Pavers

Choose the material before choosing the colour

Stone pavers are cut from natural materials such as travertine, limestone or bluestone, so every piece carries variation. Porcelain pavers are manufactured and can recreate the movement of stone with a more consistent appearance. Neither is the automatic choice. The right option depends on the setting, installation system, maintenance expectations and design brief.

Read the individual product specification carefully, particularly when a tile and paver sit within the same product family. A thicker external version and a standard interior tile can share a visual language while serving different applications. Compare natural stone tiles when planning a related indoor surface.

Use outdoor pavers to organise the space

Large stone pavers can make a broad terrace feel calm and architectural. Smaller modules introduce more joint lines and a busier rhythm. For stepping-stone layouts, consider the distance between pieces, the surrounding gravel or planting and how the path will feel underfoot. The grid should make movement feel natural, not forced.

On a patio, align major joints with doors, posts and changes in level. Around a courtyard, use the paving direction to draw attention toward the view or outdoor dining area. Browse outdoor tiles to compare surfaces for adjoining walls, covered zones and smaller exterior areas.

Treat pool surrounds as their own design problem

Pavers around a pool need to work with water, bare feet, drainage and the coping profile. A pale stone look can keep the palette soft, while deeper grey or charcoal gives the water a sharper frame. Always assess samples outside, because direct sun can change both perceived colour and surface temperature.

The edge and surround should be planned together. Compare pool tiles with pool coping tiles and stone pool pavers before finalising dimensions. Matching undertones matters, but so do thickness, edge shape, joint alignment and wet-area performance.

Check the performance details before quantities

Outdoor stone pavers and porcelain pavers have different requirements. Check the documented slip rating, thickness, load suitability, edge finish, substrate and recommended installation method for the exact location. Drainage falls, movement joints and transitions to doors or garden levels should be resolved before the paving layout is approved.

Natural paving stones may require sealing, while porcelain care depends on surface texture and manufacturer guidance. Calculate the area with an allowance for cuts, layout and future replacement. Ordering the required quantity together helps keep production tone consistent and gives enough material to balance natural variation across the finished space.

Frequently asked questions

What are stone pavers?

Stone pavers are thicker pieces of natural stone used for exterior surfaces such as patios, paths and pool surrounds. Material, thickness, finish and installation method vary by product.

What is the difference between natural stone and porcelain pavers?

Natural stone has inherent tonal and surface variation. Porcelain pavers are manufactured for a more controlled appearance and have their own documented performance and installation requirements.

Can outdoor pavers be used around a pool?

Only when the selected paver is specified for the setting. Check wet-barefoot slip performance, thickness, drainage, edge details and compatibility with the pool environment.

How thick should an outdoor paver be?

Required thickness depends on the material, substrate, installation method and expected loads. Use the individual product specification and the designed paving system rather than a single general rule.

Do outdoor pavers need sealing?

Many natural stone pavers benefit from sealing. Porcelain usually has different care requirements. Follow the selected material's documented guidance and test treatments on spare pieces first.

How much extra paving should be ordered?

Allow for cuts, the chosen pattern, breakage, variation and a small reserve for future repairs. The appropriate allowance changes with project complexity and module size.