While natural stone is one of the best materials you can use for paving, you still have to check for hardness, durability, strength and stain resistance. Unfortunately, people make a common mistake when buying paving stone San Diego loves: assuming that any natural stone paver will serve them well. The truth is that natural stones have varying densities. This means they are not all the same. It is, thus, your job to check key aspects of your preferred natural stone before you make your final decision.
Check the hardness
Hardness refers to a stone’s capacity to be scratched. Keep in mind that a more rigid material will make a scratch on a softer material. This means if you choose a paving stone San Diego loves but one that is too soft, it will be prone to scratches. To test the hardness of a paving stone, use a steel or glass object to scratch the surface. If you are paving a high-traffic area, go for the more rigid natural stones. Softer materials in a high traffic area will scratch easily and be prone to breakage.
Examine the durability
The next thing you need to do is check your preferred natural stone for crumbling, splitting or cracking. There are types of natural stones that are more prone to crumbling and splitting than others. Prior to making a choice, always check the durability of the stone. You also need to research or ask about the preferred applications of the stone.
Fissures are cracks that occur naturally. However, if humans cause a break, that is a crack. Ready-to-install stones must be checked for both fissures and cracks. Fissures are not an issue unless they go through the entire surface of the stone.
Measure strength properties
There are two types of strength properties you can test a natural stone for. The first is compressive strength. This measures the crushing load of a stone. A stone with high compressive strength is an excellent choice because it cannot be crushed under high pressure. Slate and granite have the highest compressive strength. Limestone, sandstone and marble have low compressive strength.
The second test is on flexural strength. This measures the capacity of a rock to rupture when bent. Having a high flexural strength means the stone cannot be bent or broken easily. Slate and granite have the highest flexural strength. Sandstone, limestone and marble have low flexural strength.
Stain resistance
Last but not least, since the paving stones will be exposed to all manner of abuse, you want to ensure you get a material that has a high level of stain resistance. Stones with a darker shade are more stain-resistant. In addition, they are easy to maintain and hide stains better.
