There are so many different questions to consider. Firstly, what sort of paving styles do you like and in what shade or finish? What style of garden are you looking for? What is the colour scheme? What choice of plants do you have in mind? Would you like to have different textures? What about special features and focal points? What about foliage, landscaping, borders, areas of sun and shade?

The list goes on and on.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the choices available and really don't know where to turn, the Bradstone Brochure 2013 makes a great starting point.

Click image to download brochure.

Here to inspire

With pages packed full of wonderful ideas and useful advice, you'll find plenty to fire the imagination. All you need to awaken the garden designer inside and bring your garden dreams to life.

And, before you know it, with the help of Bradstone and Simply Paving, you'll be relaxing in your very own perfect outdoor space.

To view this brochure you’ll need Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded here. If however, you’d prefer to receive a brochure through the post, give the office a call on 0800 032 6306, drop us an email or fill out the form below.

Don’t forget, all the products featured in the brochure are also available on our website.

[contact-form name="form-2012"][/contact-form]

Bradstone and Charcon have been focusing their efforts on developing sustainable solutions for well over a decade.

As part of Aggregate Industries, our main suppliers, Bradstone and Charcon are at the forefront of developments to increase the sustainability of domestic and commercial landscaping materials.

The journey began a decade ago, when the company took the decision to focus on and invest in developing sustainable solutions across their comprehensive range of innovative building products.

StoneFlair by Bradstone Panache Paving is manufactured using up to 83% recycled content.

Today, their investment is reaping rewards, with Aggregate Industries involved in a number of important and influential initiatives designed to make it easy for you, the consumer, to both recognise the most sustainable materials and identify those that have been most responsibly sourced.

The Responsible Source

Chances are, you've heard the mention of responsible sourcing in the news recently. In straightforward terms, responsible sourcing is all about measuring and managing the specific environmental, social and economic impacts of any products, taking into account all elements including its manufacture, delivery, use, reuse and the ability for it to be recycled.

The good news is that Aggregate Industries is the first company in the world to achieve BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing Certificate from BRE Global.

As such, you can have absolute confidence that Bradstone products have been responsibly sourced and that you're getting the garden landscaping industry's most sustainable and future proof solutions. You don't just know what you're getting - you also know where you're getting it from.

Ethical Trading Policy

When you see the ethical trading logo, it's your assurance that Bradstone is working harder than ever to ensure their imported natural stone products meet strict ethical criteria.

Bradstone works with global suppliers to support the principles of the UN Global Compact and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) base code. This is reflected in their policy and code of practice that aims to ensure that together with their suppliers, Aggregate Industries fulfil their obligations and responsibilities in order to maintain long-term benefits to all parties.

Examples of the criteria Bradstone insist their suppliers have to meet are:

• Provision of a safe and healthy workplace.
• Prohibition of child labour.
• Paying wages which meet or exceed national legal standards.
• Provision of employments rights.
• Prohibition of bonded or forced labour.

Carbon Labelling

Wouldn't it be great if you could see, at a glance, just how much carbon dioxide a product generates?

Now you can, thanks to carbon labelling, an initiative piloted by The Carbon Trust. In simple terms, the carbon footprint is the total amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases created during the life of a product from production to use and disposal.

Working with one of the industry's most respected governing bodies, the Building Research Establishment (BRE), Bradstone have developed a system that calculates the carbon footprint for any Bradstone landscaping product.

Bradstone StoneMaster Block Paving is manufactured using 50% reclaimed and recycled material.

Look out for these logos in the latest Bradstone brochure but also keep an eye out for them appearing on our website in the very near future.

Swimming pools - we'd all like one but if you're lucky enough to have one or if you're considering installing one, you'll want to make sure that you can make the best use of it possible when we have some good weather.

One of the most important considerations for making the most of your swimming pool is what paving to use around it. You need to make sure that the paving is going to be suitable for all the activities you're planning for your poolside, whether that be sunbathing, entertaining or fun and games with the family.

If slip-resistant properties are an important factor, our textured products such as Bradstone Textured Paving or StoneFlair by Bradstone Panache Paving Textured may be top of your list. However, just be careful if you're planning on using this type of paving as it will have quite a rough finish for bare feet, especially if children are running around.

