A Beginner’s Guide to Natural Stone Patios
Thinking about installing a patio? Check out these experts’ tips on selecting, installing and caring for stone
Timeless, beautiful and durable — natural stone is a great choice for any patio, whether it’s in a traditional or a contemporary landscape. If you’re thinking about using this material for your patio, take a look at this expert guide to choosing, installing and maintaining natural stone. The advice comes from Trevor Cains of High Standards, Richard Sneesby of Richard Sneesby Landscape Architects and James Porter of Harrington Porter.
Another good thing about stone is its versatility. “There are numerous different types of stone available, with different colors, textures and, most importantly, costs to suit different budgets,” Porter says.
“In addition to paving, stone can be cut to form steps and copings for walls, so the use of one material can unify the whole garden,” Sneesby adds.
“In addition to paving, stone can be cut to form steps and copings for walls, so the use of one material can unify the whole garden,” Sneesby adds.
Weigh the Disadvantages
Porter says that he can’t think of many downsides to stone patio pavers. However, he stresses the importance of expert installation. “It’s probably not a job most people can do themselves, as you need the right tools, some of which can be dangerous in the wrong hands,” he says.
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Porter says that he can’t think of many downsides to stone patio pavers. However, he stresses the importance of expert installation. “It’s probably not a job most people can do themselves, as you need the right tools, some of which can be dangerous in the wrong hands,” he says.
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Cost is another factor to consider. “Good-quality stone is more expensive than manufactured slabs,” Sneesby says. “Cheap stone is tempting, but it’s usually thin, weak and often porous, drawing cement through the slab, which stains the surface.”
Cains also mentions the initial cost but says, “Remember, with any type of stone, the product is only 20 percent of the cost; the rest is preparation and installation.”
Is there a more cost-effective option? “If you’re on a tight budget, you might be better using a good-quality concrete slab,” Sneesby says.
Cains also mentions the initial cost but says, “Remember, with any type of stone, the product is only 20 percent of the cost; the rest is preparation and installation.”
Is there a more cost-effective option? “If you’re on a tight budget, you might be better using a good-quality concrete slab,” Sneesby says.
Choose Your Natural Stone
A good starting point when deciding which type of stone to use is its locality. “Try to use the same stone you see around you — in buildings, historic gardens and walls,” Sneesby says. “Stone is one of the most important materials to give areas local distinctiveness. If you can’t afford local stone, try to mimic its color and geological type.”
He also emphasizes the stone’s provenance. “Stone can be imported with sometimes dubious credentials in terms of exploitation of labor,” he says. “Check your stone is fully certificated and has passed international standards for fair trade.”
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A good starting point when deciding which type of stone to use is its locality. “Try to use the same stone you see around you — in buildings, historic gardens and walls,” Sneesby says. “Stone is one of the most important materials to give areas local distinctiveness. If you can’t afford local stone, try to mimic its color and geological type.”
He also emphasizes the stone’s provenance. “Stone can be imported with sometimes dubious credentials in terms of exploitation of labor,” he says. “Check your stone is fully certificated and has passed international standards for fair trade.”
Find specialists in stone, pavers and concrete
Let your home and yard influence your choice of stone, the experts suggest. “The type of stone should coordinate with the style of the house, as it’s an outside space of your home,” Cains says.
Porter recommends that you consider “the colors in the garden around where the new paving will go. Whether your house is red or yellow brick can influence your choice of color in the paving. And if your garden is often in shade, go for a lighter color.”
“Bigger slabs give an illusion of space and high quality. They’re good for large areas and give a more contemporary feel,” Sneesby says. “Smaller units are more appropriate in smaller gardens, where irregular sizes can often work. But there are no hard and fast rules — you can mix sizes and even colors and textures.”
“If in doubt,” Porter says, “ask a supplier for advice and take some samples home with you. Stone always looks slightly different in natural light.”
Porter recommends that you consider “the colors in the garden around where the new paving will go. Whether your house is red or yellow brick can influence your choice of color in the paving. And if your garden is often in shade, go for a lighter color.”
“Bigger slabs give an illusion of space and high quality. They’re good for large areas and give a more contemporary feel,” Sneesby says. “Smaller units are more appropriate in smaller gardens, where irregular sizes can often work. But there are no hard and fast rules — you can mix sizes and even colors and textures.”
“If in doubt,” Porter says, “ask a supplier for advice and take some samples home with you. Stone always looks slightly different in natural light.”
“Not all stone is the same, even if it has the same name — sandstones and granites vary enormously,” Sneesby says. “Ask for samples and, even better, have a look at some finished projects that are at least 2 years old.
“Buy the thickest slabs you can afford,” he continues. “Thin slabs will lift after frost, crack and draw cement through from the bedding layer. You’ll pay more for regulated thickness, but they’re much easier to lay than varied-thickness slabs.”
“Buy the thickest slabs you can afford,” he continues. “Thin slabs will lift after frost, crack and draw cement through from the bedding layer. You’ll pay more for regulated thickness, but they’re much easier to lay than varied-thickness slabs.”
Bring In the Experts
“All stone patios are only as good as the foundation provided for them, in terms of depth and materials,” says Cains when asked about the best way to lay a stone patio. And when it comes to hiring a professional, “always ask to see examples of previous work and check their experience,” he recommends.
Porter agrees. “Definitely get someone who knows what they’re doing, and don’t just go for the cheapest quote,” he says. “You don’t want your fitter to cut corners, such as not doing a sufficient subbase or not laying the slabs correctly with enough mortar below.
