Natural brick used in gardens and patios won’t fade, but there are other disadvantages. Like concrete, brick has no natural give. It’s prone to cracking, and oils and other stains can ruin the look. Because of the way bricks are installed, removing one because of a crack or chip is difficult and can mar look of the entire area.

Flagstone is a popular choice and can give your pathway or edging a very natural look. Flagstones are thin, flat stones that are irregularly shaped. They’re ideal for an earthy, natural look in your garden. The biggest drawbacks of using flagstones as garden paving slabs are that they’re prone to chipping and staining, and usually much more expensive than man-made materials.

Paving stones, which are a combination of concrete and natural materials, are usually guaranteed by the manufacturer against chipping and cracking. If installed correctly, garden paving slabs made from paving stones can be flipped over to hide a stain or problem without ruining the look of the area. Paving stones are more expensive than other man-made options like concrete. But the low maintenance required for these garden paving slabs means you can easily maintain the look of your garden and patio area for years to come.