BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LANDSCAPE GARDENERS
  • Home
  • Landscaping
    • Decking
    • Driveways
    • Garden Patios
    • Garden drainage
    • Fencing
    • Turfing
    • Planting
    • Landscape Gardeners Amersham
  • Design
    • Landscaping Ideas
  • Privacy Policy
  • News
  • Contact

Block paving for patios - Is it a good idea?

10/29/2023

0 Comments

 
Block paving for patios
This article contains affiliate links


​
Block paving is one of the most versatile paving materials on the market. With block paving there is pretty much a product for every design style and personal taste.

Traditionally block paving is more thought of as a driveway product and for good reason. Its slightly flexible construction enables it to take the heavy weight of cars without cracking.

Many interlinking blocks create a tightly packed surface which can absorb heavy impacts and loads. However, is block paving suitable for patios?

​Is it as good as or even better than traditional paving slabs? Here I will summarise block paving’s suitability for patios and which type of block paving is best for patio use. 
​

Is block paving good for patios? 


The real answer to this question is, it is a matter of choice! If you personally like the look and it suits your patio design then yes it is good for patios.

In contrast to traditional paving slabs the multiple paving units create a more coarse visual texture. This can be more visually pleasing for smaller patios and pathways.

The smaller units also provide the opportunities for circular patterns and curves. However I will say there are some distinct disadvantages for using block paving for patios. 
​
block paving patio

What are the disadvantages of using block paving for patios?


Firstly block paving is susceptible to weed establishment and much more so than paving slabs. This is due to the great amount of sanded joins between the multiple blocks.

As traditional slabs are bedded down on a ridged mortar bed the joints are sealed by mortar jointing. As block paving is laid upon compacted sand mortar pointing is not an option.

​This is because the flexibility of the compacted sand would lead joints to crack. This is why such flexible construction is typically best suited for driveways with disproportionately heavy loads. 
​
tegula block paving
Consequently in respect to maintenance and weeding block paving is not the best option for patios.

You could lay individual blocks on solid mortar however such a patio would be challenging to level consistently. The multiple block units would also be extremely labour intensive to joint with mortar.

Block paving unlike many natural stone and porcelain paving slabs are made from concrete. This means the colour dyes within the blocks will fade over time. This is because the suns UV rays bleach the colours within the blocks.

The blocks subsequently fade in colour considerably after about a decade. This would also argue that natural stone paving and porcelain paving is better for patios than block paving.

​However it should be said that there are many concrete paving slabs with colour dyes which will also fade overtime. 
​
Faded block paving
Block paving with worn colour dyes
If you decide to use either block paving or natural stone paving for patios comes down to personal choice.  However I think the evidence is quite clear that block paving is not the best choice for a patio. 

What is the best block paving for patios? 4 Great choices!


Most of the time block paving is chosen for paving patios because it has a particular aesthetic.

Many people love the multiple units and pleasant visual texture it provides. Consequently below I have listed the best types of block paving for patios. I have included options which are technically not block paving but cater to such an effect.

These have been included because they provide the best visual alternative minus the discussed disadvantages of conventional block paving.

I subsequently believe Clay pavers, natural setts, sandstone blocks and Tegula are the best block paving for patios. 

1. Clay brick pavers

​
Clay brick pavers are not as commonly used today as they were in the past but are still available.

These pavers are rather labour intensive to lay in large areas as they require jointing. However these brick paving are perfect for small courtyards and more traditional styles.

​ The image below displays narrow brick pavers in a traditional English cottage garden. 
​
Clay pavers

2. Tegula block paving

​
Tegula block pavers are conventional block paving and come in three main sizes.

Also known by other names under different brands, a good example isBretts Alpha Trio range. These Block paving typically come in greyer colour tones.

​This means there is much less colour fading from UV radiation.
Tegula block paving also has a much more attractive cobble effect than standard block paving. 
​
Tegula block paving path

3. Natural setts

​
Technically not block paving at all but natural stone setts are probably the most robust block paving solution.

These square blocks can create very attractive patio surfaces especially for a rustic effect. Natural stone sets however are very labour intensive and expensive to lay.

​Very often they can be laid with paving of a similar material. This makes them perfect for incorporating curved shaped patterns or bold borders to patios. 
​
Sandstone setts

4. Sandstone blocks 


Sandstone blocks are typically made from Indian sandstone and create a natural stone block paving alternative.

These Have the shape of a chunky brick but are very effective for paving patios with a block effect. The size, shape and texture of these blocks can create a really pleasant effect in courtyards or rustic garden designs.

