So you’re thinking about a patio? You know how it will be used, you have decided on a size and layout. But what about the material? When it comes to hardscaping, there are 2 primary options: natural stone or manufactured pavers. Each has its own set of unique qualities. Stone brings a timeless sense of natural beauty, while pavers add a sense of precision and elegance. There are even situations where the 2 are combined for an incredible contrast.

Natural stone is typically installed as “flagstone.” This is the term given to any natural stone that is flat and used as a patio or walkway. These pieces of stone can be cut with a saw, or naturally hewn out of the ground. They vary in size from less than 1 square foot to pieces so large you need a heavy duty machine to place them. And just like all other natural rock, flagstone comes in a wide variety of colors. Flagstone usually works best when the customer is looking for a more natural, organic appearance for their patio, or when their patio is in the woods and needs a more rustic look to sit with the surrounding landscape.

Manufactured pavers offer a very unique sense of precision and perfection while still providing many of the advantages of stone. Since they are produced in a factory, all paves are uniform in size and thickness. While they can be created to mimic the look of natural stone, they still have a sort of symmetry to them. In terms of color or style, there is no end to the combinations. And for customers that like the idea of the huge pieces of natural stone but want the precision of pavers: we have you covered. Several manufacturers are producing gigantic paves that cover more than 6 square feet per unit.