Universal Paving

How to Compare Porcelain Paving Brands: 7 Things That Actually Matter

Porcelain paving in the UK ranges from £18/m² to £48/m² — but the porcelain itself is manufactured to the same specifications. The price difference is distribution margin, not product quality. Here...

How Long Does a Patio Last? Lifespan by Material

A sandstone patio lasts 20-50 years. Porcelain lasts 30-50 years. Concrete lasts 10-15 years before it starts crumbling. But the material is only half the story — how long your patio actually lasts...

Paving Mortar Mix: The Right Ratio for Every Material

The wrong mortar mix is the invisible reason good paving fails. Too much cement cracks. Too little crumbles. This guide gives you the exact ratios for bedding, pointing, and priming — with the comm...

Patio Drainage: How to Stop Your Patio Flooding

Standing water on a patio damages mortar joints, creates slip hazards, and can cause damp in your house walls. This guide covers the gradient, drainage options, and mistakes that cause most patio f...

Can You Lay Paving on Soil or Grass? The Honest Answer

Stepping stones on grass work fine. A full patio on bare soil doesn't — it sinks, shifts, and cracks within months. This guide explains what works, what fails, and why the sub-base is the one step ...

Porcelain Paving: The Complete UK Buyer's Guide

The complete guide to porcelain paving slabs for UK gardens. Colours, sizes, anti-slip ratings, installation requirements, costs, pros, cons and how it compares to sandstone — written by a su...

Jointing Compound for Paving: What It Is, Which to Use, and How to Apply It

Jointing compound is the final step of every paving project — and the one most people get wrong. Which type to use, how much you need, and how to apply it without ruining the slabs.

Porcelain Paving: 7 Pros and 7 Cons Nobody Tells You

7 genuine advantages and 7 honest disadvantages of porcelain paving — including the ones other suppliers won't mention. Written by a supplier who sells both porcelain and sandstone.

How Much Does a Patio Cost? The Complete 2026 Breakdown

A no-nonsense breakdown of what a patio actually costs in 2026 — materials, labour, sub-base, pointing, and all the extras nobody mentions. With worked examples for 15m² and 30m² patios.

10 Grey Patio Ideas That Actually Work in UK Gardens

Grey is the UK's most popular paving colour for a reason. Here are 10 ways to use it — from subtle sandstone to bold dark porcelain — with real products and practical design tips.