​Sandstone blocks typically come in warm colour tones and look so much more sophisticated than typical block paving. 
​
Sandstone blocks
​Thank you for reading our article on the best block paving for patios! Below I will link to some other paving articles you may find useful.  
Picture
Picture
Picture


'As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases'
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    The Author 
    Paul Nicolaides 
    BA (Hons) Dip

    Paul Nicolaides has over 30 years of recreational gardening and 20 years of professional landscaping experience. He has worked for landscape contractors including design and build practices across London and the South East. In 2006 he qualified with a BA Hons degree and post graduate diploma in Landscape Architecture. In 2009 he founded Ecospaces an ecological landscaping practice which aims to improve social cohesion and reduce climate change through landscaping. In 2016 he founded Buckinghamshire Landscape Gardeners which designs and builds gardens across Buckinghamshire and the South East. This blog aims to provide easy problem solving information to its audience and encourage others to take up the joy of landscaping and gardening. 
Landscaping services across Buckinghamshire, Norfolk & East Anglia 

Hyde Heath, Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Rockland All Saints, Attleborough, Norfolk
Read our Google Reviews
Picture

What Our Clients Are Saying

​Paul laid a very curvy brick mow strip all around our lawn and also added a circular patio and added some new grassed areas. He paid so much attention to each brick laid to make sure the end results was perfect. Despite the wet and muddy work everything was made good and looked amazing once finished. His enthusiasm and knowledge for the garden and plants was infectious. He even fixed a couple of broken paving slabs that he saw down our side alley without being asked It is refreshing to see someone take so much pride and care in their work and we would definitely book him again for any other garden project."
Privacy Policy

