Natural Stone
Natural stone pavers are a great decision. because of the durability and longevity, they provide as well as their natural beauty, this material is perfect for those who want to create an outdoor space that will stand the test of time.
this article outlines:
reviews on some of the most popular stones used in pavers and walks provide design ideas and tips with diagrams reviews vital materials such as sand, gravel, and cement explains what tools might be needed for installation gives links to other useful resources
Reviews on some of the most popular stones used in pavers & walks:
granite – this type comes in many different colors such as gray, pink, red/rust color with specks of green or black making it one of the more interesting choices for pavers. it’s very strong and durable, but has a price tag that reflects this.
limestone – great because limestone is easy to find and inexpensive (sometimes free). they come in different colors and textures and the material can last about 50 years. one color of stone that is popular with walkways is golden yellow, which adds some warmth to an outdoor space even during the colder seasons.
granite bluestone – natural stones such as these are great for building entryways or walkways. its dark blue-gray color helps create a calming effect during the summer months while still looking pleasant in winter due to its icy reflective nature.
marble – marble has been used throughout history because of its beauty and durability which is why it’s a choice for stone pavers and walkways. it is strong and high-quality, but because of this marble tends to be more expensive than some other options.
slate – slate comes in all sorts of colors like green, black, red, and gold. the material itself has a layered structure which means each stone has multiple colors making it an interesting choice for walks or patios; however not particularly newbie-friendly.
granite bluestone slate – sits between limestone and granite due to its ability to retain heat while maintaining a long-lasting nature: thus creating a warm outdoor living space even on the coldest days of winter.
marble slate quartzite – combines strength with beauty by choosing natural quartzite combined with white marble. the quartzite is naturally strong and durable with a waxy feel that makes it easy to clean; while white marble has an elegant, sparkling look.
design ideas & tips:
when choosing materials for your stone pavers or walkways consider your landscape’s natural colors and textures. make sure to test drive these colors before committing to one specific material as they will look different in different lighting (i.e sunny vs cloudy).
be aware that certain stones can be slippery when wet so go for more textured options if you’re concerned about safety.
with installation remember that some stones like limestone are easier to find, but may not last as long as granite which might cost you more money in the long run (although up-front it might be cheaper).
sand – sand is another crucial element in your pavers and walks. it holds the stones together and helps prevent them from moving around when moist (i.e when it rains); sand also makes the path smoother for walking (less painful to trip on). sand should generally be washed before using as well, which can be done with a pressure washer or by using smaller rocks to rub off any dirt particles that may have come into contact with the larger material during transportation. gravel – small rocks that are used less often because they tend not to last as long due to being crushed underfoot traffic more easily than sand does.
Gravel is good at preventing weeds from growing along paths however because of its porous nature making it easier for water to seep through; some recommend using sand along with gravel in order to make your path last longer. if you do choose gravel only (no sand) make sure to use a weed barrier underneath the stones (a black plastic sheet works well).