Stone Decks Vancouver

Vancouver Stone Decks

Other than wood, stone is one of the most popular deck materials used. Natural stone such as slate, quartzite, bluestone, travertine and limestone can be used for the flooring of patios and sometimes for decks.

Natural stone will last longer and hold its color better than any of the other material. And stone flooring is a good option if your patio has bends, curves or an unusual shape since stone can be cut to fit around curves and mortar can be used to fill in gaps. Although most homeowners are attracted to the look and durability of stone, it does have some disadvantages. 

Natural stone earns its reputation for being a premium outdoor material. Options such as bluestone, flagstone, and granite all produce a timeless look that concrete and manmade pavers can’t match.

Pros of natural stone

The biggest upside to natural stone is its look that many people enjoy. Many pavers try to capture its elegance, and some come close. But nothing rivals the real thing. Those who invest in natural stone not only get its wow factor, but also its natural durability.

Cons of natural stone

Natural stone costs more than any patio material, making it cost-prohibitive for some budgets. There’s also maintenance to factor in. The mortar used between natural stone pavers usually cracks after about 5–10 years, which requires repointing to repair.

Some natural stones worth exploring:

Limestone

Highly popular, thanks to its smooth grain and paler tones, limestone is a firm favorite with top garden designers. With limestone, our experience indicates that once or twice a year pressure washing is needed to keep the stone looking at its best. This usually ends up being done at the beginning of spring and at the end of summer/beginning of fall.

Pros of limestone paving:

• Hardwearing
• Smooth, undulating surface
• Uniform tones and grain ideal for contemporary feel
• Pale tones reflect light into dark areas
• Surface has a natural lustre
• Relatively easy to cut

Cons of limestone paving:

• Can require sealing to preserve color
• May need anti algae treatment in shady areas
• Protect and clean with a neutral or mild alkaline-based cleaner
• Easy to stain unless sealed

Sandstone

The showman of the stone paving world, sandstone comes in a huge range of colors, with sweeping marks and whispy lines. From neutral cream and grey to rainbow gold, red and deep brown shades there are plenty of options to suit your backyard's color scheme. There’s also a fair choice of different finishes too, including riven or split sandstone where it is prised straight from the quarried block leaving an undulating textured surface. 

Pros of sandstone paving:

• Rich, warm tones with individual markings and grain
• Wide range of colors
• Smooth, undulating surface
• Affordable option
• Relatively easy to cut

Cons of sandstone paving:

• Can require sealing to preserve color
• May need anti algae treatment in shady areas
• Soft surface compared to other stones so can scratch and mark

If you have any other stone material in mind that's not covered here, don't hesitate to contact us and discuss your needs. Call us today at (778) 601-5020 for your free consultation!