Natural stone pavers add property value and aesthetic appeal. They suit virtually any outdoor space, from driveways to outdoor kitchen countertops. The materials add value to any type of outdoor landscape project, be it commercial or residential. 

However, some may be wondering if the installation of these natural stone pavers, such as travertine, requires sealing. For those who are unfamiliar with this process, sealants protect tile surfaces from elements that could penetrate them. Such elements may include dyes, chemicals, grout, water, and other kinds of contaminants. 

Travertine Tile Sealers 

Travertine, specifically, is known to be a rugged and durable natural stone. However, even the strongest materials require TLC. 

In general, there are three available types of sealers that work best with travertine pavers. The specific sealer to use would depend on the finished look that one may want to attain. Here are the three kinds of sealers. 

• Impregnating sealers
• Enhancing stone sealers
• Topical sealers

Impregnating Sealers 

Impregnating sealers have the capacity to deposit hard particles into stone pores while simultaneously stopping oil, dirt, and water from penetrating the tile’s surface. When applied properly, quality impregnating sealers will not affect the stone’s appearance or texture. Amazon has some great products for these, and this Miracle Sealant works flawlessly.

These sealers make sure that the travertine pavers will hold on even after several years pass. It also keeps out moisture that may lead to weed growth or mildew. 

For this reason, impregnating sealers work well for hardscaping projects that are fully exposed to the elements and that have tumbled or rough surfaces. It is also mandatory for smooth and polished surfaces. 

Enhancing Stone Sealers 

These sealers, on the other hand, penetrate the travertine and boost its natural color. They do so while protecting the tiles from acid discoloration and staining. This STONETECH^® Enhancer Pro™ Sealer from Laticrete has been tested time and time again to provide deep rich color and stain protection, while sealing your stone for long-lasting protection.

Using enhancing stone sealers is a great way to freshen up aged pavers or bring out the life and vibrancy in travertine. 

Topical Sealers 

These topical glossy sealers offer a unique and gleaming finish to the tiles while sealing out the grease and oil that could discolor or stain the travertine pavers. Such sealers also prevent the tile’s color from fading despite being fully exposed to the sun. These are great if you still want to seal if you want an easy to apply solution and keep your costs low. These topical sealers from Tenax4you provide you the full range of products in a very cost efficient way for a final layer on your stone from STONEarch.

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How to Seal Travertine Tiles 

Now, while one can choose which type of sealer to apply to the travertine flooring, there are other vital considerations to keep in mind when sealing travertine tiles in the outdoor kitchen or other functional outdoor landscapes. 

• Make sure to prepare before sealing 
• Use the right equipment for sealing 
• Apply the sealer to one-floor section at a time
• Wipe off excess sealants that do not get absorbed by the pavers in five minutes.
• Test the sealing with a few droplets of water
• Maintain the sealed floor

Make Sure to Prepare Before Sealing 

Before sealing the tiles, it is important that they are clean and dust-free. Moreover, if there are any wax coatings covering the tiles, it should be removed first. 

The installation surface, or subfloor, should also be polished and debris-free. Loose objects, such as wires, nails, or coins, that are stuck may end up staining or rusting the back of the pavers. Hence, it is important for such items to be cleaned out as well. 

Use the Right Equipment For Sealing 

The sealant should be applied to the natural stone pavers using a sponge, cotton towel, cloth pad, sprayer, or brush. Each sealant may have specific directions for use. 

While applying the sealant, it is also important to have some microfiber cloths or absorbent towels or papers on hand. These would be used for cleaning or spreading the sealer.

A squeegee would also come in handy for spreading excess sealant from one section to the next. 

Apply the Sealer to One Floor Section at a Time 

Sealing the floor or the countertop of the outdoor functional space should be done section by section. One section could cover roughly 4 x 5 inches. 

When applying and spraying the sealer, it is important to do so generously and as evenly as possible. The sealer can be spread using the microfiber mop, while the excess sealant can be spread to the next section using a squeegee. 

