Travertine, a timeless and versatile natural stone, has captivated hearts and transformed spaces for centuries. From ancient Roman architecture to contemporary interior designs, the charm of travertine lies in its unique characteristics and adaptability.

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What is Travertine?

Travertine, a sedimentary stone shaped by mineral deposits in natural springs, exhibits unique swirls and movements. Known for its rugged aesthetic, the stone's pitting and diverse colors contribute to its rustic charm. With finishes like tumbled for durability outdoors and honed for interior elegance, travertine is a versatile choice for landscaping and interior design.

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Travertine Pros and Cons

Pros:

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1. Natural Beauty: Travertine's natural colors and patterns make a warm and inviting atmosphere in any space.

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2. Durability: With proper care, travertine can be a durable flooring option that withstands regular foot traffic.

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3. Versatility: It can be used indoors and outdoors, making it suitable for various applications.

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4. Environmentally Friendly: Being a natural stone, travertine is an eco-friendly choice compared to some synthetic materials.

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5. Increased Home Value: Using travertine in your home can enhance its overall value due to its perceived luxury and timeless appeal.

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Cons

Color Versatility: While travertine can range from light to dark hues, it's commonly found in a light cream. Other stones might be more suitable if you have a specific color preference.

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Porosity Concerns: Travertine may absorb stains and liquids. Sealing travertine before using it in areas exposed to such substances is crucial to prevent this.

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Initial Investment: While the initial expense of travertine might be higher than certain alternatives, its durability and visual charm make it a worthwhile investment for your landscape. The enhanced home value justifies the upfront cost.

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Uses of Travertine

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1. Flooring:

Travertine flooring is a popular choice for its aesthetic appeal. It adds a touch of luxury to living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor patios.

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2. Countertops: Travertine countertops uniquely charm kitchens and bathrooms. However, regular sealing is essential to prevent staining.

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3. Bathroom Walls:

The natural beauty of travertine is showcased in bathroom spaces, particularly on shower walls and backsplashes.

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4. Outdoor Pavers:

Travertine's durability makes it suitable for outdoor use. It is often used for pool decks, patios, and walkways.

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5. Decorative Accents:

Smaller pieces of travertine, such as mosaic tiles, are famous for creating decorative accents, adding sophistication to various areas.

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STONEarch’s range of travertine stones is not only durable but also enhances the value of your home. It's an excellent option for imparting a natural outdoor feel or rustic charm to your landscape project. Additionally, it's foot-friendly, and you can choose between tumbled and honed finishes.

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Contact our support team for expert advice. We are here to provide comprehensive answers based on our expertise as promptly as possible.

Elevate your outdoor spaces with limestone paving, a premier choice for landscaping projects. Renowned for its durability and earthy charm, limestone slabs offer a perfect solution for patios, pathways, walls, and beyond. Obtainable from trusted landscaping stone suppliers like STONEarch, these slabs come in warm, neutral hues like beige, cream, gray, and black, seamlessly blending with greenery and your overall aesthetic.

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Why Choose Limestone Pavers?

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Natural Beauty and Durability

Limestone pavers, crafted from natural limestone, a sedimentary rock rich in calcium carbonate, offer durability, slip resistance, and low maintenance. Unlike uniform concrete, the varied textures and limestone patterns create visual interest, making it a preferred choice for driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks.

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Ease of Installation

The format of natural limestone pavers is not only pleasing to the eyes but also easy to install and maintain. It brings the timeless beauty of natural stone without the complexities of intricate installations.

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Versatility in Design

The organic textures and patterns of limestone pavers allow for diverse applications. Whether you're envisioning a classic patio, rustic garden borders, or a contemporary pool deck, limestone serves as a versatile canvas.

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Top 10 Paving Limestone Landscape Ideas

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1. Patio Paradise

Envision a welcoming outdoor living space with warm tan limestone pavers arranged in organic patterns. The natural ridges and variations create a patio with timeless beauty.

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2. Garden Borders Defined

Define your garden edges with limestone borders, using warm tan hues to complement foliage colors. The organic variations in the stone reflect nature's beauty.

