Slabbing is a fantastic way to upgrade your garden or outdoor space. Whether you're looking to create a modern patio, a winding path, or a practical driveway, professionally laid paving slabs offer durability, beauty, and great value. Booth Tarmacadam specialises in the installation of all types of paving, from natural stone to concrete flags, transforming outdoor areas into functional, stylish spaces.
Slabbing refers to the process of laying paving slabs or flags to form a solid, decorative surface. It’s commonly used for patios, paths, and garden spaces, providing a clean, defined look and a hard-wearing finish.
Paving slabs are ideal for patios, garden walkways, terraces, front entrances, and even some driveways. They’re great for dining areas, relaxing spots, or simply connecting areas within your landscape.
Natural stone slabs are generally more expensive than concrete, especially reclaimed options due to their uniqueness and longevity. However, they can be viewed as a long-term investment thanks to their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Concrete slabs, on the other hand, are budget-friendly and still deliver excellent durability and style, especially in modern gardens or outdoor living areas.
It depends on your priorities. If you're after a long-lasting surface with timeless character, stone might be worth the investment. If you're working within a budget or looking for a clean, contemporary finish, concrete is often the better value.
From modern concrete slabs to character-rich natural stone, there’s a wide variety of materials available to suit different tastes, homes, and budgets. Booth Tarmacadam offers expert advice and installation across all slab types.
Paving slabs (or flags) are typically made from concrete or natural stone. Each has its own look, feel, and advantages:
Concrete slabs – Made with a coarse backing layer for strength and a smoother or textured face layer for appearance. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes.
Natural stone slabs – Cut from quarried stone such as York stone, slate, granite, or limestone. They offer a timeless, natural look and incredible longevity.
In modern usage, the terms "slabs" and "flags" are often used interchangeably to describe large paving units. More important than the name is choosing the right material and design for your space.
Natural stone paving offers beauty, strength, and character. Ideal for both traditional and contemporary properties, stone paving can last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
Popular choices include York stone, slate, limestone, and granite, sourced from the UK and internationally (such as Brazil, India, and China). Each stone type has its own unique colour, texture, and characteristics.
Yes! Reclaimed flagstones offer instant character and charm, making them perfect for period or cottage-style homes. They’re also incredibly durable. However, they may not suit ultra-modern designs where a new, uniform look is preferred.
Modern concrete paving has come a long way and is a cost-effective alternative to natural stone. It offers design flexibility with a wide range of styles and finishes.
Concrete slabs are strong, versatile, and available in a huge variety of colours, textures, and sizes. They’re great for contemporary settings and cost significantly less than natural stone, making them an ideal choice for larger areas or tighter budgets.
While concrete doesn’t offer the same natural variation as stone, advanced manufacturing techniques mean that many concrete options mimic the look of stone very convincingly. For a modern aesthetic or uniform appearance, concrete is often the better choice.
At Booth Tarmacadam, we manage the entire installation process from start to finish, ensuring your new patio or path is built to last and looks stunning.
The process begins with ground preparation, followed by laying a solid sub-base. Each slab is then carefully placed and aligned, either on a full mortar bed or with spot bedding, depending on the design and use. Jointing is applied to seal the gaps and complete the surface.
Yes! We can work with different slab sizes, colours, and materials to create custom patterns, borders, or mosaic designs. Whether you're after a simple grid or an intricate layout, we can help you bring your ideas to life.
