Granite is one of the most popular choices when it comes to choosing exterior wall cladding materials because of its hardness and superior physical properties - making it an extremely reliable option.
Granite — Not only is granite beautiful, but it's also more durable and resistant to freeze-thaw cycles than most other hardscape materials. In addition, granite has a low absorption rate and is highly resistant to fire and heat. Depending on the type, granite is rated six or seven out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Natural stone pavers are the most expensive and durable of all, costing between $7 and $16 per square foot. The most popular option, flagstone, costs between $13 and $30 per square foot. These costs do not include professional installation.
For a completely natural look, nothing beats natural stone for a patio. There are many different types of natural stone to choose from including flagstone, slate, bluestone and limestone. Natural stone costs more because it is quarried and has to be trucked in adding transportation costs.
Pea gravel is low-cost since the stones remain loose and don't need to harden or set, this gravel can be used to easily create a patio in any shape. It is just as easy to mount, so even for a novice hardcaper it is a reasonably simple DIY project. If properly looked after, a pea gravel patio will last forever.
Natural stone, tile, pavers, and brick are some of the longest-lasting patio materials. These materials are durable and resistant to weather and wear, which makes them a good choice for long-lasting structures.
On average, the cost of building a patio can be as high as $5,300, depending on size and materials used. That said, it's estimated that well-designed patios not only add 8-10% home value, but also earn an ROI of over 80%.
It's important to keep in mind that bluestone is a dark-colored stone that retains more heat than lighter colored flagstones and can be the more expensive option between the two.
The stones should be at least 1 1/2 inches thick for strength; 2 inches thick is better. Note that "flagstone" merely describes the stones' wide, flat shape; flagstone comes in many different types of stone.
Look at the colour of existing elements like siding, roof, walls and doors. Your stone choice must work with these elements. If you have light coloured roof shingles it is not advisable to go with dark stones. Stones should unify the facade of your home.
Granite is an incredibly dense natural stone. Its toughness, durability, and water resistant properties make it ideal for water features. This hard, compact, igneous rock is one of the densest stone available.
Pick porcelain pavers
They're strong, durable and hard-wearing, dirt-repelling and frost and algae resistant. They won't fade, are long lasting and stay clean too. You pay more for them but the time saved on jet-washing more than makes up for it.
Most everyone agrees marble is the most luxurious natural stone. Its patterns are always different and beautiful. Its durability allows people to use it for flooring, countertops, and some places on exteriors. It comes in many different hues too.
We would recommend a flagstone such as the Chollah Beige which is very dense and hard wearing and is suitable for outside use too. Slate is also a great stone for porches and come in black grey and green.
Granite. Granite is a very popular choice for stone outdoor kitchens because of its durability. It is fade-resistant and can withstand the hot summer sun.
North American bluestone is abundant and very competitive in terms of pricing. Even at a time when granite slabs extracted from Brazilian quarries are offered at low prices thanks to free trade agreements, bluestone remains an affordable choice of construction material, particularly when compared to marble and slate.
Bluestone is strongly recommended for pool paving and coping, bathrooms and kitchens, and geographic locations that see a lot of rainfall throughout the year. Of course, no type of stone is completely non-slip; there is still a small risk of slipping when the stone is wet.
The disadvantages of flagstone are as follows:
✔ It is not very fine and smooth. ✔ It is not very impervious as water can percolate through damaged portions. ✔ When iron-tired fellas move over the flagstone floor, it makes a lot of noise. ✔ It is easy to install but consumes a longer time.
The good news is that pavers are known for their durability and lifespan. Made of clay, concrete, natural stone, or even porcelain, pavers can last 20-25 years without any major repairs with proper care and maintenance. If they are properly cared for and sealed, concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years.
Gravel is the cheapest option when looking to create a patio on a budget. Otherwise, pebbles or reclaimed materials are also good options. If you're set on laying paving slabs, concrete is one of the cheapest materials, and when installed and maintained correctly, it can hold up well and last for years.
If you want to get the most out of your new patio for the year, you're best off getting to work closer to the beginning of the year - around April. This way, your new outdoor space will be ready to enjoy during the warmer months.
In the spring it also tends to rain more, making it muddier and messier to install. There is less chance of damaging your landscape during construction in the fall and winter since much of your vegetation will already be dormant. (It also still a great time to plant new trees and shrubs around your new patio!)
Travertine was once considered a luxury paving material. Recently, however, travertine has dramatically dropped in price to become one of the most common paving types on pool decks and in warm climates. Travertine stays cool to the touch even in the hottest weather, which makes it feel great on bare feet.