Tips to Choose the Best Natural Stone Pavers

One of the most important benefits of using Natural Stone Pavers is that their installation can really improve the appearance of any outdoor area as well as increase the overall worth of the property. Whether you are installing a patio, pool deck, driveway or a pathway, it is highly important that you select the most appropriate natural stone pavers to ensure enduring yet aesthetically appealing paved surface. Since there are many types of stones that can be used today, decision making on the most suitable stones for paving may prove to be quite challenging. Nevertheless, the following five suggestions can work wonders in making all this relatively easier and smoother.

1.   What Climate and Location to Choose 

The global climate and the geographical location of your home is an important consideration when choosing natural stone pavers. Other aspects that may need to be considered include average rainfall per year, the sometimes abnormal weather conditions, the type of soil, and the extent of shade. For the areas with the high degree of humidity and also for the shaded areas, it is better to use natural stones in which there is no slipperiness and which have some texture, such as slate or limestone. These resist moisture and growth of algae and moss. For extremely cold climates, always choose paver types that are not easily affected by the freeze and thawing process and prone to cracking such as bluestone or granite. The location of a project determines the potential stone varieties that are available, making it essential to identify it.

Also check whether the area is frequented by people, pets or vehicles; in so doing it will be ascertained whether the area is highly or less occupied. Heavy trafficked zones require more rigid materials that are hard to scratch or chip such as the quartzite. It takes knowledge and comprehension of the treatment your pavers are going to receive to use ones that will last long. Considering the following location factors before choosing a stone type will go a long way in helping make the right decision.

2.   Consider Design and Aesthetics

It is, therefore, important to ensure that the design you have in mind for your paved area determines the choice of natural stone pavers. Particular stones are used for specific design purposes. For conventional patterns, brick-shaped stones such as travertine work well, as the stone pieces will be of equal size. Slate in geometric patterned provides a great deal of aesthetic appeal; irregularly shaped pavers are available to give your pavement an old-world appeal. Granite cube pavers offer a clean sleek look with their large chunks of solid colors in muted tones.Specifically, both finish and color will determine whether the chosen design is suitable for an environment or not. Bushhammered stone provides a velvet patina for more relaxed, rustic schemes; tumbled, a sheen with palpable texture for modern settings. Available in black, browns, creams and more, pavers can serve as the dramatic focal point or the calming backdrop. .

3.   Decide on durability requirements

The durability of the natural stone pavers is an important factor to consider when choosing them since they are meant to be long-term solutions that are costly investments. Those which determine durability are the density of stone, porosity, and the ability to withstand abrasion. The soles of the stones are less porous and the stones also have a higher hardness which makes them ideal for areas that experience more traffic

Make a tabulated comparison of the given compressive strength, water absorption rate, and abrasion coefficient for both types of stones. Greater density, lesser porosity and absorption, and superior abrasion endurance are signs of the highest quality and longer service. In general use of pavements such as driveways and commercial use, it is advisable to consider the following performance indicators when making a decision regarding the paver to be used in order to achieve a smooth and lasting paved surface.

4.   Evaluate Maintenance Requirements

It is important to understand that different types of natural stones used in the production of pavers have different maintenance requirements. For instance, sandstone requires sealing more often, it is very porous and easily absorbs stains. While marble is relatively soft, sensitive to acids, and requires regular resealing, granite is a more durable and non-susceptible stone.

If you are choosing pavers, know what kind of monthly and yearly maintenance will be required in order to maintain that type of stone in your climatic region. This is important to note because you would have to be ready to put in that amount of maintenance before sealing your decision. Selecting low maintenance pavers allow homeowners to experience beauty in their paved areas without having to constantly seal, power wash and apply stain treatments

5.   Compare Costs and Value

As the aforementioned types of stone are scarce, the price for the natural stone pavers is directly related to the level of hardness of all the types. Most of the imported stones tend to be unique and thus are often more expensive than the locally sourced stones. Value concerns the durability and suitability to withstand the environment in which the pavers will be used.

Engage in some math calculations and evaluate the cost per square foot of different paver options. Moreover, estimate long-term value based on expectations of continued use of the product throughout the target consumer’s life. This step helps to avoid underestimating total spend needs so as not to end up short of funds in a business venture. Also provide for professional installation costs if the job is not to be done by the DIY enthusiast. Comparing the above considerations, one is in a position to filter choices that provide you with the most desirable natural stone pavers at a reasonable price range.

Conclusion

In selecting the best natural stone pavers and Bullnose Coping, one must consider the climate of your region, the intended design, the needed sturdiness, the level of upkeep you can handle and finally the price. In this case, one must consider the intended use area or zones, traffic flow, and the overall aesthetic plan for the area. Determine the density and porosity of the stone and compare the level of abrasion to assess its ability to withstand the test of time.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button