If you're looking to recreate the look and feel of the Mediterranean, why not use Bradstone Tile Paving to evoke all the spirit, charm and warmth. With this product, you'll be back poolside at the villa without even boarding a plane!

If natural products are more appealing to you, why not try something ultra contemporary such as the StoneFlair by Bradstone Ventura Paving. This product uses 500mm x 500mm sized slab with a grooved design to give a very modern feel.

Precautions and Aftercare

If concrete or natural stone flags are splashed with chlorinated water, they are liable to develop white crystalline marks as the water evaporates; this is not damaging and can be easily removed with clean water.

However, concrete paving, and to a lesser extent, natural stone paving can be structurally damaged if exposed to chlorinated water in periods of freezing temperatures. As swimming pools are generally not used in such conditions, this is rarely an issue.

Where can I get more advice?

Bradstone flags have been recommended as pool surrounds many times, if you would like further guidance please give the Simply Paving office a call on 0800 032 6306 or call the Bradstone helpline on 01335 372 289.

Year after year, the standard of entries to our annual photographic competition has left us gobsmacked here in the Simply Paving office. This latest competition has been no different - we were in awe of the level of skill in both design and workmanship on show in the photographs - because of this we have chosen one outright winner who will receive a cheque of £500, a second place entry who will receive a cheque of £200 and nine runners-up who will each receive a cheque for £100.

Enough of us telling you how good the entries are, see for yourself below!

The first prize of £500 goes to Mrs Zoe and Mr Craig Lewis of North Yorkshire with this stunning entry, which really displays an incredible level of workmanship and demonstrates the clean lines and subtle tonal variations of the Bradstone StoneMaster Block Paving range. Using a mix of the three colours in the Buff shades; Dark Buff Cast, Dark Buff Washed and Light Buff Washed they have produced a very attractive driveway that perfectly replicates the look of natural sandstone block paving, which works perfectly with the brickwork of the house.

This year, for the first time we have chosen a second placed entry who will be cashing a cheque for £200.

Second place in our competition has been awarded to Mrs Jane Morris from Surrey who has created an absolutely beautiful outdoor space using Bradstone's Woburn Rumbled Block Paving Graphite. Using three sizes, the customer has created an eye-catching concentric circle design which adds interest, whilst we think you'll agree the Graphite colour works superbly with the wooden building, fencing and decking and also the planting scheme.

Our nine runners-up, each winning a prize of £100 are:

Mr Kevin Paterson from Kent who has used Bradstone Textured Paving Grey 600 x 600's to fantastic effect, creating this stunning contemporary outdoor space. Although, this product is part of our Value Range the finished job is clearly of very high quality, underlining just what can be achieved with any of our products.

Here, Mr Daniel Jones from Shropshire demonstrates how using a combination of materials can produce a very effective modern look. The decking, trellis and pergola work incredibly well when used alongside the StoneFlair by Bradstone Vogue Paving and the StoneFlair by Bradstone Polished Natural Sandstone Paving Fossil Buff.

Mr Darren Ayres from Cambridgeshire has produced a stunning outdoor space using StoneFlair by Bradstone Polished Natural Sandstone Paving Fossil Buff. It looks a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxed summers evening, perhaps even with a few beers or a bottle of wine!

In this photograph, Mrs Jennifer Floutier from Derbyshire shows that practical can be beautiful. Using Bradstone Woburn Rumbled Infilta Permeable Block Paving Rustic they have been able to create a driveway that is not only pleasing on the eye but also conforms to the legislation regarding paving the front of your home. For more information on the laying of Bradstone's range of Permeable Block Paving click here.

Mr John West from Cambridgeshire again demonstrates how one of our Value Range products can transform your outdoor space without spending the earth! This is more of a traditional feel than the earlier entry and uses Bradstone Weathered Riven Paving Weathered Cotswold 450 x 450's to create a stunning patio incorporating an access ramp.

Another example of how mixing materials can create a superb contemporary finish. Here Mr Martin Markcrow from Oxfordshire has combined wooden beds with Bradstone Decorative Aggregates Nordic Spar and StoneFlair by Bradstone Panache Long Aspect Black Textured to create both a dining area and pathways between planted areas. I think you'll agree, this photograph could have been taken straight out of Bradstone's new brochure.

