effect flooring is one that we all come to know and love. It creates a sense of familiarity, which we often look for when thinking of how we want to design a space. Using porcelain paving slabs instead of real wood in the garden eliminates the risk of rotting, growths and the need for constant upkeep.
Above, Nebraska Oak Wood Effect Large Outdoor Porcelain Slab
Be Creative With Stepping Stones
Your patio design doesn’t have to be conventional with a boxed-out space sitting against the house with some garden furniture plopped on top. Get creative with how you lay your tiles and experiment with design options. Stepping stones can be a great way of ensuring a unique space that exudes class. Stepping stones in the garden is an incredibly traditional aesthetic within exterior design and landscaping (think grandma chic), and creates the opportunity to section off your garden design and make the space feel more expansive. Placing seating and garden furniture at the far end of the garden with a series of stepping stones leading to the area will elongate the look of the space effortlessly.
Above, Ebor Beige Outdoor Slab
Can you Use Porcelain Paving Slabs on a Driveway?
While you’re here, we thought we’d remind you that yes, you can use porcelain paving slabs on a driveway! Porcelain paving slabs are engineered to be strong and withstand all sorts of weather and beating, so are more than suitable for use across your driveway design. This heavily relies on the slabs being installed correctly and appropriately. With out wide range of driveway porcelain paving slabs, you’ll be certain to find a slab that fits the style of your exterior perfectly. We would recommend using a larger format slab, to offer an expansive look and feel.
Above, Crassana Natural Concrete Effect Matt Porcelain Large Outdoor Slab
As we wrap up our paving slab ideas, it’s clear that the right selection of paving slabs can upgrade your patio design. Be sure to tag us in pictures of your outdoor design over on Instagram, @Tilemountainuk, we love seeing our products in your designs! If you have any questions about installation or the products that we offer, be sure to get in touch with a member of our friendly team!
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