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Patio materials compared
Updated September 2026
Porcelain
Hard-wearing, stain-resistant and low-maintenance, with a modern look. Needs specialist cutting and laying.
Indian sandstone
Natural and good value, with lots of colour variation. Benefits from sealing and occasional cleaning.
Slate and granite
Very durable and striking, but usually more expensive.
Concrete paving
The most budget-friendly option, available in many styles.
The base matters most
Whatever the surface, a patio needs a well-compacted sub-base, a slight fall so water runs away from the house, and to sit below the damp-proof course. Ask your landscaper how they'll prepare the ground.
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