When it comes to building a patio, you have a variety of options available in terms of material, size, and quality. Limestone is one of the most common choices that offers exciting ideas and possibilities. But handling and sourcing limestone is a bit different than the other materials. This means that before installing a limestone patio, you will need to plan the process and consider some important factors for the process to go smoothly, which includes choosing the right limestone and finding a good patio builder. Let’s take a closer look at what the process entails and how you can prepare yourself.
Plan & Design Your Limestone Patio
You might think that installing a limestone patio is going to be an easy task and can be done yourself. It should not be a problem as long as you have multiple helping hands and the right tools and equipment to place the stones properly in place. Limestone happens to be one of the hardest stones out there, and cutting it into shape requires a lot of skills and expertise.
Moreover, limestone is not light either. It requires multiple people to lift and shift to the designated area, which consumes a lot of energy. This is why you need to understand the fact that planning and designing should go first when building a limestone patio.
You might have several ideas in your head, but they might not be practical considering the dimensions and theme of your house. As a result, it will be a wise decision to properly analyze the area and list down your needs and preferences.
Then, share your design or idea with an expert to receive feedback. This will help you cover any flaws that you did not realize could ruin the project.
Choose The Right Limestone
Back in the day, patio options were limited. You had to go with whatever was available, whether you liked it or not. But today the options are limitless, especially since limestone comes in different finishes and styles.
The two most common types of limestone tend to be tumbled and honed limestone. Tumbled limestone offers an antique look with softer edges and a slip-resistant surface. This option is perfect for those who wish to surround their patio with greenery and expect it to blend in with nature as well.
On the other hand, honed limestone offers a smooth and matte finish, which is more suited to modern and contemporary looks. As a general rule of thumb, a non-slip surface is the best option for outdoors, as it reduces the chances of slips, especially if you have elderly people living in the house as well.
Limestone is also a good choice as a walling stone. However, you should get help from a retaining wall builder Long Island to choose limestone or any other material for your retaining wall.
Prepare The Ground
This is going to be the most important part of the process as it serves as the foundation of the patio. Keep in mind that stones need to be placed properly for the patio to be even. If the surface happens to be uneven, you will need to pull out the stones and work on the foundation again.
The first thing you are going to do is mark the area using chalk or a rope. Then, excavate the area depending on the type of soil and the height of the patio. Add a 3 to 4 inches gravel or crushed stone layer to make a strong base.
Next, add a layer of sand and make sure the ground is even and flat before the stones are laid. Sand also helps absorb water and prevents moisture from weakening the foundation.
Install Limestone Pavers
Now comes the fun and heavy part. If you are doing it on your own, you will need to ask your friends or family members for a helping hand. Lay down the stones carefully in place and use a tool to ensure they properly sit in place. Keep checking the level of the stones to make sure they are not uneven.
If a stone fails to sit properly in place, you will need to cut or shape it. You cannot play around with the stones, as you may end up cutting more than required. So, it is better to measure the part and cut accordingly.
Finally, fill the joints with fine sand or a sealant. Then again, the process may look easy, but it can quickly become overwhelming if it’s your first time doing so. We will suggest hiring an expert for patio installation as it will guarantee quality and a longer lifespan as well.
What Factors To Consider When Choosing Limestone?
Choosing the perfect type of limestone can be a bit tricky. Here is what you need to consider to make sure you spend your money the right way.
Color
Limestone comes in a variety of colors, ranging from white to dark grey. You can also choose a combination of colors, but the patio should not offset the existing theme of the house. The patio should appear as a part of the house and not a separate area.
As a result, you can consider different color combinations and pick the one that complements the property throughout.
Texture
Limestone comes in different textures as well, with the most common being smooth. But it can be a bit risky for those with mobility issues, as they can lose their grip and fall. You should opt for a non-resistant texture that allows the elderly and kids to walk and run without risking injuries.
This depends on the purpose of the patio. If you plan on improving the visual appeal of the house, you can opt for a smooth finish. But, if you plan on having friends and family members around over the weekend, you should go for a texture that offers some grip.
Porosity
Porosity is a major factor to consider if you are conscious about the appearance of the stones. Limestone is a porous stone, and stones with lighter shades tend to be more porous than darker ones as they are less dense.
Although these qualities do not impact the durability, they change the color and appearance of the stones when they are wet. Plus, limestone pavers are also prone to staining, which means you will need to keep an eye on them and regularly maintain them to keep them looking new.
Choose The Right Expert
If you plan on hiring someone to design and build your limestone patio, make sure to consider skills, experience, license, and certifications. Instead of being tempted to save some money and choosing an amateur who will most probably mess up the task, you should pay more for quality work.
The reason is that your limestone patio is not an expense rather an investment. If in the future, you plan on selling the house, you will be able to negotiate for a better price.
Conclusion
Building a limestone patio is not that difficult if you were to take your time and plan things through. You should go through all the options available and consult a patio contractor Long Island to pick the limestone and install it properly. Once the patio is in place, all you need to do is maintain it to keep it looking as good as brand new for years to come.
