Every year we see landscaping trends evolve and change. They come and go. Hence it’s hard for homeowners and even seasoned landscapers to keep up.

When starting a landscaping project, there are certain things you have to consider before following a particular trend. That includes your budget and your family’s lifestyle. Also, you have to keep in mind that what may work for your neighbor’s space may not necessarily work for yours.

But if you have a clear vision of what you want your outdoor area to look like, it can be more than just a simple lawn. By incorporating comfort, practicality, and appeal, you can turn it into a dynamic extension of your humble abode.

1. Xeriscaping

Sustainability is here to stay and will be one of the biggest trends in 2022 for landscaping. Xeriscaping or water-conserving landscaping has become popular in areas in the United States with minimal water supply. It is designed to maintain a low carbon footprint and eliminate the need for irrigation or at least reduce it.

You can achieve this by opting for drought-tolerant native plants. Pebble pathways are also a good idea for your water-smart garden. Unlike other materials, the surface of these stones will not crack during winter.

2. Immersive Gardens

One of the top summer 2022 landscaping trends to look out for is nature-scaping, which is the core of an immersive garden. The trend emphasizes the use of landscaping materials that are natural with raw, rich textures and neutral palette.

A true immersive garden has intrigue and ambiance that accentuates the real beauty of your space. Even if you have a small backyard, you can create intrigue by partly concealing a view with hedges or finely-textured plants.

3. Artificial Grass

STONEarch artificial grass or turf is a favorite among our clients. Just about everyone is making a shift to synthetic grass, from contractors to homeowners. That’s because the landscaping material is low maintenance, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.

Moreover, you can easily create the outdoor space of your dreams by combining our turf with other sustainable landscaping trends without hurting your wallet in its upkeep. Plus, your lawn will be green all year long!

4. Transformational Backyard Spaces

One of the best things that came out of the pandemic was our appreciation of staying at home and spending time with our loved ones. Even if things are getting back to normal and we can now travel, nothing beats the comforts of our home.

That’s why this year, designing a backyard that can transition from day to night will be a big trend as it will expand your living space. A flashy patio that serves as a platform for an outdoor cinema will allow you to enjoy movie nights with the family.

5. Campfire Area

A fire pit area is a landscaping trend that will never go away. The feature can provide you with a relaxing space in your backyard during warm summer nights.

Most homeowners choose to install their campfire on their patio or in an area with a hardscape feature like a retaining wall. You can go with an outdoor gas fireplace or a classic fire pit using STONEarch Saga Sandstone. This natural stone with an intriguing design will give your hardscape a bold, colorful, and creative look.

6. Outdoor Kitchen

Take the chef in you to a whole new level with an outdoor kitchen that’s more than a simple backyard barbecue area. This 2022, we’ll see fully functional outdoor kitchens incorporated seamlessly in lovely landscaped lawns.

You can even personalize your space with multiple grills, a pizza oven, and an outdoor bar. You can serve your guests with cocktails while they wait for dinner to be served. Installing a mini sound system can make your outdoor kitchen a hub for socializing and entertaining.

And to make your beautiful stainless steel kitchen equipment standout, STONEarch Black Berry is the perfect choice. The unique dark black granite is exclusively available in BBQ slabs for countertops and outdoor kitchens.

7. Landscape  Lighting

Strategically placed lighting can enhance your landscape design and make a creative statement. You can transform your deck or patio at night with soft ambient lighting. Furthermore, you can use it to highlight features of your landscape, such as plant beds, pathways, or a water feature. On the other hand, installing landscape lighting with motion sensor on your yard’s entrance can double as a security for your property.

If you want to put your eco-friendly convictions into practice, the best option out there are solar-powered lights. Keep in mind that these lights are not as bright as your regular led lights. Nevertheless, they can provide your outdoor area with a whimsical feel to it as the sun sets.

Should I Hire a Professional or DIY my Landscaping?

You can DIY your landscaping. However, it’s a must to have a well thought out plan before starting any project. Most homeowners make the mistake of approaching their landscaping project by working on one area at a time. They have no idea how everything will look as a whole once they are finished. So instead of adding value to the property, it affects its resale value.

