A beautiful patio with level ground can act as an outdoor dining space, a place to cozy up on summer nights, and a safe area for outdoor play. Whether your patio needs an upgrade or your home needs a brand-new patio, starting from the ground up with the right patio stone options is a natural place to begin.
Understanding Different Stone Types for Patios
The two most common types of stone for patios are natural stones, such as flagstone or slate, and manufactured pavers. Of course, choosing the right stone for a home’s patio means considering aesthetic appeal as well as costs.
Natural Stone Options
Natural stone options are a classic choice for a patio upgrade, particularly for older homes. Some of the most common natural stone choices are flagstone, slate, bluestone, and limestone. The aesthetics of natural stone provide a perfect match for gardens with irregular shapes and rustic, natural colors.
Cost can be a major consideration when choosing natural stone for a patio upgrade. Natural stone is typically more expensive to buy because it must be quarried and transported from the quarry to a wholesale distributor or retail outlet before making it to its final place of installation.
Patio installation can also be more expensive for natural stone. Natural stones come from the earth in uneven thicknesses, which means that more labor is required to install a level patio where all the stones sit flat.
Stone Pavers and Manufactured Options
When natural stone is not a good fit for a budget or a home’s aesthetics, manufactured patio pavers are another great option. Because manufactured pavers are made in a factory, their size and shape are uniform, making patio stone installation much easier and typically less expensive. Additionally, the manufactured pavers themselves are typically less expensive than natural stone, although that depends on the manufacturer and other specifications.
Manufactured pavers are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to meet virtually any style preference.
Matching Stone with Your Home’s Aesthetic
The best options for patio stones are the ones that will give your patio the look you want. When selecting patio stones to complement your home’s aesthetic, consider factors like color, texture, and style. Choose stones that harmonize with your home’s architectural features, such as its exterior color palette and design elements.
For example, an older home may benefit from natural stone elements to complement its exterior, while a newer home with a modern look may appear more coherent by installing paver stone that is more uniform in shape and texture.
Durability and Maintenance Considerations
Most homeowners do not want to go through the patio upgrade process every few years, which means durability and maintenance are key concerns. Natural stone is incredibly durable and can withstand much heavier traffic for longer than manufactured pavers, particularly those composed of concrete.
The patio’s purpose should also be considered when choosing patio stone options. For instance, if the patio will act as an outdoor dining area and people will be moving chairs in and out, a perfectly smooth surface may be preferable to keep the chairs from catching on uneven stones.
Weather Resistance and Longevity
Natural stone, particularly flagstone, can be an extremely durable option, with some homes having flagstone patios that last for hundreds of years with minimal maintenance requirements. Furthermore, natural stone will maintain its aesthetics for years, while concrete pavers are prone to fade and stain. Freeze and thaw cycles are another consideration that can be quite harsh on all patio stone options. Pavers are more likely to crack and deteriorate more quickly than natural stone.
Ease of Maintenance
When it comes to regular maintenance, particularly cleaning, manufactured pavers are typically easier to deal with than others. Because pavers are smooth and uniform, hosing the patio off and sweeping away debris are generally adequate for regular maintenance. It can also be easier to deal with snow and ice on the smooth, uniform surface of manufactured pavers.
Keeping natural stone clean may require a bit more elbow grease, especially when it comes to keeping joints free from moss, weeds, and grime over the life of the patio. Most natural stone can benefit from regular cleaning with a natural cleaning agent and a bristle brush to extend the life and beauty of the patio.
Explore Your Patio Stone Options with Expert Advice from Gallivan Corp
The best patio stone options for one home may not be the best for another. If you are a homeowner who wants expert assistance in designing the best patio upgrade for your house, consider getting in touch with the team at Gallivan Corporation. We will work closely with you to design and install a patio or hardscape that meets your needs while complimenting your existing landscape.
You can get started on your patio upgrade today and enjoy a fresh new outdoor space in no time.