A Guide to Choosing the Right Stone for Your Patio

Stone is one of the most aesthetically pleasing materials in landscaping and construction, making it a popular material for constructing patios. However, with so many different varieties of stone available, you might be spoilt for choice and may not know what the best option is for your needs. In this post, we provide you with a short guide on how you can choose the right stone for your patio, including some important considerations that you might want to think about.

Understanding Different Stone Types

In order to choose the best type of stone for your patio, it is important for you to first start by understanding the different stone types that are available. Some of the more common types of stone that are used for patio construction include:

• Granite: Granite is a naturally occurring type of stone that is highly durable and resistant to staining. It also occurs naturally in different colours, making it a popular choice amongst homeowners who want to showcase their personality.
• Limestone: Limestone has a relatively softer texture compared to other types of natural stone. It also often comes in earth tones, making it ideal for a rustic look.
• Slate: Slate can come in a variety of different unique textures and colours but its defining characteristic is that it is naturally slip resistant. This makes it ideal if you have elderly or young children staying with you.
• Manufactured Stone: Manufactured stone in the form of concrete pavers and brick are also a popular option because of their lower cost compared to natural stone options. They are also usually low maintenance and can be easily installed.

Considerations for Functionality

Aesthetic considerations are undoubtedly important when choosing the type of stone you want to use for your patio, and you should choose a stone that fits well with the design of your home as a whole. However, it is also important to take functionality considerations into account, such as:

Traffic Levels

If you expect to have high traffic on your patio, such as if you intend to use it as an alfresco dining area or for hosting guests, then you might want to opt for a type of stone that is more durable.

Weather Resistance

Depending on your local climate conditions, certain types of stone may also be more or less suitable. For instance, limestone may not be ideal for areas that are near the ocean or that experience high rainfall, as it may corrode more easily.

Get Your Stone from a Reliable Source

No matter what type of stone you eventually choose to go for, you should ensure that you get it from a reliable source to ensure maximum functionality and longevity. Fulton Brickyard is the leading supplier of stone and brick pavers in Melbourne, which are of the highest quality and exceptionally suited to building patios. For more information about the products that we offer, contact us today!