So if you want to attempt any DIY, it is advisable to have a professional landscaper draft your ideas. Aside from helping you make the plan, they can also break every detail for you, from the features that work well to the suitable materials. Another option you may consider is doing some work on your own and then hire a pro to complete the more complicated installations. This way, you’ll be able to stay within your budget and not compromise your space.

Summertime has finally arrived! After a long winter, you can’t wait to kick your shoes off, walk along your deck bare feet, and bask in the warm sunlight. But how can you enjoy your pool deck and the midday sun if it’s too hot and burning your feet?

One of the first things you need to do is to identify the problematic areas of your pool deck. Determine the specific areas that often get hot, those that need your attention the most, and those that receive the highest foot traffic. Once you have identified these, cover those spaces to ensure they’re comfortable and safer.

We’ve listed down 6 ways to cool down your pool deck in summer heat. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space even when the country is in its hottest heatwave!

1. Switch to Travertine

Make sure to invest in high-quality flooring that absorbs the coolness of the ground, such as STONEarch travertine. Moreover, it comes in a tumbled finish, making it skid-resistant and long-lasting.

Travertine is a kind of limestone and it has been used for decades in hot places such as the Middle East and the Caribbean. The unique part of the STONEarch Travertine Collection is that it has the same technical qualities to be gentle on bare feet with little holes on the surface to allow for the stone to breathe, but our products are time & weather tested to be suitable for landscape application here in Canada and the United States. STONEarch Travertine will remain cooler by as much as 20% in comparison to other products in natural stone or concrete.

2. Use Light-Coloured Materials

Our range of outdoor porcelain is another good option for outdoor flooring tiles as it has low water absorption and a high traction rating. Opt for lighter colours like Porcea Aura White and Porcea Coast when purchasing porcelain tiles. In comparison to darker shades, lighter-coloured outdoor pavers will not absorb as much heat from the sun. Hence, they tend to stay cooler.

2. Add Some Shade

Adding a shade is one of the easiest remedy to keep your pool deck cool and from absorbing the sun’s heat. Depending on the time of the day, the shaded spaces will stay cool to your bare feet.

You have several options:

• Patio umbrellas are a good feature to add. will not only provide shade, but it will also provide you and your guests a place to drink and eat.

• If you want a larger umbrella, go for cantilever. This works particularly well if you have a large area that you want to shade. Most cantilever umbrellas came with a hand crank adjustment and a foot pedal.

• Shade sails are becoming popular these days. They come in different shapes and shades that can give your pool deck a modern touch.

• Building a pergola is a permanent solution. It can give you shade and still allow light through.

• Retractable canopies are extremely effective. However, they are on the expensive side.

3. Install Artificial Turf

Installing artificial turf is also an alternative you can consider. STONEarch Turf can help make the surface of your pool deck comfortable for your feet to walk on. Also, it can give your outdoor area a natural look. Throw in some plants and stonework in the mix, and your poolside will look amazing.

4. Hose Down your Pool Deck

This is probably the easiest, quickest, and most budget-friendly way to cool down your pool deck. Spraying it with cold water can help absorb the heat. As the remaining water on the surface evaporates, it will further cool it down.

When hosing down your poolside area, ensure to run your hose first until cold ground water is running from it. Then, start spraying your pool deck for several minutes. Spray down the surface again when all the water has evaporated.

5. Use Outdoor Rugs on your Lounge Area

Waterproof rugs are available on the market today that you can use on your pool deck. Aside from protecting your bare feet, it doubles as a means of extending your living area outdoors and providing it with a splash of color.

When shopping for outdoor rugs, keep the following things in mind:

• Avoid those with backs made of latex, rubber, or vinyl. The last thing you want is for your pool deck to have ugly marks. Moreover, they hold moisture, resulting mildew and mold growth.

• Polypropylene rugs do not absorb water and can help protect your poolside area from UV rays. On top of that, they are not only reversible and enduring but are also cheaper. Although it does not hold moisture and promotes mildew and mold growth, it is still best to get rid of trapped dirt frequently.

Make Your Summer Comfortable

There are plenty of ways to make your pool deck comfortable for everyone. From simple, budget-friendly alternatives to elaborate options. But if you want a permanent solution, the best way is to switch your flooring to STONEarch Travertine or to use light-coloured outdoor porcelain tiles.

