How to Choose the Right Stone for Patios, Pathways, and Outdoor Living Spaces

There’s no question that outdoor living spaces like patios, seating areas, and even kitchens add character and functional square footage to a property. They also add value to your home. In fact, a report from the National Association of Realtors shows that patios and outdoor kitchens can have up to or over a 100% return on investment. 

Choosing the right stone is one of the most important parts of any outdoor living space project. That’s because your choice of material directly impacts durability, appearance, usability, and long-term maintenance needs. After all, no one wants to invest time and money into a space and discover that the stone has become damaged, seeds periodic sealing, or is too slippery to walk on.

Let’s look at the various natural, manufactured, and other stone options for creating an outdoor living space that makes you perfectly happy to stay at home.

Natural Stone Options

As its name implies, natural stone is cut from a quarry. They are generally left in irregular shapes, though thicknesses are more uniform for patio or walkway projects. Some common types of stone used in these applications include:

• Flagstone. This classic material is cut from a variety of types of flat sedimentary rock, including sandstone, slate, or shale. Flagstone is available in colors ranging from tan and brown to grey, and creates a rustic, natural appearance. 
• Limestone. This sedimentary rock is made from deposits of organic materials and shells. It is porous and somewhat soft.
• Sandstone. Sandstone is also sedimentary, but made from sand. It often comes in warmer colors like brown, orange, and red. It is also porous and soft, and tends not to be as slippery. It may require sealing for long-term durability. 
• Granite. Granite is an igneous rock formed as underground magma cools. It is extremely hard and wear-resistant, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Slate. Slate is a metamorphic rock and occurs in thin layers. While durable, it can be prone to chipping.

The look and feel of natural stone is timeless, and it can give an organic, earthy feel to any area when irregular shapes are used. However, stone can be much heavier than other options. Installation costs may also be higher due to the time it can take to puzzle together various shapes and colors into the allotted space.

Manufactured Stone & Pavers

Manufactured stone and pavers are often a more economical option for outdoor living spaces. They are available in many colors and are usually cut in uniform shapes or combinations of shapes designed to interlock into a pattern.

Cast concrete pavers come in a variety of regular, consistent shapes that may be easier to install, especially at edges and around curves. Installation costs are usually less than for natural stone, though, depending on paver quality and materials, they may not age as well as natural stone alternatives.

Functional Stone Options for Outdoor Spaces

There are many other ways to use stone materials in outdoor living spaces in addition to, or instead of, patios, paths, or as “flooring.” Some examples include:

• Gravel & Crushed Stone. Crushed limestone and other small stone materials are often faster to install, especially over large areas. They are available in a range of color options, including greys, browns, and even white for visual interest without the expense of flagstone or the highly uniform color of many pavers. Gravel and crushed stone also promote drainage, which is critical in areas with clay soils or slopes. 
• Stepping Stones. These larger stones can be solitary pieces of flagstone, flat river rocks, or even pieces of cut stone or pavers that are embedded into the ground. They are often installed at intervals as accents, or placed more strategically throughout gardens, flower beds, or walkways.
• Boulders & Stone Accents. Colorful decorative stone and boulders are a great way to call attention to special plantings, define spaces, or add a focal point. 

Important Considerations for Choosing Stone for Your Outdoor Spaces

When designing your new outdoor space, there are many decisions to make and several factors that influence those decisions. The goal should be to create a spa

• Project Type. Define the size and scope of the project. Are you creating a path, a patio, or a full outdoor living room? What other features are included, such as tables, couches, fire pits, or water features?
• Durability & Maintenance. How well does your chosen material hold up to foot traffic, harsh weather, or having furniture dragged across it? Are you able to maintain it or would a more easy-to-care-for or durable option be better in the long term? 
• Style & Aesthetic. Consider your personal style as well as the style of your home, existing landscaping plants and colors, and the overall feeling you hope to create in the space. 
• Budget. When shopping, remember that material costs don’t usually include the cost of installation. What’s more, installation costs vary considerably depending on the size of the project, material type, and whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor. The good news is that Minick Materials can help you select beautiful options to work with nearly any budget.
• Local Availability. Buying from a local supplier that offers bulk delivery helps to keep costs down. It’s also more convenient if you need additional materials once the project is underway. 

Why Source Stone from Minick Materials?

At Minick Materials, we stock a variety of natural and manufactured stone, pavers, gravel, crushed stone, and other decorative and accent stone products. With decades of commercial and residential landscaping and hardscaping experience all around Oklahoma, our team can help you evaluate your options and make a selection that fits your style, space, soil, and budget. 

The best thing about an outdoor hardscape project like a patio, path, or other living space is that no two projects are alike. There is no one-size-fits-all requirement when it comes to stone, as long as you pick the best material for your project goals. 

Visit Minick Materials or check out our products online to learn about our wide selection of stone products and to get recommendations for your project. We serve and support DIYers and professional installers alike, and offer bulk delivery. If you’re ready to get started, request a quote for flagstone, pavers, or other materials today.