Stone Slabs for Patio In Comparison
This guide explains the differences between the various stone patio tiles. Find out which tiles or paving slabs are suitable for your terrace and garden.
What distinguishes natural stone, porcelain stoneware and concrete?
Terrace tiles made of these materials are particularly resistant to weathering and easy to maintain. The advantages and disadvantages lie primarily in the visual effect, the effort required to install them, and the costs. The decision as to which coverage is best suited for your patio should be based on your design wishes, your own craftsmanship and your budget.
- Concrete slab
- Porcelain stoneware tiles
- Natural stone slabs
- Polygonal slabs
Concrete slabs are industrially manufactured and therefore less expensive than natural stones. Due to their uniform shape, they are also easier to lay. In contrast to elements made of graphite, quartzite, or sandstone, they appear soberer and do not blend in quite as harmoniously with the surroundings.
The term porcelain stoneware refers to tiles for outdoor use. They are cheaper than stone slabs made of concrete and the effort required for laying them is similar. The large variety of different formats and surfaces offers numerous possibilities to set accents. Stone slabs made of porcelain stoneware appear more unadorned than natural stone coverings.
Natural stone slabs, with their unique surface and texture, create a particularly smooth transition to the surrounding plants. They are more difficult to work with and more expensive than the other patio slabs. Polygonal slabs are a special type. They are made of broken natural stones and, with their corners and edges, are very suitable for the Mediterranean or natural seating areas. They are also a cost-effective alternative to natural stone slabs.
Concrete slab
Concrete slabs are the all-rounders among the terrace slabs: In addition to a good pressure and load-bearing capacity, neither frost nor sun, rain or wind can harm them. Water drains off easily through the joints as well as through special drainage channels and the adjacent planting.
With their different colors, shapes and textures, you can easily match concrete slabs to the size of the area, the basic tone of the facade and the style of your furniture. The regular shapes with smooth edges allow experienced do-it-yourselfers to lay concrete slabs themselves without major difficulties.
It is recommended to border the terrace with curbs later. They will keep the surface in shape in the long term and prevent elements from slipping. Compared to other stone slabs, the industrially manufactured material is a cost-effective option.
The slabs are extremely easy to maintain. Some manufacturers provide the surface with a protective layer, which further reduces the effort required for cleaning. In the case of untreated slabs, it is advisable to apply this impregnation yourself afterward. As soon as you have cleaned the surface with water and a little biodegradable washing-up liquid, the terrace can be walked on again.
Porcelain stoneware tiles
Similar to the tiles for interiors, porcelain stoneware is also very durable. The surface is scratch and slip-resistant and resistant to weather conditions. Even severe frost can hardly harm porcelain stoneware. The high resistance to UV rays guarantees that the color will be preserved for a long time.
The various sizes and basic shades make it easy to create a new seating area to match the style of the house as well as individual ideas. With its different surfaces, you can choose porcelain stoneware according to your personal taste. The low weight of the material and its regular edges make it easy to install. Only the cutting of the fine patio tiles requires experience and craftsmanship.
Tip: Water can easily run off the smooth surface and dirt has hardly any chance to settle. However, if stains do appear, they can be easily removed with water and a little biodegradable washing-up liquid.
Natural stone slabs
Like concrete and porcelain stoneware, natural stone is also very resistant to weathering. The sun does not bleach these stone slabs, rain can roll off the stone and frost they show the cold shoulder. With every step they provide secure footing, even heavy use leaves hardly any traces.
The different colors and surfaces result from the different compositions of individual minerals within the stone. In shape and color, each slab is unique. The irregular edges and different heights of the individual slabs increase the degree of difficulty in later processing. Assembling the many individual pieces into a flat surface requires experience and skill.
Compared to concrete blocks and porcelain stoneware, natural stones are much more expensive. The elements are extremely durable and in combination with greenery and flowering plants create a grown overall picture.
Tip: The material can be cleaned with little effort. A broom and a little water are all that is needed to remove coatings or minor stains. Heavier soiling caused by moss or algae can be removed with a high-pressure cleaner using a special brush attachment.
Polygonal slabs
Polygonal slabs are natural stones broken in different ways. They are just as robust and weather-resistant as the stone slabs brought into shape. A special feature of polygonal slabs is their irregular shape. In combination with the different color schemes, each slab is unique. Polygonal slabs make the whole terrace an eye-catcher in the garden.
The non-uniform shapes and sizes affect the processing. Experienced do-it-yourselfers are required when laying the slabs. Especially in the edge area, they must be able to cut the slabs to size with a diamond cutting disc or an angle grinder. Depending on the material, they can be worked with a hammer. Compared to natural stone, polygonal slabs are significantly cheaper.
