Hammerstone Nero Outdoor Porcelain Paving Tiles - 900x600 - 20mm

Black paving is a statement. There's no playing it safe here - you're committing to drama, contrast, and a look that's unapologetically bold. Hammerstone Nero delivers that in spades with deep charcoal-black tones and proper texture that stops it feeling flat or lifeless. Not for everyone, but absolutely stunning if you've got the vision for it.

The Look

This is proper dark - think charcoal verging on black rather than just dark grey. Rich, deep colour that absorbs light and creates this grounding, anchoring effect in gardens. Makes everything else pop by comparison.

The hammerstone texture is what saves it from feeling too stark or industrial. You get depth, shadow, variation across the surface - it catches light in interesting ways and feels tactile underfoot. Without that texture, black paving can look a bit lifeless. With it? Genuinely sophisticated.

The contrast potential is massive. Pale furniture looks incredible against it. Greenery becomes more vibrant. Architectural lighting at night is properly dramatic. Even simple timber decking creates beautiful juxtaposition. It's that rare material that makes everything around it look better.

But Is It Practical?

More than you'd think, actually. The dark colour hides dirt brilliantly - dust, dried leaves, general garden debris just doesn't show like it would on lighter paving. Between cleans, it looks consistently good, which is a real advantage.

These are 20 mm thick outdoor porcelain tiles built tough. Handle frost, moisture, impacts without issues. The textured surface provides solid grip even when wet - that R11 anti-slip rating means business.

At 900×600 mm per tile, you're covering ground quickly. The large format suits the dark colour too - creates these clean, flowing expanses rather than a grid of smaller tiles that might feel busy.

Heat - The Honest Truth

Dark paving absorbs heat. On hot summer days, it will get warmer than lighter colours. That's just physics. If your patio gets full sun and you like walking barefoot, this might not be ideal.

BUT - and this matters in the UK - we don't get that many scorching hot days. Most of the time, it's absolutely fine. And on cooler days or in shaded spots, the warmth absorption is actually pleasant.

Just be aware of it. If heat's genuinely a concern, position it partly in shade or accept you'll wear shoes during heatwaves. For most British gardens, it's honestly not an issue.

Maintenance Reality

Dark paving is forgiving. Shows dirt and marks far less than white or light grey. You'll sweep occasionally when leaves build up, but you're not noticing every speck of dust or pollen like you would with lighter colours.

The non-porous porcelain surface means spills don't stain. Water marks dry without leaving traces. Moss and algae struggle to establish. When you do clean it - maybe monthly or when you fancy - it takes minutes and looks fresh again.

No sealing needed. No special treatments. The hammerstone texture doesn't trap dirt particularly - a stiff brush handles it easily. Genuinely low-effort for the impact it creates.

Where It Excels

Hammerstone Nero works brilliantly in:

• Contemporary gardens where drama and contrast matter
• Urban courtyards with modern aesthetics
• Around modern extensions or architectural homes
• Spaces with lots of lighting - creates stunning night-time atmosphere
• Gardens with pale gravel, light furniture, or structural planting
• Entertaining areas - photographs incredibly well