Wipe Off Excess Sealant That Do Not Get Absorbed By the Pavers in Five Minutes

Any excess sealant missed by the squeegee should be wiped off using a microfiber cloth. This is an important step to take if the sealer does not get absorbed by the pavers in five minutes. Doing so will ensure that the tiles are left with a smooth finish. 

Test the Sealing With a Few Droplets of Water 

With a few droplets of water, one can test whether the sealant was successfully applied or not. Simply drop a few droplets over the sealed pavers. If the tiles’ color does not change or they do not absorb water, this indicates that the sealant was successfully and properly applied. 

Maintain the Sealed Floor 

When maintaining the sealed travertine floor, it is important not to use bleach or strong chemicals. Such materials could lead to staining, discoloration, and permanent damage. 

Spills should also be cleaned up immediately, especially liquids like paint, soda, juice, or red wine. While sealing offers impermeability to the tiles, these liquids may make them turn dark or lose their color.

These floors can also be cleaned on a week-to-week basis using a steam mop. These mops use minimal water, which eliminates staining possibilities. 

As for re-sealing the travertine, it may be necessary to have it done every 3–5 years. 

Take Care of Your Travertine Pavers 

While travertine and other natural stone pavers, such as granite and limestone, are of immense quality and durability, it is important to keep them protected and maintained. Sealing is one important way to proceed with this. 

Now, for those who are looking for travertine, granite, limestone, sandstone, or other natural stone pavers for their next outdoor project, look no further because STONEarch is here to help you. Our lineup of natural stone pavers and outdoor flooring materials meets both durability and aesthetic standards, making our collection a truly premium one. 

‍Contact us to get your natural stone pavers ready for your outdoor landscaping project.

Countertops are vital outdoor kitchen essentials. Regardless of the kitchen size, having a kitchen counter offers some room and stability for even the simplest and easiest meal preparations. Without this vital space, equipment and dishes end up getting messily stacked over the stove, sink, or kitchen table. 

On top of offering valuable functionality, these countertops also serve as a vital focal point in the kitchen. Upon first glance at the kitchen, it is hard to bypass the kitchen countertop, showing how essential they are when it comes to kitchen evaluation. Though this may not be a serious consideration for some, it is especially important for those who want to boost their property’s value. 

Given this, it is no wonder that many homes have invested in loose, spacious, and quality kitchen countertops. Some households incorporate natural stone slabs, such as those made of granite, into these countertops to boost the countertop’s appeal on top of functionality and durability. Using such premium materials for these vital kitchen features is a good option for those who want to achieve durability, aesthetics, and functionality at once. 

Kitchen Countertop Ideas

Now, for those who are planning their outdoor kitchen or need a new countertop, here are ideas and plans to guide the process. While there are many ways to proceed with the development, using natural stone, specifically, is a great way to proceed with the countertop project. 

However, it is important to know that though natural stone, in general, may pull off durability and aesthetics, each one has something different to offer. With that, here are some cool outdoor kitchen countertop ideas using natural stone that are worth considering.

• Elite granite 
• Sophisticated limestone 
• Strong basalt  
• Earthy sandstone

Elite Granite 

Natural stones like granite have the power to offer a unique, high-end, and elite appeal to kitchen countertops. Granite exudes a marble-looking appearance, making it pull off classy and elite themes. 

Not to mention, granite is also considered one of the toughest natural stones out there due to its remarkable resistance to scratches and heat. This makes the material ideal for applying to high-traffic surfaces, including kitchen countertops. 

Sophisticated Limestone 

Being an incredibly popular natural stone, limestone is known to boost the value of any space. Its deluxe appearance and sophistication are widely acknowledged, making it an increasingly popular choice for homes. 

Like other natural stones, durable limestone slabs can be applied to kitchen countertops. While limestone can come in varied colors, its medium and dark silver tones add a special beauty to the kitchen. In fact, it is considered a good visual match for professional kitchenware and fixtures made of stainless steel. 

Strong Basalt 

The natural color of basalt gives it a very strong and robust hue, making it ideal for modern and classic kitchen countertops. Usually available in varying gray tones and hues, basalt demonstrates rugged yet elegant beauty. Its strong and straightforward hue can add vibrancy to a neutral and minimalist area without compromising the area’s overall look. 

