Getting your paving right can completely transform the look and feel of your garden. Whether you’re going for a modern, minimalist vibe or something more traditional and cosy, the materials you choose for your outdoor space will set the tone for everything else. Get it right, and your garden becomes an extension of your home that you’ll actually want to spend time in. Get it wrong, and you’ll be looking at it through the window, thinking, “What were we thinking?”
At Mitcham Builders Merchants, our team has been helping customers choose the perfect paving for their needs for decades. We’ve seen what works brilliantly and what doesn’t quite hit the mark. From small courtyards to sprawling back gardens, we’ve supplied building materials in Croydon and beyond to create some absolutely stunning outdoor spaces. Keep reading for some of our favourite garden paving ideas.
Our Favourite Garden Paving Ideas
We’re going to walk you through some of the best garden paving designs we’ve seen recently – perfect for getting your creative juices flowing. From classic block paving to contemporary gravel features, small gardens to large entertaining areas, there’s something here for every space and budget.
These aren’t just pretty pictures either. We’ve included specific product recommendations for each design, so you can actually recreate these looks in your own garden. Whether you’re planning a complete overhaul or just want to spruce up a tired patio, start planning your dream garden below.
- Block Paving Ideas
- Paving and Gravel Garden Ideas
- Garden Paving Design Ideas
- Paved Front Garden Ideas
- Paving Ideas For A Small Garden
Block Paving Ideas
Block paving remains one of the most popular choices for good reason – it’s versatile, durable, and works brilliantly in both traditional and modern designs. The beauty of block paving is that you can create patterns, mix colours, and combine it with other materials to achieve almost any look you’re after.
Design 1:
Our first design proves that your garden doesn’t need to be neat and tidy to look absolutely stunning. They’ve created a beautiful brick walkway that winds through hundreds of gorgeous flowers, and kept the paving itself almost spotless.
The contrast between the wild, abundant planting and the clean, well-maintained path creates a lovely sense of controlled chaos. The large stone borders are a really nice touch too, providing clear separation between the planted areas and the pathway.
Products to check out for this design:
Design 2:
This design uses large decorative stones to make the porcelain slabs really pop. They’ve created a beautiful walkway that flows around the garden, using block paving to define the border.
What we love about this approach is how they’ve cleaned the dust off the stones to show off their natural colour and texture. It’s these little details that make the difference between a garden that looks professionally designed and one that looks a bit thrown together.
Products to check out for this design:
@henryagg_ Gravel may not be for everyone, but it solves alot of potential drainage issues, it’s inexpensive to lay, easy to install by yourself and if you don’t like it then you can always change things up further down the line – that’s the convenience of using gravel. Stone from @Gravel Master Ltd #landscaping #gardening #gardeninsp #gardentips #easygardening #gravelpath #gravel #gardendesign ♬ Green Onions – Booker T.
Paving and Gravel Garden Ideas
Gravel is absolutely brilliant for garden design – it’s fantastic for drainage, looks great year-round, and won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s one of those materials that works equally well in modern minimalist gardens and traditional cottage-style spaces. The key is choosing the right type.
Design 3:
This garden uses pea gravel to brilliant effect. Pea gravel is affordable, feels lovely underfoot, and provides a neutral backdrop that makes plants really stand out. It’s also super easy to maintain, which is always a bonus.
They’ve created a lovely allotment area at the back of the garden, using the gravel to create a clear contrast with the grass space at the front. This kind of zoning works really well in larger gardens, giving you different areas for different purposes without needing hard barriers. The gravel paths make it easy to move around the growing areas without compacting the soil, which is brilliant for anyone serious about their vegetables.
Products to check out for this design:
Design 4:
Talk about calming! This design shows how pea gravel can help bring a design together and create a garden space that you’ll want to spend the whole summer enjoying. Gravel is also the perfect way to section off part of the garden so you can have a dedicated space for furniture.
Products to check out for this design:
@tyler_harless Dirt 🤝🏼 pea gravel. Comment if you want the before & after. #gardenideas #peagravel #backyard #backyardideas #jasmine #garden #backyardmakeover #gardeninspo #tiktokhome #diygarden #outdoorliving @World Market #gardenproject #backyardvibes #peagravelpatio #diybackyard #plantlovers #homeproject #gardentransformations #budgetdecor ♬ Please Please Please – Sabrina Carpenter
Garden Paving Design Ideas
The beauty of garden paving is just how diverse it can be. There are so many different materials, patterns, and styles available that you can create virtually any look you’re after.
Design 5:
This design combines block paving with gravel to create a really sophisticated look that’s perfect for larger gardens. The clever use of individual paving slabs spaced throughout the gravel creates a beautiful stepping-stone effect that draws the eye through the garden.
