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For centuries, natural stone pavers have served as central components in the history of landscape and architectural design; they’ve even been used along ancient Roman roads and in today’s most exclusive estates. To this day these timeless building materials continue to captivate designers, homeowners and contractors alike due to their combination of durability, versatility and natural beauty. Today, in the world of mass produced materials, natural stone pavers are a premium choice that is unique and authentic and helps give your outdoor space the character it needs.
Natural Stone Pavers For Understanding
Natural stone pavers consist of individual pieces and shaped (cut) from larger blocks of natural stone. Unlike the concrete pavers that can be manufactured exactly the same or repeated as often as one would like, no two natural stone pieces differ from others and their unique patterns, textures, and color changes were formed as the result of millions of years in geological processes. The inherent uniqueness means no two installations are exactly alike, meaning homeowners get an incredibly unique outdoor space not found in the Playhouse and in most cases can’t be replicated.
Types of Natural Stone Pavers
There is an entire world of natural stone pavers out there, but each type has unique characteristics. Because of their extended lifespan and resistance to be worn down, Granite pavers are popular on those high traffic areas. A subtle elegance to limestone pavers with their uniform look, natural colors and soft appearance. Warm earth tones in sandstone pavers also make good pool surroundings and outdoor entertainment area flooring, due to their excellent slip resistance. Slate pavers also give powerful appearances with the dramatic colour variations and natural textures which generate stunning visual interest. Travertine pavers enjoyed their pitted surface and being cool under the direct sunlight.
Aesthetic Appeal and Design Versatility
Natural stone pavers exhibit extraordinary aesthetic versatility making them one of the most compelling aspects among building materials. But these materials can fit in virtually every design style: rustic Mediterranean, sleek contemporary. Color and texture variations, balanced across all regions of a mosaic tile, add visual depth and interest not available with manufactured materials. Coupled with natural stone pebbles in coordinating colors, these pavers play beautifully with the more natural designs currently being used in outdoor space environments.
Additionally, natural stone pavers may be cut and finished to various looks. These finishing options include smooth-honed surfaces, rough-split faces, or even a bit of both: giving designers the ability to build exactly the kind of atmosphere needed to unify and complete each individual project. By being able to combine different sizes, shapes, and patterns this introduces additional flexibility to the design of the space, providing the option to create unique patterns that will define space, or help direct traffic flow.
Durability and Longevity
Natural stone pavers are among the most durable pavers. Because these materials have been properly installed and maintained, they can last for generations, outliving the structures they surround. Natural stone pavers have the advantage over manufactured products in that they aren’t manufactured and would sometimes tend to have a natural patina develop as they age, which only adds to their allure. However, their initial investment is somewhat larger than other options and they achieve this exceptional longevity, making them a very good value.
Environmental benefits and sustainability.
In an time when the environment is being viewed more sensitively, natural stone pavers gain salt in the eye because they are a green, environmentally friendly choice. Stone is a natural material, and, as such, requires much less processing than marketed alternatives. Produced without any chemical compounds or artificial ingredients, their production includes transporting impact which can be significantly decreased if sourced from local quarries. In addition, natural stone pavers can also be recycled or repurposed for use again at the end of their first usage.
Natural Stone Pebbles Integration
The use of natural stone pavers paired with natural stone pebbles offers a chance for beautiful landscape designs. Bordering with stone pebbles creates attractive borders, fills gaps between pavers and can be used to create decorative elements as part of the overall paving scheme. This integration also improves drainage while also providing textural contrast that gives outdoor spaces a more attractive look. These materials play in harmony with one another to create a seamless look with various landscapes that instead of squaring off visually, allow different expanses of the landscape to string together.
Maintenance and Care
Natural stone pavers are extremely resilient, but they do require that maintenance is performed in order to preserve beauty and functionality. Additional preventive treatment with appropriate products helps to prevent staining and keep the stone looking as natural as possible. The surface is protected from moisture penetration and is easier to clean by periodic sealing. One advantage of natural stone pavers compared with some artificial materials is that unlike some artificial materials, which will need to replaced when damaged, natural stone pavers can be restored back to their original condition using professional restoration techniques.
Applications in Modern Design
There are many outdoor settings where natural stone pavers are used. So long as the flame is genuinely decorative and isn’t simply being used to light your way around the yard, these pillars are perfect for creating elaborate and elegant walkways, striking driveway entrances, and welcoming patios. Because of their slip resistant properties, they are more suited for pool decks and outdoor restaurants or kitchens. Natural stone pavers are used in commercial settings to create sophistication at entrances of hotels, courtyards of restaurants and public spaces. These materials, when combined with knowledge about the right lighting design approach, have dramatic flexibility to effect interesting nighttime appearance of outdoor spaces.
Conclusion
Natural stone pavers are an ideal form and function combination in the design of outdoor spaces. Timeless beauty, outstanding durability and environmental benefits makes them a fantastic option for any residential or commercial use. While they can also make their own beautiful and functional outdoor spaces, when combined with some complementary elements such as natural stone pebbles they create some amazing outdoor spaces too. Despite their higher initial cost, they are long lasting and extremely maintenance free; making them a cost effective choice in the longer term. Still, in our constant pursuit of sound and beautiful solutions for our open spaces we find natural stone pavers a tried and true choice to anchor us to our natural environment while meeting our current design standards.