Basalt slabs share the same durability as granite but also offer the consistent coloration, markings, and elegance of limestone. It is one of the world’s strongest natural stones that can withstand the tests and trials of time. Not to mention, this stone is incredibly resilient to scratches and cracks. 

Earthy Sandstone

For kitchens and homes that would like to pull off an earthy theme or tone, sandstone can work wonders. Its brownish or beige hue brings the color of nature into the cooking space. 

Sandstone has long been used in the world of construction and buildings. It has also been incorporated into artistic and decorative applications. The natural stone’s unique touch offers a natural appearance to the space in a way that does not leave the area looking plain. 

While granite, limestone, basalt, and sandstone are all ideal stone slabs for the kitchen countertop, there are also other premium natural stones, such as slate and travertine, that can work well in such kinds of applications. Each natural stone has something unique to offer. 

Installation Tips 

Now, when it comes to kitchen countertops, installation is also a vital step of the entire planning and execution process. While the exact installation process may vary depending on the slab material to be used, there are some general things to keep in mind before and as the kitchen countertop installation process goes on. 

Though it is better to entrust the entire process to professionals, there are also some things that homeowners should do. With that, here are some key tips to consider. 

• Carefully measure the counter space 
• Remove existing countertops and clear out the necessary spaces
• Contact a professional installer  

Carefully Measure the Counter Space 

The importance of getting the dimensions right cannot be stressed enough. Hence, homeowners and project developers should not compromise the evaluation and measurements of the counter. 

Kitchen countertop sizes may vary from home to home. Hence, before ordering those natural stone slabs, it is important to get the measurements right. The exact lengths from the edges to the wall must be measured. If a sink is already present, it is also important to consider the sink’s dimensions. 

For homes with complex kitchens, such as U-shaped ones, it may be necessary to get a professional to do the job. 

Remove Existing Countertops and Clear Out the Necessary Spaces

Prior to the installation of the new slabs, existing countertops and laminates must be removed. Some homeowners can do this on their own, or they can tap a professional to do it for them. 

It is also important to ensure that the kitchen is cleared out before the installation starts. Clearing out walkways and pathways may also be necessary, especially if the slabs to be installed are heavy ones. Anything and everything that may disrupt the installation needs to be transferred until the new slabs are installed securely. 

Contact a Professional Installer 

While installing the kitchen countertop may seem like an easy DIY feat to pull off, it actually requires specialized skills and expertise. Not everyone has the knowledge and expertise to install these features. 

Moreover, cost-cutting efforts may end up being counterproductive if they are made by individuals who do not have the necessary specialized skills. If haphazard attempts lead to poor outcomes, costs for development may end up doubling. 

Not to mention, there are also specialized tools that need to be used in the installation process. Professionals undoubtedly have these tools and know how to use them proficiently and efficiently. Having the right tools is vital for the kitchen countertop to be safely and properly installed. 

Choose STONEarch Natural Stone For Your Kitchen Countertops 

If you are planning to add a new kitchen countertop or refurbish your current one, STONEarch natural stone slabs might just be the right fit. Our quality slabs for kitchen countertops will help you achieve your dream kitchen. Contact us to learn more about our natural stone collection. 

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For those who are looking into selling or renting out fully furnished properties, it is important to note that both functionality and aesthetics are hardly negotiable. The house or commercial space should be ready to be immediately moved into or used, and prospective buyers must be able to sense this at first glance. That being said, it is important for the structure to be durable and visually appealing, even from an exterior perspective.

Considering how prospective buyers and renters consider these things important, sellers and property owners must take these things into account as well. Homes and commercial spaces could have a good outdoor patio, kitchen, or living space tiled with natural stone pavers or designed with other outdoor landscape additions. These spaces should be well-kept and maintained in order to exude such functionality and aesthetic appeal. 

Generally, all of these fall under one huge property factor that every property owner or seller should take into account: curb appeal. 

What is Curb Appeal? 

