Types of Natural Stone to Consider for Your Paver Patio

Many people want a patio made from natural stone pavers. Indeed, this type of patio can be beautiful and durable. However, deciding that you want a natural stone paver patio is just the first step. There are actually many different kinds of natural stone used to make pavers, and you'll need to decide which one best suits your needs and preferences.

Slate

Slate is a type of stone that splits naturally in one direction. Its individual sheets are smooth, but there is some texture to slate pavers as the stone does not always split evenly. Slate comes in a wide range of colors with many slate pavers having a purple, blue, or green tint. It's a really durable option, but may not be a good choice if you live in an area with snow and hope to use your patio in the winter since it gets slippery when wet.

Sandstone

Sandstone has a very rough, sand-like texture and is usually grayish in color, although you can find some sandstone pavers with hints of black and red in them. The texture of sandstone makes it a good choice for areas with snowy wet winter, and uncovered patios. However, sandstone is vulnerable to stains because it's quite porous, so you will want to be careful not to spill oil or anything dark on it.

Marble

Marble is perhaps the richest, most magnificent choice for your stone paver patio. It has a very modern vibe and contributes to a minimalist look since it is usually white with just a few grains of gray running through it. Marble is really hard and durable, but it can be a little slippery due to its smoother texture. It's also quite expensive, so you may not want to use it for a really large patio.

Travertine

Travertine is another more textured stone that is a good choice for patios where slipping may be a concern. It has a coarser texture than sandstone, though, which makes for a more rustic look. Travertine pavers are sensitive to cleaning agents and chlorine since they have a high concentration of calcium carbonate, which is vulnerable to these chemicals. So you will need to clean them with water and mild soap, only.

These are just a few of the more common options for natural stone pavers. Talk to a stone company to learn more about the best choices for patio pavers in your climate.


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