If a more naturalistic outdoor living experience is what you’re after, then you’re probably wondering whether you should stick with natural stone or expand your design horizons with patio pavers. Here’s the scoop on natural stone vs. patio pavers for natural patio designs in Lake Forest, IL.
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Natural Stone
Natural stone is the world’s oldest building material. It’s beautiful and lasts practically forever. Its main appeal is that each stone is completely unique.
Pros: Natural stone, even from the same batch and the same quarry, has a unique composition which gives it a slight or dramatic difference from other stones. On its own, each stone is beautiful; but natural stone surfaces really shine when you combine dozens or hundreds of stones on your patio. You can be sure that your patio will be absolutely unlike any other, when you use natural stone.
No matter your home’s architectural style or your own design aesthetic, there is a natural stone that’s a perfect fit.
Cons: Natural stone requires specialty skills to install. The process is somewhat simplified by using pre-cut and pre-shaped stone but in any project, there will be cutting and shaping involved.
Stone is also heavy, which means that the base it’s set on must be extremely sturdy and well-constructed to prevent stones from shifting.
Some types of stone (such as marble) become extremely slippery when wet, so for outdoor applications, you’ll want to choose a natural stone that is textured, or tends to be less slippery such as sandstone.
It used to be that natural stone plus installation was significantly costlier than patio pavers; but today, high-end patio pavers can end up costing just as much.
Patio Pavers
Patio pavers are fast becoming a go-to for many homeowners primarily because of a much greater range of styles, colors, textures, and finishes than you can find in natural stone. In some applications, they’re the ideal material; in others, natural stone could be the right choice.
Pros: While some patio pavers mimic natural stone, others are unabashedly “not stone” which could be perfect for modern settings or if you just want to make a design statement. There are hundreds of patio paver products, in equally staggering numbers of styles.
Patio pavers are dimensionally precise, which makes for fast and accurate installation. Some have spacers that assist with creating a correct and uniform surface.
Many quality pavers come with a non-slip surface which makes them ideal for patio and pool surrounds. Some also come with surface sealants that protect against spills, for easy cleanup in your outdoor kitchen.
Cons: Concrete is not the most environmentally conscious choice, and it doesn’t last as long as natural stone. Sealed properly and regularly, concrete pavers could outlast your home, but the surface may fade if exposed to harsh sunlight.
Being generally lighter in weight than natural stone, patio pavers are easier to install; however, they are also vulnerable to chipping which could expose lighter-colored aggregate beneath the surface, which can be a highly visible blemish.
Which is Best?
If you want the unique characteristics of natural stone, then that’s your best choice. If you want faster and easier installation and a broader range of styles, then opt for high-quality patio pavers. Or… reach out and discuss your project with us, and we’ll help you make the final decision.
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