What Is The Best Stone To Use For A Patio?

CONTENTS

• How to choose the right stone for you
• What are the cheapest materials for a patio?
• What is the best stone material for a patio?
• How to maintain a patio
• What to do if your brick patio needs cleaning?
• Get in touch

A patio is a highly desirable feature to add to your garden and increases the value of your home. However, when it comes to deciding what stone type you want to use, it can be an overwhelming decision with so many materials to choose from.

At ICE Cleaning, we can restore your stone patio with our stone and brick cleaning services. Our expert technicians utilise the TORIK Stone Cleaning System for a thorough cleaning, effectively removing dirt and grime from any stone surface.

Read on to learn more about the best type of stone for your patio and how to maintain it.

How to choose the right stone for you

There are a few factors to take into consideration when you pick a stone for your patio, such as the location, budget, and personal preference. Here are some of the most popular patio materials to help you get started.

Concrete

This material is an incredibly effective one that adapts to any shape or surface. It can be moulded into a pattern and is durable, lasting up to thirty years.

Unglazed tile

These are ideal for a clean, modern finish with a smooth surface. Terracotta, porcelain, and quarry tiles are great outdoor tiles if they are unglazed to prevent slippery surfaces.

Natural stone

This maintains a more generic shape of rectangles or squares. It is a popular option for outdoor areas due to its appearance, giving your home a very smooth finish.

Bricks

As a material, brick is a staple of modern building styles. It comes in a variety of colours, patterns, and bonds, which can be suited to fit your specific aesthetic. Brick is made to withstand intense weather conditions and lasts for decades.

Flagstone

Much like brick, flagstone is available in various colours and shapes. Thick flagstone will increase the patio's durability and prevent any cracking issues early on.

Pavers

Although concrete pavers are a manufactured stone material, they can mimic the natural appearance of the stone. Pavers come in diverse colours, shapes, sizes, and textures.

Loose materials

If you like to care for your garden, having a looser material for your patio might be best. It allows water to soak into your garden and is easier to work with.

What are the cheapest materials for a patio?

If you are not looking to spend too much money on materials and labour, the cheapest option for your patio would be a mix of loose materials such as pebbles or gravel.

Although it is not as appealing as paving slabs, it is inexpensive and quite friendly to your garden — but it may bring unwanted downsides.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Cheap
• Drains easily
• Can be raked
• Colour variety
• Natural shapes

Cons

• Messy
• Hard to clean
• Vulnerable to weed, grass, and algae growth
• Uneven and unstable
• Hard to maintain and repair
• Leaves behind depressions

What is the best stone material for a patio?

Natural stone materials are one of the most durable and popular patio designs. Good quality stone can last many years if maintained well enough, and the natural look adds more appeal and value to your home.

Sandstone is a preferred natural stone material for a patio thanks to its colour variety and durability. However, it comes with its downsides upon installation.

Pros

• Wide variety of materials, colours, shapes, sizes, and styles
• Incredibly durable
• Maintains its finish
• Environmentally friendly
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Porous
• Mould and bacteria may permanently stain it
• Prone to scratching or dents without maintenance
• Can be expensive
• Difficult to install

How to maintain a patio

Regardless of the type of material you are using, you will need to keep it clean and maintain it to ensure its longevity. Without proper care, you may need to replace the materials of your patio, which can be costly. To preserve your patio, you must:

• Regularly brush it with a hard-bristled broom
• Use gentle and eco-friendly cleaners
• Weed it regularly
• Fill all joints with a joint stabiliser
• Use patio sealers to keep away moisture

When decorating your patio with furniture, fire pits, or barbecue equipment, you must be aware of the wear and tear these can cause. Fire pits might leave behind soot or minor heat damage if not fitted properly which could damage your patio permanently.

Cleaning your stone patio on a regular schedule or consider hiring professional stone cleaners to assess the property and keep it clean for you.

What to do if your brick patio needs cleaning?

There are a few things you need to look out for if you are not maintaining your patio regularly. It will deteriorate due to harsh weather or general deterioration over time, even more so if the material is cheap and unreliable. You might notice signs such as:

• Cracking
• Uneven slabs
• Discolouration
• Pooling or flooding water
• Overgrown algae, weeds, and mould
• Sinking slabs
• Broken mortar or sealant

When you see these signs on your patio, it may be time to call a stone cleaning service. Trying to clean it yourself using a power washer or harsh chemicals for unwanted growth could exacerbate the issues.

This may result in further fractures or permanent stains, requiring complete replacement. Professional stone cleaners can professionally assess your patio and use the correct techniques to restore the materials.

Get in touch

Here at ICE Cleaning, our professional stone cleaners can identify the material of your patio and use the appropriate solutions to restore it effectively. Our technicians have years of experience in stone cleaning and have been accredited by IOSH, BICSc, and SafeContractor.

If you want to know more about our stone and brick cleaning services, speak to our friendly support team at 0208 066 0360 or send us an inquiry to enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.