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!
