Paving slabs are a popular hard landscaping material for lots of different projects. From garden design to footpaths and beyond, it has for a long time been favoured for its durability and relatively low maintenance nature. That being said, paving slabs can be quite costly, especially if the desired area is expansive.
For this reason, many contractors, homeowners and business owners look to seek out viable alternatives to paving slabs. The good news is, there are quite a few which deliver all the benefits of this landscaping material in a cost-effective way. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of materials which can be used instead of paving slabs, including NatraTex surfacing.
Common Alternatives To Paving Slabs
Gravel
Gravel is one of the cheapest and easiest alternatives to paving slabs. Most often used for footpaths and driveways, aggregates used for gravel are available in a wide variety of sizes and colours for a range of different finishes.
Whilst cost-effective, gravel is by no means a low maintenance option. As it is laid loose and not bound in any way, it is very easily moved in high traffic areas and therefore needs regular sweeping to keep it in check. As well as this, to keep areas looking fresh and well cared for, gravel surfaces need regular top ups which can be time-consuming and add extra costs in the long term.
Resin Bound Paving
Resin bound surfaces are created by mixing aggregates with a clear binder, which is then hand trowelled on to a prepared area to create a smooth surface. Resin bound paving has become a popular surfacing material in recent years because it is permeable, durable and attractive.
That being said, resin bound surfaces aren’t always the cheapest or the best option. Firstly, they can be quite expensive to lay depending on the contractor, type of aggregate and resin used. Secondly, they aren’t well-suited to areas that endure heavy traffic over long periods of time, as they can be prone to cracking under too much strain.
Decking
Decking can be used to create outdoor walkways and seating areas, particularly in gardens or parks. Depending on the type of timber used in the creation of decking, this can be a cost-effective choice which adds a natural aesthetic to the area.
However, one of the biggest drawbacks of decking is the constant maintenance it requires, which makes it unsuitable for a lot of projects. As it’s not as hardy as other surfacing materials, it is likely that decking will need repairing, repainting and staining pretty regularly.
NatraTex Surfacing
NatraTex is a cost effective, durable hard landscaping material available in a range of colours and finishes. An asphalt surface course boasting characteristics similar to that of a conventional macadam, it is routinely used to create eye-catching, durable and cost-effective surfacing for residential, regeneration, retail and recreational projects.
From decorative driveways to park footpaths and beyond, NatraTex is a versatile material which is supplied in a variety of colours from sympathetic buff shades to vibrant, eye-catching tones.
Learn More About NatraTex
To find out more about NatraTex and how it can be used in your project, please contact us. Our team would be delighted to work with you to find a surfacing solution which meets your budgets and specifications. Alternatively, if you are a contractor who would like to learn more about specifying NatraTex products, you can book a CPD with us or Request A Sample today!
