How to Choose Stone for a Patio

The stone that you choose for your patio can really set the whole style for the area.  Therefore, it is important that you make this decision carefully.  In doing so thee are some tips that will help you choose the stone you wish to use depending upon the effect you wish to create within this area of your home.

• Flagstone will give your patio a smooth, natural look.  It is available in a wide array of colors and textures, which is why the price is quite variable.  This stone is quarried from places throughout the world in order to provide you with various effects.  For instance, Arizona Red Flagstone will provide your patio with a Southwestern feel.  On the other hand, white Travertine will offer a cleaner feeling.  There is also gray with colored veining that will provide your patio with a modern look.


• Different types of textures can also be had based upon the way in which the stone is cut.  There are rough, tumbled and natural cuts.  Make sure that whatever you choose blends well with your home and garden.  You can then stack or cement these cuts into vertical structures.  Both large and small pieces are available.


• Use cement to create shapes and looks that you desire, just as if you would with brick. 


• Use the stone in an artistic fashion.  This can be done with one or more types of stones. 


• Purchase interesting edgings to add contrasting texture and color by outlining or creating inner lines within your flagstone.  Consider mixing and matching stone materials to create a mosaic or another type of pattern.


• Think about how you will be laying your stone before you purchase it.  Also, make sure that you know what kind of stone you want and how much space you want to have between each stone.  You can fill the space between the stones with sand but you will need more sand if you have wide spaces between the stones.  You can also use colored or natural polished pebbles, decomposed granite, gravel, tumbled glass or groundcover between the stones.


• Take your area's climate and conditions into consideration whenever choosing your stone.  If you live somewhere that is hot and sunny, you will not want to use dark colors because they will absorb heat and become difficult to touch.  Some stone becomes slippery around water.  Also, remember stone does stain.  Dark colors can become stained by white calcium buildup while light colors can become stained by rust