Types of Patio Paving Stones: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Material for Your Outdoor Space
Picture this: You’re standing in a stone yard on a Saturday morning, staring at what feels like an endless sea of patio paving stones. Gray ones, tan ones, smooth ones, textured ones – and every salesperson has a different “best” recommendation.
After installing over 800 patios across the greater St. Louis area since 2009, we’ve had this exact conversation with homeowners countless times. The truth is, there’s no single “best” paving stone – but there’s definitely a perfect one for your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Natural Stone Pavers: Timeless Beauty with Character
Flagstone: The Rustic Favorite
In our 15+ years of installations, flagstone remains our most requested natural stone option. This sedimentary stone brings an organic, irregular beauty that seems to improve with age.
We typically source our flagstone from Oklahoma and Pennsylvania quarries. Oklahoma flagstone tends toward warm buffs and browns, while Pennsylvania offers cooler grays and blues. Both develop a beautiful patina over time.
From a practical standpoint, flagstone’s irregular shapes mean every installation is unique, but they also require skilled installation. We’ve found that properly installed flagstone using stones 1.5 to 2 inches thick will last decades with minimal maintenance.
Cost-wise, expect flagstone to run $12-18 per square foot installed. While pricier than manufactured options, clients consistently tell us years later that it was worth the investment.
Bluestone: The Modern Classic
When clients show us photos of sleek, contemporary outdoor spaces, bluestone is often the star. This dense, fine-grained sandstone offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and clean lines.
We’ve installed bluestone patios that are now over a decade old, and they still look remarkably fresh. Unlike some natural stones that fade or discolor, quality bluestone maintains its rich blue-gray color beautifully.
Bluestone runs $15-22 per square foot installed. For clients prioritizing longevity and timeless appeal, it’s often worth the investment.
Limestone: Warm and Welcoming
Indiana limestone has been a go-to material for clients who want natural stone character without the premium price of bluestone. Its warm, cream-colored tones complement traditional and transitional home styles beautifully.
Here’s what we’ve learned: limestone requires sealing every 2-3 years to maintain appearance and prevent staining. Clients who stay on top of this maintenance report excellent long-term satisfaction.
Limestone is one of the more budget-friendly natural stone options, typically running $10-15 per square foot installed.
Manufactured and Concrete Pavers: Versatility Meets Value
Interlocking Concrete Pavers: The Practical Choice
Roughly 60% of our patio installations use interlocking concrete pavers. Why? They offer an unbeatable combination of affordability, durability, and design flexibility.
Modern concrete pavers include realistic stone textures, rich color blends, and sophisticated patterns that can mimic high-end natural materials at a fraction of the cost.
One major advantage is reparability. When tree roots shift a section or settling causes issues, individual concrete pavers can be lifted, the base corrected, and the same pavers reinstalled.
Concrete pavers typically run $8-14 per square foot installed, making them accessible for most budgets.
Permeable Pavers: Smart Water Management
We’ve seen growing demand for permeable paver solutions, driven by environmental consciousness and practical drainage needs. These specialized pavers allow water to filter through rather than creating runoff.
Local municipalities increasingly encourage permeable surfaces for new construction. While initial cost runs about 20% higher than standard pavers ($10-16 per square foot), long-term benefits often justify the investment.
Specialty Options: Premium Choices
Travertine: Mediterranean Elegance
Some of our most stunning installations have featured travertine pavers. This limestone-based material brings sophisticated, resort-like appearance that complements both traditional and contemporary architecture.
However, travertine requires honest conversation about maintenance. In our climate, annual sealing is essential to prevent freeze-thaw damage. For clients who commit to proper maintenance, travertine delivers exceptional beauty at $16-24 per square foot installed.
Slate Pavers: Sophisticated and Slip-Resistant
We’ve completed several high-end projects using slate pavers, particularly around pool areas. Slate’s natural texture provides excellent slip resistance even when wet.
The unique character and practical benefits justify slate’s premium pricing of $15-22 per square foot installed.
Choosing the Right Paving Stone: Our Decision Framework
Budget Considerations
For a typical 400-square-foot patio:
- Budget-conscious: $3,200-$5,600 (standard concrete pavers)
- Mid-range: $4,800-$7,200 (premium concrete or basic natural stone)
- Premium: $6,400-$9,600+ (high-end natural stones)
Climate and Durability Factors
Our region’s freeze-thaw cycles are particularly hard on materials. Dense materials like granite and quality concrete pavers handle temperature swings best. The key is always proper drainage – standing water is the enemy of any patio material.
Maintenance Reality Check
Low-maintenance: Quality concrete pavers and granite require little beyond occasional cleaning.
Moderate maintenance: Limestone, sandstone, and bluestone benefit from sealing every 2-3 years.
Higher maintenance: Travertine and softer natural stones require annual attention but reward proper care with exceptional beauty.
According to the Natural Stone Institute, proper maintenance can extend the life of natural stone installations by decades when done correctly.
Installation Considerations
Base Preparation: The Foundation of Success
For most applications, we excavate 8-10 inches deep, install 4-6 inches of compacted gravel base, and add 1-2 inches of leveling sand. Natural stone installations often require concrete setting beds for stability.
Professional vs. DIY Installation
Natural stone installations almost always benefit from professional expertise. Complex patterns, steep slopes, and drainage integration typically exceed most homeowners’ skill levels.
The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute provides excellent resources for understanding proper installation techniques and standards.
Finding Your Perfect Solution
Choosing the right patio paving stone comes down to balancing aesthetic preferences, maintenance expectations, and budget realities. Whether you choose budget-friendly concrete pavers or premium natural stone, proper installation and maintenance ensure your outdoor space enhances your home for decades.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Allen Outdoor Solutions today for a free consultation and estimate. Let’s create an outdoor space you’ll love for years to come.
