Blog Post

How to Decide Whether to Use Natural or Manufactured Stone Paving for Your Patio

  • By Stephen Taylor
  • 30 Nov, 2017
Stone paving on patio

Just because the summer is about to give way to the autumn doesn't mean you should neglect your garden. Now is your chance to prime your garden for when the warmer days return, and you might find fantastic discounts on patio paving as suppliers prepare for a slower season of sales.

However, should you save money by purchasing manufactured stone pavers or splash out on natural stone to inject some originality into your design? Nowadays, decorative stone is almost indistinguishable from the real thing, but many homeowners would argue that the appearance of natural stone can't be beaten.

At Alpine Landscapes and Paving, we know that both natural and manufactured stone have their pros and cons, which we've detailed below to help you decide which is the most suitable option for you. Plus, thanks to our central location in Weeley, East Essex, you can trust our professionals to carry out a high-quality installation quickly in areas stretching from Clacton-on-Sea to Ramsey.

Manufactured Stone vs. Natural Stone

Some people claim that natural stone is a needless waste of cash, but opponents to such an argument say that manufactured stone lacks quality and authenticity. Here's what you need to know about both options to decide which is the best form of patio paving for you.

·        Manufactured Stone

In the not so distant past, manufactured pavers stuck out like a sore thumb and fooled nobody, but modern products look almost identical to real stone. Plus, manufactured paving is often more affordable than the natural alternative because it's lighter and easier to transport, and it's available in a broader range of colours and designs.

However, low-quality manufactured pavers often lack originality, and you might find two sections of your patio that are identical in appearance. That's why  we only use the highest grade products available, ensuring your patio looks unique, beautiful and elegant.

·        Natural Stone

Until recently, natural stone paving was far more expensive than the manufactured alternative because of its weight and difficulty to mine and sculpt, but that's no longer the case thanks to modern transportation methods and cutting techniques. With natural stone, you'll never find a patio that's identical to yours, and if it sustains damage, all that will be revealed is the natural stone underneath the surface.

However, natural stone is less versatile than the manufactured alternative because, regarding design, you're limited to what the Earth has produced. Plus, even though the costs of both natural and manufactured stone have become almost aligned, you can expect to pay a little more for the natural option.

The Verdict

As mentioned above, there is no 'better' choice regarding natural and manufactured patio paving – it all comes to down to personal preference, budget and requirements. However, whichever product you choose, you can count on us to install a patio that will exceed your expectations.

Contact the experts at Alpine Landscapes and Paving today to learn more about our high-quality patio paving products, or if you'd prefer to speak to us in person, visit our warehouse at The Paddock, Gutteridge Hall Lane, Essex, CO16 9DL.

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