Natural Stone Paving Slabs, limestone, sandstone, granite, travertine...

Natural stone paving is the best option for patios and driveways. It usually looks beautiful and out lasts any concrete, asphalt, or other types of paving. Natural stone paving slabs are not cheap to buy, however there are some very cost effective imported versions such as Indian sandstone paving. Ask your paving contractor for advice as the big brands like Marshalls often have very high prices for these paving stones. For example in the UK Indian stone can be as cheap at $20 per square metre, whereas brands like Marshalls charge around triple the cost.

If buying cheap imported natural stone paving, try and ensure you are purchasing ethically mined paving stones. In India the mining conditions can be very harsh for the workers, with little to no health and safety, and child labor. Buying stone paving slabs mined from ethical sources might cost just a little extra, but it will ensure western employment standards for the workers abroad.

Sanstone paving is a very nice option for a drive or patio. The only thing to be aware of is that some types aren't very strong. So make sure that your paving contractor is using thick enough stone on a quality foundation, if laying on a driveway. Granite paving is a more expensive option, it is very stong and looks great. It is available in different shades of grey. Granite paving is mostly laid in setts or small bricks. This will work out very expensive, if it is too much you could lay asphalt on the driveway and just use granite bricks as a border.