If you’re building a new home from scratch, or perhaps you’re renovating your outdoor area, you may be considering the use of stone wall cladding for your fencing and al fresco dining areas. Congratulations! Choosing how you’re going to decorate and protect your walls and fences can be a challenging choice, but now you’re faced with another difficult decision – which stone is right for you.
If you’re thinking about making some improvements to your home, then landscaping may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet with the right design, you can almost create a brand-new yard! Once you’ve decided exactly what you want to do, it’s then time to choose which materials you want to work with. Planting different shrubbery and flowers may seem like the only things you need to worry about, but depending on your design, you may also need to pick out some pavers for your yard. If that’s the case, you may be wondering whether interlocking concrete pavers or natural stone is the better option.
What are interlocking concrete pavers?
These pavers essentially perform the same role as bricks or poured concrete – they can be used for driveways, patios or any outdoor area where you want a solid surface under foot. With a number of colours and shapes to choose from, each individual piece interlocks with the next, allowing you to create a number of geometric designs.
Of the two,interlocking concrete pavers are the more affordable option, so if you have a large area that you’re covering, or you need to stick to a tight budget, these can be a good option. Yet eventual damage, and wear and tear will mean you’re paying more in the long run, which is something to bear in mind.
When using natural stone for any purpose, the first question many people ask is: Is it durable? We’re happy to report that yes, travertine wall cladding can be an incredible durable stone – provided it’s cared for properly. As soon as your walls are in place, seal them immediately, and you’ll find them far easier to clean in the long run. In fact, with the right sealant, they can become resistant to stains and discolouration, and look beautiful for years to come.
As we mentioned, they can easily be laid in a number of patters, from standard running bond to herringbone.
Natural stone needs very little maintenance to ensure it stays looking it’s best. As it’s such a durable option, you can be sure it will look beautiful for many decades to come, showing very little evidence of its age.
One of the best things about choosing stone for your landscaping is the beauty that it will bring to any property. With so many stones available, and each variety coming in a huge range of colours, the possibilities are almost endless. It’s easy to find an option that matches your home’s façade.
Considering the vast number of stones you have to choose from, it’s no surprise to find that you can lay them in almost any design you choose. Whether you prefer traditional edge to edge patterns, or the increasingly popular random paving, you’re sure to find yourself with an outdoor area you’ll love spending time in.
What is natural stone?
Natural stone, thanks to its strength, durability and beauty, is a great option for a number of interior and exterior applications. From paving to wall cladding, and pool coping to landscaping, there are so many stones to choose from, each with their own individual benefits.
Of the two,interlocking concrete pavers are the more affordable option, so if you have a large area that you’re covering, or you need to stick to a tight budget, these can be a good option. Yet eventual damage, and wear and tear will mean you’re paying more in the long run, which is something to bear in mind.
When using natural stone for any purpose, the first question many people ask is: Is it durable? We’re happy to report that yes, travertine wall cladding can be an incredible durable stone – provided it’s cared for properly. As soon as your walls are in place, seal them immediately, and you’ll find them far easier to clean in the long run. In fact, with the right sealant, they can become resistant to stains and discolouration, and look beautiful for years to come.
As we mentioned, they can easily be laid in a number of patters, from standard running bond to herringbone.
Thanks to the irregularity of natural stone, they may need to be installed by skilled professionals to ensure the best finish for your home. However, a proper installation will go a long way to reducing the likelihood of any cracks developing over time.
In the end, it does come down to your own personal tastes when choosing between interlocking concrete pavers and natural stone. Whilst concrete may be cheaper, we believe stone will always triumph with its natural beauty and longevity.