Sexy but not sloppy... patio

[glassbrightly]

Ok, so maybe not sexy. Currently have granite blocks, which look lovely if you want to spend your life weeding between them, don't ever want to put a table/ chair etc that doesn't wobble or generally walk in near feet. Garden has quite a wild/ woodland like feel to it. Don't want anything too
slippy with young children around.

Ahhh meant to say slippy !

IMO concrete paving slabs, or stone, are the most durable. They lack whimsy, however.
If laid on a full mortar bed they can be fuly grouted with mortat during laying, which is much better than trying to sweep or push it in later.

Poured concrete can have a good fall to run water away from the house, but can be dusty and is quite difficult to dig up and repair if this should ever be necessary. A brick ending looks neat. I have sandstone edged with brick and laid on consolidated MoT. I think it looks good. My neighbour has something similar but laid without fall and it is dirty and mossy.

This is not mine but an excellent builder and I have a similar style. Mine is in buff sandstone which tones with the house. Concrete slabs are smoother and more durable.

If having a new one laid, ensure that the finished surface is about 150mm below the DPC. Numbskulls like to raise the surface so that they cause damp.

A good fall will reduce dampness so it will tend to be cleaner and free of mould or moss. You can actually lay it on a DPM which will also reduce dampness though most people consider it unnecessary.

Have a look at the Paving Expert website.