Slate pavers make hard-wearing paths, patios and stepping stones with a natural, grippy surface. SlateTiles.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form and we pass your request to independent slate and paving suppliers in your area, who quote you directly. They can help you choose size, thickness and shape. There is no fee and no obligation. We do not sell pavers, we do not do any paving, and we never give prices.
Shapes, sizes and finishes of slate pavers
Slate pavers are thicker than wall or floor tiles, because they carry weight and sit outdoors. Common formats are:
- Square and rectangular paving slabs: regular sizes with sawn or cleft edges for a tidy, modern look.
- Crazy paving slate: irregular pieces fitted together like a puzzle, with a relaxed, rustic feel.
- Stepping stones: larger single slabs set into lawn, gravel or a garden bed.
Most slate pavers have a natural cleft face, which grips well when wet. Colours include grey, charcoal, black and rustic multicolour with copper, gold, rust and green tones. Slate pavers are dense and low in porosity, but still benefit from sealing. Ask for the thickness, because it must suit the load.
Where slate pavers are used
The most common job is slate garden paths from the gate to the front door or round to the braai area. Slate paving slabs also suit patios, stoeps, courtyards, steps and the edges of a pool.
The cleft face helps with grip, but slate can still get slippery where moss or algae grow in shade or damp. This matters most in wet climates like the Western Cape in winter and KZN in summer. Choose a position with some sun if you can, and brush paths regularly.
Slate pavers are not meant for vehicles unless the supplier confirms the thickness and base suit it. State clearly if cars will drive across them.
Laying slate pavers: what to check
Good paving depends on the base underneath.
- Remove topsoil and plants, then compact a firm sub-base.
- Lay pavers on a bed of mortar for patios and steps, or on compacted sand for light garden paths.
- Give hard areas a slight fall away from the house so water runs off.
- Leave joints that suit the paver edge. Crazy paving needs wider, tidy joints.
- Use movement joints on larger patios and at walls.
- Check for tree roots and drainage before you start.
On the Highveld and in the Free State, frost can lift poorly bedded slabs, so a solid bed is worth it. Seal after laying and clean with a pH-neutral product.
What affects your quote
Suppliers quote on your measurements and choices. The main points are:
- The area in m². For crazy paving, allow extra for trimming and offcuts.
- The shape and thickness: sawn slabs, crazy paving or stepping stones.
- The colour and finish.
- Delivery by pallet. Slate is heavy, so say if the truck can reach the site or if it must be carried in.
- Base material such as sand, cement and sub-base stone.
- Supply only, or supply and install.
Send a sketch of the path or patio with rough measurements and a photo of the site.
Comparing slate pavers quotes
Natural stone varies from batch to batch, and prices move with imports, stock and transport. When quotes arrive, check:
- Exact product: the colour, finish, size and thickness, and whether it is calibrated, so every quote is for the same thing.
- Quantities: the price per m², box, pallet or piece, and how much is allowed for cuts and breakage.
- Stock and delivery: in stock or on order, delivery to site or collection, and any off-loading charge.
- VAT and returns: whether VAT is included, how long the price holds and whether unopened boxes can go back.
What to include in your request
- State the area in m² and add extra for crazy paving.
- Say whether it is a path, patio, steps or stepping stones.
- Choose a colour and format, or ask for samples.
- Say if vehicles will drive on the paving.
- Note truck access for delivery and whether you need installation.
Frequently asked questions
Are slate pavers slippery when wet?
Can I use slate pavers for stepping stones?
What is crazy paving slate?
How do I request slate paver quotes?
Slate Pavers by province
- Slate Pavers Gauteng
- Slate Pavers Mpumalanga
- Slate Pavers North West
- Slate Pavers Limpopo
- Slate Pavers Northern Cape
- Slate Pavers Free State
- Slate Pavers KwaZulu-Natal
- Slate Pavers Eastern Cape
- Slate Pavers Western Cape
Slate Pavers by city and town
- Slate Pavers in Johannesburg
- Slate Pavers in Pretoria
- Slate Pavers in Centurion
- Slate Pavers in Midrand
- Slate Pavers in Sandton
- Slate Pavers in Randburg
- Slate Pavers in Roodepoort
- Slate Pavers in Krugersdorp
- Slate Pavers in Randfontein
- Slate Pavers in Germiston
- Slate Pavers in Boksburg
- Slate Pavers in Benoni
- Slate Pavers in Kempton Park
- Slate Pavers in Alberton
- Slate Pavers in Vanderbijlpark
- Slate Pavers in Vereeniging
- Slate Pavers in eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Slate Pavers in Middelburg
- Slate Pavers in Secunda
- Slate Pavers in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Slate Pavers in Rustenburg
- Slate Pavers in Brits
- Slate Pavers in Klerksdorp
- Slate Pavers in Potchefstroom
- Slate Pavers in Polokwane
- Slate Pavers in Tzaneen
- Slate Pavers in Lephalale
- Slate Pavers in Kimberley
- Slate Pavers in Kathu
- Slate Pavers in Upington
- Slate Pavers in Bloemfontein
- Slate Pavers in Welkom
- Slate Pavers in Sasolburg
- Slate Pavers in Durban
- Slate Pavers in Pinetown
- Slate Pavers in Pietermaritzburg
- Slate Pavers in Richards Bay
- Slate Pavers in Newcastle
- Slate Pavers in Ladysmith
- Slate Pavers in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- Slate Pavers in East London
- Slate Pavers in Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Slate Pavers in Cape Town
- Slate Pavers in Bellville
- Slate Pavers in Paarl
- Slate Pavers in Stellenbosch
- Slate Pavers in George
- Slate Pavers in Worcester
