Patio Installations

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Building a new patio or restoring an old one can be an exciting project. But it can also be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you have no experience in this type of task. So, to save time and have a well-made patio – the kind that looks and lasts long, consider hiring a reputable paving contractor.

Before your chosen paver starts working though, you’ll have to take care of some things like the design of the patio and the paving slabs you want to use. The latter can be overwhelming given the many choices available. To make things easier, we’ve put together a guide on the best paving slabs for patios in Dublin.

Concrete Paving Slabs for Patios

When it comes to paving slabs, the concrete type is undeniably a favourite amongst property owners. Its popularity can be attributed to its cost and appearance.

This type of paving slab is the cheapest option in the market which makes it the perfect choice if you are on a budget.

It has a wide range of ‘looks’ which means that achieving any patio design you want is possible with this material.

For example, if you want a unique yet stylish patio, you can use a textured concrete slab. Meanwhile, a contemporary slab is the right option if you simply want to achieve a minimalist and clean look.

In addition, it comes in a variety of colours from the usual grey and charcoal to gold and yellow.

Natural Stone Paving Slabs for Patios

Another great material for patios and other outdoor spaces is a natural stone slab. As the name suggests, this material is made of naturally-occurring stones like granite, slate, limestone and sandstone.

While it is more expensive than a concrete slab, it is also more durable. In Rome, ancient walkways and structures made of natural stones still exist today. These are testaments to the longevity of this material.

Finding a natural stone paving that suits that patio look and colour you want should not be difficult as they are available in different varieties.

For example, a granite paving slab has a smooth surface with contemporary edges. Incredibly weather resistant, it has a stylish finish which makes it a great option if you want a modern and sophisticated patio.

Meanwhile, if you want that rustic look, choose a slate paving slab with a riven surface. Riven is the term used to describe the slab’s uneven, ridged surface – the typical appearance of newly quarried natural stone.

Cobbleblock Paving Slabs for Patios

Also referred to as a block or brick paver and cobbles, cobbleblock is similar to concrete slabs but are much smaller in size. It is also made of natural stone like sandstone and granite.

Using this material in small areas is highly recommended as it can make the space appear bigger. Known for its durability, cobbleblock is just what you need if you want a patio that exudes old-world charm.

As for its price, it varies depending on the size and type of stone used. Those made from granite tend to be more expensive than others.

In summary, with the variety of options available, you shouldn’t worry about finding a paving slab that would help you achieve the patio look you’ve always envisioned. Aside from the aesthetics, your decision would really largely depend on your budget.

Need help choosing and laying paving slabs for your patio? Our skilled pavers have built different types of patios all over Dublin. Call us now on (01) 4851582 | 0852139591 and let’s talk about how we can help you!

Having a garden in your property can benefit you in a lot of ways. It can be an area where you can relax and clear your mind. It can also enhance the appearance of your property as well as its value.

According to reports, well-landscaped gardens tend to be worth more, around 1% to 10%, than those without landscaping.

Researchers also say that the perceived value of the property increases depending on the intricacy of the design and maintenance of the landscaping.

Without a doubt, putting up a garden or patio is a decision you won’t regret, especially if you decide to sell your property in the future.

But creating an aesthetically appealing garden is not easy. One of the challenges that many homeowners encounter is picking a paving material. The difficulty mainly lies in the fact that there are many options to choose from.

To help you in this aspect, we created a guide which you can use to determine the best patio or garden paving material for your home.

Concrete

For many years now, concrete has been one of the preferred materials of homeowners and pavers. This is not surprising at all given its durability and affordability. In fact, it is highly recommended for budget-conscious individuals.

Another reason why people choose concrete is that installing it is not complicated. Plus, it has an easy-to-maintain finish which results in lower upkeep expense in the long run.

In terms of appearance, concrete can have varying finishes from stamped to painted. It can even be surfaced with other materials to create a unique look.

It should be noted, however, that its colour is going to fade. But do not panic as concrete becomes more beautiful as it ages. Over time, with the stains and patches, it develops a distinct character that can add to the appeal of your house.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a kind of natural stone that is widely used for garden paving. It is sold in various shapes, sizes, colours and textures.

Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its durability and versatility. With regular and proper maintenance, it can last for decades.

As compared to manufactured or man-made pavers, sandstone is much harder. It is not as hard as granite, another type of natural stone, but this is not seen as a disadvantage. Since it is not too hard, sandstone can be cut, allowing pavers to create various shapes and a one-of-a-kind garden design.

Limestone

Limestone can help make your garden more comfortable on hot days as it can reflect heat. Hence, it is an ideal choice for places with warm climates.

It is commonly available in hues such as off-white, beige and greyish white. Given its light colour, this material can be used in shaded garden areas to brighten them.

It is usually compared with sandstone since they are both natural stones and have the same price range. However, limestone has a smoother finish which is often described as velvety. It is also less porous, but it can still be easily cut into various shapes. Lastly, it requires minimal upkeep as compared to sandstone.

Granite

When it comes to natural garden paving materials, granite is on top of the list when it comes to durability and hardness.

It can withstand extreme weather conditions. It does not shift, crack, absorb moisture or expand. It is also resistant to chipping or scratches.

Furthermore, it is highly heat-resistant and fireproof, so there wouldn’t be any problem even during the hottest days of summer. Lastly, it does not lose its colour even after several years of high foot traffic.

On top of being durable and tough, granite has the widest range of hues amongst all paving materials. Whether it’s green, blue, red, yellow or even pink, you would certainly find a colour that’s going to match your design.

