What does material choice actually cost you over time?
This is where "cost" and "value" diverge. The upfront price of materials is only part of the picture. The real comparison includes maintenance, longevity, and replacement.
A few evidence-based comparisons:
Paving — porcelain vs. Indian sandstone (20m²):
— Porcelain: water absorption below 0.5%, effectively frost-proof, stain-resistant. Expected lifespan 30–50+ years. Estimated 30-year total: £2,200–£5,100.
— Indian sandstone: more affordable upfront but porous. Requires sealing every 1–5 years. Estimated 30-year total: £4,400–£7,300 once you factor in maintenance and potential partial replacement.
Decking — softwood vs. composite (15m²):
— Softwood: costs roughly half to install. But needs annual sanding, staining, and sealing.
— Composite: NeoTimber's published 25-year comparison calculated maintenance at £2,300+ for softwood versus £414 for composite.
The practical takeaway: investing in a smaller area of better material consistently outperforms spreading budget across a larger area of cheaper material. A well-laid 15m² porcelain patio will outlast a 25m² concrete slab patio within a decade.
These are synthesised estimates from multiple UK trade sources — they consistently point the same direction.
Think in decades, not on installation day.
📍 Surrey
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