If you want to learn more about these options to help cool down your pool deck in summer heat, please contact our team of experts. We are more than happy to answer any of your questions regarding our products to help you decide which one is suitable for your needs.

If you’re also worried about your patio, garden or backyard having zero appeal during the winters, it’s time we turn it around. We get it, the snow and frost can put all your decor plans for a toss with dull winter hues of gray, white, and brown making your home look a little blah. But you don’t need to worry anymore, STONEarch has some tips and ideas for landscaping a dull backyard to make it lively and energetic during this cold season. Revamp your home with landscaping so gorgeous, it drives all the winter blues away.

#1. The Eternal Magic of Evergreen

Evergreens really come into their own in the winter landscape. The dark foliage helps balance a snow-covered lawn, and they can be especially handy if you are creating a “walkway” of stepping stones or access to your front door. Evergreens are a lot like your dependable old denim jacket — they’re ever-present in December and January. They persevere through snowstorms without getting damaged by heavy, wet snow. They add lush color to the drab winter landscape when other plants have gone dormant. Evergreens, such as holly, boxwood, and Chamaecyparis (a type of false cypress) work well as containers outside because they tend to be leafless for long periods of time, making them ideal for bringing life to your front entryway or patio during the heart of winter. You can outline your greens with classic black and white pebbles from STONEarch to accentuate the details and make them look more aesthetic.

#2. Christmas Lights For a Merry Decor

Deck the halls with boughs of holly – add Christmas Lights to your lawn or home exterior! Adding Christmas lights to your lawn or home exterior can give it a much-required boost of holiday cheer and make for an instant WOW factor. Maybe you’re looking for ways to spruce up your home without breaking the bank? No problem. You can do so in no time, with just a few simple steps, creative installation techniques and best LED strings lights available online. Adding an easy-to-maintain yet classic turf can provide your porch with a much needed green tint to the otherwise pale white and gray palette. STONEarch offers high-quality artificial grass turfs and white & black landscaping pebbles to accentuate your lighting and give your home a gorgeous outdoor look.

#3. The Good Old Hardscape

Stone archways and stone arbors are wonderful features for any garden. Adding a stone bench made with simple yet classy STONEarch jumbo stone slabs is an easy way to incorporate some depth and personality to a large blank area. There is just something about the craftsmanship of a well-made stonework feature which complements the existing elements within a garden setting. They bring a nice touch of grandeur to a home and fit in seamlessly with any home style. Other hardscape elements such as a trellis or a winter birdhouse elevate the appearance of your outdoor space. Their subtle presence adds just a touch of human structure to an otherwise natural area, and their fine details create close-up intrigue.

#4. Add Elegance with Fountain or a Garden Sculpture

You know that a real winter wonderland begins with white and gorgeous snow. There is something invaluable about the way it transforms nature into a miniaturesque fantasy land. The addition of stone garden sculptures or stone fountains intensifies that appearance, as they are created to last generations and can add personality to a garden or backyard. With their timeless appeal and rustic charm, our stone garden sculptures and waterless fountains are ideal for any home. They offer a truly stunning focal point that will have visitors asking your secret for making your gardens look so good. Building a feature wall or a fire pit with STONEarch’s wall stone veneers in Veneer Corn Silk, Walling Honey Slate, and Midnight Walling Veneer colors can add a rustic, vintage charm to your outdoor decor in one easy go.

#5. Put Those Summer Containers to Some Good Use

When most people think of containers, they immediately think of spring and summer because they’re filled with colorful blooms. You’ve maybe seen containers like these pop up in the spring and summer, usually lining the front porch or lining the walkway to your door. But these containers are way more versatile than their season-bound brethren. By changing out the plant, you can give your outdoor space a fresh feeling in any season. A good container needs a solid, structurally sound base so that it doesn’t topple over easily in wind, rain or snow. If you don’t have the space for a full garden, a container garden is an excellent way to get your foot in the gardening world.

#6. Vintage Vibes with Boughs and Pine Cones

You want something natural and rustic, but you are tired of the same old look. You want to decorate your porch in a way that makes people feel warm and welcome as they approach your home. Maybe it’s overused, but when I think “home,” what first comes to mind are pine cones and boughs. The simple pine cone is timeless. It has decorated Christmas trees for generations. And now, it will decorate your porch for days to come. Add a vintage vibe to your decor with the age-old boughs and pine cones that bring a nostalgic element to your exteriors.

