If you are planning to construct a new outdoor area or patio in the grounds of your home, you may be considering the different types of flooring options you have. One of the best options for this type of job is a natural stone paver. Natural stone offers increased aesthetic appeal and durability. Below is a guide to some of the things you should consider when deciding which type of natural stone is the right for you.
The amount of money you have to spend
The primary thing which will determine which type of stone you can use as part of your paving project is money. Thankfully, there are different types of natural stone to suit every budget. If you wish to install limestone pavers on your property, you can expect to pay anywhere between $40 to $70 per square meter. However, if you opt for granite, you can expect to pay between $75 and $100 per square meter.
The look you wish to create
While installing a natural stone can help to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home, the exact kind of impact that it has will depend on the particular type of stone you decide to install. Natural stone is available in a range of colours and textures.
- Limestone: This sedimentary rock has a lovely light brown colour and can be polished so that it shines.
- Slate: This type of stone creates beautiful textures and a classic antique look
- Sandstone: If you want to create a natural and earthy look, sandstone is a perfect choice.
- Quartzite: This patterned rock creates a glassy and elegant smooth surface.
The specific use
When choosing which type of natural stone pavers you wish to install on your property, it is important that you choose the right type. The primary deciding factor will be the exact intended use of the paver. If you are planning to have heavy BBQ equipment or vehicles on the paving, you should opt for a durable type of stone such as granite. If the natural stone will be used around the exterior of a pool or other water feature, it is important that you select a type of stone which isn't porous, such as bluestone, which as well as repelling water, also creates a non-slip surface. If you install porous stone flooring around a water feature or pool, you may find that it is damaged when temperatures fall, as the water freezes, causing the stone to fracture and crack.
If you would like further advice, contact a paving contractor.