Mr Mike Ellis from Flintshire has used StoneFlair by Bradstone Polished Natural Sandstone Paving Rainbow to create a charming outdoor dining area. The paving, decking and furniture work perfectly together and you can just imagine enjoying a summer salad here, unwinding after a day at work.

Ten out of ten on our next entry for both effort and Photoshop skills (we want that number plate)! Mr Phil Sutton from Cornwall has created a stunning driveway using Bradstone's Woburn Rumbled Block Paving Autumn. First impressions are important and the customer has given his property an extra touch of class and real kerb appeal.

You could be sat somewhere in the Mediterranean, but in fact you'd be sat in the garden of Mr Ray Lane from Kent. Using Bradstone Tile Paving Mellow Terracotta 300 x 300's the customer has evoked all the spirit, charm and warmth associated with true terracotta tiles.

Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to everyone who entered the competition. The entries were all of an incredibly high standard and we here at Simply Paving had a very tough time reaching our decision. You will find many of the images entered into the competition will be featured on our website and in our gallery hopefully proving to be a source of inspiration to all of our customers.

Make sure you keep an eye out for more fantastic competitions from Simply Paving over the coming months.

They've produced their most inspirational brochure to date and here at Simply Paving we're very impressed. With plenty to stimulate the imagination and get those garden design juices flowing. Everything to help you create your own unique outdoor space that's the envy of your neighbours and friends.

The stunning garden you've always dreamt of owning is closer than you think. Bradstone have done a superb job creating this brochure, which will guide you through all the important considerations for putting a garden design together, including the style of garden you're looking for, the planting choices, colour schemes, textures and features.

Click image to download brochure.

Here to inspire you

Bradstone offer a broad range of garden and driveway products to help you create the stunning garden or front entrance you've always dreamt of. From natural to reconstituted stone, paving to walling, edging to coping and decorative stone to gravel and block paving. Their inspirational ideas and advice on landscaping your driveway or garden will provide you with an outside area that will enhance your home.

To view this brochure you’ll need Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded here. If however, you’d prefer to receive a brochure through the post, give the office a call on 0800 032 6306, drop us an email or fill out the form below.

Don’t forget, all the products featured in the brochure are also available on our website.

[contact-form name="form-2012"][/contact-form]

The winter of 2010–2011 brought heavy snowfalls, record low temperatures, travel chaos and widespread disruption to the UK.

With the cold weather fast approaching, we're all hoping to avoid a repeat of last winter's events where snow and ice brought much of the UK to a grinding halt.

With help from our friends at Bradstone, we here at Simply Paving are looking to pre-empt and prevent some of the chaos by offering full pallets (49 bags) of Bradstone Rock Salt for a special price of £199.99 including VAT and free delivery*.

Help keep your home free from ice this winter.

Bradstone Rock Salt is purposely produced to clear paths and driveways in icy conditions. Bradstone Rock Salt will quickly de-ice the area surrounding your home in wintry weather conditions and help prevent accidents.

Stock up before Christmas ready for the big freeze!

Supplied in full pallet quantities only - assistance upon delivery may be a requirement for this product. Please call the Simply Paving office on 0800 032 6306 if you require any further information.

*Price accurate as of 18/11/2011. Delivery is free on orders with full packs except for deliveries to the postcodes AB, BT, DD, GY, HS, IM, IV, JE, KA27-28, KW, PA20+, PH, P030-41 and ZE
(please call 0800 032 6306 for a quote).

Although the Bradstone Old Riven range already recreates the look and feel of natural stone superbly, why not cleverly combine the Autumn Gold, Autumn Bronze and Autumn Cotswold shades to further enhance the illusion, whilst, also taking advantage of the different sizes available to ensure that perfectly random effect.

So, how do I achieve this random natural effect?

Bradstone Old Riven Paving in three colours and three sizes (Autumn Gold, Autumn Bronze and Autumn Cotswold).