Contact Us

Call me on 07535228686

    Newsletter Subscription

Subscribe to Newsletter
Photos from Maggie Hoffman, Aaron Volkening, Darlene Roelofsen, David Paul Ohmer, denis.zabin, Permaculture Association, Bill Selak, The fixed factor, The Garden Smallholder, Tauralbus, nan palmero, Lee Cannon, Monkeystyle3000, Darlene Roelofsen, nicolas.boullosa, Bryn Pinzgauer, cattan2011, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Matthew Paul Argall, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), tdlucas5000, Acabashi, Ronald (Ron) Douglas Frazier, Gilles Gonthier, Martin Hesketh, Owen P, steve p2008, Bennilover, *_*, blumenbiene, Julianna, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), Daryll90ca, Wendell Smith, Acabashi, Decorative Concrete Kingdom, Permaculture Association, MizGingerSnaps, Tjflex2, wuestenigel, travel oriented, Aaron Volkening, shixart1985, SupportPDX, pete. #hwcp, MostlyDross, Local Food Initiative, Ronald Douglas Frazier, Oregon State University, perfectgrassltd, shixart1985 (CC BY 2.0), aarongunnar, Acabashi, Actual Brian Crawford, jeans_Photos, alh1, Darlene Roelofsen, Rromani from Romania, docoverachiever, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), tawalker, markfountain52, Maria Eklind, treegrow, deckerme, Kevan, richardghawley, Ivan Radic, Mark Wordy, garryknight, Matt Lavin, greger.ravik, Capt' Gorgeous, LWT Gunnersbury Triangle, Wonderlane, Rudi1976, stonescape, Dinesh Valke, troutcolor, Acabashi, Juhele_CZ, Darlene Roelofsen, pikkuanna, tdlucas5000, Jocey K, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), Acabashi, focusonmore.com, BethinAZ, zoetnet, kurt.stocker, Monkeystyle3000, ell brown, Bryn Pinzgauer, Mark Wordy, infomatique, Linda N., Armcon Precast, Tinkers Moon, AnnSophieQ, mikecogh, Bob Klannukarn, Aiko, Thomas & Juliette+Isaac, ChrisHamby, Alessandro_Corsoni, Stiller Beobachter, GLVF, denisbin, MizGingerSnaps, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), garryknight, goforchris, Dick Thompson Sandian, alljengi, Paul Comstock, Kelowna09, Decorative Concrete Kingdom, Kanesue, BlossomPDX, Wonderlane, alh1, PAUL (Van de Velde) -Fotografie, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), Paul and Jill, Gilles Gonthier, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), katunchik, thinkactlove, gidlark, jugreen_de, Ivan Radic, tompagenet, corsi photo, www.to-tuscany.com, Mark Wordy, UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden, Aaron Volkening, Mark AC Photos, Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors, arripay, denisbin, alans1948, wallygrom, Frank.Vassen, alh1, Scottb211, LenkinDesign, wallygrom, Mike Bonitz, Aaron Volkening, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), juliamaudlin, dwblakey, Jocelyn777 Love Europe, mikecogh, jeans_Photos, Corey Leopold, Jeremy Levine Design, Kaibab National Forest Photography, Ciarán Mooney, onnola, 35mmMan, longlabcomms, nc.hort, Jamiecat *, pom'., Puddin Tain, Acabashi, tompagenet, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), Loz Flowers, Alan Stanton, Darlene Roelofsen, Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0), denisbin, Darlene Roelofsen, zakzak7, Center for Neighborhood Technology, wht_wolf9653, LenkinDesign, HerryLawford, FoodCraftLab, Miranda J Wood, Key West Wedding Photography, Montgomery County Planning Commission, bienen-nachrichten.de, zaphad1, SupportPDX, Ronald (Ron) Douglas Frazier, itmpa, Judy Gallagher, SteveR-, kylehase, simonmgc, treegrow, garryknight, Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors, el cajon yacht club, cattan2011, Ed Bierman, mikecogh, Mike Prince, photofarmer, M. Martin Vicente, Darlene Roelofsen, La Citta Vita, Mary Gillham Archive Project, Puddin Tain, sustainablejill, ScotGov Rural, Macleay Grass Man, Andesine, denisbin, *_*, samsaundersleeds, onnola, James St. John, Pixelteufel, www.twin-loc.fr, The359, F. D. Richards, berniedup, Monkeystyle3000, Mark AC Photos, Mark Wordy, michael clarke stuff, La Citta Vita, jeremy_norbury, gbohne, jmeissen, blumenbiene, Scrap Pile, eibar, Allan Hack, 4nitsirk, Phil Gayton, Michele Dorsey Walfred, Ruth and Dave, AnnSophieQ, pete. #hwcp, regina11163, Matt Lavin, Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors, TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋), john.purvis, MikeHawkwind, Key West Wedding Photography, alh1, hardworkinghippy : La Ferme de