If you’re choosing paving for a patio, path or driveway, natural stone is one of those options that tends to look good now and still look good in ten years. It costs more upfront than basic concrete, sure — but it gives you something you can’t really fake: character, long-term durability, and that “it belongs here” feel (especially in Devon and Cornwall, where stone and slate are part of the local look).
Below is a practical, homeowner-friendly guide to why a stone paver surface is worth considering, where it works best, and what to watch out for so you get a finish that lasts.
What counts as “natural stone pavers”?
Natural stone pavers are pieces of real stone cut or split into paving units. In UK gardens, that often means:
- Sandstone (warm, rustic tones, popular for patios)
- Limestone (smooth, modern feel; can be lighter in colour)
- Granite (super tough; great for driveways and high-traffic areas)
- Slate (a classic look that suits many homes in the South West)
- Setts/cobbles (small blocks for edging, borders, and period-style drives)
1) They last a long time (and age nicely)
One of the biggest benefits is simply lifespan. Good-quality natural stone is used in public streets and historic areas because it can take years of footfall and still look presentable.
- Guidance for streetscape work notes it’s reasonable to expect the design life of a natural stone element to be in excess of 100 years.
- Another industry document points out that there are natural stone pavements that have endured 80–100 years of use and still retained a good appearance.
For a homeowner, that doesn’t mean your patio will look identical forever (it will weather), but it does mean you’re buying a surface that can handle real life — kids, BBQs, planters, bins, and plenty of wet Devon winters.
2) Better grip underfoot than you might expect
In the South West, slip risk isn’t theoretical. We get damp, algae, moss, and shaded corners where paths stay wet.
The Natural Stone Federation highlights that stone has inherently good skid and slip resistance (as long as you choose the right finish and keep it maintained).
Practical tip:
For shaded patios or north-facing paths, choose a more textured finish (often described as riven, tumbled, flamed, bush-hammered, etc.) rather than a very smooth sawn surface.
3) It instantly lifts kerb appeal (and can support resale value)
A tidy, well-laid stone paver patio or driveway tends to make a home feel more “looked after”. That first impression matters.
Value uplift is always location-dependent, but some UK home improvement sources suggest resurfacing a driveway may add a modest ~1–3% in value in the right context. Others suggest higher figures (for example where off-street parking is in high demand), sometimes quoting 5–10% as a possible range.
The sensible takeaway: don’t pave purely for resale — but if you’re improving the exterior anyway, natural stone is one of the finishes that tends to “read” as premium.
4) Easy to repair without it looking patchy
Here’s something homeowners love once they’ve had paving for a few years: if a stone settles slightly or a drain cover needs adjusting, individual stone pavers can usually be lifted and relaid (much easier than repairing a large poured surface).
In public realm guidance, stone is even discussed as being reusable when reconstructed. That same principle helps at home too — stone is forgiving in the long run.
5) It works with loads of garden styles (modern and traditional)
Natural stone doesn’t force your garden into one “theme”. It can look:
- Cottage-style with mixed tones and a slightly riven finish
- Modern with cleaner lines, a consistent colour range, and crisp edging
- Coastal with grey tones and neat borders that suit painted exteriors
- Period with setts and complementary garden walls
And because Stone Cross Paving Ltd works across patios, driveways, garden walls, fencing, turfing and cleaning/painting, natural stone can be part of a full “joined-up” outdoor look rather than a one-off patch of paving.
6) It’s a strong option for driveways (when installed properly)
If you’re thinking beyond a patio, natural stone setts or stone blocks can be used on driveways — but the important bit is always the build-up underneath.
A useful cost guide notes that clay and natural stone pavers are typically the most expensive option compared with standard concrete blocks.
That higher price often comes with better aesthetics and longevity — but only if the sub-base and drainage are done right.
Devon driveway note:
If you’re paving a front garden area, you may need to think about drainage and SuDS rules (especially for larger impermeable areas).
7) Maintenance is straightforward (if you do a few small things)
Natural stone doesn’t need constant fussing — but it does like simple routine care:
- Sweep regularly to stop leaf mulch feeding moss and algae
- Rinse or light power wash when it’s looking tired (avoid blasting out the jointing)
- Treat algae early (especially in shade) before it becomes slippery
- Keep joints topped up so weeds don’t take hold
If your paving is already down and just looks grim, a professional clean can be a surprisingly cost-effective “reset” compared with replacing the whole area — and power washing is one of the services Stone Cross Paving highlights too.
Where natural stone pavers make the most sense
If you’re trying to decide where to spend a bit more, these areas usually give the best return in daily enjoyment:
- Main patio / seating area (it’s what you look at most)
- Front path or entrance (kerb appeal)
- Steps and thresholds (where a good finish matters)
- Driveway borders / edging (small detail, big impact)
Quick “yes/no” checklist before you choose stone
Natural stone pavers are usually a great fit if you want:
- A finish that looks better with time (not worse)
- Something that suits Devon/Cornwall homes naturally
- A surface you can clean up and refresh easily
- The option to lift and re-lay sections later
You might think twice (or ask more questions) if:
- Your area is permanently shaded and you don’t want any maintenance at all
- You’re on a tight budget and need the cheapest possible square-metre cost
- You’re unsure about drainage requirements for a front driveway area