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3. Meandering Walkways 

Craft enchanting garden pathways bordered by limestone, imparting a charming old-world feel. The natural tan hues complement the vibrant blooms in your garden.

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4. Driveway Elegance   

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Enhance your curb appeal by using limestone pavers for your driveway. The stone's hardy composition stands up to vehicles while adding elegance to the entrance.

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5. Courtyard Charm   

Transform your courtyard into a charming and intimate space with the warmth and natural beauty of limestone paving, available in varied sizes and shapes.

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6. Luxurious Pool Decks

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Surround your pool with the luxe look of limestone slabs, providing a smooth, elegant foundation that complements poolscapes.

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7. Creative Stepping Stones   

Use limestone paving creatively as stepping stones for a whimsical feel. The unique shapes and earthy hues add organic style to pathways.

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8. Alfresco Dining Retreat

Create a covered outdoor kitchen floor with the casual elegance of tumbled limestone pavers. Neutral tan hues and slip resistance make it ideal for alfresco dining.

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9. Organic Retaining Walls

Stacked limestone serves as organic retaining walls that enhance landscapes and blend seamlessly with plantings.

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10. Elevated Terrace or Balcony

Utilize limestone pavers for terrace or balcony flooring, creating a serene space with neutral tan hues and varied shapes that reflect natural beauty.

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Incorporating limestone into your landscaping opens up a world of design possibilities. Limestone pavers provide the foundation for a functional and visually stunning outdoor space, whether you prefer a classic look, a rustic retreat, or a contemporary vibe.

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Contact our team to learn more about our Limestone products.

In the world of flooring, granite has emerged as a true champion, seamlessly marrying aesthetic appeal with unparalleled durability. As a natural stone, granite adds a touch of sophistication to outdoor spaces. Let's explore the essence of granite and uncover why it is the ultimate choice for outdoor flooring solutions.

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Understanding Granite

Granite, an igneous rock, is a product of the Earth's geological dance, formed through the cooling and solidification of magma deep within the planet's crust. Composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica, each granite slab is a unique canvas, showcasing an array of colors, patterns, and mineral formations.

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The Strength Within

One of the primary reasons granite is revered for flooring lies in its exceptional durability. Having endured millions of years of geological processes, granite surfaces boast inherent strength that resists wear, scratches, and stains. This durability is crucial, especially for high-traffic areas outdoors.

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Outdoor Resilience

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When it comes to outdoor flooring, granite stands out as a resilient choice. An excellent example is the STONEarch Alicante Black, which has shades of gray & white with striations of black running across the surface, giving it a velvety tiger skin look. Whether used for patios, pathways, or pool surrounds, granite's resistance to the elements makes it an enduring and low-maintenance option. Its ability to withstand the impact of weather, foot traffic, and varying temperatures positions granite as a reliable outdoor flooring material that retains its charm through the seasons.

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Cool Comfort and Safety

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Its natural thermal properties ensure granite is comfortable to walk on, particularly the STONEarch White Star Granite, which has a cool touch. Additionally, the slip-resistant nature of granite makes it a safe choice for areas prone to water exposure, such as pool surrounds. A good example is the STONEarch Onyx Black. The unique finish on this granite allows for a sparkled appearance, particularly in sunlight, as the fine crystals shine and reflect the sunlight. The stone's surface has a unique combination finish, including flamed, brushed, and waterjet, allowing for a deep, rich, dark black granite.

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Versatility in Design

Granite's versatility is a key factor in its popularity for flooring. With different choices of colors and patterns, granite can complement any interior or exterior design theme. Whether aiming for a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional ambiance, granite adapts to your vision, offering a timeless aesthetic that enhances the space's overall appeal.

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‍Easy Maintenance, Lasting Beauty

The low-maintenance nature of granite flooring is a significant advantage. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and routine sealing is usually sufficient to keep granite floors looking pristine. This ease of maintenance ensures that your investment in granite flooring continues to provide lasting beauty without the need for extensive upkeep.

