Plank Paving

• Long narrow slabs create strong linear designs

• Works for patios paths borders and steps

• Options in porcelain sandstone granite and limestone

• Suitable choices for contemporary and traditional gardens

• Many ranges pair with matching edging and steps

• Low maintenance options available for busy households

Plank paving has incredible versatility as it can be used for more than standard patios, it can also be used to create beautiful edging to provide complementing contrast to standard sized patio slabs. Linear paving has all the strength and durability of standard paving options but the added benefit of being styled in a long, thin rectangular fashion that drastically extends your options for your garden patio when deciding on updating it's look.

In day to day use, plank paving feels familiar underfoot but looks more tailored than standard flags. Porcelain plank pavers often mimic timber grain or brushed stone, giving you the warmth of wood effect decking with the stain resistance and colour stability of porcelain. Natural stone planks in sandstone, limestone or granite bring subtle shade shifts and texture, ideal when you want a more organic look that still reads as modern. Planks are also popular for porcelain plank edging, where a single course frames larger slabs and neatly finishes steps or raised beds.

Plank paving suits a wide mix of UK garden layouts, from compact courtyards to larger family patios. In smaller spaces, running the planks along the shorter dimension can make the area feel wider and more generous. In longer gardens, turning the direction of the plank pattern between zones helps break up the space and mark out seating, dining and walkways without extra materials. For curved paths and borders, shorter plank lengths and careful cutting can follow gentle sweeps while keeping joints tight and tidy.

Most plank paving is used for patios, paths, borders and step treads. Some linear products are also suitable for light use driveways when the manufacturer states they are driveway rated and they are laid on a correctly prepared base. In UK weather, porcelain plank paving gives low porosity and predictable colour, so it tends to need less ongoing care than many porous stones. Sandstone plank paving and other natural stone planks may benefit from sealing and a simple cleaning routine to keep algae and dirt in check, especially in shady or damp spots. In cost terms, plank paving usually spans mid range to premium within porcelain and natural stone categories, so people thinking about plank paving cost often balance the stronger design impact and long lifespan against standard formats in the same material.

Plank paving comes in a focused but flexible palette. Porcelain plank paving often leads on wood style finishes, from soft driftwood greys and silvery washed boards through to richer buff and brown tones that echo timber decking. You will also find stone effect porcelain planks with subtle veining and fine textures, ideal when you want a more understated linear look. Sandstone plank paving tends to feature natural blends such as beige and buff mixes, soft greys and traditional shades similar to Raj Green, with sawn or lightly textured surfaces that sit comfortably in planted gardens.

Granite plank paving and other denser stones usually concentrate on greys, charcoals and near blacks, sometimes with a fine flamed texture and speckled appearance that works well for borders, steps and high wear edges. Across the ranges you can expect long narrow formats in board like proportions, from slim porcelain plank pavers for edging through to wider plank paving slabs that can cover full patio areas. Many collections include matching porcelain plank edging pieces, step treads and complementary standard size slabs, so you can combine plank runs with larger flags or cobbles and keep a consistent tone and surface finish.

If you are dedicated to adding a more traditional feel to your garden then there are multiple options available such as our sawn Raj Green 900x200 sandstone. This linear paving has a beautiful blend of brown, yellows and greys which creates the traditional look. If used as edging, Raj Green pairs perfectly with similar shaded paving such as sawn mint. Our Sawn Buff 900x200 choice is another example of paving options that are perfect for creating a traditional theme for your garden patio. The mix of creams, yellows, oranges and golden browns help to create a worn but classy look which is associated with a bygone era.

Once your new paving has been installed, you will probably want to keep it looking as new as possible for as long as possible. That's why we also stock a host of aftercare products such as sealants and stone cleaners, helping your patio paving to keep it’s new glow for much longer.

If you are unsure which linear plank paving option will be the best for your garden patio, then check out our range of samples. Simply order a selection and, once you have decided on which one works best, order a full pack but be sure to let us know in advance and we will refund the price of the chosen sample.

Paving Stones Direct offers a dedicated selection of plank paving so you can choose from porcelain plank paving, sandstone plank paving and granite plank options in one place, with colours and finishes that tie back to wider paving ranges. That makes it easier to design patios and paths where plank borders, insets and steps coordinate with main areas of porcelain or natural stone paving without feeling pieced together. Our focus on calibrated thicknesses, straight edges and realistic textures helps plank formats lay neatly and deliver the crisp lines that make linear paving so effective.

Stock is held in UK warehouses with nationwide home delivery, and our team is used to talking through pattern ideas and layout options for linear paving as well as more standard formats. You can compare plank products with our wider porcelain and sandstone paving ranges, request samples where available and match them with jointing, primers and aftercare products from the same source. For help choosing Plank Paving or planning your layout, call 0333 321 5091 or email sales@pavingstones.co.uk.