Slate Paving: A Versatile and Elegant Choice for Your Outdoor Spaces

Slate paving slabs are an exceptional choice for homeowners and landscape designers who seek a combination of durability, aesthetics, and versatility in their outdoor spaces. Known for its rich colour palette and natural slip resistance, slate paving is a timeless material that can enhance the beauty of any garden or patio area. Whether you're aiming for a contemporary look or a more traditional style, slate paving offers the perfect solution.

Benefits of Slate Paving

1. Durability and Low Maintenance

Slate paving slabs are incredibly dense and have low porosity, making them naturally resistant to stains and weathering. This density also ensures that slate paving requires lower maintenance when compared with other materials such as sawn natural stone, as it is less likely to absorb water and be affected by freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, the hard-wearing nature of slate means it can withstand heavy foot traffic and the elements for years without losing its charm.

Slate is a dense metamorphic rock, often conjuring images of traditional rooftops and gardens adorned with Welsh or Cornish slate. However, due to higher processing costs and limited local supply, London Stone imports slate paving slabs from Brazil and India to make this material more affordable.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

One of the standout features of slate paving is its aesthetic versatility. Available in a range of colours such as the ultra-smooth Brazilian Black and Brazilian Grey, or the charming subtlety of Green, slate can complement a variety of garden designs. The rich, even tones of these colours look particularly stunning in contemporary settings, while Rustic Slate, with its mix of rusts, greys, and blacks, adds a dramatic and characterful touch to period properties.

The edges of our slate are meticulously machine-sawn to prevent splitting, unlike hand-cutting, which ensures each slab's durability and precision. This method allows for tight 5mm joint lines, enhancing the material's versatility and lending a contemporary chicness to any outdoor space. Laying paving with a thin, 5mm joint ensures that the eye is not drawn to wide joints and will give you a few different laying patterns to choose from.

3. Slip Resistance

Safety is a crucial consideration for any outdoor paving project, and slate excels in this area. The naturally riven surface and dense nature of slate slabs provide excellent slip resistance, making them suitable for areas that are prone to getting wet. This makes slate an ideal choice for patios, pathways, and even around swimming pools.

Green and Rustic Slate are particularly slip resistant. All our products meet the British Standard required for outdoor paving, and you can find slip-resistance values in the Specifications & Dimensions section of each product. For slate, we give the pendulum test value. Values of 36+ are regarded as offering excellent slip-resistance. The density of slate also means that algae, which can turn patios green and slippery, finds it harder to gain a hold.

Types of Slate Paving

• Brazilian Black Slate: This type of slate, known for its naturally smooth texture, features a deep, rich black colour that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outdoor space. It is perfect for creating a modern, sleek look.
• Brazilian Grey Slate: With its subtle grey tones, this smooth slate is ideal for those looking to create a neutral, calming environment. It blends seamlessly with various garden elements and architectural styles.
• Green Slate: Offering a unique and vibrant hue, green slate can bring a refreshing and natural feel to your garden. It works particularly well in lush, green settings, and naturalistic garden designs.
• Rustic Slate: Full of character, these slate pavers combines shades of rust, grey, and black, creating a visually interesting and dynamic surface. Available in a project pack (an equal mix of all four sized slabs), it is especially effective in traditional or rustic garden designs.

Installation Tips

1. Preparing the Base

For the best results, it is essential to prepare a solid base before laying slate paving slabs. This involves excavating the area to a suitable depth, laying a sub-base of compacted hardcore, and adding a layer of sand or mortar. To find out more about installing riven (hand cut) paving slabs, head over to our YouTube channel, where you will find handy videos on paving installation.

2. Using Slurry Primer and SBR

Given the density of slate, it is recommended to use a slurry primer/SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) bond bridge. These materials should be painted onto the back of the slabs before laying them to ensure a strong bond with the bedding layer.

3. Jointing and Sealing

Although sealing slate is not always necessary due to its low porosity, applying a high-quality sealant can provide additional protection against stains and enhance the natural colours.

Slate is one of the rare materials that is suitable for use with every type of pointing product we supply. For jointing, use a suitable paving grout that matches the colour of your slate to achieve a seamless look, or use a lighter coloured grout to create a unique contrasting look.

Designing with Slate Paving

Slate paving slabs can be used in various creative ways to enhance your outdoor space. Here are some design ideas:

• Contemporary Gardens: Pair Brazilian Black or Grey slate with minimalist furniture and clean lines for a modern, stylish garden.
• Traditional Settings: Use Rustic slate to complement period features and add a touch of historical charm.
• Water Features: Slate's slip-resistant properties make it an excellent choice for areas around water features, such as ponds or pools.
• Pathways and Patios: Create inviting pathways and patios with Green Slate, blending them with surrounding greenery for a harmonious look.

Slate Steps, Copings, and Cladding

Slate paving is a versatile and elegant choice for enhancing your outdoor spaces. With its durability, limited maintenance requirements, and natural beauty, slate paving can transform any garden, patio, or pathway into a stunning feature. But there is more!

London Stone offers an extensive selection of slate steps, copings, and cladding options designed to elevate your outdoor spaces with both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Bullnosed slate steps provide a durable and elegant solution for entrances and tricky changes in level, while slate coping stones offer a perfect finishing touch for walls and poolside's, enhancing both safety and style. Additionally, slate cladding can transform vertical surfaces with its natural beauty and texture, making it an ideal choice for adding character to walls and other architectural elements such as water features. Each product is crafted with precision to ensure lasting quality and contemporary elegance.

Slate Paving Slab FAQs

Is slate paving a desirable choice for a patio?

Absolutely. Slate paving is exceptionally durable, minimal maintenance, and naturally resistant to stains and weathering. Its aesthetic versatility makes it suitable for various garden styles, from contemporary to traditional.

Is slate paving slippery when wet?

No, slate paving is not slippery when wet. Although due care and attention is always required with any outdoor paving material, its naturally riven surface and dense nature provides excellent slip resistance, making it safe for use in areas that frequently get wet, such as around pools or in shaded garden spots.

Do I need to seal slate paving?

Sealing slate paving is not always necessary due to its low porosity. However, applying a high-quality sealant can enhance the stone's natural colours and provide additional protection against stains and weathering.

How do I know if my slate is superior quality?

Using a trusted supplier is a good place to start. London Stone has built robust and healthy relationships with our suppliers, ensuring quality materials that will stand the test of time. London Stone supply slate paving that is of a high quality, and unlike cheaper quality paving slabs, will not split and delaminate when cut. Read more natural stone frequently asked questions.

How do I maintain slate paving?

Maintaining slate paving is easy. Regular sweeping to remove debris and occasional washing with mild soapy water are usually sufficient. In the event of stubborn stains, this article will help you to decide which stone cleaner to use. Due to its dense nature, slate is resistant to algae and moss growth, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

Can I use slate paving around a swimming pool?

Yes, slate paving is an excellent choice for areas around swimming pools due to its slip-resistant properties and resistance to water absorption. Its natural beauty also enhances the overall aesthetic of poolside areas.

Why should I buy from London Stone?

• London Stone is rated 'Excellent' on Trust Pilot, from over 3,000 reviews
• Nationwide showroom network for you to view products in, and speak to our expert sales staff
• No quibble returns, should you not be completely satisfied with your products
• Free nationwide delivery and next day delivery available