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Contact our support team for expert advice. We are here to provide comprehensive answers based on our expertise as promptly as possible. You may also view all our products here.

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Natural stone steps aren't just aesthetically pleasing; they infuse your property with personality and charm, offering a subtle touch of luxury unmatched by other landscaping materials. 

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A Harmony of Aesthetics and Durability

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Homeowners favor Stone Steps for their captivating visual appeal despite their heavier installation process. Offering a natural look with various colors and textures, they outshine the relatively neutral gray of poured concrete. This diversity in design options empowers homeowners to align their garden steps seamlessly with their chosen landscape aesthetics.

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In terms of durability, stone steps emerge as the superior choice. Concrete, unless meticulously laid, is prone to cracking over time. Furthermore, individual stones are easier to replace and more cost-effective than dealing with severely damaged concrete steps that necessitate demolition and repouring.

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This table quickly compares natural stone steps and concrete steps across various criteria.

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STONEarch natural stones come in diverse textures, finishes, shapes, and sizes, ensuring easy alignment with your home's style.

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Top Choices for Natural Stone Step Materials

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1. Granite: STONEarch granite stone steps redefine surroundings, making them ideal for high-end residential and commercial projects.

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2. Limestone: Known for toughness and fine-grained texture, STONEarch limestone stone steps offer durability and timeless appeal.

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3. Sandstone: With various colors and a rugged appearance, STONEarch sandstone stone steps, like all our outdoor natural stones, are weatherproof and time-tested.

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Contact our team to learn more about our products. 

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What are Patio Stones?

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Patio stones, featuring their distinctive interlocking design, are known for their durability and resistance to daily wear and tear. Unlike solid materials like concrete and asphalt, they won't easily crack and can be replaced individually.

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These stones are sourced from nature, with a unique character in each piece. They are available in various sizes, colors, textures, and shapes, which offer ample room for creative design. You can even arrange them in diverse patterns to achieve the look of flat tiles.

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Key Benefits of Patio Paver Stones

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Durability: Patio stones are built to last. Crafted from natural stone or concrete, they can withstand heavy foot traffic without cracking or compressing. This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor patios.

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Natural Variability: Patio stones come in various colors, shapes, textures, and patterns, allowing you to tailor your outdoor space precisely. Whether you prefer a rustic or contemporary look, patio stones offer endless design possibilities.

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Resilient Stone Base: Natural stone patio stones provide a robust and long-lasting foundation for outdoor areas. They resist rot and damage, ensuring they stay sturdy and stable for years.

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Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond their durability, patio stones offer a visually pleasing element for outdoor spaces. A diverse range of colors and patterns enhances your landscape's overall look.

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Eco-Friendliness: Opting for patio stones made from natural stone is an eco-friendly choice. They are naturally occurring and sustainable, and these solid pavers serve as an effective weed barrier, contributing to a more environmentally friendly space.

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Common Patio Stones:

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Sandstone: This choice offers earthy beige and browns, along with excellent slip resistance, making it ideal for patios, walkways, and pool surrounds.

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Limestone: With neutral tones and high surface traction, limestone complements various garden landscapes, especially around pools.

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Slate: Slate boasts a layered appearance and muted shades of grey, purple, green, and blue, providing durability, weather resistance, and an elegant texture.

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Travertine: This unique stone with small pits and holes adds a touch of character, blending well with natural plantings and offering a sense of movement.

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What are Stepping Stones?

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Stepping stones have a dual purpose: they safeguard your garden, allow people to walk without damaging your plants, and create pathways within your outdoor space. Beyond their functionality, these stones are an excellent way to personalize your garden. They come in various materials, but natural stone is favored due to its incredible durability and resilience to all types of weather.

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Key Benefits of Stepping Stones

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Practicality: These stones offer a low-maintenance, sturdy surface, letting you navigate your outdoor areas without causing harm to your plants.

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Creativity: Stepping stones provide limitless potential for imaginative landscape design. They can be organized in various patterns to infuse a unique style into your outdoor space.