#7. Add a Rustic Touch with Outdoor Lanterns

Outdoor lanterns are an elegant way to add lighting to your yard and patio. The old-fashioned, cast iron lanterns are still popular for adding a unique charm to the exterior of your home. Or you can opt for a more contemporary approach with aluminum or stainless steel lanterns that may include glass panels and LED candles. All outdoor lanterns are made to withstand the sun and wind, but you can purchase those that have been pretreated to withstand rain, snow and even cold temperatures in case you’ll be placing them outdoors during winter months.

#8. Decorative Entry Mats for a Warm Welcome

Snowflakes, cardinals, snowmen and more—all things that invoke a sense of warmth and winter delight. What better way to welcome guests and have them wipe their snowy boots than with a doormat that’s as inviting as you are. Add a touch of design to your entryway with a well-placed doormat. Not only do they keep your floor safe and clean, even if it rains or snows outside, but also provide an edgy look to your door frame.

#9. Nostalgic Winter Tableau with Snow Equipment

Who wouldn’t love the idea of a vintage winter wonderland on their front door? A great way to subtly add some fun to your welcome mat, while still decorating with a classical elegance. If you already have some skates that are no longer used, you could hang them on the inside of your door. Even if you don’t have any skis that are vintage or old, you can still use this door decoration technique by hanging up a simple pair of wooden or plastic figure skates. A very similar tableau can be created by propping an antique pair of skis or a sleigh up against an entry door. Personal winter artifacts, including battered leather gloves and moose-head ski poles can make the holidays feel more nostalgic, especially if they are family heirlooms. Add a finial touch to the bare columns of your entryway or fence posts with pier caps which also help protect masonry work during rain or snowstorms. STONEarch offers top-notch pier caps in various colors such as Black Limestone, Lavender Sandstone, and Slate Gray among many others for a classy finish.

#10. Pop of Color with Hanging Baskets

Who doesn’t love a pop of color? And what better place to unleash your inner artist than in the entryway? With the arrival of winter, it’s tempting to pack away your hanging baskets and bring out the Christmas decorations. But don’t give up on your baskets just yet. Your planter box is probably one of the largest pieces of decor here, so it’s worth investing some time into finding a winner. How do you find said winner? A little creativity and a lot of trial and error. In fact, if you fill them with evergreen branches, you can have a simple but effective touch of color near the front door all winter long.

#11. DIY Snowman For Some Wintry Fun

Bust out those shovels. Winter is finally here and the snowman is beckoning for you to build him another smiley face. A snowman is a classic decoration that can be used in the winter to brighten up your front garden or inside your home. Many people think of using snowmen as Christmas decorations; however, snowmen can be used all season round! They can be used in different parts of the home and are a great way to decorate exterior areas with a personal, fun touch.

#12. Say it Better with Stylish Outdoor Signs

When holiday lighting season rolls around, you can add a whimsical touch to your home with an eye-catching outdoor sign. Not only do they add that WOW factor to your home, they take your landscaping to another level. You can use old pallets for a rustic look or even use wood or metal for a more modern contemporary appeal. Or better, indulge in some good old DIY and add a personal touch to your decor with hand-made signs. And what better than a natural stone wall from STONEarch to adorn these beautiful signs.

Wrapping Up

While you prepare to decorate your porch and garden with unique, refreshing ideas that bring life to the otherwise dull scenic palette, don’t forget to have fun with it. Remember it’s YOUR home and adding a personal touch to your landscaping can help you bring out your personality with your decor. Another essential tip would be to not ignore the regular raking, snow shoveling and cleaning of your porch as an unexpected snowstorm or a strong gust of cold wind can put all your efforts in vain.

Are you looking to replace your worn-out steps or planning to build a new one? Steps made with STONEarch natural stones can provide your outdoor area with a more inviting ambiance. Aside from enhancing the curb appeal of your home, our premium products can make walking into your yard or patio a lot safer and easier for everyone.

When it comes to versatility and creating an elegant outdoor space, nothing beats natural stone. Whatever style you have in mind, from formal to informal and rustic to modern, you can find the right material in our range of landscaping stones suitable to your needs.

