Enhance Your Garden With Natural Stone Paving Options

Some of the different natural stone options for use in the garden for patios and paving. Limestone, slate, granite, travertine, Yorkstone and sandstone discussed. 

Choosing the best type of natural stone to make the most of your space

Natural stone is an excellent choice whether for paving, hard standing or a patio area. Compared to manmade stone it looks more natural, lasts longer, enhances the value and ‘market appeal’ of your home, and is actually very cost effective in the longer term.

There are various types to choose from, so what may be the best for your use? The first step is to consider your garden needs and take a look at some stone types along with other items and materials you may be using in your garden, so Milestone garden supplies is a good place to start.

Sandstone

A popular choice in gardens; with its granular appearance sandstone combines a ‘warm’ and natural look with the benefit of versatility and, despite its name, offers a choice of colours other than a sandy shade including creams and greys.

Sandstone offers good slip resistance and is porous so makes a good choice as a poolside surface and for gardens and other wetter locations.

Granite

Often considered the ultimate natural stone, granite can be seen in many settings including many famous landmarks and city centres throughout the world. It’s very hard wearing, extremely low-maintenance, known for its attractive appearance and can be specified in a wide range of colours.

While it may be considered expensive, once laid your granite paving will last many years and will soon be seen more as an investment in your property than an expense.

Slate

A sound choice; slate offers a very natural look with its characteristically uneven texture and offers the strength of manmade concrete in one of the more affordable natural stone options.

Some slate paving can be specified in a more uniform colour scheme whereas if you prefer a more variable and ‘natural’ weathered look, then more rustic types are available. Slate is generally low maintenance, and if one slab should become damaged it can be replaced without affecting the look of the paving. Its slip-resistant nature makes it a good choice in higher footfall areas.

Limestone

Add a distinctive appearance to your paving by choosing limestone with its natural veining and distinctive colour choices of greys, blues and tans along with a striking black option.

With a fine grain composition, limestone is easy to cut into different shapes so ideal if your paving is partly or wholly of an oddball design.

Yorkstone

As its name suggests, Yorkstone is a type of sandstone native to Yorkshire whereas other sandstones are likely sourced from countries such as China and India.

Yorkstone is a classic natural stone commonly found in a buff or tan colour although two-tone versions are available for a little variety. It’s possible to choose reclaimed Yorkstone which is ideal for period properties where you want to immediately experience the ‘weathered’ look rather than waiting for new stone paving to age.

Travertine

An affordable and very effective natural stone with strong anti-slip properties, travertine is a good choice around wet areas such as poolsides. This natural stone is a form of limestone that was affected by extra heat and pressure when formed.

Travertine can appear in smoother or more textured finishes depending on how it’s prepared, and in colour tends to be available in beige, ivory and gold shades. It’s an easy stone to work with and very versatile so can be adapted to various outdoor and indoor applications.

Choices, choices

So there are at least six solid choices of natural stone all offering major benefits. The key is to visit a natural stone expert for unbiased advice and to see some examples for yourself.