Natural Stone Patio Choices
A natural stone patio can be one of the most beautiful types you can have.
There are various types of stones to choose from for a stone patio design. Some are well known, but there are others that are definitely worth consideration.
The availability of natural stone varies depending on what the local stone yards stock. Some stones will be local while others come from various areas of the country.
Since I have written other pages on bluestone and travertine which can be used for stone patios, I thought I would address other stones you might think about for your patio stone designs.
Idaho Quartz Stone
Idaho Quartz stone is a very hard stone with a sheen to it...I wouold say a "glitz". It's one of the more unusual stones and very beautiful. As you can see, it is mostly gray, but there are some tans in it also.
- It's quite neutral and looks good in many landscapes.
- It is a great stone for pool decking.
- Most Idaho Quartz has an irregular shape which adds to the natural look for stone patio designs.
Photo from Peninsula Building Materials.
Here, Idaho Quartz is used for pool coping.
It appears the same stone has been used for the pool paving for a unified look.
Photo from California Pools.
Crab Orchard Stone
This lovely walkway by Unturned Stone was done with a gray crab orchard stone.
It resembles the Idaho Quartz only in color here.
There is no sparkle
to the stones and this is a softer material than quartz stone.
It can
sometime flake over time. As you will see in the images below, this is
not the typical color of crab orchard stone.
- This is more of the unusual color of Tennessee crab orchard stone,
yet even this has variations of color.
- Typically it is all shades of
rust...lights to darks. In the right environment, it can be lovely.
- The
strong color can limit its successful uses to more neutral landscapes.
Photo from Bill Greene Masonry.
- The same stone is used here and is similar to the stones above.
- Crab Orchard stone comes in both irregular and regular shapes.
- It can be dry laid or set in concrete. Photo from Unturned Stone.
Arizona Flagstone
Arizona flagstone is a sedimentary stone which makes it softer than any quartz stone.
It comes in many beautiful southwestern colors.
It can be quite nice in the right place...as you can see from this great photo from California Pools.
I hope this has given you some ideas if you are considering a natural
stone patio, walkway or pool decking. These can be more costly than
using other materials, but if it's in your budget, it's a great paving
choice.
Also Visit....
And here are some ideas for actual designs to use, whether you are choosing a natural stone patio or any other material.
The designs and images show patio designs along with special features you can add, such as a seat wall, pergola, steps and more!
Click here to take a look.
Also see natural stone patio with bluestone.
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