Fostering a connection between your home and the outdoors is one of the primary intentions of good landscape design. Natural stone mimics and complements the beauty of a landscape while also ensuring a long-lasting outdoor living space. Here are some other benefits of adding the look of natural stone to your Troy and Canton, MI, area landscape design.
Related: 6 Reasons to Choose the Look of Flagstone for a Walkway in Rochester Hills and Canton, MI
Inherent Beauty
The name says it all. After all, natural stone is mankind’s original building material, and not just because it’s readily available. Nothing quite beats natural stone when it comes to character, since no two are ever alike. Natural stone often features one-of-a-kind patterns that look gorgeous on its own, and absolutely breathtaking when combined with others. If you’re looking for either a refined patio or a rustic space that pays tribute to the land, the look of natural stone—whether it’s the real deal or pavers that look like the real thing—is probably what you want.
Integration Into Native Landscaping
The most beautiful landscapes often showcase existing features such as prominent trees or rock outcrops, and using stone for your hardscape features would give your outdoor living space a sense of presence. By using the look of natural stone in your landscape, you can achieve a beautiful pairing of color and texture that directly resembles the native rock and soil of the land. It is a way to create a sense of intention, purpose, and serenity in your landscape.
A Timeless Appearance
Natural stone has been created by the geological forces over many millions of years. The look of natural stone will never go out of style. A traditional and more rustic home may employ natural stone in the landscape, creating a warm and cozy environment using the unaltered tones of the natural world. A contemporary and more modern home may employ natural stone to give a grounding feeling for the achievements of cutting edge architecture. Indeed, the look of natural stone pairs well with every type of architectural style.
Paver Alternatives
While natural stone can be used in many landscape applications, there are some instances when it can be unsuitable. Driveways in particular need a very strong surface that can handle the weight of vehicles as well as abrasion from tires. Unless you’re willing to spend a fortune on thick stone slabs or authentic cobblestones, you may want to consider natural stone alternatives to get the look you want. Concrete pavers are often inspired by natural stone, and they look like the real thing while offering the benefits of modern technology including uniform strength and density.
Another place to consider natural stone alternatives would be a walkway, patio, or pool deck, which takes considerable amounts of water on the surface. You can use natural stone at the poolside, but the type of natural stone should be chosen carefully—you would need a stone that features low water absorption to prevent damage from freeze-thaw cycles, which can produce cracks and flaking. Natural stone is often sealed to preserve color and minimize water damage while pavers tend to require very little maintenance from day one.
Related: 10 Tips From Masonry Contractors to Maintain Your Natural Stone Walkways in Rochester Hills, MI
