Slab options
| Type | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Utility slabs | Plain, square-edged concrete in grey or buff | Budget patios, bin areas, shed and greenhouse bases |
| Riven concrete | Cast to look like split stone, often in mixed sizes | A natural look without the cost of real stone |
| Smooth and stone-effect | Crisp-edged modern concrete, often large format | Contemporary gardens |
| Natural stone | Indian sandstone, limestone, slate, granite | Character and colour |
| Porcelain | Dense fired slabs, see porcelain patios | Low maintenance |
Most patios use either mixed sizes in a pattern or one size in straight courses. We'll dry-lay a few options so you can see them before anything is fixed.
Where slab patios go wrong
When a slab patio fails, it's almost never the slabs. It's the base. Wobbly slabs, joints opening up, puddles near the house and weeds within a year or two are all signs of a short-cut. To avoid that:
- Excavate properly, so there's room for a sub-base. Clay ground needs particular care.
- Lay crushed stone and compact it in layers.
- Bed each slab on full mortar, not on spots.
- Give it a fall of a little per metre so water runs off towards the garden or a drain.
- Finish below the damp-proof course, ideally at least two brick courses beneath it.
- Fill the joints well with mortar or a jointing compound that suits the slab.
Replacing an old concrete patio
Many of the semis built in Mowden, Hummersknott and Harrowgate Hill between the 1960s and 1990s still have their original slabs by the back door, often uneven or sloping towards the house. In most cases they come up and a new base goes down. Sound old slabs can sometimes be saved for a path, a shed base or a bin store.
Paths, steps and walls alongside
If you're having a slab patio laid, it's worth thinking about the rest of the garden at the same time: a path in matching slabs, steps down to the lawn, or a low wall or raised bed to finish the edge. It keeps everything consistent and is usually more efficient.
Questions people ask
Which slab size is best?
Larger slabs give a cleaner, modern look with fewer joints. Mixed sizes suit riven and natural styles. Think about scale too: very large slabs can overwhelm a small courtyard.
Is laying slabs on sand OK?
It's quicker, but slabs on sand alone tend to rock, sink and let weeds through. For a patio that lasts, they need a mortar bed on a compacted sub-base.
Can my existing slabs be re-laid?
Often, if they're in decent condition. A few may break when lifted, so spares are handy. See patio relaying and repairs.
How much does a slab patio cost?
It depends on the size, the slabs and the groundwork. See what affects patio prices or get a free quote.
