Natural Stone vs Porcelain Paving: Which Is the Best Choice for Patios?

Choosing the right paving is key to creating a patio that you’ll enjoy for years to come. At AWBS, we stock an extensive range of natural stone and porcelain paving slabs and project packs. Plus everything you’ll need to build your patio and maintain it once it’s complete.

But which slabs should you go for? In this guide, we’ll look at the differences between porcelain vs natural stone paving, including styles, benefits and costs. We’ll also provide some installation and care tips to help you select the best material for your needs. Let’s get started!

What is porcelain paving?

Porcelain paving is a contemporary and versatile option. Manufactured from refined clay, sand and minerals, it is fired at very high temperatures to produce dense and non-porous slabs. These can be made slightly thinner (porcelain slabs are generally 20mm thick) than natural stone slabs without sacrificing strength and can often be laid indoors or out. Ideal for creating floors that run seamlessly from your kitchen to your patio.

What’s more, as porcelain paving is digitally printed, it can mimic virtually any surface. Think natural stone, wooden slats, concrete and even metallic finishes. Whatever you choose, your slabs will be uniform in size, shape and thickness, and usually have modern clean-cut edges, although some traditional styles are available.

What is natural stone paving?

Natural stone paving is exactly that – stone that’s been quarried and cut for use in patios and pathways. Each slab is completely unique, with its own colour variations, veining and textures.

Different stones have different qualities. Sandstone is a popular all-rounder with a rustic, riven surface that complements established homes well. Alternatively, limestone paving features a finer grain and smoother finish which is ideal for positioning outdoor furniture on. We also stock dense and hard-wearing granite slabs and slate in rich colours with a subtle texture.

For homeowners who want authenticity and timeless appeal, natural stone paving is hard to beat. It weathers naturally over time, adding character and charm to any garden.

Paving styles and design options

Porcelain paving designs

Porcelain paving offers a huge range of looks, from ultra-modern concrete or metallic effects to softer finishes that mimic natural stone or timber. Whichever you prefer, each comes lightly textured for slip-resistance and to make them feel more like the material they’re replicating.

At AWBS, we offer wood-effect slabs, which provide the warmth of timber without the upkeep. You’ll also find marbled designs and rustic stone-effect porcelain that mirrors the character of Indian sandstone. Check out the authentic multi-tonal finishes in our Exclusive range!

We also stock Bradstone’s stylish Mode Profiled porcelain pavers with mica crystals that sparkle in the sun to create a metallic effect. These are currently 10% off, with 18m² packs reduced to £984 and a free tub of Joint-It Elite worth £47 included.

You might also like Pavestone’s Antico porcelain granite slabs with unique fettled edges just like natural stone. Better yet, they’re on special offer at just £10 each – less than half the price of other porcelain slabs!

Stone garden paving styles

With stone, variation occurs naturally. Sandstone, limestone, slate and granite each offer a spectrum of tones, from warm terracotta, buff and brown through to cool greys and blues. And as no two slabs are the same, it’s easy to create a one-of-a-kind finish. On top of that, surface finishes can be naturally split for a rustic look or sawn to create a smoother surface.

Bestsellers include our AWBS Exclusive sandstone with a striking riven texture and numerous colour options, from golden brown to pink and green. A 15m² project pack is now just £413 (was £459), and includes a free tub of Joint-It Simple jointing compound worth £55. Another classic option is Pavestone’s Tudor Antique slabs with a time-worn finish that mimics weathering.

Looking for natural stone with a more subtle texture? Try Pavestone’s Abbey limestone with a more even surface – a 15m² project pack is now just £513 (was £594). Alternatively, Digby’s clean-cut granite paving creates contemporary and long-lasting patios.

Pros & cons of porcelain vs natural stone slabs

Porcelain

Porcelain is one of the most practical paving choices available. It’s frost-proof, stain resistant, scratch resistant and UV stable. That means it won’t fade in the sun or become damaged by spills, children’s play or pets. Best of all, porcelain requires very little maintenance – just a sweep and occasional wash will keep it looking like new.

However, it is typically slightly more expensive than natural stone, slabs can be harder to cut, and porcelain requires specialist jointing compounds. Because of this, specialist tools and expertise are needed to install porcelain, it can be advisable to hire a professional installer.

