New Delivery Charges from 1st February 2023

After a period of quite severe inflationary pressure where we have absorbed supplier price increases as far as possible, to ensure we can maintain our service levels we have made the decision to introduce a charging mechanism that more accurately reflects the actual costs incurred in making a lorry delivery to our customers.
As many of you will be aware, these are the first changes to our delivery charges since Madingley Mulch began trading in 1999!
The following changes will be made from 1st February: Our minimum order value eligible for delivery will increase from £40 to £50 Delivery charges will now be applied to all orders to reflect the combined cost of distance travelled and space taken up on the lorry.
Please see our delivery page for more information about the new charges.

Key Advantages of Using Dark Paving Slabs in Your Garden

Black Paving Slabs Cambridge Supplied by Madingley Mulch

Patios come in all shapes and style, not to mention sizes. There’s plenty to choose from when it comes to colours as well – whether you are looking at natural stone or porcelain slabs for your garden. Many people opt for a traditional colour such as sandstone, or a shade of brown or grey – but what about something darker, such as black?

Here Madingley Mulch, who supply black paving slabs from our base near Cambridge, look at the advantages of choosing a dark-coloured stone for your garden patio.

 

They Look Stylish

Although sleek and modern, dark paving slabs are still effectively a neutral colour, just as white (or lighter) colours are. This means they won’t detract from the colourful plants, furniture or anything else you put on the patio – see the above picture for some inspiration. They can be used to create a great contrast in your garden, adding depth and dimension to your outdoor space.

Dark colours (not necessarily just black) are often associated with modernism and minimalism, giving your patio a striking look that will really make it stand out. However, the darker colours also have a timeless appeal that will suit any garden and home.

You don’t have to go fully black, either – you could mix and match dark patio slabs with other, lighter-coloured slabs for a really striking effect or pattern. And dark slabs – just like dark paint in a room – can make your garden seem cosier (whereas light colours may make it appear more spacious).

 

They Show the Dirt Less

The darkness of the slabs means that, if there is any dirt on them, it won’t show up immediately. It also means that any imperfections, such as cracks and scratches, won’t show up as easily.

If they are part of a porcelain paving range, then they are low maintenance, slip-resistant and highly symmetrical, as they are produced in a factory. However, you should still sweep any debris such as leaves away regularly and it’s always a good idea to perform a good thorough clean once every few months. Warm water and a soft cloth or mop should also be effective; for a longer-term solution, try a pressure washer for a deep clean.

 

They are Climate-Friendly

Unlike white- or lighter-coloured slabs, darker patio slabs soak up sunlight and absorb heat very well, so this means they are ideal for colder climates or during the winter months and will mean you have to spend less energy and money heating your garden while you’re outside.

They are particularly good for areas which get plenty of sun, although bear in mind that you shouldn’t tread on them barefoot, otherwise you may be in for a painful surprise.

 

They Are Versatile

You needn’t restrict yourself to just using dark patio slabs on the patio – you can use them on paths and walkways, swimming pool surrounds, or as a base for firepits and chimineas.

The last couple of examples will really give your garden a night-time glow – and the dark slabs will absorb the heat from the flames while still remaining resistant to temperature changes – making them a great option.

 

Black Paving Slabs near Cambridge from Madingley Mulch

At Madingley Mulch, we can supply Cathedral Anthracite (pictured) – it’s part of our Avant Garde range of porcelain paving which we can deliver to customers in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex and further afield.

You can also opt for Mercury Grey, Himalayan White, Quartz Light Grey, Quartz White and Kandla Porcelain – you can check out the full range here – and remember we have plenty of natural stone varieties as well, including Indian Sandstone, Rutland Paving and Old Grey Courtyard Paving.

We appreciate that all slabs are heavy, particularly if you have a bulk order (although they are available as individually packed tiles), so we can deliver them across East Anglia. We now operate a sliding scale of charges; for more details see our deliveries page – basically the closer you live, the less you pay for delivery

You can also call us on 01954 212144 if you have any questions about our range of patio slabs, or any of our products.


Back to blog