Choosing the wrong natural stone pavers will force you to redo the work simply to fix pavers. While natural stone is one of the best materials you can use when paving your outdoor space, it is good to note that not every stone will get the work done. Therefore, you have to make vital considerations when choosing a suitable stone. Here are the key things you must do.
Think about the space
Choosing the right stone for a surface area will help avoid the cost of being forced to fix pavers. That is why you have to consider the area you want to install pavers before choosing a paving stone. To help narrow your options on the natural stone pavers to use, here are a few important rules to follow:
- The best natural stones are travertine, granite, and slate for pool decks, driveways, walkways, and other high-traffic areas.
- Your best option will be limestone, bluestone, and sandstone for architectural elements such as posts, trims, stone-based furniture, and stacked walls.
- Marble looks very beautiful for the exterior wall cladding, window sills, and headers.
- For paving the patio, you can use any natural stone paver.
Selecting the hue
The best thing about natural stones is that they are available in a wide range of colors and hues. To find the one that works best for you, here are a few style ideas:
- Dark shades
If installing pavers in an area prone to staining, choose a darker shade. Darker shades are ideal for tabletops, countertops, and flooring where kids play.
- Dark colors
If you don’t want streaks, dark colors are ideal. These colors are perfect for hiding watermarks, dust, and fingerprints. Go with dark colors in areas where you will be hosting outdoor parties such as the barbeque area.
- Bright and light colors
Brighter and light colors create the illusion of a larger space. They further radiate calmness and elegance. They are ideal for areas with natural greenery. For example, the swimming pool area and patios benefit significantly from light and bright colors.
Choosing a pattern and texture
Natural stones have unique distinct patterns and textures. First, you have to decide whether you need a stone with veins or grains or one that is foliated or non-foliated. For grainy patterns, granite is a good choice. Marble is veiny. Foliated rocks come with straight striped patterns, while the non-foliated ones look colored with shades that blend.
Think about the stone’s effects
Last but not least, you need to consider the effect you want to achieve. For example, natural stone pavers with earthy colors are ideal for creating a rustic effect, whereas combining natural stones creates a warm effect. An experienced installer will help pick the stones that create the best effect.