Curb appeal refers to how a prospective buyer perceives a house’s or property’s general attractiveness from the exterior or sidewalk. It is a vital real estate factor that helps in determining a property’s appraised value and also filters market segmentation. Realtors often use this term when it comes to evaluating and selling properties. 

Homes that have excellent curb appeal would look attractive to anyone who passes by the property from the street or sidewalk. In itself, the property already presents itself in a certain way. Whether this way is beneficial or not is what property owners and sellers should think about. 

Curb Appeal Efforts in Canada 

There have been several efforts to boost curb appeal across the country. Several properties, for instance, have outdoor walkways paved with granite or slate. Others may also have landscapes, driveways, patios, kitchens, and gardens in their front yard. 

More specifically, different cities across Canada have executed efforts of their own to boost curb appeal. In 2009, in Toronto, for instance, the Toronto Community Housing launched a curb appeal project worth $1 million. The project supported the organization’s goal to keep valuable space through fund allocation to specifically cater to the aesthetics of communities. At present, when it comes to selling properties across Toronto, curb appeal undeniably sets the bar. 

Vaughan also deeply acknowledges curb appeal. In fact, every property across the country gets visited by dedicated volunteers who look into and evaluate the property according to certain criteria. These efforts are implemented in order to recognize establishments and homes that showcase remarkable effort and pride in property maintenance. 

Similar curb appeal cases can also be observed across Montréal, Brampton, Vancouver, and other cities. Curb appeal is undeniably valued and prioritized in these areas. 

On the contrary, property owners and sellers who take curb appeal for granted are missing out on what the property’s value can actually be. Because of poor curb appeal, prospective buyers may be turned off by the property, or the property’s price may not be as high as one wants it to be. 

While there is more to curb appeal, these are all contributing factors to how the property is appraised. This also just goes to show how important it is for property owners and sellers to take curb appeal into account. 

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What Factors Affect a Property’s Curb Appeal? 

There are several factors that may affect a property’s curb appeal in a positive or negative manner. Let’s take a look at some of them. 

• Functional outdoor spaces 
• Front door and lobby
• Paint and siding 
• Maintenance  

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Functional Outdoor Spaces 

Adding functional outdoor spaces to the outdoor landscape will undoubtedly affect a property’s curb appeal. This may be a driveway or walkway, or an outdoor patio, pool deck, or kitchen. 

All of these outdoor additions would significantly make the property more appealing at first glance. Things would get even better if premium materials, such as limestone or travertine natural stone pavers, were used for such outdoor landscapes. 

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Front Door and Lobby

The home’s front door and lobby are basically the face of the structure. All prospective buyers who would want to give the property a deeper look will end up passing through this area. Given this, it is hard to ignore how important they are in boosting or reducing a property’s curb appeal. 

Hence, if getting an entire makeover is not possible, uplifting the front door would do wonders for curb appeal. Even just adding a small hanging design to the door or giving it a fresh coat of paint could work wonders. It’d be even better if the entranceway could be tiled with elegant pavers. 

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Paint and siding 

The paint or siding of a structure could also make or break its impression. Chipped paint or moldy siding may make prospective buyers frown upon the property even if sellers and owners know that they have more to offer beyond these first impressions. To keep prospective buyers interested, both paint and siding should not be taken for granted. 

A fresh layer of paint can be added or walls can be filled with other durable materials that can uplift the overall look. 

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Maintenance 

Though all of these aspects of the outdoor space are vital for making or breaking curb appeal, each installation would be rendered useless if it is not well-maintained. Lawns should be regularly mowed; outdoor functional spaces should be regularly cleaned. All of this must be done to ensure that the area’s functionality can be attested with a mere glance. 

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How Do Natural Stone Pavers Boost Curb Appeal 

While all of these make or break a property’s curb appeal, making use of premium outdoor landscaping materials can also do wonders for a property’s value. Natural stone pavers, specifically, can offer such value. 

Stone pavers of sandstone and limestone, for instance, can immediately elevate the look of one’s outdoor landscape. A plain area can be transformed completely into something elegant and classy. With higher elegance comes higher appraisal value. That being said, it is no wonder that natural stone pavers boost curb appeal. 