And contrary to popular belief, working with natural stone materials is not difficult at all. In this installation series, we’ll walk you through the process of how to install natural stone steps. In fact, you can even build beautiful stone steps on your own. All you need are basic tools, a bit of patience, and some brawn. Of course, it is always advisable to hire a professional to do the installation to prevent costly repairs and problems down the road.

Choosing The Right STONEarch Natural Stone For Your Steps

Our collection of natural stone steps (sometimes called Block Steps) is available in a wide array of sizes and colours. Hence, you will not have a hard time finding a finish and colour that perfectly matches the style of your home. This will depend on what you need and want.

For instance, if you want to make a statement, STONEarch Black is a great choice. The bold colour of this black limestone makes it both unique and stunning. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a stone that has a very mild color variation, we recommend STONEarch Dove. The precise colour palette of this sandstone allows you to achieve a beautiful natural look. For an intriguing design, STONEarch Saga, with its natural striping and rustic dark gray stone colour, can certainly do the trick.

You can use our steps in your front entry, patio, garden, and so much more. Along with that, we can customise them for you to fit your landscape project.

What Size Of Stone Should I Use?

Our natural stone steps come in a variety of sizes and two different thicknesses. The block steps are 6” thick with a 16” tread or 7” thick with a 14” tread. Both options are very popular, however recently it appears that 7” steps are more commonly requested by clients and used on their projects.

The length of our natural stone steps can vary from 3-8 feet with most popular colours coming in a few different lengths. The steps are rock-faced on three sides, providing a classic and traditional charm.

Popular colours include STONEarch Flint and STONEarch Dove. Keep in mind these steps are solid blocks of natural stone, making them heavy to handle, so it is recommended to have a professional do the installation for you.

Placing And Leveling The Natural Stone Steps

Make sure to set your steps on a material that’s porous and with excellent drainage. At least 4 to 6 inches of sand or aggregate is good. Also, before placing your stones, the material should be stable, firm, and compacted very well. If any landscape material is laid on an improper base, it is likely to face issues with sinking and an uneven surface after a few years of freeze-thaw cycles. Furthermore, to ensure the material doesn’t stay drenched, you may be required to install a perforated drain pipe underneath and behind the steps.

When installing, always begin at the base, working your way up. Doing so will make the entire construction process a lot easier. Additionally, there should be a small slope on all your natural stone steps from the front to the back for drainage. The minimum to make the surface of the steps smooth is about 1/8 inch for every foot. Meanwhile, a quarter of an inch per foot is ideal for stones with a rough texture.

Finishing Your Beautiful STONEarch Natural Stone Steps

Formal landscape steps will usually have retaining walls on either side. So make sure to select a landscaping material that blends or matches well with your STONEarch stone steps. For informal-looking natural stone steps, you must set the steps within the slope to make them seem more natural. Also, you can complement your steps on either side with rocks and plants. Consider adding some lighting on your exterior steps for safety as well.

While it is necessary for most homes to have steps, this is also a chance for you to give some areas of your landscape some definition and interest. On the other hand, natural stone steps in your backyard can act as an informal seating area while connecting various landscape levels of your outdoor space.

When planning to update your landscaping, the best material you can choose is STONEarch natural stone pavers. Our collection of flagstone is durable, long-lasting, and can enhance the appearance of your space naturally. When incorporating your walkway or patio with the timeless elegance of natural stones, one of the decisions you have to make is the installation method that will work best with it.

You can install natural stone pavers or flagstones using the following methods:

• Wet laying natural stone pavers
• Dry lay or granular base for natural flagstone pavers

Each option can take your project from something just nice to truly remarkable and special. In this article, you will learn some key steps on how to wet lay natural stone pavers or flagstones. Keep me mind, the information here is purely directional and we recommend consulting with expert installers to assess your specific project’s site conditions and applications to provide the right guidance for your project.

What Is A Wet Lay Installation for Natural Stone?

Simply put, a lay is what your paving stones will sit on and how they are joined together. A wet lay installation is often used for stone patios. This method of installation is where natural stone pavers or flagstones are laid on a mortared surface or concrete slab. Then, they are mortared together, providing you with a luxurious, smooth, clean, and even look.

