A blog on finding your perfect match, your stone-mate!
When planning your upcoming patio project, many questions arise while choosing that perfect stone. Is the goal to be a showstopper? Or to be functional? Or to last for years to come?
Natural stone pavers vary in so many ways! Selecting the right type of stone, color, surface finish, size and thickness may be more important than you think. Did we mention you should always require official natural stone testing as well?! All of these key factors play a big role in finding your perfect stone match. Your stone-mate!
Questions to Ask when Choosing Patio Stones
“How hot does the stone get? Is it slippery? Does it stain? Is it going to survive the winter? Can I use this in a commercial application or a driveway?” So many things to consider when researching natural stone products. Let’s take a look at how we can decide on what is best for your design + lifestyle.
Staying cool to the touch is one of the first questions we get asked. Nobody wants to burn their feet! Choosing stones lighter in color is preferred, darker tones hold heat and create warm surfaces for bare feet to struggle walking on. Although we may like the look of dark colored stones, if having a feet-friendly patio is your goal – stay away.
Before aesthetic and functionality comes safety. Stone surfaces (such as polished, honed, antiqued, sandblasted + more) will impact the slip co-efficiency of the stone. The smoother the surface, the more likely you will be creating your very own slip & slide in your backyard. Rougher surfaces like sandblasted finish allow for more grip which is safer for wet feet.
Selecting Patio Stones that Won’t Stain
The main goal of creating an outdoor living space is of course, to enjoy it. The last thing you want to worry about is maintaining your patio, worrying if wine or food will stain, if natural elements will leave marks, or how often you need to clean your stones. Choosing natural stone with a low absorption rate is key. Anything that spills or “stains” will simply be a surface stain, easily washed off by rain water or a quick power wash.
When searching for natural stone options, always request to see test results. Test results are laboratory tests determining key factors such as compressive strength, flexural strength, co-efficient of friction, freeze and thaw, water absorption and density. Without knowing these things, choosing a stone can be risky.
They say there is a time and place for everything. The same holds true to natural stone. Not every stone belongs in every setting. You need to know the environment, the usage and the end goal. Taking the time to research will save you years in the end, help you increase longevity of your space, and create long lasting memories of you and your stone-mate.