One of the more frequent requests we receive in the Simply Paving office with regard to the Old Riven range, is to calculate the quantities required to lay this product in three colours and three sizes. Below is a guide demonstrating how the Simply Paving team would work this out for you.

1. Firstly, you will need to work out the area (in square metres) that you need to cover, which is generally a relatively simple calculation; multiply the length of the area you're looking cover by the width.

For example, if you're looking to pave a garden 5.00m long x 6.00m wide, the total area you will need to cover is 30.00m2.

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2. Secondly, you will need to calculate the number of each size you require to cover your total area. To do this, you must first work out the total area each size covers:

600x450 - 3.60 units per m2 - therefore each slab covers 0.278m2 (1.00m2 / 3.60 per m2 = 0.278m2)

450x450 - 4.70 units per m2 - therefore each slab covers 0.213m2 (1.00m2 / 4.70 per m2= 0.213m2)

300x450 - 7.00 units per m2 - therefore each slab covers 0.143m2 (1.00m2 / 7.00 per m2 = 0.143m2)

Then, add these together to find the total coverage that using one of each of these sizes will give you:

0.278m2 + 0.213m2 + 0.143m2 = 0.634m2

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3. Now you know the area that you need to cover and you also know the area that one of each size covers, you can calculate the total number of each size you require. To do this, divide your area by the area that the three sizes will cover:

30.00m2 / 0.634m2 = 47.32 units of each size

Therefore, you will require:

48 units 600x450

48 units 450x450

48 units 300x450

You can check your calculations at this stage by multiplying the area that one of each size covers by the number of each size you have been given:

0.634m2 x 48 units of each size = 30.43m2

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4. If you wish, you can leave it here and only opt for one colour in the Old Riven range (i.e. 48 of each of the three sizes in a single colour), alternatively, if you do wish to go for the three colours, simply divide your total number of slabs in each size by 3:

48 units / 3 = 16 units 600x450 Autumn Gold, 16 units 600x450 Autumn Bronze and 16 units 600x450 Autumn Cotswold

48 units / 3 = 16 units 450x450 Autumn Gold, 16 units 450x450 Autumn Bronze and 16 units 450x450 Autumn Cotswold

48 units / 3 = 16 units 300x450 Autumn Gold, 16 units 300x450 Autumn Bronze and 16 units 300x450 Autumn Cotswold

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Hopefully that wasn't too confusing!

Now you have the quantities that you require, you can simply order the product online @ http://simplypaving.com or by calling the office on 0800 032 6306.

One last hint, before you go ahead and permanently fix the product in place, it may be advisable that you dry-lay the mix of colours and sizes in order to achieve a natural, blended appearance that is pleasing to the eye.

What about a circle?

For that finishing touch, why not try incorporating the 2 Ring Circle feature into your design, available in all 5 colours with matching squaring off kits to allow for easy installation.

Bradstone Old Riven Paving Autumn Silver 2 Ring Circle edged with Bradstone Tile Paving Blue Black

If you do require any help, please do not hesitate to give the Simply Paving office a call on the above number or drop us an email and we will try to assist you in all aspects of your landscaping project.

Along with our friends at Bradstone, Simply Paving understand it's not easy putting a garden design together, there's a whole host of considerations including the style of garden you're looking for, the planting choices, colour schemes, textures and features. Hardly surprising that sometimes, you just don't know where to start.

Hopefully, the Create the feel... series has helped inspire you and point you in the right direction in terms of identifying your ideal paving product, now you may need some help determining what sizes and patterns can be used.

Many of the products on our website are available in patio packs with set laying patterns, but you may feel you want more control over your design. If this is the case, why not try using Bradstone's free Patio Generator software? This handy little program will provide you with a laying pattern to match the shape of your garden and also calculate the number of each size you require.

Click image to download the Bradstone Patio Generator.

Once you have a design you're happy with, you can save or print your pattern and quantities and then either purchase the product from our website or call the office on 0800 032 6306.

Simply Paving can usually deliver Bradstone products nationwide in less than 7 days (typically 3-5 days).

Bradstone Patio Generator using three sizes of the Bradstone Natural Slate Paving Vijaya Gold.

If you require any further information, just drop us an email or give us a call on 0800 032 6306.

First impressions are important.