A wet-lay installation can last for many years when correctly planned and installed. Moreover, it is extremely durable, making it a permanent installation. But aesthetics aside, it’s also a practical option since it will not cave under heavy loads and pressure. On top of that, its maintenance is minimal, given you seal the surface periodically.

Wet Lay Installation of STONEarch Natural Stone Pavers or Flagstone

Mortared Installation

Mortar bed installation involves either directly applying wet mortar to an existing concrete slab or on a subbase of compacted sand and gravel. The stones are laid on a bed of mortar. Next, joints are filled using additional mortar, colored grout, or sand.

Step 1: Layout the area for your walkway or patio. When done, excavate the soil.

Step 2: Install and compact your granular base. Form a concrete slab with a thickness of about 4 to 6 inches. Next, pour the concrete, smooth it out, and let it cure.

Step 3: Pour mortar into a bucket or wheelbarrow, add water slowly, and mix thoroughly. Your water should be just enough for the mortar to form a ball. Apply 1 to 2 inches mortar bed over the cured concrete.

Step 4: Butter up the back of your STONEarch flagstone or natural paver by applying some mortar to it. Lay your first stone carefully into place, starting in one small corner area of your walkway or patio. Check and ensure the gaps between them are as equal as possible.

Step 5: Firmly embed the stone in the mortar by tapping its surface using a rubber mallet.

Step 6: Apply some mortar to the sides of the stone you just installed. Make sure you don’t get the mixture on the top surface. Next, set another stone paver alongside the first one. Push them tightly together so that the mortar of the first flagstone holds them together. Continue with this process, laying your STONEarch stones, one flagstone at a time.

If there are irregular spaces, use smaller stones to fit in the space. If this is not possible, you may cut your natural stone pavers to make them fit.

Step 7: Once you’re done wet laying all your stones, sweep sand in between the joints of the pavers. You can use either polymeric or dry sand, whichever you prefer.

Bonus: Design Tips

STONEarch natural stones are available in a wider range of sizes, colours, and textures. That means our products can easily make your outdoor area stand out.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind on your next project:

• To achieve a striking yet clean look, consider matching natural stones with porcelain pavers. A good example is the combination of STONEarch Silver Antique and Porcea Greige by Porcea Stone.
• If you’re aiming for a distinctive, finished appearance, use different textures or colours for inlays, borders, and other style accents.
• When you want to incorporate sophistication to your modern patio, consider mixing and matching three or even four various sizes or pavers. This will give your space a more random appearance similar to that of a traditional flagstone patio.

Do not be afraid to get creative when designing the landscaping of your home. This is especially true now that you know how to wet lay natural stone pavers or flagstone. And for high-quality, premium paving stones, our expert team is just an email and phone call away. So do not hesitate to contact us for any inquiries. You can also visit us on-site to see our products up close. Our staff is more than happy to help you along the way.

There’s something about natural materials that make them extremely appealing. Because of this, STONEarch natural stones have become a popular choice to use for backyard landscaping and pool decks. And if you want your space to convey authenticity, one of the best ways to do that is to use flagstone. That’s because using these flat stones will provide your pool deck or backyard with a traditional appeal that is both timeless and can even be contemporary or modern based on the stone products that are selected.

Flagstones are available in numerous varieties that can evoke your personal style and taste. This makes it a little challenging to find the right one suitable for your needs. So to help narrow down your choices, our expert team at STONEarch has listed down the top 5 flagstones for backyards or pool deck:

1. STONEarch Limestone
2. STONEarch Sandstone
3. STONEarch Travertine
4. STONEarch Slate
5. STONEarch Basalt

What Is A Flagstone?

Simply put, flagstone is a flat stone used for paving your patio, backyard, walkway, stepping stones, pool deck, and more. This natural stone has been around for centuries. During the 1900s, people deemed flagstone as an upgrade to cobblestones. One of the reasons behind this was that stonemasons could chisel the stones into a very flat surface by hand. Hence, it offered homeowners an easy means to create a surface with flat flooring.

The term flagstone and square-cut pavers are often used interchangeably today, however historically, flagstone often referred to irregular shaped natural stone (also known as random stone) and square-cut pavers are the more commonly used rectangular stones that come in mixed sizes such as 12×12”, 12×24”, 18×24”, 24×24” and 24×36”.

