Limestone pavers! Here is everything you need to know
If you’re looking for a hardscaping material, you’ve likely come across one of the most used products, pavers. There are thousands of different styles, colours, and sizes to choose from, and one of the more popular ones is limestone. We’ve put together this post to share everything you need to know about limestone to help you decide if it’s the best choice for your project.
What are limestone pavers?
Limestone is a natural material that is a sedimentary rock made from calcium carbonate. High-quality limestone pavers are strong, durable, offer great non-slip properties and can withstand the elements with ease.
How much do limestone pavers cost?
The cost of limestone pavers can vary, but to give you an idea, you can expect them to cost around $50 to $80 per square metre on average; however, the price can escalate if they have specialised formations making them more unique.
Why should you choose limestone over other paver types?
At the end of the day, the decision comes down to you and what you want for your home, but there are some benefits to choosing limestone pavers. Here are some of them:
Low maintenance – Once limestone pavers are installed, they require very little upkeep to maintain their beautiful appearance and form.
They age exceptionally well – Limestone is one paver material that can look better with age. It wears well and looks as good 10 years down the track as the day you installed it if maintained properly.
Soft underfoot – Limestone is comfortable to walk on barefoot which makes it a perfect choice for entertainment areas, around pools, and so much more.
Can add value to your home – Limestone has a high-end look about it and can add to the appeal of your home and, therefore value.
Suits any style of home – This paver type complements virtually any style of home making it a versatile choice. Especially if you decide down the track to change your home, you’ll know that your limestone pavers can evolve with your style.
Better for the environment – As limestone is a natural material, the process for manufacturing pavers out of it doesn’t require the use of excessive chemicals or synthetic materials. It can also be repurposed after use.
Do limestone pavers heat up in the sun?
Limestone is a perfect choice for the often sunny conditions here in Australia because instead of heating up and burning bare feet, they reflect it. This can make your paved areas more comfortable and safer.
Can I use limestone around a swimming pool?
Yes, you can, you just need to ensure it is poolside suitable. The area surrounding a swimming pool is exposed to harsh elements such as pool chemicals, excessive moisture, and there’s also the safety aspect to consider. If you are using limestone around a pool, the slip rating should be p4 at the minimum. To ensure that pool sanitation methods such as salt don’t erode the pavers, you should check to see if they’ve been salt tested. Lastly, to protect feet and backsides from burns, check that they offer good heat resistance.
Can limestone be laid in different patterns?
The great thing about pavers is they can be laid in almost endless patterns. How many pattern options are available to you will depend on the size of your pavers. Generally, the bigger they are, the more limited you are with pattern layouts. One of the most popular patterns for limestone is the French pattern. This is four paver sizes laid in a specific pattern and continued.
What colours do limestone pavers come in?
The most common colours are beiges and creams but, limestone can come in blues, greys, whites, as well as have swirls and veining of different hues such and pinks, oranges, and reds marbled throughout. There is a limestone paver to suit every taste.
Is sealing limestone necessary?
Limestone pavers are a sturdy material, although they are highly porous. They can absorb moisture, and this can cause them to deteriorate prematurely. While you don’t have to seal your limestone pavers, it is highly recommended if you want to protect them and ensure they last for as long as possible. Sealer propels moisture off the surface and prevents it from seeping into the paver. A good quality limestone paver sealer can prevent organic growth from forming, bring out the natural textures and colours of your pavers, and put a stop to troublesome stains.
There’s no denying that limestone is a durable and equally as stunning paver choice. It can instantly boost the appeal of your outdoor spaces to create something that is both inviting and functional. Like anything worth spending money on, you must do your research first. This will ensure that you are choosing the right paver for the job, and you get a lasting result. Not all limestone pavers are equal, and this can greatly influence how long they last. To spare a few dollars between cheap quality and top quality could be the difference between them lasting a good few years or a good few decades.
Here at Bonita Stone, we produce the highest quality limestone pavers and more. They are all made by us right here in Perth, Australia. We know the standards that they are made to and can back their longevity. Some companies sell cheap imports. If you’d like any more information about limestone pavers for your next outdoor project, contact us! We’d love to hear from you.
