Natural stone is the foundation of many landscape projects. Whether it’s a pathway, wall, or paving, natural stone forms the structure, guides the eyes, and makes a lasting statement. Considering its importance, understanding natural stone care and natural stone maintenance is crucial.
There’s a common misconception that natural stone is difficult to maintain. And actually, the reality is quite the opposite! By taking some simple precautions, it’s easy to keep your natural stone looking clean and tidy.
As a trusted natural stone supplier in the UK, let’s discuss how to incorporate beautiful stone flagstones in your next landscaping project and keep them in prime condition.
Why Choose Natural Stone for your Landscaping Project
First things first, why opt for natural stone in your landscaping or home projects?
Opting for natural stone in your landscaping or home projects is an excellent choice. Natural stone is durable, environmentally friendly, and full of natural beauty and character. It tells a story with its unique minerals formed millions of years ago. As no two pieces are alike, incorporating stone elements adds a touch of uniqueness and elegance to any interior or exterior project.
They’re also highly customisable design pieces! Natural stone can blend seamlessly into any aesthetic or style through a wide variety of stone types, textures, and finishes to choose from. From exterior limestone, sandstone and yorkstone to bespoke pieces like benches or cast finial balls, there are truly endless ways to incorporate stone. It’s just about knowing how to pick the right stone for your project!
Natural stone flagstones are also durable and known for their longevity and reliability. With just a bit of knowledge and preparation on how to maintain your stone, they can last a lifetime (and much longer)!
Proper Natural Stone Care, Maintenance, & Installation
Even though natural stone is strong, maintenance is essential. Special care is needed during selection and installation to ensure longevity. Below are tips from our natural stone specialists here in the UK.
H3: Risk Factors & Proper Installation
Right from the beginning of your project, it is important that your stone area is properly installed without any shortcuts being taken.
Fissures, cracks, stains, lifted jointing, weeds, and weather and water damage are some of the most common complications that we see. And they usually don’t happen right away, they’ll happen years down the line, which can be a major disappointment.
There are many factors to consider when installing your stone, such as ensuring proper bedding, drainage, and compaction. We generally recommend avoiding the installation of flagstones yourself and instead advise working with an experienced professional. Please contact us for a full description on how to effectively and correctly lay stone on your next project.
H3: Sealing Your Natural Stone
Another important point to consider when installing stone, and one of the most common questions we get, is regarding sealing – should you do it or not?
Some stones absolutely require it, but others do not, although it does always offer a level of protection from the elements, spills, stains, and scratches. This usually comes down to the level of porosity and density with that particular stone along with the colour. The finish as well as the setting help determine the level of maintenance required.
There’s really no one-size-fits-all solution to natural stone – every project is a little different!
That’s why it’s recommended to work with qualified natural stone specialists and experienced landscapers, who can walk you through all the necessary preparations. Experienced professionals can help you with everything from choosing the best stone types to advising you on sealing to ensuring the installation process is issue-free.
Easy Tips for Routine Stone Care Maintenance
After your stones are installed, it’s time to enjoy them! While some stones require more maintenance than others, it’s generally easy to keep them clean and well-maintained at home.
Here’s a few easy tips for routine home care of your natural stone:
Immediately take care of spills, especially in your outdoor dining or grilling areas – soaked-in stains are very difficult to remove!
Avoid using wire brushes for cleaning, as they can cause scratching. Opt for a cloth, gentle sponge, or non-wire brush instead.
Ensure you are using the right cleaning solutions and residue removers for your specific stone type.
Routinely check for scratches or cracks and contact a professional if you find anything. Trying to solve these issues yourself can cause further troubles and catching them early is key!
With these simple stone maintenance tips, your natural stone will stay in good condition for the long-run!
Start Your Dream Landscaping Project with UK Natural Stone Specialists
Have you decided that natural stone is right for your project? Holley Hextall Stone can help! As trusted specialists in the UK stone industry with over 50 years of experience, we offer high-quality bespoke stone, customised to fit your landscaping or home project needs. Our range includes exterior stones, porcelain, setts, bespoke pieces, and more, with delivery available throughout the UK and internationally.
Natural stone is our passion, and we would love to help you bring your next project to life. Our stone specialists are always available via phone, email, or live chat to answer any questions you may have on choosing and maintaining natural stone.
