Limestone is a natural sedimentary rock that is formed through the accumulation of materials that have been fossilized. It is organic with its main components, including such materials as sand, coral, shell and algae. Limestone has proven its mettle as a building material for centuries and millennia with a durability that cannot be disputed. Many well-known monuments from ages past, like the famous Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, were constructed using limestone and are still standing today as a testament to how sturdy this material is.
With the numerous possibilities in the building material to be made using limestone, one of the most popular choices today is pavers. Limestone pavers have become a classic choice, offering the best of both worlds; a traditional material that still has a very modern feel once installed. When selecting limestone pavers, you must remember that there are several options to be considered. The material is not as one dimensional and generic as most people assume it to be. Options to do with limestone pavers to take note of include:
Colour
Limestone pavers come in a wider variety of colours than most think. Other than the more conventional off-white, sandy tinged range, pavers also come in yellows, whites, greys, and even blues. The selection is enough to satisfy most tastes and adhere to desired colour schemes and decor themes.
Size
Limestone pavers are commonly cut in square or rectangular shapes of differing sizes. Take into consideration the size of the space that is to be paved as well as the design that will suit you best. You can even mix up the sizes of pavers to be laid to create a unique design. Other than the square-cut or rectangular pavers, you may also be able to request a cut of a different shape to suit the space in question. Limestone pavers are also relatively malleable, making it easy to fit them into tight spaces or unique situations.
Finish
Pavers do have different finishes. The one you choose depends on what you feel is best in the area you are working in. These finishes include honed, polished, tumble acid washed, and sandblasted and brushed. Each gives a singular overall effect. Honed and polished stones have a smooth finish that is more suited to the home’s interior while brushed and sandblasted stones provide a rougher finish ideal for outdoor areas that tend to get wet like swimming pool borders or pond and fountain barriers.
Sealing
Limestone pavers can be sealed using special compounds that make the stone’s surface a little smoother. The question of whether to seal your pavers or not arises when choosing whether you would prefer to leave your pavers exposed to the elements or not. The main advantage of sealing is that you can stave off drastic wear on the stone that occurs due to exposure to the elements. While unsealed stones will last a long time, regardless, sealed stones will retain their ‘new and original’ look much longer.
Limestone lends itself very well to versatility and endurance. When it comes to pavers, choosing limestone will not be as restrictive as many are afraid it would be. You would not lack for choice as you lay out all your options and try to find the one that best fits your desired aesthetic.
