When people ask about the cheapest way to pave a garden, they are usually thinking in terms of material price alone. In reality, the lowest-cost garden paving solution is created by making the right choices at three stages: the material type, the slab format, and the way the slabs are purchased.
This guide focuses on practical decisions that genuinely reduce total project cost, rather than simply choosing the cheapest-looking slab on a price list.
1) Start with the right material category
Different paving materials sit in very different price brackets. Before looking at colours or sizes, it helps to understand where each material type generally sits in the UK market.
Concrete paving slabs
Concrete slabs are usually the cheapest way to cover ground quickly. They are mass-produced, widely available, and easy to source at short notice. However, concrete is chosen almost entirely for price, not performance or appearance.
Over time, concrete paving often fades and stains unevenly, which is why many homeowners later replace it rather than live with it long-term.
Sandstone paving
Sandstone is one of the most commonly used paving materials in the UK and is often one of the cheapest ways to achieve a traditional-looking garden patio. Its popularity comes from a combination of reasonable source cost, wide availability, and mixed-size formats that reduce waste during installation.
Sandstone works particularly well for budget-conscious projects where natural variation and a more traditional appearance are preferred over a uniform finish.
View the full range here: Sandstone Paving.
Limestone paving
Limestone paving generally sits at the lower end of the natural stone price range. Certain limestones, particularly darker varieties, are cost-effective because quarrying and processing are well established and efficient.
Limestone offers a cleaner, more consistent appearance than many sandstones, making it a popular choice when budgets are tight but a neater finish is required.
Explore limestone paving options here: Limestone Paving.
Slate paving
Slate paving is less commonly chosen for the very cheapest garden projects, but it can represent good value where a darker, contemporary finish is desired. Prices vary depending on thickness and processing, but standard formats remain competitive.
Slate is typically selected for visual impact rather than absolute cost savings, but it remains a viable option within certain budget ranges.
View slate paving slabs here: Slate Paving.
Porcelain paving slabs
Porcelain paving is rarely the cheapest way to pave a garden. It is selected for low maintenance, consistency and modern appearance rather than price. Budget porcelain does exist, but true outdoor-grade porcelain costs more to manufacture properly.
For reference, porcelain paving options can be found here: Porcelain Paving.
Granite paving
Granite is one of the most durable paving materials available, but it is not typically chosen for budget projects. Its strength and longevity make it better suited to driveways, steps and high-traffic areas.
Granite paving options can be viewed here: Granite Paving.
2) Use slab formats that reduce waste and labour
One of the biggest hidden costs in garden paving is installation. Slabs that are awkward to lay, inconsistent in thickness, or cut inefficiently can quickly turn a cheap material into an expensive project.
Traditional formats remain the cheapest overall because they are easy to produce, transport and install.
- Mixed-size patio packs reduce cutting and material waste.
- Standard rectangular slabs are faster to set out.
- Well-established formats are cheaper to manufacture.
Many of the most cost-effective garden projects use standard paving slab formats such as: Paving Slabs.
3) Buy from a supplier that keeps prices close to real cost
A major difference between cheap paving that works and cheap paving that disappoints is where it is bought.
In the UK, paving slabs are often sold through multiple layers of distribution. Each layer adds margin, even when the product itself has not changed. Buying from a specialist supplier with established sourcing and UK-held stock keeps pricing closer to the true cost of production.
This approach also improves availability and consistency, which helps avoid substitutions, delays and last-minute compromises.
So what is the cheapest sensible way to pave a garden?
For most UK gardens, the cheapest overall solution that still delivers a good finish is:
- Choose a proven material category rather than chasing novelty products.
- Use standard slab formats that reduce waste and labour time.
- Buy from a specialist paving supplier with direct sourcing and UK availability.
When these factors are combined, it is often possible to achieve a garden patio that looks right, installs smoothly and stays within budget, without relying on the lowest-quality materials.
