Which terrace covering is low-maintenance?

Ceramic patio slabs with dense surfaces and water-permeable patio slabs made from rubber granules bound with polyurethane are both easy to maintain. How often they need cleaning depends on their surface texture, the joints, the patio’s location and how well it drains.

Dirt tends to sit on the surface of ceramic patio slabs and can usually be swept or washed away. Rough or heavily textured surfaces and wide joints, however, trap dirt more readily and need more upkeep. This is particularly true of exposed aggregate slabs, but also applies to natural stone, terracotta and timber deck tiles.

Patio slabs made from rubber granules work differently: rainwater carries fine dust and pollen through their water-permeable structure. Leaves, soil and sand can be removed with a broom or garden hose. A pressure washer can be used for a more thorough clean, with the water draining through the slabs.

Being easy to maintain does not make patio slabs maintenance-free. Dirt and vegetation need to be cleared regularly from drainage outlets, edges and open joints.