Which patio material should you choose: ceramic, natural stone, concrete or wood?
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 19, 2026
For most gardens ceramic tiles are the best all-rounder: stain-proof, colour-fast and nearly maintenance-free at €60–€110 per m² for materials. Concrete tiles are the budget choice (€25–€45), natural stone the premium look (€80–€200), and composite decking suits raised terraces. On Dutch clay, the foundation matters more than the tile — skimp there and any patio sinks.
How do the materials compare?
| Material | Price per m² (material) | Maintenance | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete tiles | €25–€45 | Average | Stains, fades over time |
| Clay pavers | €30–€80 | Low | Moss in joints; timeless look |
| Ceramic tiles | €60–€110 | Very low | Need a perfect, stable base |
| Natural stone | €80–€200 | Low–average | Limestone stains; ages beautifully |
| Composite decking | €80–€150 | Very low | Gets hot in full sun |
Installed complete, expect €80–€150 per m² including groundwork — see our cost guide.
Why is the base more important than the tile?
Nine out of ten sunken patios failed underground, not on the surface. The correct build-up on the heavy sea clay of this region:
- Excavate 25–30 cm below finished level and compact the clay.
- 15–20 cm crushed hardcore, compacted in layers with a plate compactor.
- 3–5 cm screeded sand or grit bed, laid to a fall.
- Fall of 1–2 cm per metre, always away from the house, so rain drains into the garden.
Ceramic tiles are thin (2 cm) and dead flat — they demand a perfectly level, stable base and are best laid in grit or on pedestals.
Which material suits which garden?
- Modern new-build: large-format ceramic (60×60/80×80) in a light grey — crisp and practical.
- 1930s house or country garden: clay pavers that may age gracefully.
- Around water or raised: composite decking — splinter-free, low care.
- Budget, large area: 50×50 concrete tiles softened with generous borders.
- Climate-smart: keep the patio no bigger than needed, with wide joints or gravel edges so rain can soak away — see our climate-proof garden guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most maintenance-free patio material?
Ceramic tiles: they absorb almost no water, so stains, algae and moss barely grip. Cleaning means sweeping and a yearly wash. Composite is the low-care champion for decking.
How much fall does a patio need?
One to two centimetres per metre, always sloping away from the facade. Without a fall, water pools on the tiles and heads for the house in a downpour.
Why do new-build patios sink so often?
New-build plots consist of disturbed, settling ground, and builders often lay the standard patio straight onto it. A heavier foundation — or waiting a season or two before the definitive patio — is the only cure.
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