Building Stone Patio or Path

Your outdoor patio and exterior paths are very similar to the floors in your living room or hallways of your home. The big difference – more attention is given to them since there are no walls and ceilings!

Just as natural wood wide plank flooring, or a unique natural stone tile can make a dramatic statement in your home compared to ‘fake wood’ or ‘Ceramic’, stone patio pavers and flagging can make a great statement about your outdoor living area. 

Picking a stone for your outdoor patio can be difficult at first, but we have some information below that can guide you for that perfect look.  You can also look through the gallery to get an idea of the type of stone you like. 

Shapes of Stone

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“Dimensional Stone” / Pattern Typically these terms are used when referring to ‘Square and Rectangular’ shaped stone. With most stones that are dimensional, the stone is cut into Square and Rectangular blocks, then sliced (but with a saw) like a loaf of bread or split byhand.  The different techniques make for different surfaces which we will discuss below. Square and rectangular pattern stones typically make for a more ‘formal’ look.  However, it can be more rustic depending on the finish.

Irregular Stone / Flagstone

Irregular Flagstone – this stone is just like it sounds – it irregular in shape.  In general, this stone is it’s natural shape as it is ‘peeled’ from the quarry, or found in the woods. The irregular shapes of each stone gives a different kind of look once installed. Once characteristic to keep in mind certain irregular flagstones, like New England fieldstone, is the amount of "cleft" on the surface. In essence how flat are the stones.  Some are not suitable for high heels!

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Sizes of Stone

As most concrete Pavers come in smaller 'brick sizes' like 2"x8", natural stone pavers typically come 12"x12" up to 24"x36".  Usually, the larger the size, the 'harder' to get.  This is especially true when trying to get a uniform color, or a naturally split stone - nature simply doesn't allow you to determine what you are getting!  In addition, the larger the stone, the harder it is to 'handle' both in the quarry, and on the job site.  This is why many contractors prefer laying concrete pavers - you can pick them up with one hand!  However, as you can see comparing this tumbled bluestone patio, with the larger pattern patio, you get a much different look.  

Tumbled bluestone pavers in a small space	Extra large bluestone makes a dramatic statement

Color: Uniformity vs. Variation

As illustrated here with 'select bluestone' next to 'full color' bluestone, uniform color vs. varying colors really make for a different look to a patio.

Natural cleft bluestone shows of a range of colors	Thermal bluestone gives a clean uniform look