“When it’s not done correctly,” he says, “you’ll more often than not find the paving moves and sinks, and before long, you’ll be getting someone to come and redo it.”
“Regular and accurate patterns also need to be professionally done, so all joints are the same and the lines are straight and parallel,” Sneesby adds. “Large slabs are heavy and may require specialist equipment.”
“All stone patios are only as good as the foundation provided for them, in terms of depth and materials,” says Cains when asked about the best way to lay a stone patio. And when it comes to hiring a professional, “always ask to see examples of previous work and check their experience,” he recommends.
Porter agrees. “Definitely get someone who knows what they’re doing, and don’t just go for the cheapest quote,” he says. “You don’t want your fitter to cut corners, such as not doing a sufficient subbase or not laying the slabs correctly with enough mortar below.
“When it’s not done correctly,” he says, “you’ll more often than not find the paving moves and sinks, and before long, you’ll be getting someone to come and redo it.”
“Regular and accurate patterns also need to be professionally done, so all joints are the same and the lines are straight and parallel,” Sneesby adds. “Large slabs are heavy and may require specialist equipment.”
Prepare the Ground
The quality of the ground beneath the stone will greatly affect the look and durability of your patio, the experts say.
“The strength of your soil will influence how the slabs are laid,” Sneesby says. “If [the soil is] newly laid or weak, and may settle over time, you may need a full concrete base, which can allow a thinner slab to be used” that’s a bit like horizontal tiling.
“With a stronger subbase, it may be possible to lay thicker slabs onto sand. This is especially good if you have irregular stone thicknesses, are using reclaimed slabs or want to grow crevice plants in the joints,” he says.
“Anywhere a masonry approach can be adopted is a good place to use stone,” he adds. “I wouldn’t use stone or any other heavy material on wet or moving ground; there, a deck is a better option.”
Low-Maintenance Ground Covers to Go With Your Pavers
The quality of the ground beneath the stone will greatly affect the look and durability of your patio, the experts say.
“The strength of your soil will influence how the slabs are laid,” Sneesby says. “If [the soil is] newly laid or weak, and may settle over time, you may need a full concrete base, which can allow a thinner slab to be used” that’s a bit like horizontal tiling.
“With a stronger subbase, it may be possible to lay thicker slabs onto sand. This is especially good if you have irregular stone thicknesses, are using reclaimed slabs or want to grow crevice plants in the joints,” he says.
“Anywhere a masonry approach can be adopted is a good place to use stone,” he adds. “I wouldn’t use stone or any other heavy material on wet or moving ground; there, a deck is a better option.”
Low-Maintenance Ground Covers to Go With Your Pavers
Let Natural Stone Breathe
There’s no need to seal natural stone — in fact, Cains advises against it. “Don’t seal a natural stone patio, as this traps moisture, which will damage the surface in extreme temperatures,” he says.
However, Porter points out that it may be worth sealing sandstone. “It’s quite porous compared to other materials, so dirt and water tend to penetrate deeper, making it harder to clean.”
There’s no need to seal natural stone — in fact, Cains advises against it. “Don’t seal a natural stone patio, as this traps moisture, which will damage the surface in extreme temperatures,” he says.
However, Porter points out that it may be worth sealing sandstone. “It’s quite porous compared to other materials, so dirt and water tend to penetrate deeper, making it harder to clean.”
Keep It Clean
Maintenance of your stone patio should be fairly straightforward, the experts agree, as long as you’re careful. “In dry areas, most stone can simply be swept clean,” Sneesby says. In wetter parts of the country and in shady areas, some algae may develop, which can get slippery. As long as the joints are done properly, this can be pressure-washed.
“Be careful not to remove the aged patina, which is often the whole point of choosing stone,” he adds. “Some products are available that are very good at cleaning stone but not good for the surrounding vegetation or pets, as they can be toxic.”
Porter agrees. “If it’s particularly dirty, we sometimes use special detergents that are not harmful to plants, and sometimes we use a steam pressure washer,” he says.
Tell us: Are you considering natural stone for your patio? Or do you already have it in your yard? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
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Maintenance of your stone patio should be fairly straightforward, the experts agree, as long as you’re careful. “In dry areas, most stone can simply be swept clean,” Sneesby says. In wetter parts of the country and in shady areas, some algae may develop, which can get slippery. As long as the joints are done properly, this can be pressure-washed.
“Be careful not to remove the aged patina, which is often the whole point of choosing stone,” he adds. “Some products are available that are very good at cleaning stone but not good for the surrounding vegetation or pets, as they can be toxic.”
Porter agrees. “If it’s particularly dirty, we sometimes use special detergents that are not harmful to plants, and sometimes we use a steam pressure washer,” he says.
Tell us: Are you considering natural stone for your patio? Or do you already have it in your yard? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
More
What to Know About Installing a Stone Patio
Get inspiration for your patio
Browse landscaping pavers
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The three experts agree that one of the major selling points of natural stone patio pavers is their durability. “If done properly, a stone patio will last for a long time,” Porter says.
“Stone looks better with age, whereas manufactured materials nearly always look worse,” Sneesby says. “Scratches, scuffs and even small cracks can still look good, giving the stone an aged patina.”
“Natural stone keeps its good looks for longer and is not as susceptible to lichen and moss growth,” Cains adds. “These can ruin the look of a patio and are a health and safety issue due to how slippery they are.”