Sourrou, tristanf, shixart1985, blumenbiene, Paul Comstock, Michele Dorsey Walfred, Seattle Parks & Recreation, MCristian2013, Ruth and Dave, alh1, Matt From London, Ruth and Dave, Matt Lavin, ndrwfgg, Mara ~earth light~ free potential, radio silence, wallygrom, Maria Eklind, brewbooks, denisbin, Maria Eklind, F. D. Richards, Tauralbus, samsaundersbristol, carolinezimmermann.com, Maria Eklind, roger4336, MAMM Miguel Angel, Jeanne Menjoulet, Mark Wordy, Mark Wordy, stanzebla, hardworkinghippy : La Ferme de Sourrou, wbaiv, Tauralbus, Sharon Mollerus, dsearls, denisbin, OregonDOT, Tatiana12, ell brown, puffin11uk, Croydon Clicker, LodestonePhotography, Ronald Douglas Frazier, Tauralbus, basak senova, Vicky Brock, Ivan Radic, dalbera, Melanie-m, La Citta Vita, Ross A Hall, alh1, Allan Henderson, Sharon Mollerus, SJU Undergraduate Admissions, dungodung, Sustainable Economies Law Center, Puddin Tain, alh1, Firebirdflame, Deanster1983 who's mostly off, gbohne, ell brown, grassrootsgroundswell, gertjanvannoord, thetalesend, Tony Armstrong-Sly, Mark Wordy, Hub☺, rcamboim, Sandrine Rouja, Oregon State University, Darlene Roelofsen, danciminera, harum.koh, Baugher Webmaster Services, HerryLawford, Gail Frederick, wallygrom, Neilhooting, Arnie Papp, foilman, Stephi 2006, Mom the Barbarian, Ivan Radic, 雷太, Arty Guerillas, marcoverch, JPC24M, Chik_v, mikecogh, Robert T Bell, LenkinDesign, sugarfrizz, mikecogh, heyexit, grabadonut, JohnSeb, alljengi, Permaculture Association, LennyWorthington, wallygrom, waferboard, wallygrom, STC4blues, gailhampshire, RJJ245, travelling_eidolon, Me in ME, prof.bizzarro, foilman, Maurizio Albissola.com, dejankrsmanovic, André Hofmeister, It's No Game, Sterling College, wallygrom, Permaculture Association, Martin Cooper Ipswich, hardworkinghippy : La Ferme de Sourrou, InvisibleGarden.org, irio.jyske, MeganEHansen, F. D. Richards, John Rusk, conall.., thatredhead4, tedeytan, tawalker, Vicky Brock, Infomastern, Paul and Jill, Starr Environmental, don_macauley, s1ng0, orangeaurochs, John McLinden, karenandbrademerson, wallygrom, Tobyotter, Sustainable Economies Law Center, akhouseproject, chimpwithcan, heystax, Puddin Tain, winecountrymedia, Landscape Design Advisor, Darlene Roelofsen, ell brown, Deanster1983 who's mostly off, Michele Dorsey Walfred, Günter Hentschel, watts_photos, Morgaine, 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide, Local Food Initiative, tdlucas5000, Ruth and Dave, BulletproofSloth, London Less Travelled, Andrew Stawarz, Michele Dorsey Walfred, midwestlawnandlandscape, Darlene Roelofsen, sybarite48, Pam_Broviak, Gail Frederick, massmatt, Grow It, Catch It, Cook It, D H Wright, chuck b., Maria Eklind, wuestenigel, amandabhslater, timo_w2s, 666isMONEY ☮ ♥ & ☠, Wendell Smith, shixart1985, gailhampshire, mriggen, poppet with a camera, James St. John, liveoncelivewild, urbanfoodie33, wallygrom, onnola, shixart1985, Darien Library, emmacraig1, wuestenigel, laijos, matsuyuki, Monkeystyle3000, anoldent, alh1, mikecogh, HerryLawford, MeganEHansen, Michele Dorsey Walfred, cattan2011, ScotGov Rural, North Charleston, juantiagues, Rosmarie Voegtli, pstenzel71, RaeAllen, Edna Winti, Matt Lavin, S∆M.I.∆M, alh1, Starr Environmental, comedy_nose, Alizarin Krimson, jmlwinder, sebastian.rittau, mikecogh, Scott McLeod, alh1, Mark Wordy, shixart1985, transport131, Nick Saltmarsh, owlhere, Maria Eklind, agulivanov, woodleywonderworks, Darlene Roelofsen, Ivan Radic, Paakkonen Photo, ell brown, Smoobs, liesvanrompaey, stonescape, Darlene Roelofsen, AndreyZharkikh, Larry Lamsa, wallygrom, cazalegg, *_*, Charles Patrick Ewing, kamirao, cricketsblog, Mary Gillham Archive Project, deczak, Doolallyally, RASSIL, Smudge 9000, Loz Flowers, stanzebla, Acabashi, treegrow, jmlwinder, HerryLawford, edenpictures, wlcutler, shaire productions, S John Davey, Doolallyally, Percita, Prof. Mortel, Björn S..., mikecogh, @tc_goatwriter, *_*, Frank.Vassen, Robbie1, foilman, garryknight, EliteBalustradeImages, Derek N Winterburn, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, redirockphotodatabase, alh1, yewchan, Gunnar Ries zwo, hedera.baltica, itmpa, bluefootedbooby, john shortland, Fiberon, Center for Neighborhood Technology, Aaron Volkening, yellow book, M. Martin Vicente, David Paul Ohmer, amandabhslater, Dinesh Valke, jeans_Photos, grongar, arripay, Maria Eklind, Phil Gayton, Anton Rannala, amandabhslater, patrick_standish, Akuppa, cristina.sanvito, Puddin