If you’re wondering what are the landscaping stones that can endure salt stains, then this article is for you.

Salt can do a lot of harm to natural stones, just like it many other building materials. It can be disastrous to almost all kinds of building and landscape material, including stone, concrete, and metal. This is especially true if you have a saltwater pool.

Salt can cause damages like staining, delamination, and erosion, which will eventually lead to your stones breaking or cracking. Nevertheless, this should not discourage you from using the material. You just have to know which stones are naturally salt-resistant and how to protect your pool copings so you don’t face any of these problems.

Stones are not created equally, with some being more resistant to salt than others. Here at STONEarch, we determine this property by testing each of our products to ensure that they are suitable for the intended purpose and all our natural stone products have been time & weather-tested to ensure the stones are suitable for the Canadian climate. Our expertise is in sourcing natural stone for landscape use from over 10 countries, and our procurement team has been doing so for over 20 years, allowing them to have a lot of experience in assessing which natural stones will work best in North American climate.

What Are The Types Of Natural Stones That Can Withstand Salt Stains?

When choosing the right material for your landscape projects, you need to consider several factors, including durability and safety. STONEarch natural stones meet all these requirements. Our stone products are versatile, resistant to salt stains, long-lasting, tough, and cost-effective. Likewise, they are suitable for a wide range of applications and available in numerous stunning hues.

The four types of stones in our collection that can withstand salt are Sandstone, Limestone, Granite and Travertine.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a form of sedimentary rock. It usually develops under bodies of water and comprised of quartz or other sand minerals. This natural stone is not only beautiful in nature but also very sturdy, resilient to salt stains, and can withstand weathering. It is ideal to use in the surrounding areas of your pool and other outdoor spaces.

Granite

Granite is a compact and hard igneous rock. The natural stone is formed by quartz, mica, and feldspar. What makes this landscape material ideal for your projects is its salt-resistance, toughness, endurance, and handsome good looks. Using granite can provide your space with an elegant aesthetic.

Limestone

Limestone is a kind of sedimentary rock. It is typically formed in shallow, warm marine waters. Moreover, depending on the type of limestone, it may have fossil fragments, light veining, and an overall flat surface. The material is widely used in both exterior and interior applications because of its beauty, tolerance to salt, and strength.

Travertine

Travertine is another type of sedimentary rock. The porous natural stone is formed by calcium carbonate deposits. This stone can provide your property with a timeless appeal. Hence, it is often utilised in both exterior and interior construction. Moreover, its porous characteristic makes the surface of travertine non-slip, on top of being salt stain resistant.

Like with all natural stones, it’s always advisable to consider using a natural stone sealer for the lighter colours to ensure there is no staining that occurs and also using the right type of salt that is suitable for natural stone walkways and patios.

How To Remove Salt Stains From Natural Stones

Salt stains occur when moisture evaporates from stones. This will leave behind minerals and salts. Often, it’s a minor inconvenience that you can easily remedy without the need to replace your stones. When this happens, you need to have your stones regularly cleaned by a professional. Nonetheless, the moisture will evaporate and your problem with efflorescence will disappear.

Unfortunately, visible salt stains may also mean that there’s a bigger underlying problem underneath your natural stone. The problem is often moisture in its substrate. You can determine if this is the culprit by consulting with your contractor. Also, you can contact our team about any questions you have in mind about STONEarch natural stone products