Textured Paving Slabs

Give your garden lift and character with our Textured Paving Slabs — designed to add grip, visual depth and personality to patios, paths and outdoor living areas. At Patio Paving, we supply a curated range of textured finishes (natural riven stone, sawn & brushed faces, flamed/shot-blasted granite and textured porcelain) chosen for their look, durability and performance in the UK climate. Textured paving provides a tactile, slip-resistant surface and a unique look — ideal when style and safety are important.

Key benefits

  1. Improved slip resistance — textured faces (riven, brushed or textured porcelain) give better traction underfoot, making them suitable for pool edges, ramps and family patios.

  2. Design flexibility — from hand-split riven sandstone for a rustic look to contemporary textured porcelain with minimalist lines.

  3. Durability for UK conditions — textured natural stone and porcelain are weather-resistant and perform well in frost and wet conditions when installed correctly.

  4. Low visual maintenance — Textures conceal small scuffs and variations more effectively than highly smooth slabs, so patios retain a good appearance throughout the year.

Materials & popular textures we stock

  • Riven sandstone & limestone — a naturally split, irregular face that’s highly attractive and practical for rustic or traditional schemes.

  • Brushed/sawn & honed finishes — refined textures that keep a soft tooth for grip while offering cleaner lines for modern designs.

  • Textured porcelain (R11 options) — modern, consistent textures available in stone, concrete or timber-look finishes; many outdoor porcelain ranges carry R11 slip ratings for safety.

  • Flamed or shot-blasted granite & concrete textured slabs — highly durable, ideal where high wear resistance is required.


Typical sizes

  • Common slab sizes: 600 Patio Pack, 900×600mm, 900×200mm, and mixed-size packs — check product SKU for exact dimensions and pack coverage.

  • Outdoor thickness: 20-22mm is typical for garden paving (porcelain & calibrated natural stone); thicker flags or setts are used for driveways or heavy use—check the SKU technical sheet.

  • Slip & technical data: where relevant, we list R ratings, PTV/pendulum test values, and frost resistance so you can pick a slab suited to poolside, steps, or general patio use.


Where textured paving works best

  • Patios & terraces — add character and hide surface wear.
  • Pool surrounds & wet areas — choose textured porcelain or riven stone with an appropriate slip rating.
  • Paths, steps & entranceways — texture helps grip on slopes and high-traffic routes.
  • Driveways & courtyards — select driveway-rated stone or textured setts for durability.

Buying checklist

  • “Will textured paving be slippery?” — Properly specified textures (riven faces, brushed finishes or R11 porcelain) give superior grip; always check the slip rating for poolside or steep areas.

  • “How do I clean textured slabs?” — Regular sweeping and a rinse; occasional pressure-washing and a neutral patio cleaner remove algae from textured grooves. Textures may need slightly more attention than smooth slabs for grout-line cleaning.

  • “Do textured slabs need sealing?” — Some natural stones benefit from a breathable sealer to protect from staining; porcelain usually does not require sealing. We’ll advise per SKU.

  • “How much waste should I order?” — Allow 5–8% for straight lays; 8–12% for diagonal or irregular patterns. We calculate waste with every quote.


Installation & performance tips

  • Sub-base & falls: a sound, well-compacted Type 1 sub-base and correct falls for drainage are essential — textured slabs show surface irregularities, so base preparation must be precise.

  • Bedding & jointing: follow the manufacturer’s guidance — natural textured stone is often bedded on mortar or sand; porcelain needs the right adhesive or pedestal system if required. Use polymeric or flexible grouts for weather durability.

  • Edge restraints & movement joints: secure edges and movement joints prolong performance and prevent edge-lifting on textured edges.


FAQ

Q: What is the difference between riven and sawn textures?
A: Riven is hand-split or naturally split stone with an uneven, rustic face; sawn or honed finishes are flatter with a controlled texture for a neater, modern look.

Q: Can textured paving be used around pools?
A: Yes — choose ranges with anti-slip/textured finishes (many porcelain ranges are R11 rated) and follow installer guidance for falls and drainage.

Q: Which texture hides dirt best?
A: Moderately textured (riven or brushed) slabs hide light surface marks and scuffs better than ultra-smooth finishes — ideal for high-use family patios.