Tain, waferboard, Mark Wordy, Mike Bonitz, Juanedc, Björn S..., Clive Varley, vastateparksstaff, madaise, edenpictures, plentyofants, kitmasterbloke, barnoid, mark.hogan, chuck b., F. D. Richards, Ivan Radic, *rboed*, sustainablejill, Martin Pettitt, Thien Gretchen, Atmovera, mikecogh, Wildroof, tompagenet, jacilluch, wlcutler, stanzebla, La Citta Vita, Rob.Bertholf, Landscape Design Advisor, Aaron Volkening, osiristhe, MarilynJane, wallygrom, spinster, Maria Eklind, hedera.baltica, kewl, Dave_S., Julia Manzerova, Landscape Design Advisor, ActiveSteve, onnola, mikecogh, Ankur Panchbudhe, Phil Gayton, Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com, Tatters ✾, ianpreston, Ruth and Dave, wallygrom, titanium22, T.Kiya, PAUL (Van de Velde) -Fotografie, stanzebla - voyage voyage, yellow book, Aaron Volkening, MeganEHansen, puffin11uk, Maria Eklind, TravelBakerCounty, Acabashi, Keith Laverack, quinet, anro0002, NSPaul, mikecogh, sybarite48, amandabhslater, ell brown, alljengi, wallygrom, LWT Gunnersbury Triangle, the real Kam75, mikecogh, lupisfer, piropiro3, Beverly Pearl, hedera.baltica, Deanster1983 who's mostly off, edenpictures, berriehol, Mick E. Talbot, Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors, string_bass_dave, danperry.com, Peter Curbishley, sybarite48, alh1, M. Martin Vicente, Amarnath, loutraje, conall.., goforchris, USFWS Headquarters, ianpreston, F. D. Richards, quinet, jmlwinder, carabou, wallygrom, wallygrom, engcon, nicolas.boullosa, wwarby, fringedbenefit, Crinklecrankle.com, Jim Morefield, F. D. Richards, MizGingerSnaps, Lauren Gutierrez, Tim Green aka atoach, daryl_mitchell, wallygrom, yewchan, Green Mountain Girls Farm, Darlene Roelofsen, HerryLawford, treegrow, Kirt Edblom, Eric Kilby, Barbara Walsh Photography, Jocelyn777 Love Europe, CaptainOates, Acabashi, Ninara31, amandabhslater, wickenden, ShebleyCL, sunshinecity, Ivan Radic, Matt Lavin, James St. John, quinet, goforchris, [email protected], cattan2011, Kaibab National Forest Photography, dollarclassics, Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors, Jocelyn777 Love Europe, Andrew Coombes, cwellsny, JeepersMedia, amandabhslater, wallygrom, alh1, Mark Wordy, Thank You (22 Millions+) views, USDAgov, Acabashi, F. D. Richards, Macleay Grass Man, Alexander C. Kafka, Darlene Roelofsen, Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors, wahoowins, andres musta, Mary Gillham Archive Project, wallygrom, Russ2009, Permaculture Association, Rennett Stowe, Ruth and Dave, F. D. Richards, Teddy Mafia, texturepalace, puffin11uk, georgegillams, Darlene Roelofsen, crustmania, denisbin, waferboard, denisbin, Audire Silentium, LenkinDesign, akfoto, MeganEHansen, amandabhslater, Ivan Radic, Matt Lavin, frankieleon, redirockphotodatabase, jeremy_norbury, PavingDirect.com, Justin Beckley, wallygrom, Acabashi, 阿橋花譜 KHQ Flower Guide, wallygrom, Acabashi, talaakso, Robert.Pittman, Jeanne Menjoulet, quattroman76, Björn S..., Rushen!, Ivan Radic, sam_churchill, pdinnen, amandabhslater, La Citta Vita, judy dean, Landscape Design Advisor, charcoal soul, jinxmcc, m.borden, Landscape Design Advisor, Andreas März, gliak00, romana klee, masae-photo, Derek N Winterburn, daryl_mitchell, trekkyandy, Local Food Initiative, D.Eickhoff, *_*, BlossomPDX, goosmurf, Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors, Doolallyally, Jim Morefield, "Besenbinder", Anika Malone, Elsa Blaine, Local Food Initiative, wallygrom, Isaszas, @tc_goatwriter, M. Martin Vicente, watts photos1, harum.koh, platycryptus, hardworkinghippy : La Ferme de Sourrou, NRCS Oregon, Darlene Roelofsen, Ivan Radic, MizGingerSnaps, Me in ME, John Brighenti, adamnsinger, jeremy_norbury, gailhampshire, pdbreen, Torquay Palms, wallygrom, MeganEHansen, jlodder, randihausken, Tony Webster, onnola, Earl Ruby, The National Guard, Bods, amandabhslater, Bennilover, corsi photo, PavingDirect.com, Tobyotter, MeganEHansen, andres musta, Darlene Roelofsen, Tony Webster, Darlene Roelofsen, Mike Bonitz, Aaron Volkening, conall.., Bennilover, mikecogh, marthelelièvre, ell brown, cvtperson, Ruth and Dave, ©aius, Landscape Design Advisor, MICOLO J Thanx, CORGI HomePlan, MizGingerSnaps
  • Home
  • Landscaping
    • Decking
    • Driveways
    • Garden Patios
    • Garden drainage
    • Fencing
    • Turfing
    • Planting
    • Landscape Gardeners Amersham
  • Design
    • Landscaping Ideas
  • Privacy Policy
  • News
  • Contact