Paving options

When we start an outdoor project, the planting is often the most exciting part. But before a single fern is placed, you must make a critical decision: your material palette. The choices you make for your paving, decking, walls, and screens will define the character, longevity, and maintenance requirements of your garden for decades to come.

Getting this right is crucial—and that’s where clever design comes in. Here is our guide to the essential materials we use to build beautiful, enduring gardens.

In this blog we look at the area of paving

Paving: The Great Debate—Natural Stone vs. Porcelain

The surface you walk on is the single largest hard material element in your garden. Today, the choice often boils down to two heavyweights:

Natural Stone (Sandstone, Limestone, Granite)

• Aesthetics: Offers a truly organic, timeless look. Each slab is unique, developing a beautiful character (a patina) as it ages.

• Feel: Softens the edges of modern design, working perfectly with traditional, cottage, and naturalistic styles.

• The Geko Tip: We love natural stone for its ability to blend seamlessly with planting. However, most natural stone is porous, meaning it requires annual cleaning and sealing to prevent staining and algae build-up, especially in the damp UK climate.

 Porcelain Paving

• Aesthetics: Sleek, consistent, and available in huge formats that create a sophisticated, seamless look. Modern manufacturing means it can now convincingly mimic wood, stone, and concrete.

• Performance: This is the ultimate low-maintenance material. It is non-porous, highly resistant to staining, frost-proof, and colour-fast. A simple wash is usually enough to keep it looking pristine.

• The Geko Tip: Perfect for contemporary or minimalist gardens and highly recommended for busy family spaces where maintenance must be minimal.

When designing our outdoors spaces, we always provide samples of paving directly to your home to help you choose and consider what will add the best finish in your space