The permanence of building with stone is something that’s undeniably appealing. They have a certain quality to thick slabs made from earth that are commonly used as patios. A sturdy wooden patio is fine, but it’s important to take care of it.
Natural stone patios can be an excellent choice if you want to leave a lasting impression on the world. You might be able to pass on your stone patio to the generations after you.
This sounds like something you would enjoy, so read on!
Natural Stone Patios
First, not all patios made of stone are created equal. The majority of stonework used in buildings today is not made from real stone but an amalgamation of recycled stone from the mining sector. They are often colored and shaped to look natural and beautiful but lack something.
A slab of colored cement made to look and feel like real can become eerily skeuomorphic. While we have an instinctive ability to appreciate the real thing, we also feel a slight distaste for the shiny or garish. This feeling is something you will get from simulacrums that are poorly made of the real thing, which we have to live with every day.
This feeling is of taking half-measures, of cutting corners. A fake stone shares many of the same properties as the real thing. It’s durable, hardy, and rough. It may be possible to see the signs of industrial manufacturing. Once you see it, you’ll know what you are looking at.
Natural Stone vs. Manufactured Stone
Although it is not as difficult as you might think, sourcing natural patio stones isn’t that hard. However, the most expensive and well-respected types can be quite costly. Cathines flagstone shows the distinction between natural stone and artificial stone.
This rock has a rich heritage. These flagstones can be cut straight from the quarry and shipped around the globe in blocks or sheets. This natural countertop is known for its jet black appearance after polishing.
Stone is beautiful when polished to a shine, but a rough surface can also be very useful. A large slab of stone’s natural beauty is not due to how polished it has been, but because of its apparent agelessness. Unusual shapes are a testament to man’s ingenuity and love for natural materials.
Achieving Ageless Beauty
Reactive creatures, who rely on emotion and sense to navigate our worlds, are all reactionary. Although we cannot explain every emotion we feel or the reasons behind them, most of us can recognize our emotions when they are felt.
Natural stone’s solidity seems to emit an intangible emotion. This feeling is what makes natural stones the first choice for anyone who has the means to purchase it.
Even though we are now waist-deep in technology, our ancestors had the same appreciation as us. It is no surprise that they preserved the most valuable and venerable stones to build the most important structures.
These sites, many of which were shrouded in history’s impermeable veil, still exist today. They were constructed with the material that allows them to remain intact.
They might have seen some changes in their history, including being repurposed, abandoned, rebuilt upon, or changed according to changing needs. Regardless of their history, some jaw-dropping structures are still impressive today, and they are all made of stone.
Natural Stone Patio Pavers
To understand the different types of natural stone for patios that are carved from the earth, rather than made into a mold, it is important to have a good understanding of how to best use them. Natural stone can be used to create perfectly square and right angles, but it is not ideal. You can make irregular shapes look better if you work with them, rather than against them.
Natural stone can be cut to any shape you want. You’re not the only one who prefers natural stone cut over fake stone from a manufacturer. Natural stone is generally more durable than manufactured stone when it’s exposed to the changing pressures of the planet.
Creativity and imagination can be sparked by looking at the unexpected and natural. Beauty isn’t all about symmetry. Nature is not symmetrical and is the source of all beauty and appreciation. When imagining your patio imagine rough edges and uneven surfaces as the focal point.
A Foundation For Years To Come
It is impossible to tell the difference between natural and faux stone patios. They may look similar at first glance, but they are not the same. You may not want to do all the hard work involved in building with stone slabs. However, the end result will be worth it.
If you liked this article and would like to use natural stone in your home, take a look at full service landscaping company near me.
Read Also: 8 Questions To Ask A Builder Before Hiring
Six Types of Stones You Should Consider When Designing Your Patio or Walkway
A beautifully designed, expertly installed stone walkway or patio is the core of any outdoor space. The stone you choose for your hardscaping project will determine the overall look and feel of your outdoor living area. Every stone is unique, so make sure to consider your overall design style when choosing a stone.