With all these impressive qualities, granite is undeniably a good choice. But it is not as affordable as limestone or sandstone. In fact, this material is one of the most expensive garden paving solutions.

Yet, even with its high price, it is a good investment as it can last a lifetime. Moreover, it is the perfect material if you want to achieve an elegant-looking garden.

Slate

One of the selling points of slate is its diverse colour palette which is typically described as rich and deep. With tones like lavender, jade green and muted red, this paving material never fails to capture the attention of people. As some say, slate is all about having a surface that is beautiful to look at and walk on.

Due to slate’s non-porous nature, water and moisture do not seep into it. Hence, it is not prone to frost heaving. However, in areas with regular rainfall, the surface may be prone to chipping. When this happens, there is going to be some uneven surfaces.

In conclusion, those mentioned above are just some of the widely used paving materials for gardens and patios. With the vast selection, you are surely going to find one that meets your budget and design preference.

Can’t decide which garden paving material to choose? Our professional pavers can give you tips on what material suits your property. Call us now on 0852139591!

?Curragh gold patio with v arch fencing and roll on grass completely finished ?

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Concrete patio completed this morning by our team in county Meath.

First we dug out grass and topsoil then we installed a 804 type hardcore and compacted it to solid base.

We then installed a timber frame and poured 5 inch concrete and a float finish.

Previous patio we installed in county Meath, get your back garden done before the summer comes in ☀️ Contact us for a FREE quote

Are you thinking about installing a patio in your home? If you are, then you are making a smart investment. It can make your home cosier and even make it more appealing to buyers in case you decide to sell it.

A patio can be one of the most relaxing areas in your house. It can be a place where you read your morning paper as you drink your coffee. It can also be the venue for bonding moments with the family like cookouts or outdoor picnics.

Reports also indicate that having this kind of outdoor living area can make your property more interesting to house hunters. There are reports which even indicate that having a patio can increase the overall value of your home.

However, reaping the aforementioned benefits are only possible if this outdoor space is well-made. Hence, one thing you need to keep in mind if you want to have a patio is to let a trusted contractor do the job.

Taking the DIY route can be tempting, especially if you think about saving on labour fees. But taking on the task on your own may not yield the results you’re looking for.

Furthermore, patio installation is a time-consuming and backbreaking task. Unless you have the time, resources and equipment, it is best to let a professional patio installation company do the job.

Aside from looking for a reputable company specialising in patio installation, you also need to decide on the paving slab to be used. The kind of material impacts the overall appearance of your house.

But which type of paving slab should you use? Decades ago, the choices for paving slabs were quite limited. Today, there are several types you can choose from.

Manufactured Paving Slabs

Before, when stone cutting technology wasn’t advanced yet, the more practical choice for paving slabs were manufactured ones as it was easy to make their shape uniform. Hence, this material is more convenient to use for patios.

Generally, manufactured paving slabs provide a traditional appeal. The types of slabs under this category include concrete, brick and porcelain.

Concrete

A concrete paving slab is the best choice if you want to achieve a classic look. It is one of the popular patio materials amongst homeowners because of its many benefits.

For one, a concrete slab is very durable which makes it a very practical option. It also doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.

What’s more?

Years ago, it was only available in grey. However, today it’s already available in different colours and styles. Hence, it can perfectly complement any house style or design.

Brick

Similar to concrete, brick, with its familiar reddish-brown shade, also provides a timeless look. With proper maintenance, it is bound to last many years as well. In case it incurs damages, it can be easily fixed.

Just one thing:

While it is hard-wearing, it is not fadeproof. The bright red colour can fade quickly if it is repeatedly exposed to rain.

Porcelain

Porcelain paving slabs are quite new, but their popularity has been steadily growing over the years. This material is non-porous and resistant to staining. You only need to hose it down once in a while to make it look as good as new.

Moreover, this kind of slab is weatherproof. It can withstand even the harshest conditions including frost.

Natural Stone Paving Slabs

Using natural stones for your patio can help you achieve an elegant look. Under this category, you have granite, limestone, sandstone and slate.

Granite

Granite is one of the most popular choices as it looks beautiful in any garden. It is naturally slip-resistant, making it ideal if you have children or elderly people in the house. This characteristic also eliminates worries of stepping into your patio after it rains.

This material is also very resilient. It is not prone to chipping, scratching and other damages. Many experts attest that, with proper installation and regular maintenance, it can last a lifetime.

Limestone

Limestone has a very natural appearance, one that blends well with the outdoors. It is noted to give off a relaxing or calming feel. Currently, limestone comes in various colours and sizes. So, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one that suits the style of your house and garden.

However, limestone is best used for patios in areas with dry climates. Since it is a softer stone as compared to granite, it easily deteriorates when it is frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions like rain and snow.

Sandstone

Sandstone is commonly selected by those who prefer a bright and relaxing patio. Its usual colours are tan, beige and other shades of brown.

Just like limestone, this material does not hold up well to snow or the freeze-thaw cycles. Furthermore, when not regularly sealed, it can be prone to scratching and staining.

Slate

Slate is also a favourite patio material because it is durable and slip-resistant. This tough stone is guaranteed to last for several years.

This material can also give your patio a modern and stylish look. While it is popularly known to be available in black and dark grey, slate also comes in other hues such as green, purple and orange.

The kind of paving slab you use has an impact not just on the appearance of your patio but also its longevity. So, make sure that you pick the right material.

Looking for a trusted company offering professional patio installation? New Style Driveways is one of Ireland’s trusted patio installers. Call us now on 0852139591 or email us to learn more about services.

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