Paving stones have become a common accessory of front lawn landscaping, driveway lining and use within gardens. Paving stones can be employed to expand the personal and architectural style of your home, and will last a significant amount of time if you choose the correct material.

But, what are the different types of natural paving stones on the market? These flat-build stones are used to create smooth surfaces for driveways, patios, walkways as well as for poolside decks. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your driveway or lawn, here’s the low-down on the different types of paving stones.  

Natural stone pavers

Stone pavers tend to come in a square or rectangular shape, and unlike concrete or brick pavers, their sizes are rarely identical. However, due to their size, texture and colour versatility, they have certainly gained popularity.

Stone pavers can also be referred to as paving stones, and are cut from quarries instead of being made from moulds like that of concrete or brick pavers. Since almost any type of rock can become a stone paver, there are many different products on the market. However, there are three kinds that are more common than others, and these are: slate, granite and travertine.

Although these stones are native to all regions of the country, they can be purchased and integrated into your landscaping, driveway or otherwise. Bear in mind that if you live in a region with a particular influx of a certain type of stone, it is likely you will find this material in a stone paver, and it can be used instead of those listed.

Travertine

This natural stone is suitable for many different applications and is often associated with the look of Ancient Rome as well as the European Renaissance. This material has a close relation to marble and therefore offers a rather smooth texture although it does display some natural cavities that make each individual piece truly unique. Travertine is a great choice for outdoor surfaces of all sorts and it offers a high-end application that can last a lifetime if it’s properly taken care of. Travertine comes in a variety of colours, another reason why it’s so appealing.

Slate

Slate pavers are also a decorative style paver, featuring a wide range of colours. Slate is one of the most popular paver stone choices because of its natural appearance as well as its slip-resistant properties. When the slate is harvested and stripped from natural rock beds, it splits and is therefore naturally varied in texture. This textural variation is what makes slate slip-resistant. Other benefits of incorporating slate pavers into your landscaping or driveway include their rugged yet decorative style, their durability as well as their varied sizing options.

Granite

It's no secret that granite stone has been used in renovation projects for centuries now. Granite is particularly interesting, in that it comes from volcanic rock. When magma cools and picks up random minerals, granite is formed. As a result of the various minerals being trapped in the surface, granite is incredibly tough. Granite is one of the hardest substances on the face of the earth and is an excellent choice for the harshest of climates as it has a natural resistance to all types of weather as well as a natural permanence.

Why choose natural stone over other types of pavers?

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As mentioned, there are many different paver materials on the market. Concrete and porcelain pavers are two other options. However, since natural stone pavers have been carved from the earth, their longevity and durability surpass that of manmade pavers. There are plenty of reasons to use stone pavers over other materials, and we are going to lay them out for you:

Uniqueness

We might be pointing it out over and over again, but the uniqueness of a stone paver is one of the definite selling points. Each stone is incredibly unique in that it will have slight variations in colour that can be incorporated into the pattern or design that you should choose. Stone pavers offer a unique touch that other pavers can not, and these types of pavers have a timeless quality that can be incorporated into traditional, rustic or modern designs with ease.

Durability of the paving stones

Natural stone pavers are one of the most durable materials out there for purchase. Natural stone has been sourced as a paving material for centuries. In some older areas of the globe, they can still be found as road paving. This is a good indicator of a natural stone paver’s durability. This material can withstand various types of weather and climate conditions and requires little to no maintenance for upkeep. Unlike traditional paver materials, which absorb water very easily, natural stone can deal with water. 

As a result of their natural durability and beauty, stone pavers are a captivating and obvious choice for your landscaping needs. These versatile stones work as a reliable element to incorporate into many different types of outdoor design. 

Want some maintenance tips about paving stones? Check out our article "How to clean paver stones".