A Beginners Guide to Natural Stone

Discover the Timeless Elegance of Natural Stone Tiles, Pavers, and Stepping Stones

Natural stone has long been celebrated in landscape and architectural design for its unparalleled beauty and durability. Whether you have big plans to revamp your patio, update your garden pathway, or design an elegant poolside space, natural stone products can elevate your dream to new levels of sophistication!! Among the myriad options available, bluestone, black slate, basalt, and volcanic stone stand out for their unique characteristics and timeless appeal. In this post, we’ll delve into these stunning stones, highlighting their features, the best ways to incorporate them into your design and to help you decide how they could work for you and your space.

Bluestone: Bluestone is a classic and versatile sedimentary rock that comes in shades ranging from deep blue to greyish blue, sometimes incorporating a reddish/brown colour. It’s renowned for its durability and natural beauty, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor uses. Bluestone is highly resistant to weathering and wear which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. This makes it a perfect option for patios and walkways as it is robust and has slip-resistant qualities.

Black Slate: Black slate is a sleek and modern metamorphic rock known for its dark, almost jet-black appearance. It’s a great choice for those seeking a contemporary look. Its texture is generally smooth with a slight cleft, or uneven finish which offers a unique feel and will add a depth of character to your space. Black Slate is resistant to moisture and staining, making it ideal for various projects around your home and has long lasting durability. It is also anti-slip, so would be the perfect option if you wanted to go bold around a swimming pool or create a luxurious garden path.

Basalt: Basalt is a robust volcanic rock known for its subtle, dark grey to black colour and dense, uniform texture. It’s a fantastic option for those who appreciate minimalistic design, while also demonstrating exceptional durability. Basalt is extremely tough and resistant to abrasion, making it a sure-fire choice for high-traffic areas. This sleek stone is suitable for driveways, pathways, and outdoor terraces due to its hard-wearing nature.

Volcanic Stone: Volcanic stone, also known as lava stone, is a porous rock formed from cooled lava. It offers a distinctive, rugged texture and has earthy tones that bring a natural, organic feel to any space. Its colour varies from light to dark grey as well as tones of reds and browns, depending on the mineral content. Volcanic stone is lightweight yet sturdy, with excellent resistance to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. If you are trying to create more of a natural, rugged, organically beautiful space, use volcanic stone for a rustic garden path, stepping stones or retaining walls. You could even use volcanic stone to make eye-catching fire pits or a seated area within your garden.

Still can’t decide what natural stone will work best for your dream outdoor space? Come down and talk to our friendly team and get your palms on these products to help you make up your mind!!

Natural stone is not just a building material; it will be a statement piece in the design of your garden and an enduring piece at that. Whether you opt for the classic charm of bluestone, the sleek sophistication of black slate, the minimalist robustness of basalt, or the dynamic uniqueness of volcanic stone, you’re sure to create a space that is both extremely functional and looks pretty darn good too!! So go ahead, embrace the natural allure of stone in your outdoor design today and you will be enjoying its timeless beauty and strength for years to come.