Know your stone

By Emma Peterson. 

Check out this guide outlining your stone options for your next hardscaping project! 

When homeowners think about landscaping, they tend to think about gardens and lawn care — called softscaping. They are often less familiar with the other side of the landscaping coin — hardscaping. This refers to creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space out of non-organic materials. Examples of this type of design include driveways, retaining walls and patios.  

Because many homeowners don’t know as much about hardscaping, it’s often up to contractors to help them learn how to incorporate these structures into their space in a seamless and effective manner. Below, we’ve put together some key information and resources you can share with homeowners to help them better understand the options available to them in hardscaping. 

Stone types 

The first thing that a homeowner will need to decide when they’ve chosen to tackle a hardscaping project is what stone do they want. There are a variety of factors they need to consider, from the performance of the stone in the climate they live in to the appearance in context of the existing home and outdoor space. Here are some common types of stone that you can introduce them to:  

• Granite: This is one of the hardest stones and is known for strength, durability and resilience. This makes it a great option for hardscaping projects that need to stand up to wear and tear, such as pathways, patios and retaining wall. It also comes in a variety of colors (like black, pink, gray and red) that can lend itself to a variety of aesthetics.  
• Marble: This stone is known for distinctive veining that comes from it being a metamorphic rock formed out of limestone. Traditionally tied to sophisticated and luxurious aesthetics, this stone is popular for ornate sculptures, fountains and other decorative elements.  
• Sandstone: Known for having a distinctive texture, this sedimentary rock is often used to add character and warmth to a building or landscape. It is also a very workable rock, meaning it is easy to make textured walkways, wall and decorations out of.  
• Slate: Often used on roofs or floors, this timeless stone features an elegant, fine-grained texture. In addition to offering a sleek, yet modern aesthetic, this stone is very durable, making it great for heavy-trafficked areas.  
• Basalt: Basalt is often used to create pathways, walls and decorative features. It is a volcanic rock that comes in a distinctive dark color that makes for beautiful contrast with softscaping elements like flowers.  
• Limestone: This is a sedimentary rock and is the type of stone that marine fossils are often found in. For hardscaping uses, it offers warm and earthy tones that are perfect for garden edging, stepping stones and any other decorative accents.  
• Tuff: This volcanic rock is known for being easy to carve, making it great for sculptures, artwork and inscriptions. This is a great option for homeowners looking to add some custom elements and flair to their space.  
• Schist: This is often used to add depth and texture to building walls, pathways and other stone structures. It is a metamorphic rock that comes split into thin, flat pieces that makes it very versatile. 
• Bricks: If a homeowner is looking for a classic and durable look, brick is a great option. Uniform and organized, brick is a great design choice for things like walls, pathways and outdoor fireplaces. 
• Bluestone: Named for its bluish/grayish appearance, bluestone is popular for creating unique paths, patios and seating areas. It is the perfect way to create a relaxed yet inviting landscape that balances modernity with rustic charm. 
• Sarsen stone: Looking for a focal point of a landscape? Sarsen stones, which are massive sandstone blocks, are a great way to add some historical drama to a space. 

Manufactured versus natural 

Beyond simply the stone chosen, there is often another choice to make, manufactured stone versus natural cut. There are benefits and downsides to both options and which one is better really depends on the specific needs and vision for your project. 

Natural stone is a great option for creating a durable and low-maintenance landscape. It will last forever and look beautiful for that lifespan. However, it can be more expensive up front (than manufactured stone) and has limited design options.  

On the other hand, manufactured stone is often lighter and offers more design flexibility than its natural counterpart. While it does require more care and can fade over time, you can get unique patterns and designs from it. Further, it is often more affordable up front, but it can be less environmentally friendly as natural stone.  

At the end of the day, there is no one right answer for what type or cut of stone should be used on a project. Project-related factors like design, strength, permanence, budget and aesthetics are all crucial considerations. If your client is not sure what they want, it’s a great idea to show them their options, either in-person or online at a place like Wirtz and Daughters Landscape Supply that carries a wide range of stone options.