Patio stone
Contents |
Introduction
Patios can be a great place to socialise and relax, as well as adding extra value to a property. But there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to having the perfect patio. One of the things that must be considered is the type of stone to use, and there are a lot to choose from.
Sandstone
One of the most popular choices when it comes to choosing stone paver is sandstone. Sandstone is incredibly easy to install as well as being very durable and versatile, making it long-lasting – perfect for the patio environment.
However, it is important to ensure that it is sealed correctly because sandstone succumbs to staining easily. Also, when cleaning sandstone, make sure to stay away from solutions that contain acid or alkaline substances, as this will break down the seal, and possibly the sandstone.
Limestone
Limestone is a beautiful natural stone that is formed from the skeletal remains of organisms like coral. Because of its natural beauty, it is used as a building material all around the world, especially in Mediterranean countries. As well as this, limestone is durable, meaning that it can be used for outdoor floorings, such as patios, as well as indoor flooring.
Limestone comes in an array of different colours, from dark browns to light creams. Because of this, different types of limestone can be arranged so that they can form a beautiful patio. However, when it comes to installing limestone, make sure to use the right equipment, because limestone is very strong, dense, sturdy, and durable, meaning that it can be quite a challenge to install.
Slate
In the UK, slate is a material that is used in anything from roofing and garden accessories to patios and indoor tiling. One of the main benefits of using slate is that it is incredibly strong, meaning that it can withstand the elements when used outdoors. Because of how the slate is oriented, it is incredibly easy to make uniform patio tiles made of slate, which increases the aesthetic of the end result.
Another benefit is that, unlike the other types of stone, it is unaffected by acid, so it can be placed directly onto soil without the risk of any corrosion occurring. Again, just like limestone, slate is incredibly dense, making it difficult to manage and manoeuvre around the garden, so make sure it is known exactly what is wanted so that it isn't necessary to move it around.
Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that is composed of a coarse aggregate material that is bonded with cement. Concrete is used a lot in housing foundations, as well as being used in large-scale infrastructure, predominantly due to its relatively high compressive strength.
Concrete patios have a lot of benefits associated with them, such as the fact that they are easy to maintain and repair, they are incredibly durable, they are very strong, and they can be installed much quicker than the stone patios we mentioned previously.
It is also the most affordable option to have a concrete patio, but make sure to weigh up the options beforehand.
--Heritage Builders Ltd 14:23, 25 Apr 2017 (BST)
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BREEAM Hard landscaping and boundary protection.
- Chert.
- Choosing stone.
- Defects in stonework.
- Garden.
- How to lay block paving.
- Inspecting stone sample panels.
- Kerbs.
- Landscape design.
- Masonry.
- Natural stone.
- Natural stone cladding.
- Natural stone flooring.
- Natural stone tiles.
- Pavement.
- Planting.
- Rain garden.
- Types of stone.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.