Things To Know When Using Limestone Pavers
Limestone pavers are a popular paving material. They offer soft colour variations that are unique to each individual piece of stone. If you are deciding whether they are a good paving material choice or not for your next project, here is everything you should know about them to help you decide.
What are limestone pavers?
Limestone is commonly used for home hardscaping because it looks beautiful and it is exceptionally hard-wearing. It is made from calcite and is a type of sedimentary stone. Unlike some other types of natural stones, limestone isn’t overly porous and it doesn’t have a lot of holes scattered throughout the surface. This can reduce discolouration and mould growth.
Limestone and their stain resistance
How stain-resistant limestone is will depend on the quality of the limestone you have purchased. Cheaper varieties tend to be more porous and stain easier than better quality types. To ensure longevity and high porosity of your limestone, ensure you are investing in high-quality pavers rather than opting for the cheapest ones you can find.
How much do limestone pavers cost?
Natural stone pavers tend to be more expensive than some other pavers, and limestone is no exception. While they are priced at the higher end, they are worthwhile when it comes to aesthetics and overall durability. Not to mention the potential value they can add to your home. Limestone is typically priced higher due to the natural forming fossil formations found in the stone. Using high-quality Limestone Pavers Perth is an investment as it wears well and is unlikely to need replacing for decades at the very least. As the limestone ages, this adds character to its appearance.
How to know if the limestone you are choosing is of high-quality
There are some simple ways that you can determine whether the sandstone pavers you are about to choose are of good quality or not. Your limestone pavers should be:
Salt tested
Low-quality limestone is soft and porous, and installing this around a pool is not a good idea. It will likely deteriorate at a rapid rate and you’ll need to replace it.
High density
The higher density that your pavers are, the better quality and the less porous they’ll be.
Thick
The thickness of your limestone pavers can affect their wear and overall lifespan. Choose a 30mm or thicker paver for extended wear and resistance.
Limestone pavers and heat resistance
The main mineral in limestone is calcite as mentioned and this effectively keeps cool under the hot Aussie sun. The reason for this is that it doesn’t absorb heat like some other pavers. This makes a perfect paver choice for outside applications that will be walked on often barefoot.
Can limestone pavers be installed around a pool?
It is a common misconception that limestone cannot be installed around a pool however, this isn’t entirely true. Using a cheap limestone that hasn’t been salt tested isn’t suitable, and it’s unlikely to last. Limestone pavers can most definitely be used around a pool if they are high-quality, salt tested and have a high slip-resistance rating. Ideally, your poolside limestone paver should have a slip rating of p4 or higher to be safe.
Is there anything that limestone shouldn’t be used for?
Limestone can be used for any application, both indoors and out although, if you want to use them for a driveway, you should consider a thick paver designed to bear this type of weight, and if your driveway is on a slope, installing the pavers in a pattern can reinforce the strength and prevent them from slipping.
What is the best way to lay limestone pavers?
Limestone pavers look great regardless of the way you lay them. The French pattern is a popular way to lay this type of paver. It is 4 different-sized limestone pavers laid in a continuous pattern.
Do limestone pavers need to be sealed?
With any natural stone pavers, it’s a good idea to seal them to protect them from external contaminants and to prevent them from wearing quicker than they should. When sealing your pavers, it’s important that you follow the instructions on the label and ensure that you are using a sealer that is designed for use on limestone. Using the wrong product may damage the integrity of your pavers, and it may not protect them as it should. Resealing your pavers every 3-5 years is advisable. Sealers come in various finishes, including high-gloss and matte.
The best installation technique for laying limestone pavers
For the longest-lasting finish, we recommend laying your limestone pavers on a concrete slab. For general walkways, 90 to 100mm should be sufficient, and for a driveway, around 125mm will be required. Before laying the pavers, the concrete should be waterproofed to avoid efflorescence. This causes a powdery deposit or residue to seep through the concrete. The porous nature of stone means that this can seep through the bottom of the paver and up to the surface. By setting the pavers on concrete, you can ensure that your pavers aren’t going to shift or sink out of place which is a common issue when laying them on sand or subgrade material. For best results, we recommend pre-sealing the pavers before laying them. This will ensure that the edges, as well as the surface, are protected. The pavers are simply glued to the concrete and then finished with grout in the gaps.
Limestone is a premium choice for any hardscaping application
Limestone is a premium choice when it comes to natural stone paving choices. It looks sophisticated, works with virtually any style of home, and is durable against the Australian climate.
Before spending a considerable amount of money on limestone pavers, ensure you are doing your homework first and purchasing good-quality pavers that are going to last.
We hope that by sharing the information above, we can help you in the decision-making process when choosing the perfect paver for your home.
Here at Bonita Stone, we specialise in luxurious natural stone pavers fit for every application and setting, and we’d love to help you choose the right pavers for your home. Our pavers are made by us right here in Perth using the finest materials on the market. Contact us today for more information.
