Patios aren’t just for sitting — they’re hard-working, year-round outdoor surfaces. The right flooring needs to look good, stay safe underfoot, and stand up to weather, wear, and movement. While there are plenty of materials out there — from porcelain to timber decking — concrete-based finishes often outperform them for cost, durability, and versatility. Here are the five best options worth considering, including natural stone and modern imitations — and why concrete might be your smartest choice.
All five of these can work — but some last longer, cost less, and give you far more flexibility in finish and design. Here’s the breakdown:
Stamped concrete gives you the best of both worlds — the look of stone or tile, with the strength and simplicity of concrete. The surface is textured with moulded mats and coloured with integral pigment or surface dye to mimic slate, brick, timber, or flagstone. It’s seamless (no weeds), easy to clean, and highly customisable. Great for large patios or curved areas where cutting slabs would be awkward. Sealing is key to protect colour and grip, but done right, stamped concrete is long-lasting and visually striking — ideal for homeowners who want a designer look without natural stone prices.
Simple, functional, and budget-friendly — brushed concrete is poured flat, then lightly textured with a broom while still wet. The result is a clean, linear finish that adds grip without being aggressive underfoot. It’s perfect for garden patios, paths, and utility spaces where you want longevity without fuss. No joints, no grout, no shifting slabs — just a single monolithic slab that handles weather, frost, foot traffic, and garden furniture with ease. Add a tint, border, or exposed aggregate band if you want to elevate the look while staying cost-effective. Great for both modern and classic homes.
Stone patios look timeless and premium — and for good reason. Materials like sandstone, slate, and granite offer rich natural texture and colour, giving real visual depth. They're great for traditional homes and countryside settings. But they come with downsides: they’re labour-intensive to install, prone to weed growth between joints, and can become slippery if sealed or poorly maintained. The cost per m² is usually higher than concrete, both in materials and labour. If you’re happy to pay more for the aesthetic and don’t mind upkeep, stone remains a strong (and beautiful) option.
This finish is made by stripping back the top layer of concrete to reveal decorative stones, pebbles, or granite flecks underneath. It offers excellent slip resistance, a distinctive textured look, and a highly durable surface. It’s ideal for patios that flow into driveways, garden paths, or utility zones where grip and toughness matter. Colours and stone types can be customised, and it pairs beautifully with timber fences, metal edging, or modern landscaping. It does need sealing periodically to keep moss and algae at bay, but visually and functionally, it’s a top-tier concrete finish for patios.
Porcelain tiles have become popular in modern garden design for their sleek look, consistent colours, and low porosity. They're resistant to staining, algae, and frost, and are available in wood, stone, and concrete-effect styles. But: they’re brittle, hard to cut, and must be installed on a solid, properly drained base to avoid cracking. They can also feel slippery when wet, depending on the surface texture. We see them often in raised terraces and outdoor kitchens, but for long-term durability in exposed gardens, concrete usually outlasts them with far less risk of movement or failure.
Our team of experts is ready to transform your floors with precision and craftsmanship. Don't settle for ordinary when you can have exceptional. Contact us now for concrete floors in England and Wales by emailing us at info@britishconcretepolishing.co.uk or by filling in the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.