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Debunking Common Myths About Limestone Pavers

Limestone pavers are a beautiful paver that is favoured by many, and as one of Perth's leading paver manufacturers and suppliers, we get asked a lot of questions about them. One thing we have noticed is that there is a lot of misinformation and confusion around so, in light of this, we decided to make a post to debunk some of the most common myths we hear about limestone pavers to ensure you are equipped with the correct information when making your paver choices.

Let's debunk these myths:

Myth one – Limestone pavers are fragile

If you are looking to set the tone in your backyard and create some ambience, you can’t go past a custom-built outdoor stone fireplace. This can give your backyard the ultimate wow factor, not to mention the hours that can be enjoyed here listening to a crackling fire once the sun sets.

If you have no construction-type experience, you may benefit from speaking to a professional. Additionally, you will need to check whether you need council approval before you attempt to start any type of work on it.

Granite, limestone, and travertine are all good choices for use around a fireplace. They can withstand high temperatures and tolerate the elements with ease.

Myth two – Limestone cannot be used around a swimming pool

We think this rumour stems from the fact that limestone pavers are naturally very porous, and water can infiltrate into the surface and cause it to deteriorate. It’s important to note that this will only occur when the wrong type of limestone pavers are installed around a pool or if you haven’t used limestone that has been dip-sealed or salt tested. If you have these things covered, you can absolutely use limestone for around a pool, and you can expect it to be durable and resilient to the often harsh conditions a pool is exposed to.

Myth three – It heats up in the sun

We don’t know where this one comes from because limestone does quite the opposite. This paver type is one of the few natural stone pavers that reflects light and absorbs less heat regardless of how hot it gets outside. This makes it a perfect paver choice for outdoor applications as you never have to worry about it scolding feet in the middle of summer. Due to its porous nature, it transfers heat through these pores and down to below the paver. Limestone is generally light in colour which adds to its cooling properties.

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Myth four – Limestone only comes in the colour white

Limestone is commonly known for its off-white appearance, and while this may be the most popular limestone paver colour, it is not the only colour that limestone pavers come in. Limestone comes in greys, pearls, beiges, and browns to name a few, enabling you to find the perfect one for your hardscaping project.

Myth five - Limestone gets slippery

Any paver that is finished with a polished surface will be slippery if they get wet. If you choose a honed limestone paver, it won’t be slippery at all. When purchasing pavers, it’s always a good idea to check their slip rating to ensure it isn’t dangerous. Honed finished limestone pavers offer great traction for walking on, even when wet.

Myth six - Limestone is plain

Limestone is anything but plain. It is formed over millions of years, and in this process, it gains exceptional character. This can display as marbles of colours and texture throughout the stone. They are simply timeless and are well suited to virtually any type of application. You don’t have to stick with one colour either when installing limestone pavers, pairing a few colours together can create a spectacular display that is one of a kind.

Myth seven – Limestone is a nightmare to clean

This myth is not true. Natural stones such as limestone are very hard-wearing and require little to no maintenance once it is installed. The only suggestion we make is that if you choose limestone, then you should seal it. This is advisable for all pavers to extend their lifespan and even more so for limestone due to its high porosity. By sealing your limestone pavers, spills and contaminants are unable to infiltrate the surface of the limestone and it makes cleaning them much simpler. This also protects the integrity of the stone too. You should reseal as necessary. The standard time between resealing is 3 to 5 years. If you are cleaning up spills as soon as they occur and you are sealing them regularly, you should have no problems with keeping your pavers clean.

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Myth eight – All limestone is the same

All limestone is made from sedimentary rock but the density of the stone and its colours can vary greatly. It can be extremely soft or extremely hard, and the colours can range from white to black. Understanding that not all limestone is the same can help you choose a quality product. You should look at the density of the stone and whether it has been dip sealed or not when in the market for limestone pavers.

Myth nine – Limestone pavers are dear and not worth the cost

Limestone is a highly popular paving material, and it offers an aged and classic touch to any space. Due to its high aesthetic appeal, we believe that limestone is absolutely worth the cost. It’s not only long-lasting, meaning repairs or replacements won’t be on the cards for a very long time, but it can add value to your property too. If you ever plan on selling, this is always a good thing. Natural stone is generally favoured over other flooring solutions.

What can limestone pavers be used for?

They are a stunning stone choice that can enhance any space. Limestone can be used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to:

  • Pool surroundings
  • Walkways
  • Paths
  • Entertainment areas
  • Patios
  • For firepits and around firepits
  • And many more!

Are limestone pavers for you?

We hope this post has shed some light on limestone pavers, and we have deciphered fact from fiction for you. They are a great paver, and with a little bit of care, they will last for a very long time. If you have any further questions about limestone pavers, get in touch with the friendly team at Bonita Stone. We specialise in superior quality pavers, limestone included and can happily assist.