Stone Patio Designs

Natural Beauty

For unmatched natural beauty, few patio materials are as compelling as stone. It comes in many textures and colors, and works remarkably well with a variety of architectural styles. It's available in all areas of the country as rough pieces of flagstone and as cut tiles manufactured in uniform dimensions and thicknesses. Stones vary in hardness, depending on where they were quarried and the geological forces that made them. Some types of sandstone, for example, are nearly as hard and scratch-resistant as marble, while others can be dented with a fingernail.

Stones also vary in porosity—their ability to absorb water. A porous stone absorbs water. During cold weather, this water can freeze and expand, damaging the stone. Stones with a low rate of absorption are more durable and last longer in outdoor environments than more porous stones. Always ask your dealer about the hardness, durability, and porosity of different kinds of stone.