Pros & Cons of Different Patio, Flagging & Decking Materials

In the paragraphs below, We will provide a detailed description of all the various Pro’s & Con’s for each material that can be used; Porcelain, Stone, Concrete, Timber, Wood, Composite.

Porcelain Pros

First is the porcelain, depending on the quality of the product porcelain will last a very long time if correctly laid, they are very durable as they are made from dense natural clays and additives they are kiln dried at temperatures of up to 760 degrees which results i them having a very low water absorption rate. Due to its low porosity porcelain is not affected by extreme temperatures. Porcelain is very low maintenance as they require no sealing and are easy to clean with a mop and water but it is best to use a pressure washer. Porcelain also comes in a huge range of colours and textures such as anthracite, white and sand, the textures come in smooth,matt and anti-slip. Porcelain is also fireproof so no need to worry about fires unlike a timber decking.

Porcenlain Cons

The disadvantages to porcelain are they can be difficult to lay as they have a natural curve and they are prone to cracking as they are much thinner than stone flags. Porcelain is hard to cut and drill and is prone to chipping which means cuts take time to perfect. Porcelain is very expensive in comparison to stone but it does leave you with a luxury premium finish. 

Stone Pros

Stone flagstones are durable as they are normally calibrated to around 1 inch thick which makes them less prone to cracking. Stone flags can last decades provided that no major accidents happen. Stone flagstones can withstand extreme climates as they don't expand or contract with heat so no cracks or chips will appear due to the weather conditions. Stone flagstones are a lot easier to cut and drill which makes for an easier install. Stone flags are also cheaper than the porcelain but also leave a quality premium finish to your garden as long as they have been correctly laid and all the correct prep-work has been done. They are easy to maintain as they will just need a jet wash down to clear the grime that has built up and are easy to brush with a stiff garden brush. There are also a variety of different colours so go for when getting stone flags.

Stone Cons

The disadvantages to stone flagstone are as follows, because they are a natural product they are not smooth faced there will be indentations on them which may collect a bit of water. They can become very slippery in the wet and cold winter months due to them collecting the odd bits or water, If not laid properly cold spots can appear. If the flag is laid on dots and not a full bed you will be able to see a colour change where the dots or mortar are, this method of laying also makes them prone to loosening from the mortar leaving you with a rocking flag.

Concrete Pros

Concrete flagstones also have pros and cons. We personally prefer the stone or porcelain because they give a much better finished product and complement your garden space much more. Concrete flagstones are the cheapest of all the flagging and patio options. They come in a variety of different colours and textures. They are easy to install due to them typically coming in smaller slabs which are normally 2ft x 2ft but they can come in the larger 2ft x 3ft. The concrete flagstones tend to be more level than all the others due to them being made in a concrete mould. They are rather durable and can take a bit of stick but they can be prone to cracking if anything of substantial weight was to fall onto them. Like all the patio options they are very low maintenance and only need a jet wash to get back to their original form.

Concrete Cons

Concrete flagstones are very heavy in comparison to the stone and porcelain depending on which size flagstones you are looking at getting as they are a lot thicker, typically 50mm (2inches). If not laid correctly the concrete flagstones can come loose and become rocking, same with the stone they can also show cold spots and colour change if not on a full bed. They are a little less durable than the stone as if a chip or crack does appear moisture can get in and over time the frost in the winter months can expand this crack. They are also slippery during these winter months.

Timber/Wood Pros

With deckings you have two options, either composite or timber which both have pros and cons. The timber is the cheapest of the two and the quickest and easiest to install. The timber comes in various lengths and is pressure treated so giving the right maintenance can last a long time. Timber can be stained to whatever colour you like and it also gives your garden a natural look. Timber decking is easy to repair if one single length is damaged and it is easily customisable and can be cut down in length or width with ease.

Timber/Wood Cons

Like all timber products it is a natural material which means it will have knots in it which in time could fall when the timber dries out leaving you with a small hole. The timber will expand and contract with the weather. When wet it soaks the moisture in and expands and when dry it will contract this can cause splits and twists in the timber. The timber decking over time does need maintenance if you are wanting to get its full life expectancy. Over time the timber can rot due to poor maintenance and water ingress. Timber can also get attacked by insects resulting in it weakening and eventually in need of replacement.

Composite Pros

Composite decking also has its pros and cons. Composite decking leaves you with a slightly more premium finish and it is also maintenance free it doesn't rot with it being made up from recycled plastic this also means it has a low carbon footprint. The composite decking is very durable due to being made up from lots of small fibres it makes it a dense product. It also comes in many different colours so you can pick whatever colour compliments your property the most and don’t have the hassle of staining it the colour you require and having to keep up with it each year. 

Composite Cons

Composite decking is more expensive than the timber not only as a product but to install as you need more components when installing the composite such as the gripping clips which hold the decking together and stops it sliding about. It also needs finishing strips such as corner angles which are needed to finish off the ends of the decking. Composite isn't very customisable as you can't restrain it another colour in the future. It’s also more difficult to cut as the composite quickly blunts saw blades and this may reflect in the cost of your installation.