B And Q Paving Slabs

Finding the Perfect Paving Slabs for Your Project

Laying down new paving slabs can completely transform an outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a stylish patio, sprucing up the garden path or installing a new driveway, the right slabs can really make your design pop. As one of the top destinations for home and garden improvement, B&Q offers a wide selection of paving slabs to suit any project.

When embarking on new paving work, it helps to have a solid buying guide. With so many options to pick from, the choices at B&Q can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s an in-depth look at what to consider when buying paving slabs from B&Q for your unique needs:

What Types of Paving Slabs Does B&Q Offer?

From classic stone looks to modern concrete, B&Q has all the major paving slab materials covered. Options include:

• Concrete slabs – The most affordable choice; available in various sizes and colors. Durable and low maintenance.
• Natural stone slabs – Elegant slabs cut from granite, slate, limestone etc. Withstand the elements beautifully but cost more.
• Porcelain slabs – Replicate the look of natural stone but with more durability. Stain, frost and chemical resistant.
• Composite slabs – Blend natural aggregates like stone or shell with resin for unique, eco-friendly styles.
• Brick slabs – Versatile, classic clay pavers that complement cottage gardens and patios.

Within each material type, B&Q offers both modern and traditional styles to match any landscaping vision.

How Much Do B&Q Paving Slabs Cost?

Pricing varies widely based on the material, size, thickness and finish. Basic 450 x 450mm concrete slabs start at around £1 per slab. Mid-range natural stone options like limestone and sandstone run £5-£25 per slab. Premium porcelain pavers and larger cut stone slabs range from £25 up to £100+ apiece.

B&Q offers product specs and pricing right on their website, making it easy to compare costs and find deals. Sort products by price to see the most budget-friendly options first. Consider ordering in bulk for larger jobs to save on each slab.

The Durability Factor: Choosing Long-Lasting Slabs

Investing in a new patio or path, you’ll want slabs built to withstand the elements. Check product details to find pavers rated for weather resistance. Key features that boost durability:

• Frost-proof – Won’t crack and crumble in cold weather. Essential for driveways and paths.
• Non-slip – Important safety feature for pool decks, patios and steps. Look for gritted or textured surfaces.
• Fade-resistant – Color won’t dull from sun exposure over time.
• Stain-resistant – Repels spills, grease and grime for easy cleaning. Great for cooking and dining areas.

Thicker slabs also tend to hold up better long-term. B&Q’s range includes slim line 20mm pavers up to robust 60mm options.

Laying B&Q Paving Slabs with Proper Technique

Once you’ve chosen the perfect slabs, proper installation is key to creating a flat, stable, long-lasting surface.

DIY paver projects require:

• Compacted, well-draining base – Clear vegetation and use a compactor to flatten and pack down soil or aggregate subsurface.
• Sand and mortar layers – Level sand base and/or mortar provide a smooth foundation for placing slabs.
• Gapped layout – Leave small spaces between slabs for drainage. Avoid snug configurations.

For best results, review B&Q’s detailed paving guides for each type of slab. Or consider hiring a professional installer if tacking a large area like a driveway or multi-level patio.

Stylish and Durable Patio Pavers

Smooth, uniform patio slabs from B&Q create a relaxed space for lounging and entertaining outdoors. Popular patio paver options include:

• Concrete – Budget-friendly and versatile for simple patios.
• Natural stone – Sophisticated, upscale look. Softer slate is comfier for bare feet than granite.
• Porcelain – Realistic natural stone looks without the maintenance.
• Composite – Intriguing modern designs like simulated wood or metallic finishes.

When choosing pavers, make sure to pick non-slip, weather-resistant options rated for outdoor use. This ensures a patio that stays beautiful year after year.

Sizing Up the Choices: Dimensions for Any Project

B&Q stocks paving slabs in a range of standard and customized dimensions to suit projects big and small.

• Smaller sizes like 300mm x 300mm work well for mosaic patios and garden paths.
• Mid-size 450mm x 450mm offers versatility for patios, walkways and driveways.
• Larger slabs 600mm x 600mm or bigger create dramatic impact. Popular for driveways, pool decks and commercial use.

Rectangular bricks and edging strips help finish off path borders or create unique patterns. B&Q also offers circle paver kits and readymade step slabs to tackle tricky components.

