Natural Stone Flags
Once seen as a traditional option, but modern imports have vastly expanded the range of choice beyond the familiar native sandstones. Granite, porphyry, slate, marble, quartzite, limestone and so much more, supplement the usual choices of yorkstone, Pennant stone and all are available in a huge range of textures. This section looks at what’s available and how it should be laid.
Natural Stone Paving
Natural stone is our oldest worked paving material, and there is a world of choice now available. This page considers the types, the uses, and the potential for natural stone flags as a material for modern paving.
Imported Stone Paving for Patios and Gardens
Imported stone has massively changed the paving scene in Britain and Ireland, so this page aims to look at the more popular products that are readily available nowadays.
Slate Paving
Among the many types of stone used for paving, slate is widely regarded as an excellent choice due to its strength, its strong colours, and its hard-wearing properties, but those very features that make it an attractive option can also pose challenges when it comes to installation.
Welsh Slate Paving
Slate is a popular choice as a construction material and its role as a truly excellent paving choice should not be overlooked. Welsh Slate provides a comprehensive range of native paving, walling and decorative aggregates, examined more carefully on this page…
Installing a decorative circular patio feature
Circles are popular features for garden patios, and there is some confusion regarding the best way for these to be laid. This case study follows the installation of a special 'celtic knot' circle feature, documenting each stage of the work and detailing the methods and materials used by the contractor.
Completed decorative circular patio feature
This is the second page of a case study which follows the installation of a special 'celtic knot' circle feature, documenting each stage of the work and detailing the methods and materials used by the contractor.
Reflective Staining
Reflective staining is a phenomenon most commonly observed on stone flags, particularly some imported stone flags, which have been improperly laid on spots (dabs) or a ring or of mortar. It can seriously and permanently disfigure paving, but how can it be avoided?
The Curse of Black Limestone
Black limestone paving has become phenomenally popular over the last few years. However, it is prone to rapid fading. This page looks at why that happens and what can be done to rectify the problem.