On top of reeking visual appeal and elegance, natural stone pavers are known to last remarkably long and withstand harsh and extreme outdoor conditions. Its durability is another strong selling point that may boost the property’s curb appeal and overall property. Prospective buyers would be enticed by aesthetics that are not just appealing but that can last remarkably long and endure extreme circumstances. 

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Boost Your Property’s Curb Appeal With STONEarch Natural Stone Pavers 

Considering all of these, curb appeal is one aspect of the property that owners and sellers cannot afford to miss out on. Hence, before putting a price and marketing the property for sale or rent, it is important to first exert efforts to boost the overall curb appeal. 

That being said, for those who are looking to revamp their outdoor space before making it available to the market, choose to boost your property’s curb appeal with natural stone pavers of STONEarch. Our premium collection of pavers will enable you to prioritize durability and appeal while leaving space for creativity. 

‍Contact us if you are looking into boosting your curb appeal before marketing your property.

Natural stone pavers are premium additions to the exterior landscape. They add life, vibrancy, and class to virtually any functional outdoor space. It is no wonder that residential and commercial projects are now garnering a growing preference for these materials. 

However, on top of being both aesthetic and durable, these natural stone pavers also impact the environment in a positive way. They are sustainable building options that every environmentalist would favor over others. Let’s take a deeper look into the environmental impact of these materials and their quarrying. 

Natural Stone Quarrying and Pavers 

When it comes to construction, architecture, and landscaping, specialists have a wide variety of materials to choose from. However, among the many options, there is typically one type of building material that is good for health and the earth. This is a natural stone. 

Natural stones, such as granite and travertine, take less water for processing, do not emit any VOCs, and are more durable compared to glass or concrete. On top of this, projects where these materials are used typically require minimal maintenance only.

With regards to how these materials are sourced, they are typically extracted from quarries, which come in two types. The first type of quarry is the open-pit one, which is also the most popular kind. The other types of quarries are situated beneath the ground. 

Unlike mines, quarries for natural stone are easier to reclaim. This is because the industry does not utilize chemicals as part of its extraction processes. Hence, soil remediation may not be necessary. 

Moreover, while there are several ways to concretely extract these stones, the process is generally delicate. With the advancement of technology, footprint reduction in recent years has also become possible. This has been done through pollution-preventive measures, resource conservation, and waste reduction. Not to mention, natural stone pavers, such as sandstone and limestone, 

Overall, this just demonstrates the genuinely natural source of natural stone pavers. Unlike concrete and other materials, natural stone pavers are not man-made. Due to this nature of theirs, they make sure not to compromise their surrounding environment. 

Natural Stone Pavers Are Sustainable Options 

That being said, for those who are trying to source sustainable options for their outdoor landscaping projects, natural stone pavers might just be the answer. Aside from their natural source and sustainable quarrying, these materials also offer several eco-friendly benefits that make them the best fit for sustainable design. Here are some reasons why. 

• Natural stone pavers are more durable than other materials. 
• Natural stone pavers can be recycled. 
• Natural stone pavers play a role in reducing the carbon footprint. 
• Natural stone pavers are extremely easy to maintain. 

Natural Stone Pavers Are More Durable Than Other Materials 

Natural stones, such as slate and basalt, have existed for hundreds of thousands of years. It is these very materials that are used for natural stone pavers. 

These pavers can be used for years and years. Because of their time-tested track record, they are undeniably durable and long-lasting materials. In fact, when they are added to functional outdoor spaces, such as an outdoor kitchen, they could remain functional and intact for as long as a whole century. 

Though they are especially suitable for high-traffic areas, they can also withstand minimal usage in low-traffic areas, such as pool decks or patios. Even if they are not used frequently, they can still stand strong. 

While durability may not seem related to sustainability, it is actually an important factor in order to maximize resources and minimize waste. With longer-lasting materials, there would be a reduced need to have frequent material replacements. This means that when materials last longer, the environment benefits more. 

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Natural Stone Pavers Can Be Recycled

Aside from being long-lasting, natural stone pavers can also be recycled in order to maximize their full lifespan and capacity. When recycled and repurposed, natural stone can be used in various applications. Limestone pavers, for one, could be recycled and applied to outdoor facades or even retaining walls. 