Setting the Scene with Color, Shape and Texture

Beyond the material, the aesthetic details make all the difference for an eye-catching patio or path. B&Q provides tons of options to dial in your perfect style:

• Colors – From cool greys to warm buff tones, bold blacks or poppy reds. Many slabs offer color variations for a natural blend.
• Shapes – Traditional squares and rectangles or unique hexagons, circles and interlocking curves.
• Finishes – Smooth, textured, distressed and more. Interesting finishes like exposed aggregate add visual depth.
• Patterns – Weave variously shaped slabs together for artistic flair. Combine colors and sizes for custom effects.

Visit the store display area to get a sense of how colors and textures combine. Snap some photos to reference as you lay out your design.

Eco-Friendly Paving Slabs: Sustainable Outdoor Flooring

For green gardens and patios, B&Q offers sustainable paving choices like:

• Recycled composite slabs – Made from recycled stone, shell and glass aggregates. Reduce waste.
• Permeable options – Allow rainfall to drain through naturally. Limit runoff issues.
• Locally-sourced materials – Reduce environmental impact of long-distance transport.
• Reclaimed stone – Give a new life to salvaged stone in a classic or modern cut.

Any projects involving excavation and significant land disturbance should follow ecological best practices too. Check out B&Q’s guide on creating an eco-garden for tips.

Keeping Patio and Driveway Slabs Looking Fresh

Over time, paving slabs can accumulate stains, debris and grime. Follow these tips to keep your B&Q pavers looking like new:

• Remove weeds promptly before they take root in slab joints
• Sweep away debris with a stiff broom
• Wash spills and stains quickly to avoid absorption
• Deep clean annually with a pressure washer and slab cleaning solution
• Re-apply sealing products as needed per manufacturer instructions
• Repair cracks and pits as soon as they develop to avoid exacerbating damage

With proper care, quality slabs from B&Q can stay in top shape and maintain their eye-catching appeal for decades.

B&Q Home Delivery: Convenient Shipping for Big Orders

Lugging home dozens of bulky, heavy paving slabs from the store can be a hassle. Fortunately, B&Q offers delivery services for major purchases.

Home delivery options include:

• Room of choice delivery – Driver brings items exactly where needed in your home.
• Curbside delivery – Items are conveniently delivered to your driveway or doorstep.
• Click and collect – Buy online and pick up purchases parked right outside the store.

Delivery fees vary based on how much you spend and where you’re located. Ordering large quantities usually provides the best value. Calculate costs ahead to budget accordingly.

Cutting Pavers to Size: Simple Tools and Pro Tips

For edging paths, fitting corners or customizing designs, you’ll often need to cut paving slabs to size. The right tools and techniques make for smooth, precise cuts. Options for cutting B&Q pavers include:

• A bolster and club hammer for hand splitting natural stone. Score lines first with a chisel.
• A circular saw with a concrete blade to cut rigid slabs.
• A diamond blade angle grinder for detailed cuts and shaping. Wear eye and ear protection.
• A block splitter if tackling lots of masonry work. Split along the grain for clean breaks.

Cut slabs outdoors to control dust. Follow any specific manufacturer cutting instructions. Remember to factor in the space needed between slabs.

Durable Driveway Pavers to Enhance Curb Appeal

Driving up to a home surrounded by a beautifully paved driveway creates instant curb appeal. B&Q offers several driveway-worthy paving slab options:

• Granite cobble sets – Natural stone style suitable for driveways or roads. Pricier but regal looking.
• Grid or permeable systems – Sturdy interlocking plastic grids filled with gravel or grass. Provide drainage.
• 60mm+ concrete blocks – Budget-friendly and industrial strength. Bevel the edges for a finished look.
• Porcelain – Looks classy and ups the durability factor. Easy to clear snow and debris.

Focus on heavy duty, non-slip surfaces rated for driveways and vehicular use. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper long-term stability.

Creating a Non-Slip Outdoor Surface

Slippery paving slabs can create hazardous conditions and even injuries around pools, patios and paths. Thankfully, B&Q offers several options to guard against slipping:

• Textured slab finishes add grit and friction. Popular options include riven, wire-cut, cleft, machine textured and exposed aggregate.
• Some slabs get treated with silica grains and coatings to make the surface intrinsically non-slip.
• Mixing in non-slip additives when laying concrete slabs creates grip. Same for polymer resins on overlay slabs.
• Choose naturally grippy materials like granite, slate and textured porcelain.
• Cushioned anti-fatigue mats provide traction underfoot around standing areas like grills.

