Natural Stone Patios

What is Considered a Natural Stone Patio?

Natural stone patios, also known as travertine patios, are made from limestone, a naturally occurring stone composed of calcium carbonate.

If you are looking for natural stone patios, you are probably a nature lover who doesn’t want to lose out on the aesthetic appeal of naturally occurring stones over a concrete patio in a fast-moving world.

When to use Natural Stone Patios?

For aesthetic purposes – creates a beautiful, natural appearance
For fire pit areas – heat-resistant and complements the rustic feel
Softer underfoot compared to some other materials
To enhance the value and curb appeal of your property
In areas where a unique, non-uniform look is desired, like garden sidewalks

When NOT to use Natural Stone Patios?

For driveways or high-traffic areas.

Natural stone pavers may not withstand heavy vehicle traffic, specially the weight of a car driving on it. While vehicles move, the natural stones in your patio might chip away, or crack due to the constant weight and movement that they get.

In that case, we recommend that you consider concrete driveway pavers, which offer superior durability and load-bearing capacity, which natural stone patios can’t offer due to their original state.

In areas with frequent freeze-thaw cycles.

Without proper preparation, natural stone can be vulnerable to damage. Constant heating and freezing cycles can cause cracking and splitting in your patios, as the stones get weathered down very easily. This happens because moisture trapped in the stone can expand when frozen, leading to deterioration. If you live in climates similar to this, don’t worry. Lapis Patios can still make it happen for you, after ensuring proper drainage and sealant application to make your patios invincible to the natural elements.

Budget constraints.

Truth be told, natural stone is often more expensive than alternatives like concrete or brick.

Due to this, installation costs can be higher due to the material’s weight and variability.

For tight budgets, there are options for you like stamped concrete, that can mimic a similar stone appearance, still making your outdoors look like nature.

Cost of Natural Stone Patios?

Although natural stone patios may seem luxurious and add that rustic tone to match your outdoors, it might not be always the most viable option when looking for a budget-friendly patio option.

A natural stone patio can cost anywhere from $50 to $80 / sq ft (higher than concrete patios)

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Installation process

At Lapis Patios, we are ICPI certified. While we agree that natural stone patios are relatively easy to install compared to some other materials, they do involve excavation, base preparation, laying stones, and filling joints – based on what we find on our inspection.

Sometimes, DIY without a permit just doesn’t cut it, because a single drainage issue gone unnoticed may cause your entire patio project to fail, and finally need expert intervention to fix it, costing you your money, soil quality, and your precious peace of mind. Even before we start working on your natural stone patios, we ensure:

Proper drainage installation to prevent water accumulation
Checking for slope to ensure water runoff

All this is done just to make sure that your patios stay great, on the surface and under!

Availability

The phrase “natural stone patio” itself contains the word “natural”, so it’s comes off as obvious why it’s not at all a rare commodity in nature.

Natural stone patios are widely available in various colors and textures, so you can be picky here.

While building your patio, we try and source the natural stones from local quarries or stone suppliers to help with transportation costs, while also supporting other local businesses just like us!

Maintenance

While most natural stone patios don’t require back-breaking upkeep, these patios do need a little bit of maintenance.

At Lapis Patios, to keep your patio looking like it was built yesterday (till years), we recommend:

Regular sweeping and occasional power washing
Periodic sealing to protect against stains and weathering
Repointing of joints, which may be necessary over time

Durability

A natural stone patio can last you 10-20 years lifespan with proper care and maintenance.

But you’re someone who keeps their indoors neat, and their outdoors neater – with appropriate installation and upkeep, your natural stone patio would quite definitively last you longer than that.

Have questions about building a
natural stone patio?

Don’t be shy, contact us today for a free consultation! We’ll help you design and build the perfect foundations for your outdoor space.