Types Of Natural Stone Pavers
Stone pavers are an elegant building material that can be used to create luxurious pathways, walkways, and driveways. There are a number of different types of stone pavers, which, besides having different appearances, also carry a number of distinctive advantages and disadvantages. Understanding what stone pavers have to offer can help you choose the ones that best fit your needs.
Travertine
Travertine is a type of rock that provides a natural aesthetic, as it is naturally scored with small holes and divots, adding texture to the smooth surface of the rock. Travertine pavers are able to withstand general wear and tear fairly well, but the main draw of travertine pavers is their affordability – they are able to fit into any homeowner's budget. However, travertine tiles do have a more limited color and shade selection when compared to other types of pavers, as they tend to only come in lighter shades, which can make it harder to match the aesthetic of your walkway to the rest of your yard.
Slate
Slate provides a truly unique appearance to your yard. Slate pavers are quarry cut, which means that every paver will be unique in coloring and pattern. Colors are much more wide ranging than travertine, including darker shades. This allows for a greater degree of customization when it comes to designing your walkway or driveway, but it also means that no other homeowner will have a path installed that looks exactly like yours does. Furthermore, slate is naturally slip resistant, as the surface of each paver has enough texture on it to provide grip even while the paver is wet. This is an important safety consideration, especially for elderly homeowners or homeowners with children.
Granite
Granite is an incredibly durable rock that has a crystalline structure, giving it a unique shimmery appearance that other types of pavers do not have. It has a wider range of colors, coming in dark blacks and rich reds as well as the more traditional lighter colors. However, as already stated, the main draw of granite is its superior durability when compared to other types of pavers, as it is able to withstand wear and tear without becoming visibly worn for an extremely long period of time. However, the increased durability of granite comes with a higher initial price tag. Though a tougher paver will translate into a longer lifespan and savings in the long run, a large initial investment prevents granite from being the ideal choice for homeowners with a budget. For more information about stone, visit a stone dealer such as Old World Stone.