By recycling these materials, resources required for material production can be reduced. Energy, water, and other resources can all be conserved. On top of this, the recyclable nature of these sources remarkably reduces the harmful effects on the general ecosystem and on resource supplies.

Natural Stone Pavers Can Play a Role in Reducing the Carbon Footprint 

In terms of carbon footprint, natural stone pavers are known to have the lowest levels. This is due to their genuinely natural source. Because of this, such materials do not need to be processed in the same way as other materials. 

On top of this, natural stone pavers also harbor the best insulation properties. Their thermal mass is known to be remarkable. Stone pavers, such as those made of granite, release at night the heat they absorb during the day. Because of this, the need for using heaters or air conditioning could be reduced. As a result, electricity bills and even the carbon footprint could be combated. 

Natural Stone Pavers Are Extremely Easy to Maintain 

Compared to other types of materials, natural stone pavers require significantly less maintenance. Simply sweeping off dirt and dust may suffice. 

Moreover, due to their long-lasting nature, they do not get cracks frequently. However, in cases where cracks surface, repair and replacement is easier to facilitate, as the exact paver with cracks can easily be taken out and replaced. 

On top of this, these materials also have natural stain resistance. Because of this, they do not peel or crack as time passes. 

Choose Sustainable, Choose STONEarch. 

Instead of using other flooring materials, choose to use sustainable natural stone pavers for your outdoor landscaping project. Aside from boosting the value’s curb appeal and offering a fresh and aesthetic makeover, these natural stone pavers also do wonders for the environment. 

If you want to choose sustainable outdoor landscape design, choose STONEarch. Our variety of natural stone pavers will help you achieve sustainability, durability, and visual appeal.  

‍Contact us for your next outdoor landscaping project.

Letting the outdoor space undergo a makeover will never go out of style. It is no wonder that several households have their very own outdoor kitchens, living rooms, patios, grilling stations, and other intentional spaces. 

But for those who are planning to renovate their outdoor landscape or start the landscaping journey from the get-go, there are some things to keep in mind. If the process is impulsively started, the results could end up mediocre. 

For one, knowing the top trends in hardscaping and landscaping could be a good place to start. When it comes to this, intentional planning and the incorporation of premium materials should be prioritized. Cobblestones, curb stones, and natural stone pavers are some of the best outdoor landscaping and hardscaping materials out there that could suit virtually any outdoor landscape and trend. 

Now, what exactly are the trends in 2023 for hardscaping and landscaping? Here are some of them. 

• Clear outdoor spaces 
• Balancing minimalism with textures and patterns 
• Smart landscaping
• Adding water to the space 
• Utilizing reclaimed and recycled materials 
• Ambient and atmospheric lighting 
• Using natural materials 
• Vertical gardening 

Hardscaping and Landscaping Design Trends In 2023 

Clear Outdoor Spaces 

The clarity and the definition of outdoor spaces are foundational when it comes to landscaping. With more households gaining a preference for outdoor life, there is now a growing need to turn such spaces into areas that could be of use. 

The outdoor space can be carefully budgeted and transformed into a variety of things. A certain area can be dedicated to a paved outdoor kitchen, while other areas can be turned into an outdoor living room, patio, grilling station, or even a pool. 

Regardless of the type of outdoor space, premium materials such as natural stone pavers made of granite, limestone, or slate could do wonders for the area. 

Balancing Minimalism With Textures and Patterns

While minimalism has been a rising trend because of its clean simplicity, both textures and patterns are gradually entering hardscapes and landscapes once more. Though neutrals and plain tones still have a place in design, several are now opting for playful, vibrant, and bold details. 

In pulling this off, it is important to strategically plan out the balance of texture, volume, and tones. If too much life is added to the design, things could end up messy. In the end, it is important to find a balance between minimalism and vibrance, which is something that natural stone pavers, such as travertine, could work well with. 

