Why This Trending Patio Colour Is a High-Maintenance Mistake

With spring around the corner, interest in outdoor design is already climbing, with searches for ‘patio ideas’ surging over the past month.

Homeowners are gravitating towards that bright, Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic — think sun-bleached stone, creamy paving and warm, natural textures. Searches for ‘cream patio’ have jumped 102 per cent year on year, while demand for finishes such as ‘Egyptian limestone’ has soared 157 per cent over the past 12 months.

But while pale paving delivers that coveted holiday-at-home look, it doesn’t always translate so easily in the UK. In our damp, rain-soaked climate, experts warn it can quickly become one of the most high-maintenance choices you can make.

The shade to avoid

‘Cream paving looks beautiful when it’s first laid, but in reality it shows every leaf stain, muddy footprint and patch of algae,’ explains Georgina Read, paving expert at Paving Superstore.

‘In the UK climate, light stone discolours quickly – especially in shaded gardens where moisture sits.’

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Natural stone paving absorbs moisture and reveals dirt and algae far more quickly than darker porcelain alternatives. As a result, many homeowners find themselves scrubbing or jet-washing their patios almost weekly just to keep them looking fresh.

‘It quickly turns what should be a low-maintenance feature into a weekly chore,’ Georgina adds.

And over time, frequent pressure washing can also wear away grout, weaken surfaces and shorten the lifespan of paving.

The low-maintenance winner: darker porcelain

Instead, darker porcelain shades — particularly charcoal, soft grey and anthracite — are becoming the go-to choice for homeowners who want style without constant upkeep.

‘Porcelain barely shows everyday stains or weather marks,’ Georgina explains. ‘It’s ideal for busy families, pet owners, or anyone who wants to enjoy their garden in the summer instead of constantly cleaning it.’

Unlike natural stone, porcelain doesn’t absorb moisture, meaning algae struggles to grow and spills are less likely to leave permanent marks.

Paving Superstore

‘Darker tones naturally disguise everyday wear,’ she adds. ‘Life happens – muddy shoes, drink spills, rain – and porcelain handles it far better.’

As an added bonus, deeper tones create a striking contrast against greenery, outdoor lighting and furniture, giving gardens a more defined, contemporary feel.

Love lighter shades? Try this instead

For those drawn to cream and limestone tones, there is a compromise.

Warm buff and sandstone-effect porcelain paving offer a similar sun-washed aesthetic without the same maintenance demands.

‘They give that sunny, natural look without being as unforgiving as pure cream or white,’ says Georgina. ‘They hide everyday dirt far better while keeping outdoor spaces looking fresh and bright.’

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Because porcelain is non-porous, even lighter shades stay cleaner for longer than natural stone.

‘Choosing porcelain in warmer tones can cut cleaning time massively,’ Georgina adds. ‘You can still get a beautiful garden this summer – just without the constant upkeep.’

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