Choosing patio slabs for a London garden
Compare patio slab materials and finishes, then ask the right questions about layout, preparation and drainage for your London garden.
Choose patio slabs by looking at the material, the actual finish and how you want to use the garden. Before settling on a colour, ask how the paving will meet your doors, steps and paths, and where rainwater will go.
Start with the garden you want to use
Is this a place for a dining table, a route to the back gate, or both? Sketch the area with your furniture in place. Mark any steps, narrow passages and spots where water already collects. Bring that sketch to the discussion rather than choosing slabs from a photograph alone.
PIMI’s patio and paving work includes garden paths, steps and edging, with levels, drainage and preparation discussed as part of the project.
Compare materials before choosing a finish
PIMI’s garden service page describes natural stone and porcelain patios and discusses concrete slabs as another paving option. Use those as starting points for a shortlist; ask which specific products are suitable and available for your garden.
- Natural stone: ask to see samples of the proposed stone together. Would you like the variation you see across the selection beside your house?
- Porcelain: compare the proposed outdoor product in person. Ask about its surface finish, wet-weather suitability and cleaning instructions.
- Concrete slabs: ask to see the exact product, colour and edge detail. Compare a sample with your other choices before deciding.
These are material choices to discuss, rather than a promise that every range, brand or colour can be supplied. Ask for the agreed product to be named in the quote.
Look at texture, colour and layout together
Take samples outside beside your walls and doors. Look at them in the part of the garden you want to pave, then ask to see the proposed joint colour and edging alongside them. Which combination would you want to look out at each day?
Ask for a layout sketch showing the slab sizes, cuts, borders and any steps. Include the path to the gate or shed if it forms part of the work. Before choosing a finish, ask for the product’s care guidance and discuss how you intend to use the space.
What to ask before agreeing the work
- What needs removing, and does the quote include taking it away?
- What ground preparation and laying method are proposed for these slabs?
- How will the finished levels meet the house, paths and steps?
- Where will rainwater drain, and what drainage work is included?
- How will materials reach the garden through the available access?
- What cleaning and aftercare does the chosen product need?
Discuss your patio with PIMI
Have your postcode, the approximate area and a description of how you use the garden ready. Mention awkward access, existing slabs, steps and any drainage problems. PIMI can discuss the preparation and layout alongside your preferred finish.