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Hassle-Free Installation: Elevating your garden paths and yards is a breeze with stepping stones. No excavation or concrete work is required for their installation, making it a DIY-friendly project.

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Safety: Stepping stones have an anti-skid surface, ensuring secure footing, even in wet conditions.

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Longevity: Crafted from natural stone, these stepping stones are exceptionally durable and weather-resistant, making them resilient in all weather conditions.

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Natural Stones for Stepping Stones

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Some commonly used natural stones for stepping stones:

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Slate: Slate offers both durability and captivating visual appeal. Its non-slip texture ensures safe footing.

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Granite: Granite offers resilience and style. It is durable for heavy foot traffic.

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Flagstone: Flagstone provides an eco-friendly option with flat shapes that fit nicely on the ground. It comes in earthy colors.

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Fieldstone: Fieldstones have an organic, rustic look. They come in diverse colors and textures, making them readily available and affordable.

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This table provides a concise comparison between patio stones and stepping stones with their key attributes:

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Feel free to contact our team to learn more about our products.

In the world of natural stone, the debate between using local and imported stones has been a topic of discussion among designers, architects, and builders for years. STONEarch primarily works with imported stones, and here's why they can offer exceptional benefits for your design projects.

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Understanding Local Stones

Local natural stones in Canada, like Indiana Limestone, Algonquin, Eramosa, and Cambrian Black Granite, hold a special place in the hearts of many. They showcase the region's beauty with unique patterns, colors, and textures that tell a story of the local geography.

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Challenges with Local Stones

While local stones possess undeniable charm, they may not always align seamlessly with the practical requirements of modern design projects:

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1. Limited Varieties: Local stones offer a finite range of options, limiting design creativity and flexibility.

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2. Weather and Quarry Conditions: The extraction and processing of local stones can be subject to climatic limitations, leading to extended project timelines, especially in regions with extreme weather conditions.

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3. Quality Consistency: The quality of local stones can vary, making it challenging to maintain uniformity across a project.

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Why Choose Imported Stones?

STONEarch's commitment to imported natural stones is driven by several factors:

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1. Ethical Sourcing: Our imported stones are sourced from quarries that adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring fair labor practices and safe working conditions.

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2. Environmental Responsibility: Imported stones prioritize responsible land management and environmental preservation. Importing can sometimes be more sustainable than quarrying and shipping locally available stones, especially considering the vast Canadian landscape and harsh climate.

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3. Efficiency and Timeliness: Imported stones are curated to streamline processes, mitigating extended lead times and potential project delays due to climate limitations. We understand the importance of timely project delivery.

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4. Design Versatility: Imported stones offer various colors, patterns, and textures. This versatility allows designers to explore their creativity and tailor projects to their clients' unique visions.

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5. Quality Assurance: We take pride in offering consistent quality with imported stones, ensuring that each piece meets our stringent standards. This level of quality control ensures uniformity and aesthetic excellence.

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In this quick comparative guide, we'll explore five stunning natural stones from STONEarch's collection, each with its unique characteristics for your next project.

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Indus Gray: Modern Elegance

- Perfect for modern designs.

- Non-slip surface.

- Bright white and darker-colored veins for sophistication.

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Moderno Beige: Versatile Simplicity

- Ideal for versatile and modern landscapes.

- Neutral cream and beige tones.

- Sand-blasted for a non-slip surface.

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Onyx Black Granite: Rich Elegance

- Luxury and sophistication.

- Unique sparkling finish.

- Deep, rich, dark black granite.

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Ivory Mix Travertine: Barefoot Comfort

- Perfect for comfort and warmth.

- Warm tones of cream, beige, and walnut.

- Honed and tumbled for character and anti-slip surface.

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Gray Mix Travertine: Modern Classic

- A harmonious blend of warm tones.

- Anti-slip and antique character.

- Popular for high-end landscape projects.

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Each stone brings its charm to your landscape project. Your choice should reflect your design theme, practical requirements, and personal preferences.

With STONEarch's collection, your outdoor space can become a masterpiece!

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Feel free to contact our team to learn more about our products.

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