Stone is one of the most widespread materials used in designing paths and patios. It is also the most versatile material: this comparatively smooth stone has different colors, textures and forms that can suit various landscape styles starting from formal to rustic.
Natural stones can make your driveways, patios, paths, steps and even garden benches look more attractive.
Choosing the Right Stones
Before choosing stone for the outdoor paving you should decide how you are going to use it. For the formal entry and entertaining areas you should create smooth surfaces which can reconcile with high heels. Patios which are usually used for sitting and dining also require a level surface for placing chairs and tables. You can choose a stone having a fairly smooth surface like Idaho quartzite, chocolate Arizona flagstone, or California mariposa slate. It should be mentioned that although the lighter pink and tan Arizona flagstones have smooth surfaces, you don’t have to forget about their porous texture which can absorb oils and stains. That’s why they shouldn’t fit eating areas and can’t be placed near the messy fruit trees.
 In order to achieve the rustic effect you should select the stones having varied surface texture and rounded edges like, for example, Boquet Canyon or silvery gray water-washed flagstone.
For creating steps and entries you should pick stones that have gritty texture for traction in case of the wet surface. You can easily slip on Quartzite and California mar iposa slate in frosty weather, that’s why they require scoring for your safety.
The color of the stones can affect your design as well as the comfortable space. The color should fit your surroundings, so it is necessary to give the preference to the natural colors in each type of stone.
If your sitting area is placed under the thick canopy of trees that creates heavy shade you can choose brightening. You are able to take a stone having a light color like, for instance, Lompoc flagstone, Boquet Canyon, or Idaho quartzite. They help you increase the reflectivity of light and create the difference between a dark, unattractive place and a cool, refreshing retreat. On the contrary sitting areas which are located in the sun require toning down. Designers Ted Kugelman and Steve Pendergast of Oakland recommend you in order to make your sitting area more pleasant and decrease glare combine three types of Arizona flagstones. Adding the chocolate flagstone helps create a vintage look for the Tudor-style house.
Paving stones also have different thickness. The stones which are the thinnest or that are called veneer have a thick from 1/4 to 3/4 inch. It is necessary to lay these stones on a 4-inch cement base.
If you lay the stones that are less than 3/4 inch thick on sand they can flip up when you step on them and crack easily under huge weight. For the areas with heavy loads like in case of driveways take 1-2 inch stones. If your country suffers from earthquakes the cement base will prevent the shaking of the stones out from the place when the temblor starts.
The style of your landscape should also determine whether the stone should be placed on a cement base or laid in the sand. For creating flowing designs you should pick rounded stones wit asymmetric edges. If you lay stones in sand it creates informal effect and a soft look especially if you used plants between them. For transition area such as walkway or a path which spreads from hard surface to the area for planting it is necessary to mix loose placement with ground-hugging plants.
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