Which Paving Materials are the Strongest and Most Weather Resistant?
When it comes to installing your patio, the most important choice to be made is the material. With so many pros and cons of different paving materials, settling on one final decision can be difficult. Luckily, we’re here to help you choose between the top two paving materials – limestone and sandstone.
Photo by Laura Tancredi & Photo by Wesley Tingey
Appearance
There are a number of advantages of using both sandstone and limestone paving. As they naturally exist in caves, seabeds, and mountains, both stones fit in amazingly with your garden and outdoor area. Unlike non-natural pavers, limestone or sandstone will look at home in any garden and can match any aesthetic.
Personalizing your garden is easy with limestone pavers. While there aren’t as many color options as sandstone or slate, there are still many beautiful options and shades of limestone. Whether you’re looking for a pale grey, tan, or cream, you can find the perfect choice for your home. It looks just as good inside as it does out of your home, so it’s ideal for any decorating you need.
Sandstone also comes in a wide variety of colours and styles, all with a gorgeously subtle blend of shades running through it. So, no two sandstone paving slabs look the same, giving your patio or interior paving a sleek and classic look.
One of the key differences is that sandstone is considerably more porous, meaning it absorbs a bit more water than limestone. With that in mind, plus the inconsistent British weather, you should consider what your paving will look like when wet. In the UK, you might find it rains more days than it’s dry, and it will make your sandstone paving look slightly different, so it’s worth checking what stones will look like in the rain before purchasing.
Malleability & Durability
Both limestone and sandstone are highly malleable, so they can be shaped to suit whatever size or shape of the patio you like. Both materials are sourced in a more environmentally friendly way than other pavers, so you can feel relaxed knowing that your new paving isn’t adding to your carbon footprint.
Best of all, there’s no need to worry about your paving being unusable in a few years. Both materials are notoriously durable, so they can withstand all weather. While sandstone does absorb a bit more water than limestone, both are somewhat water-resistant, so you shouldn't need to worry about rain other than the change in aesthetics.
Lime may be the better choice when it comes to longevity and maintenance as the slightly lighter shades of sandstone may require a little extra treatment or sealant application. While this difference is minimal, it may be a determining factor, especially if you are immobile or struggle with accessibility.
Versatility
As both materials are malleable, using them in various locations around your home and garden is doable. Sandstone is great for use on patios and garden paths, whether you’re looking for a contemporary or classic look. Although, if it’s a sleek, clean look you’re after, sandstone may not be the choice for you. With no two stones looking the same, you’re going to get a classic, natural appearance that looks beautiful for patios and driveways.
On the other hand, limestone is perfect if you’re looking for a versatile choice for both the interior and exterior of your home. Stepping stones, indoor flooring, pathways, and driveways are all suitable uses for limestone. You can choose a dark black limestone paver and achieve a uniform, classic look, without the worry of lining each stone perfectly alongside one another.
Maintenance
Finally, one of the greatest advantages of limestone and sandstone is their low maintenance needs. Needless to say, you have to take care of any paving if you want it to last, regardless of how low maintenance it is.
It’s detrimental to do your research before installing your paving to make the most of it. Never use salt to defrost your limestone patio, for example. You should use sand to fight against pitting your path.
Other than that, if you are looking for the most easily maintained option, limestone is the way forward. For both interior and exterior, limestone is the greatest paving stone when you want something fast and easy to care for.
Sandstone is generally softer than limestone and other variations of rock, so it may be more prone to scratching or denting. For interior use, you might want to avoid this to maintain your flooring for longer. Also, if you have elderly people or children in your house, you should probably avoid a highly polished sandstone. Although this looks aesthetically pleasing and classic, it can become slippery, particularly in wet conditions.
Limestone or Sandstone - The Verdict
So, now we have looked at all the key factors, it’s time to reach a verdict… Limestone or sandstone – which is the best material for you?
We think both are good choices, depending on their usage. If you’re looking for interior flooring and a material that can be used in and around the home, limestone is the best paver for you.
But, for choice in colour and style for patios and driveways, sandstone tops the rest. With so many different shades, tones and textures, sandstones are unparalleled for a classic look.
Now you’ve focused on the flooring element of your home's exterior it's time to think about the roofing methods, why not read our article highlighting the pros and cons of metal roofing.
Author Bio: Joey Miller from Infinite Paving, a High-quality natural stone paving company.