Pay special attention to steps, poolsides and slopes. Routinely check for moss/algae growth in shady/wet areas too.

Sealing and Protecting Outdoor Slabs

While top quality paving slabs are formulated to resist weathering, applying protective sealers helps them look their best for longer. Consider sealers to:

• Preserve color – Maintain vibrant hues from sun fading and wear.
• Resist staining – Guard against oil, grease food and rust stains.
• Limit efflorescence – Block white mineral salt deposits from rising to the surface.
• Extend freeze-thaw resistance – Waterproof concrete and natural stone.

Pick a sealer compatible with the specific slab material. Reapply annually or as directed. Avoid sealers that produce excessively slippery or glossy surfaces.

Paver Style and Strength: Thickness Guidelines

At B&Q, paving slab thickness generally spans:

• 20mm – Basic slim line concrete pavers for light use. More affordable.
• 35-45mm – Mid range thickness suitable for most domestic patios, gardens and paths.
• 60mm+ – Excellent durability for driveways, pool decks, commercial settings. Prevents movement and sinking.

Thickness plays a big role in how well slabs resist cracking and deterioration over time. Thicker slabs hold up to more extreme weather shifts and heavy use.

Factor in thickness along with the overall strength of the material when selecting durable outdoor pavers. Heft equals heft!

Withstanding the Elements: Choosing Weather-Resistant Slabs

Outdoor paving slabs really take a beating from the elements. Rain, ice, snow and sunlight all take their toll over time. When selecting B&Q pavers, look for weather-resistant features:

• Frost-proof rating – Won’t crack from freeze-thaw cycles. Crucial for driveways and colder climates.
• UV stability – Prevents fading of color from constant sun exposure.
• Water resistance – Repels rain and standing water to prevent erosion and damage.
• Stain resistance – Allows for easy cleaning after exposure to food, oils and rust stains from furniture.
• Slip resistance – Textured surfaces provide traction even when wet.

Thicker slabs also hold up better. And applying protective sealants boosts weatherization. Durability results in years of trouble-free enjoyment.

Prepping the Base: Keys for a Long-Lasting Patio

The underlying base makes or breaks the longevity of any paving stone installation. B&Q recommends:

• Excavating down 6-8 inches to allow for a compacted base layer and mortar.
• Flattening and tamping the soil base to create stability.
• Adding a layer of crushed stone like road base for drainage. Compact to 4 inches deep.
• Topping with sharp sand 1-2 inches thick to level and prevent sinkage when setting slabs.
• Using mortar, pavers’ supports or adhesives as needed based on slab type and site conditions.

Don’t cut corners on site prep and the base! This creates the critical foundation for a smooth, sturdy slab installation that will last for decades.

Stylish Decorative Touches: Patterned and Accent Slabs

Beyond basic squares and rectangles, B&Q stocks a nice selection of decorative paving slabs to add interest. Options include:

• Patterned shapes – Interlocking curves, circles, diamonds, waves and more for geometric appeal.
• Mosaic designs – Mix tiny bricks and tiles to create artistic custom motifs.
• Borders and trims – Defined edges between surfaces.
• Herringbone layouts – Visually pleasing arrangements to grab attention.
• Mixed colors – Contrasting or complementary hues to highlight shape designs.

Get creative mixing and matching to develop your own signature paving style! Refer to B&Q’s guides for pro tips on working with unique slab shapes and patterns.

Professional Help for Tricky Paver Projects

You can DIY many simple paving slab installations. But for large or intricate jobs, consider hiring a professional for:

• Excavation – Removing deep soil layers is demanding work.
• Heavy lifting – Professionals have lifting aids to safely move hundreds of heavy slabs.
• Perfect laying – Experts properly level and seam slabs for smooth, long-lasting results.
• Advanced cutting – Pro equipment and skills make quick work of tricky custom cuts.
• Drainage – Professionals handle runoff and prevent soggy soil underneath.

Take advantage of B&Q’s installer network. Or ask their flooring experts to recommend trusted local tradespeople to get your project done right.

The Takeaway: Finding Your Perfect B&Q Pavers

With the wide range of quality paving slabs available at B&Q, you’re sure to find the right options to construct a patio, path or driveway that uniquely fits your landscape. Take time to consider all the factors like durability, style, color and pricing to select the ideal slabs for your needs. And don’t hesitate to ask B&Q experts for advice – they have tons of knowledge to share! Investing in the perfect pavers creates an outdoor living space you’ll enjoy for years to come.