06 Nov 2023
How to Choose Perfect Natural Stone for Your Outdoor Space
Our outdoor space is a seamless extension of our living areas, where one can relax, and host guests while establishing priceless recollections. Our living spaces would not be the same without pools, patios, gardens and pathways, which are now essential elements of landscaping and outdoor design. Selecting the ideal paver material is one of the crucial components that can substantially elevate the appearance of these special areas.
When looking for ways to give your outdoor flooring a distinctive vibe and feel, natural stone surfaces are our top pick. In addition to being functional, they are a stunning design feature, capable of accentuating the style and charm of your space.
But with an array of premium stone alternatives in the marketplace, how do you decide the one that most perfectly suits your specific needs and aesthetic?
In this blog, we'll explore the key considerations to help you make the right decision. We’ll walk you through the process of designing an outdoor area that reflects your style and meets your functional demands, starting with assessing your needs and moving on to discovering materials, patterns, and colours. Let’s get started!
How to Choose Outdoor Pavers for Your Space
Selecting the right natural stone for your outdoor space is crucial since it will have a major impact on both its visual appeal and utility.
Here’s a step-by-step method for choosing the best outdoor paver.
- Decide on a budget
- Evaluate climate and location
- Choosing the best natural stone
- Granite Outdoor Pavers
- Marble Outdoor Pavers
- Limestone Outdoor Pavers
- Travertine Outdoor Pavers
- Think about aesthetics
- Evaluate maintenance requirements
- Consider safety requirements
- Seek professional advice
- Evaluate samples
- Think about the long-term worth
- Installation and maintenance
The first thing you should do is estimate the overall budget for your project. The prices of premium natural stones may differ widely, so knowing your budget can be beneficial to shortlist your options.
Consider the weather conditions in the area where you plan to place your natural stone pavers as well as the typical climate in the region. Since particular natural stones vary in their durability and weather resistance, it is important to choose one that is capable of withstanding specific temperature settings in your area.
There are quite several natural stone varieties that are frequently utilised for outdoor flooring depending on your design requirements and style preferences such as:
Granite, the strongest natural stone, is perfect for heavy-use outdoor spaces since it resists weathering well. It is one of your best options for outdoor flooring if you're looking for a robust and impressive material at the same time. Consider Granite if you are located in a place where there are significant seasonal variations in the weather. This solid rock can endure it all and still retain its lustre and strength. From stunning silver to sombre black, outdoor pavers made from Granite are available in a variety of hues to complement any aesthetic.
Marble too is incredibly durable but somewhat more malleable and more porous, therefore it needs to be sealed to increase its resistance to outdoor foot traffic and weather elements. Because of its unique brilliance and veined finish, many homeowners love it for its elegant impression. Marble pavers can be found in a wide range of colours, ranging from soft greys to deep blacks. While polished, smooth Marble tiles look elegant indoors, rough, non-slip pavers are a preferable choice for outdoor flooring.
Limestone pavers are noticeably porous so sealing and periodic resealing these pavers is essential to avoid staining and environmental degradation. These pavers exhibit great structural integrity and are perfect for areas that have significant foot traffic and frequent usage such as backyard retreats, open-air patios and outdoor dining spaces. The inherent pores in Limestone lend the stone a distinctive feel that adds to its remarkable visual appeal. The colours range from pristine ivory hues of Indiana white Limestone to deep grey shades of Midnight Glow Limestone. These pavers are available in slip-safe textures and are great for spaces that become slippery when wet, such as decks next to swimming pools and entry walkways.
Though it has a similar texture and structure to Limestone, it is slightly softer and more flexible. Travertine pavers are highly porous and have pits, more noticeable than Limestone. Thus, before using them outside, pre-installation sealing is essential. With their warm rustic vibe and earthy colour tones, they bring out the natural beauty of your landscape. If you live in a moderate climate and have Travertine pavers on your deck or patio area, you'll love their warm, golden appearance more over time as they age gracefully.
Explore your options and finalise the look you want. As natural stones come in a variety of colours and textures, choose one that complements the overall aesthetic that defines your outdoor landscape and design.
Determine the maintenance needs for the natural stone you are choosing. While certain stones require less care, others need regular sealing and upkeep. Assess how much time you’ll be able to invest in their maintenance and pick a stone wisely so you can spend more time enjoying the beauty of your space than stressing about its maintenance.
Safety is paramount and all the more crucial when you have kids, elders and pets in the house, particularly when near water features and other moist areas. Ensure that whatever stone you choose has adequate resistance to sliding to prevent accidents.
Consult with a respectable stone supplier or installer to get expert advice on whether a certain natural stone is appropriate for your outdoor area. They can provide accurate advice and help you select the best options based on your requirements.
Before making a decision, acquire some samples of the stone pavers you are considering. This will allow you to see how they feel and look in your outdoor space when there is natural light. For instance, Sandstone and Travertine both give out cosy, rustic vibes but evaluating a sample will enable you to determine which one complements your current aesthetics the most.
Even while starting costs are important, take into account the natural stone's longevity and long-term worth. Investing in a high-quality stone today can save you money on maintenance and replacements down the road.
For the installation of your natural stone pavers, make sure that you partner with qualified professionals. This will ensure top-notch results and a flawless finish. Adhere to the recommended maintenance guidelines to maintain the longevity and appeal of your outdoor space over time.
To Sum Up!
Selecting the right paver for your outdoor area plays a key role in reviving the overall appearance of your outdoor space. It's an investment in your house's functionality and beauty. By comprehending your design requirements, exploring diverse materials and taking into account upkeep and environmental aspects, you can choose the ultimate paver that perfectly complements your design goals and turns your outside area into an elegant haven. Enjoy the process as you see the realisation of your ideal outdoor area.
*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