Smart Landscaping

With the rapid advancement of technology, it is no surprise that smart technology is invading the world of landscaping and hardscaping as well. These technologies may include installing elaborate lighting, adding Bluetooth-operated irrigation systems, or placing smart sensors in the area. 

When it comes to smart landscaping, there are four things to keep in mind: connectivity, controllers, monitoring, and sensors. All of these work hand-in-hand to ensure that the smart technology installed optimally functions. 

Adding Water to the Space 

Including a small pond, fountain, or pool into the outdoor landscape is also a resurfacing landscaping and hardscaping trend for 2023. These small water additions could serve as a calming and peaceful attraction.

If the mere sight of water would be enough, maybe a small fish pond or fountain would suffice. But in order to gain an actual interaction or touch with the water, adding a beautiful pool could be a good option, should the budget allow it. 

Utilizing Reclaimed and Recycled Materials 

Sustainability is one important factor when it comes to landscape design, especially as more people become conscious of how human activity affects the environment as a whole. With this, it is no wonder that several homes are turning to reclaimed and recycled materials for aesthetic and functional additions to their outdoor landscape. 

When it comes to material repurposing, the options are virtually endless. Households could creatively use recycled plastic bottles as planters, or they could opt for natural stone pavers that are sourced from the earth’s very own sustainable resources. 

Ambient and Atmospheric Lighting 

The right mix of lighting could have a huge impact on the overall atmosphere and ambiance of an outdoor space. Regardless of whether lighting is to be functionally installed into the outdoor kitchen or added as a mood-setter to the pathway or outdoor living room, it will make a huge difference. These landscape additions are both extremely practical and decorative.

When it comes to landscape design, lit focal points could be added to bring life to the space. Aside from serving a functional purpose, it could draw one’s attention to something else in the area. 

Using Natural Materials 

As mentioned earlier, the utilization of recycled and reclaimed materials is a growing landscaping trend in 2023. The trend goes further, however, as natural materials also make their mark in landscaping. 

Natural materials, such as pavers of sandstone and basalt, are more preferred options. Aside from their remarkable durability and visual appeal, they also make the outdoor space appear more natural, real, and warm. What makes them even better is that their versatility enables them to be suitable for virtually any outdoor application. 

Vertical Gardening 

In the past few years, vertical gardening has become a rising trend. It remains a dominant trend this year. 

Vertical gardens suit outdoor landscapes with limited space. Because of their vertical growth, homeowners get to maximize the space and the yield that they can get from their plants. Aside from that, vertical gardens can also be used to differentiate spaces from each other or even add life to a plain wall. 

Make Your Dream Landscape a Reality With STONEarch

While knowing the trends is an important way to get started, all these landscaping plans will remain plans if no action is taken. If you are planning to elevate your outdoor space by landscaping or hardscaping it, know that STONEarch is here to be of help. We offer the most premium natural stone pavers on the market. 

If you are looking into making your dream landscape a reality, contact us. Serving you will be our pleasure. 

It is hard to deny that natural stone pavers offer a distinct beauty that automatically elevates a landscape. By simply adding these pavers, a residential or commercial outdoor space can be transformed right away. Given this, it is no wonder that several businesses and homes have opted to incorporate natural stone pavers into their landscaping designs. 

From limestone to sandstone, there are several types of natural stone pavers to choose from. Each of them exudes durability while providing distinct aesthetics of their own. 

But how exactly did natural stone pavers enter the picture? How did they become such vital landscaping materials in our modern-day world? Let’s take a deeper look into the history of natural stone pavers. 

How Natural Stone Pavers Entered Our World 

Natural stone pavers are mainly architectural elements used for design. The roots of this architecture go all the way back to the Mediterranean Revival style, as this style has features that are detailed with several pavers. 

How natural stone pavers were incorporated into historic Mediterranean culture can be traced back to the Roman Era. This is when imperial forces kept getting stuck in the mud as they marched onward. 

With this pressing problem, prehistoric engineers were able to discover a system for capstone masonry. Their system allowed them to turn these muddy paths into stone paths. Having these pathways paved made it easier for the soldiers to move forward. 