STONEarch Limestone

Limestone is probably the most popular type of flagstone which you can use on a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors. Most homeowners choose our collection of limestone for their landscape because of its durability and overall beauty. Also, our products can provide your property with an elegant appeal, whether you want to create an extravagant backyard or a simple pool deck.

For instance, using the very unique STONEarch Silver Valley with its fleuri pattern to its full potential will enable you to build a wonderful outdoor environment. Meanwhile, STONEarch Indus Gray, which is a premium limestone with a neutral and modern tone of gray and white hues is ideal for numerous landscape projects. Our STONEarch Indus Gray has quickly become the most popular stone recommended by premium landscape architects and high-end landscape contractors alike.

What’s more, limestone offers a plethora of weather-resistant properties. That means it will still look stunning even if it has gone through a lot of freeze-thaw cycles and many seasons. Therefore, our collection of STONEarch limestones are flagstones that will last for many years in outdoor applications.

STONEarch Sandstone

Sandstone has gained popularity because of how beautiful it looks and for its more rustic and traditional colour tones. Homeowners and architects alike can’t get enough of the overall look of our range of sandstones and choose to apply it for an array of purposes. Our sandstone is available in different colours with STONEarch Slate Gray being a favorite among our customers. This natural stone has a mild-moderate color variation, making it the perfect choice for creating a lovely natural look in your backyard.

STONEarch Dove is a great option for pool decks. Besides the light neutral gray tone which is sometimes referred to as Blue Ice stone or Dove Grey sandstone, The surface of this stone has a mild clefted natural texture, making it highly slip resistant. Another sandstone to consider is STONEarch Fossil which features a natural fossil effect, giving this stone an uncommon beauty that no other material can offer.

There are many reasons that make our STONEarch sandstone products so popular, however, the most common reason remains the neutral brown colour tones and how easily these stones can work well with a variety of different types of brick, masonry and stone facades. Additionally, unlike other materials, lighter surface sandstones will stay cool even during the hot summer months.

STONEarch Travertine

Travertine is a kind of flagstone that sports a weathered look with pitted holes, giving the stone a very aged character. Similar to all our natural stone products, STONEarch travertine is highly durable, making them perfect for your pool deck or backyard area. Since the surface remains cool, it’s the best stone choice for bare feet on a hot summer pool deck. Since travertine is rugged in nature, it will surely stand the test of time.

In fact, some of our clients exclusively only use the STONEarch Travertines for all their projects. It’s important to keep in mind that not all travertines are made the same, and our STONEarch products have been time and weather-tested for over 20 years in Canadian rain, snow and weather climates.

We have two kinds of travertine in our collection that you can choose from. STONEarch Gray Mix has warm and neutral tones of light gray and blue. On the other hand, STONEarch Ivory Mix has warm and neutral tones of cream, beige, and walnut. These flagstones are classic tumbled cobbles for pool decks and the best stones for your million-dollar home.

STONEarch Slate

One of the most common types of flagstone is slate but with a distinctive appearance. The color of the natural stone can vary from green to copper, depending on several factors, including its mineral content. Our line of slate is multipurpose, looks lovely, and extremely practical to work with. STONEarch Walling Honey, Walling Midnight, and Walling Rustic are excellent materials for walling facades, fireplaces, water features, sunroom, and garden walls.

We find this stone is not suitable for landscape use in the traditional sense of pavers or copings. Instead, we only offer this natural stone as part of our STONEarch Walling Veneers Collection.

STONEarch Basalt

Known as volcanic rock, basalt comes with plenty of good qualities, making the flagstone highly sought-after. Likewise, its texture is quite gentle, making it great to use in a lot of your projects. Although you may not find this natural stone as striking as the other flagstones on our list, it does possess a charm unique to the stone.

The color range of basalt is pretty small and you’ll mostly find it is available in a black or dark gray, such as STONEarch Carbon Basalt. The eternal quality that our basalt stone has will ensure that it can stand the test of time, withstood harsh climate, as well as heavy foot and vehicular traffic. Moreover, this medium-dark gray stone has lighter gray flecks that emphasize its simple and rugged beauty.

These are the top 5 flagstones for backyard and pool deck. Working with flagstone is easy as well, allowing you to create the backyard or pool deck of your dreams. So contact our team today if you want to take a look and see our best-selling products.