What type of patio? Paving slabs dilemma.

[Cretaceous]

We have an extended 1950s semi, with bifold doors opening onto a patio. We are about to replace the worn crazy paving patio, but are having difficulty choosing slabs. We are not very keen on the riven slabs (thinking water puddles and wobbly tables), but prefer smoother ones, and in the darker finish. However, needless to say, this seems to be the more expensive option, and we need to cover around 30m2 including pathways.

I just wondered what other people did for their patios. Can anyone recommend any (cheaper) slabs? Or have you gone for a different finish? (Can't imagine gravel working )

Thank you!

we went for tegula block paving, not sure its any cheaper though. try bradstone paving or marshalls for slabs.

I would go for whatever you want, might be a little extra but in the long run you forget about the extra its cost... don't see the point in compromising if you don't really like the cheaper option.

"don't see the point in compromising if you don't really like the cheaper option"
Oh dear, that was my feeling - but not DPs when he worked out the price of my preferred choice! I guess I'm never going to love cheaper options, but I was hoping someone would convince me otherwise...

The tegula looks nice. DP thought the block paving might look a little "driveway" for the patio - particularly as our driveway is a large expanse of crazy paving, so looks just like the patio!

I've just got brochures for paving slabs. They keep going on about the costs being 80% labour and only 20% materials. Obviously trying to get customers to spend more, but I wonder if that's worth considering?

DP is going to lay them, thank goodness, but I didn't realise labour was so expensive! I'll have to be a bit more appreciative in our paving slab disagreements discussions...

We've just done a path in Tegula and there are 3 sizes. We chose medium and it looks excellent.

Indian Sandstone here. I really wanted reclaimed York until I saw the price.
I've been promised it will weather and look good.
Looks fairly grim 1 week in.

I´ve just had some paving done with Indian sandstone & I love it. It is riven but a very flat batch thankfully. Had money been no object we would have gone for the honed sandstone but must say that I am really pleased with it.

May I mark my place. Just about to start similar arguments discussions with my DH.

spaghetti my top tip would be to go and look at other peoples that have been down at least a year.
We went noseying looking at all our mates' and the ones that have had time to weather are much nicer than our new one.
From what I understand sandstone weathers but limestone doesn't.

Have a look on Pinterest and see what you like, because there are just so many options beyond those that you see in the standard builders merchants.

I definitely think it's worth paying more to get a finish that you really like on something that is so close to the house - particularly if your husband is willing to fit. You will save so much money that way. If you like a dark finish, have you thought about slate, for instance?

Also, look into buying on ebay. I have sourced a number of landscaping products for my garden this way at a fraction of the cost that they were in shops.

what would you go for if you didn't want wonky table tegs?

Do not, under any circumstances put down gravel, (just in case you weren't joking). Our rented house had a tatty patio when we viewed it - "don't worry!", says the letting agent, "the landlord's going to replace that!"

So we moved in - to discover a large expanse of gravel where the patio had been.
I am now the proud owner of the worlds' biggest litter tray .

theresadogonyourballs ours has gullies of pea shale running through the slabs. I hate it and the DCs sweep the stones out the gullies every single time we go in the garden!

I don't know what we will end up going for but it won't involve gravel of any description.