Natural stone

Natural stone, on the other hand, offers a natural beauty that porcelain can only replicate. Its unique charm adds aesthetic appeal and sandstone in particular is very affordable. Stone slabs are also easier to cut and lay than porcelain, making installation more straightforward.

With that said, natural stone paving does require more care. Being porous, it needs sealing to prevent staining and water damage, and it can be more vulnerable to weathering and frost than porcelain slabs. The natural variation across slabs also makes it harder to pattern-match your patio. So, if you’re after a uniform finish with consistent colouring, porcelain may be the better option for you.

Cost comparison

The cost of your new patio or paved path will come down to both the materials and the installation. As a rule, porcelain slabs tend to be more expensive upfront, but they are becoming more and more affordable. Plus, we have several offers to help you grab a bargain!

Porcelain prices

At AWBS, individual porcelain slabs start from around £22–£40, with extra-large options from £65. The exception to this is Pavestone Antico pavers, which offer exceptional value at £10 per slab – while stocks last!

In terms of porcelain paving packs, Digby 15m² porcelain packs are now available from just £600 (reduced from £829.99). In the mid-range, Exclusive porcelain packs (in large 19m² pack sizes) start at only £648, while Bradstone’s luxury Mode Profiled packs (18m²) are currently on sale for just £984 each!

Installation usually costs £100–£150 per m², factoring in the sub-base, slurry primer and jointing compound, specialist cutting tools and labour fees.

Natural stone costs

In comparison, the single sandstone slabs in our Exclusive range start at just £3.34, rising to £19.99 for larger styles. We can also supply Brazilian slate and Noire limestone pavers from £4.84 each!

For bigger projects, AWBS Exclusive Indian sandstone project packs (15m²) offer outstanding value and are currently available from only £413 (was £459), while Pavestone’s limestone packs (15m²) are now just £513 (was £594). At the premium end, Digby’s granite paving packs (15m²) start at £660, combining durability with a sleek modern finish.

Installation costs are broadly similar to porcelain at around £100–£150 per m², but because natural stone is easier to cut and lay, it’s often quicker to install and can save on labour costs. Confident DIYers may even be able to tackle installing a sandstone patio themselves!

Here’s how they compare at a glance:

Installation insights

As mentioned, laying porcelain paving is a bit more complex than natural stone. Porcelain should be laid on a concrete sub-base and each slab needs to be slurry primed on the back before being set on a full bed of mortar. Otherwise, they may not adhere properly and could lift over time. To fill in the joints, we’d recommend a specialist product like Joint-It Elite, supplied free with Bradstone porcelain packs. Read our full laying guide for more guidance.

Natural stone is usually laid on compacted MOT Type 1 stone with a full mortar bed. Once installed, sealing the surface is strongly recommended to help prevent staining and moisture ingress. For neat joints, you can use a quick and easy brush-in compound like Joint-It Simple – free with AWBS Exclusive packs. This can then be topped up easily over time as needed.

Care and maintenance

Porcelain is extremely low-maintenance. It doesn’t need sealing and it won’t stain, even if you spill wine or BBQ grease on it. Just wipe up any mess as soon as you can, and sweep and hose your patio down periodically to keep it looking fresh.

Natural stone requires more care, but it’s relatively straightforward with the right products. Sealing during installation and again every few years will help to protect the stone against stains and cracks. And regular sweeping will also reduce the risk of moss and algae growth.

We’d also suggest a deeper clean every now and then. You can use a scrubbing brush to tackle stuck-on debris and a specialist product to brighten the surface – learn more in our paving care guide. Just avoid pressure washing or you’ll displace the jointing compound.

So which should you choose?

If you want a sleek, uniform patio that’s simple to look after, porcelain is the obvious choice. It’s ideal for busy families, modern homes and outdoor spaces that need to stand up to heavy use. But if you prefer the individuality of real stone, and don’t mind a little extra care, then natural stone paving will give you a characterful patio that’s unique to your home.

At AWBS, we offer a huge range of both natural stone and porcelain paving, from affordable Exclusive collections to premium branded packs. Browse and order the full range of natural stone and porcelain paving and accessories on our website. Or visit us in Oxford, Swindon or Yarnton to see installed displays in person. Either way, you’ll benefit from free local delivery within 25 miles of each branch, plus expert advice from our team.

And don’t forget – right now we’re giving you an extra 10% off selected paving packs. Not to mention a free tub of jointing compound with every pack! When better to start a patio project?