We’ve compiled a list with 6 great ideas that we think will inspire you for your next hardscaping job.
1. Bluestone
Bluestone is best known for its blue-gray colors, but it can also come in a variety of green and rust tones. Every stone has a unique texture with different colors and thicknesses. This stone is a popular choice for walkways and patios because of its elegant appearance.
Bluestone advantages
Bluestone can also be cut to different sizes and shapes, which allows for total customization of your patio design. You can also buy it in its “broken” or freeform format. This gives the stone a natural appearance similar to fieldstone. It is freeze-resistant, making it ideal for cold climates.
Bluestone’s disadvantages
Bluestone is porous so if it’s not sealed, it will lose its luster. It can be re-sealed and cleaned. Because the stones may have irregularities, make sure you hire an experienced hardscape contractor who can properly install them. They are not recommended for pools because they can heat up quickly.
2. Thermal Bluestone
The heat blasting process used to create thermal bluestone. Thermal bluestone has a smoother finish than bluestone, which is more rough-textured and natural-looking. This stone has a uniform appearance with very few variations in its surface texture.
Thermal Bluestone Advantages
The look of thermal bluestone is very clean and consistent across all stones. If you purchase a lighter colored stone, the non-slip surface of the heat treatment makes it an excellent choice for swimming pools. Because of its uniform thickness and cut, it is easier for hardscape landscaping professionals to install.
Thermal Bluestone disadvantages
These stones are more expensive because of the thermal process.
3. Fieldstone
Because they are irregular in size, shape, and color, fieldstones give off a rustic feel. These stones can be used to create stepping-stone paths through your garden and yard.
Fieldstone advantages
These stones look natural and can be left as is. Every design is unique because no two stones are the same. Fieldstones can be used to create a walkway, without the need for mortar or any other hardscaping materials.
Fieldstone’s disadvantages
They can be difficult for stone patio installers to perfectly level them and fit them together. They don’t make a great outdoor space for dining.
4. Brick
Brick is a timeless material that can be used to create an elegant look, reminiscent of an English garden. Bricks are typically made from clay, which gives them their distinctive reddish color. These stones are perfect if you want to achieve a traditional look.
Brick’s Advantages
Even though mortar is needed between stones, stone patio installers can quickly lay bricks for your hardscaping projects. It is simple to restore the classic look if stones start to crack or become brittle. They can be easily cleaned with a garden hose and retain their colors for a long time. Brick allows you to create a variety of designs, such as a basket weave or herringbone design.
Brick disadvantages
Material and labor costs can be higher. Brick can dry quickly but brick can become damp in shaded areas, which can lead to moss growth. Brick is more absorbent than stone and can become less durable over time.
5. Limestone
A timeless and has been used for architecture around the world for thousands. Limestone is versatile, available in many textures, shapes and colors as well as surface treatments. It can be treated with a thermal treatment, similar to bluestone, to give it a uniform surface texture.
Limestone advantages
These stones are protected from the sun by their light colors, which reflect heat away. If you are often barefoot during the summer, they make a great choice for patios and surrounding swimming pools.
Limestone’s disadvantages
Limestone is very sensitive to acidic substances, so avoid any fruit trees. It is also very heavy which can increase transportation costs.
6. Concrete Pavers
Compared to more expensive hardscaping stones, concrete pavers can be a more affordable option. Concrete pavers are made by pouring cement in molds and forms. This allows for flexibility in the shapes and colors. Concrete pavers give homeowners the appearance of brick and stone without the high price.
Concrete advantages
Strong and available in a range of sizes are concrete pavers. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who don’t have the time or budget to maintain their stone patios. Concrete pavers are also customizable, as they can be made to look like real stone or molded with decorative patterns.
Concrete’s disadvantages
Concrete pavers that have been dyed can lose their color, especially in hot areas. You may also notice a difference in the quality of pavers, so it is best to hire a professional installer who is well-respected for their outstanding quality.