What better way to create the perfect outward impression than with a strikingly attractive and exceptionally distinctive driveway at the front of your house. Block paving not only gives your driveway a touch of class and your house real kerb appeal, it also represents an extremely practical and durable solution that will continue to look good though the years.

With Bradstone’s help, let Simply Paving show you how.

• Bradstone Traditional Block Paving evokes the spirit and charm of times gone by incorporating subtle shading and cobbled effect.
• Products such as the Bradstone Magnablock Block Paving are incredibly versatile and hard wearing. Suitable for paths and patios as well as driveways.
• Bradstone Infilta Block Paving, the answer to legislation on permeable driveways. This product allows rainwater to filter though gaps between the blocks into a stone sub-base below, where there is enough space to store the water for a short time. This water then either soaks into the ground, is discharged in a controlled manner to a surface water drainage system or is collected for re-use.
• Bradstone Monksbridge Block Paving in Croft is a distinctive block paving solution, ideal if you're looking to give your driveway a predominantly traditional and rustic feel. With its range of subtle hues and charming weather worn appearance, it looks every inch the product of a different era.
• Decorative aggregates are an easy to use, economical, permeable driveway solution.
• It's not just about block paving as shown in the parking area using decorative aggregates divided by a StoneFlair by Bradstone Honeymede pathway.
• Bradstone Driveway Block Paving provides just as handsome a solution for patios and paths as it does for drives.
• Bradstone Woburn Rumbled Block Paving is a charming cobble-type paving that exhibits a softer surface and also incorporates smooth rounded edges, enhancing the weathered appearance and slightly mottled effect.
• The environmental alternative, Bradstone StoneMaster Block Paving is a 50% recycled concrete product that looks just like natural sandstone. It also comes pre-treated with Bradstone Surface Protection guarding against everyday contaminants such as oil, grease, moss, bird droppings, wine and soft drinks to ease cleaning when used on drives and patios.

If you require any help, give the Simply Paving office a call on 0800 032 6306 or drop us an email and we will try to assist you in all aspects of your landscaping project.

No matter how small the garden, there's always room for a little imagination.

Whether you want to create a usable garden space in a small area or simply want a garden that looks great from your window, trust Bradstone with its wealth of beautiful landscaping products to help fire your creativity and bring out the designer in you. Make the most of every nook and cranny and turn all the negatives of a limited garden area into positives.

Don't let the challenge of a small garden area put you off. With help from Bradstone and Simply Paving you can still create a wonderful garden design full of interest and impact.

Here are Bradstone’s top tips for making the most of your small garden space.

• Planning is key. With space at such a premium, you've got to think more carefully than ever about what goes where.
• Remember to let the purpose dictate the design. For instance, if your garden's for entertaining you'll have to fit seating in somewhere.
• Add a sense of depth. Build raised beds and borders that can also be a space saving way of incorporating seating.
• Mix dark coloured plants with bright coloured blooms. These add both depth and visual appeal.
• Avoid small trees that constantly shed foliage or seeds. This way sweeping up won't become a daily task.
• Have you got room for containers? Big planters and pots can look fantastic in small gardens and are great for adding focal points.
• Add the impression of more space. Make paving run lengthways for a longer looking garden, while mirrors also deceive the eye and add light.
• Link the garden to your house. Do this with paving that echoes the brickwork or internal flooring, blurring the divide between inside and out.

• The versatility of StoneFlair by Bradstone Carpet Stones make them ideal for small spaces.
• Random laying patterns create a traditional feel.
• Paving can be cut to any shape and also create interesting features.
• For a Mediterranean feel to a small space, Bradstone Tile Paving is the perfect product.
• Edge paving areas with rockery stones and cobbles to add texture, shape and definition.
• Planters and large feature stones create focal points.
• The style of planters and features will determine the feel of the garden.
• Use decorative aggregates to blend hard landscaping into planting areas.
• A StoneFlair by Bradstone Tuscany Circle can be used anywhere in the garden to enhance an area.
• Mixing the styles of paving can be quirky but can work and does create interest.

If you require any help, give the Simply Paving office a call on 0800 032 6306 or drop us an email and we will try to assist you in all aspects of your landscaping project.