Tumbled Limestone pavers for patio and around a swimming pool in the Northeast

by Sheri
(northeast)

Hi Susan - can you give me your thoughts on using tumbled limestone pavers around a swimming pool vs. pavers? My area is about 1,300 sq ft and will include 2 stairs coming out of the back door. I think the limestone product is much prettier than pavers but my concerns are: how it will hold up in our northeast winters (will it freeze and crack? will the tiles lift?), the slipperiness of the product especially around the pool with running kids, and staining. The color I'm looking at is an almond (beige/light taupe). thank you!

ANSWER
Hi Sheri,

I am somewhat familiar with limestone but not limestone pavers. Are these pieces of limestone cut into some of the more typical paver sizes? Is it just limestone? Does the place you are considering buying these from have a website that I could take a look at? Sometimes terminology can be confusing!

Without this information I can only give you my opinion on limestone.

Limestone is a sedimentary stone which means that it is softer than some other stones. I have seen it used as treads on steps in the northeast, but that's all. I would imagine it would not hold up as well and I would not use it for that reason.

There are so many other harder and beautiful stones you could use.

I understand why you may not like pavers. So here are two recommendations.

1. Travertine Pavers - these are absolutely gorgeous, cool on the feet, and hold up very well. It comes in many colors.
2. Bluestone Pavers - while still being pavers, I'll bet you could not tell the difference. They look just like bluestone while also being cooler on the feet.

Let me know if I am not understanding the term limestone pavers or if I can be of further help.

Susan