The main patio area by the rear door means you won’t traipse gravel through the house, while the scattered slabs create visual interest and practical pathways. The raised planters add height and structure to the design, creating different levels that make the space feel much more dynamic. It’s a brilliant example of how mixing materials can create something much more interesting than using just one type of paving throughout.
Products to check out for this design:
Design 6:
This garden takes a completely different approach, using porcelain slabs and artificial grass to create a modern, stylish, and practically spotless outdoor space. It’s the kind of garden that looks like it belongs in a design magazine – everything in its place and not a weed in sight.
The pergola and fireplace with matching garden furniture make this space a proper focal point of the home. It’s clearly designed for entertaining, with clean lines and a sophisticated colour palette. The artificial grass means it’ll look this good all year round with minimal maintenance – perfect for busy families who want a stunning garden without the upkeep.
Products to check out for this design:
@prestigelandscaping43 Completely transformed a beautiful outdoor space in Stapeley! The combination of the nuova beige porcelain tiles, cobble porcelain setts, and the rendered planter with Photinia red robin trees create a stunning visual effect. The high-quality aluminium pergola and Venetian style fencing with LED lighting add both elegance and functionality, perfect for enjoying sunny days. The installation of luxury artificial grass is a fantastic addition. It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the garden but also provides a low-maintenance solution that stays lush and green all year round. Simply stunning. All materials from Cheshire Landscaping Supplies Ltd Electrics done by @LT Electrical Call or message for a free estimate! 📞 07909 224255 📧 [email protected] #landscaping #OutdoorLiving #porcelain #paving #gardeninspiration #detail #gardenmakeover #patiomakeover #gardenproject #artificalgrass ♬ Sunshine Coming – Bequem
Paved Front Garden Ideas
Your front garden generally needs to focus more on functionality than your back garden – after all, it needs to be practical for daily use. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be just as creative with the design. A well-thought-out front garden can seriously boost your home’s kerb appeal.
Design 7
While this front garden might be small, it makes absolutely brilliant use of the available space. The design is all about low maintenance – they’ve gone for no grass and kept the shrubbery to a minimum, which is perfect if you don’t have loads of time for gardening.
The white gravel contrasts perfectly with the dark slate and paving, creating a really sophisticated colour scheme that looks expensive but won’t have cost a fortune. It’s proof that small spaces can pack a big design punch.
Products to check out for this design:
Design 8
This front garden shows how to use gravel and brick paving to create a really stylish driveway that’s both practical and beautiful. The combination of materials adds texture and visual interest while still being robust enough for daily car use.
The neatly trimmed bushes around the front provide a lovely soft contrast to the hard landscaping. It’s the kind of driveway that makes you feel good every time you come home – and that makes your neighbours a little bit jealous, too!
Products to check out for this design:
Paving Ideas For A Small Garden
Even the smallest gardens represent a brilliant opportunity to create a space that enhances the overall look and feel of your home. With clever design and the right materials, you can make a tiny outdoor area feel much larger and more luxurious than its actual size.
Design 9
While this garden is super narrow, the design makes fantastic use of contrasting materials to create a really stylish outdoor space. The combination of wooden decking, concrete paving, and artificial grass creates distinct zones within the small area, making the space feel much larger than it actually is.
What’s particularly impressive is how neat and tidy everything is kept – in a small space like this, every detail matters, and you can see the care that’s gone into maintaining the different materials.
Products to check out for this design:
Design 10
This final design is a brilliant example of how creativity and attention to detail can turn even the smallest spaces into something really special. They’ve pulled out all the stops here, using porcelain paving, grey gravel, and perfectly matching garden furniture to create a delightfully cohesive space.
The key to this design’s success is the coordinated colour scheme – everything works together harmoniously rather than competing for attention. The grey tones create a sophisticated feel that makes the small space feel calm and uncluttered.
Products to check out for this design:
@hoskins_innovations Talking through and showing you guys a small garden transformation. Enjoy people 🙌🏻 #longvideo #landscaping #garden #fyp ♬ 剪辑版Experience王晓童 Show Remix – 王晓童TONE
Create Your Dream Garden With Mitcham Builders Merchants
There you have it – 10 brilliant garden paving ideas to inspire your next outdoor project. From traditional cottage garden paths to ultra-modern entertaining spaces, we’ve shown you just how versatile the right paving choices can be. Whether you’re working with a sprawling back garden or a tiny courtyard, there’s always a way to create something special.
Ready to start planning your own garden transformation? As one of the leading builders merchants in South London, we’ve got all the building supplies in Croydon you’ll need to bring these ideas to life. From porcelain slabs to decorative gravel, artificial grass to block paving, our team at Mitcham Builders Merchants is here to help you choose the perfect materials for your project.