Though the Romans were able to develop a system to cut natural stone and use it as pavers, the idea was not exclusively theirs. In fact, archaeological findings have revealed that ancient Egyptians used slabs natural stone over 5,000 years ago for road pavements used for constructing their great pyramids. More specifically, the road was used as a pathway for linking the ancient basalt quarry with Lake Moeris. This was done in order to deliver the huge stones necessary for the pyramid construction. 

Lake Moeris Quarry Road has now been recognized as the world’s oldest surviving paved road. It was paved with slabs of sandstone and limestone, coupled with petrified wood logs.  

Why Are Natural Stone Pavers Important in Modern-Day Landscaping? 

Now, though natural stone pavers have roots that trace back thousands of years, their ability to stand the test of time just shows how important and lasting these building materials are. While pavers in the past may not have been as fancy as natural stone pavers today, they still had the same source: natural stone. This alone shows how durable and classic these landscaping materials are. 

Moving forward to a more modern landscaping sense, these materials play an extremely important role in modern-day landscaping. Here are some reasons why. 

• Natural stone pavers have stood the test of time. 
• Natural stone pavers give off a classic yet modern feel. 
• Natural stone pavers are flexible building materials. 
• Natural stone pavers require minimal maintenance. 
• Natural stone pavers are environmentally friendly. 

Natural Stone Pavers Have Stood the Test of Time 

Among all the types of pavers, natural stone pavers arguably have the earliest history. They have been used for thousands of years. Remarkably, thousands of years after their first use, these pavers still remain strong, relevant, and aesthetic. 

What makes them even more impressive is that the world’s oldest surviving paved road is made of natural stone. This fact alone shows how amazingly durable and long-lasting these materials are. 

Natural Stone Pavers Give Off a Classic Yet Modern Feel 

Natural stone pavers come in different types, including granite, basalt, limestone, slate, sandstone, and travertine. All of these have their own unique charm that could pull off classic yet modern aesthetics. 

Granite stone pavers, for instance, typically have patterns embedded within it. Despite how these patterns may look traditional and classic, they can actually exude very modern and casual appeal. Especially for landscaping designs that are carefully crafted to exude class and elegance, granite stone pavers can work wonders. 

Natural Stone Pavers Are Flexible and Versatile Building Materials 

The applications of natural stone pavers are extremely wide. They can be used for landscaping the driveway, outdoor living room, outdoor kitchen, patio, fire pits, grilling stations, and other outdoor spaces. 

The material’s remarkable flexibility and versatility are some of the reasons why it has become extremely popular in modern-day landscaping. They come in a vast variety of shapes, patterns, designs, and colors, leaving room for homeowners and professionals to explore different visual themes. 

Travertine stone pavers, for example, can be applied to pool edge surfaces, walkways, outdoor kitchens, or outdoor living rooms. They can even work near grilling stations. This remarkable flexibility gives room to explore and stretch your landscaping creativity. 

Natural Stone Pavers Require Minimal Maintenance 

When it comes to maintenance, natural stone pavers are the easiest ones to handle. Because of their natural stain-resistant capabilities, these materials do not easily peel, fade, or crack as time passes. If there is a need to clean these pavers, sweeping, soaping, or hosing them with water would be sufficient. 

Natural Stone Pavers Are Environmentally Friendly 

Of all the outdoor flooring materials out there, it is safe to say that natural stone pavers are the most natural materials. These materials were sourced out naturally, even way before technological advancements hit society. 

Not to mention, these materials are also fully recyclable. Granite or slate pavers, for instance, could be reused in other applications whenever homes or establishments want to make some changes. Their capacity to be fully recycled allows them to be maximized throughout their entire lifetime. 

Stand the Test of Time With STONEarch Natural Stone Pavers 

In both historical and modern senses, natural stone pavers play a vital role in landscaping and architecture. With these materials, homes and establishments are bound to stand the test of time. 

If you are looking for the best landscaping materials for beautifying your outdoor space, choose STONEarch natural stone pavers. Our pavers are made of the best natural stones in the world. Natural stones like ours have stood the test of time and will continue to stand this test. 

Contact us for your landscaping project. We will help you stand the test of time. 

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