Patio & Walkway Stone
Patios and walkways are often the first thing people see — and feel — when stepping into a landscape. They define how you move through the space, how rooms are created outdoors, and how the whole garden fits together.
Choosing the right material comes down to style, budget, durability, and how you want the space to feel underfoot. Some clients want a sleek, low-maintenance space for entertaining ~ others are drawn to a more natural, timeless vibe that weathers beautifully over time.
Common Stone Options We Use
1. Manufactured Concrete Pavers
Best For:
- Clean, modern patios or walkways
- Driveways or structural areas needing high durability
- Clients wanting lower up-front costs with a finished look
What They Are:
Precision-molded concrete pavers available in many styles — from ultra-modern to rustic. Color and texture are added during manufacturing, and newer lines have very convincing natural stone appearances.
Brands We Use:
Unilock, Bestway Stone, Permacon, Rinox, Techo-Bloc (select projects)
Pros:
- Consistent sizing = sharp lines, tidy joints
- Widely available in multiple shapes and finishes
- Easy to replace individual pieces if needed
- Good performance in freeze/thaw conditions when installed properly
Cons:
- Can fade slightly over time (especially in full sun)
- Seams are more visible than with natural stone
- Can look “modular” if not softened with planting or layout variations
Maintenance Tips:
- Polymeric sand in joints can last 3–5 years before needing touch-ups
- Optional sealing can enhance color and protect surface
- Power wash gently (not too aggressively!) once a season or so
Cost Range:
$5–$10 per sq ft (materials only)
Installation adds to total cost depending on layout complexity
2. Natural Stone
Best For:
- Clients who love earthy, timeless materials
- Properties with an established or traditional landscape style
- Garden paths, cottage patios, shaded woodland zones
Types We Use:
- Square-Cut Flagstone (limestone or sandstone): Clean and architectural
- Irregular Flagstone: Organic and rustic
- Outcropping Stone: Larger pieces used for steps, landings, or accents
Supplier:
Banas Stone (Ontario-based)
Pros:
- Naturally beautiful — each piece is unique
- Ages gracefully, especially when softened with moss or planting
- Holds its value and charm over time
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than concrete pavers
- Can shift more easily unless installed with a stable base
- Requires more skill to install — especially irregular flagstone
Installation Methods:
Dry Lay:
- Stone sits on compacted gravel with sand or polymeric joints
- Great for casual garden paths, patios, or spaces with drainage needs
- Joints may need topping up every few years
Wet Lay (Mortared):
- Stone is set in mortar on a concrete slab with cement-based joints
- Very durable — great for front entrances or high-traffic areas
- Higher install cost due to materials and labor
Cost Range:
- Square-Cut: $10–$12/sq ft (materials only)
- Irregular: Pricing varies with thickness and availability
🧭 How to Choose: A Few Helpful Questions
- How will you use the space?
Casual foot traffic? Formal entertaining? Driveway or entryway? - Do you prefer clean lines or a more natural flow?
Manufactured pavers = sharp lines. Flagstone = softer curves and variation. - Do you want something that stays crisp or weathers over time?
Natural stone ages beautifully. Pavers tend to hold their look longer with less change. - Is it shady or sunny?
Some smooth pavers can get slippery when wet. We help you choose textures that suit your site. - Do you want to match your home’s style or contrast it?
We can tie the stone into the architecture or use it to create contrast and visual interest.
🎨 Design Ideas & Combinations
Modern Look:
- Large format pavers in greys or warm neutrals
- Aligned grids, minimal joint lines
- Edged with steel or clean aluminum, paired with minimal planting
Naturalized Look:
- Irregular flagstone paths that meander
- Stone softened with creeping thyme, ferns, or moss
- Works well in cottage-style or wooded areas
Blended Approach:
- Mix pavers with natural stone borders
- Stepping stones through gravel or lawn
- Stone patios with naturalistic planting surrounding the edges
🛠 Installation & Timing Notes
- We handle full excavation, base prep, and install — all with proper slope and compaction
- Most small to medium walkways and patios take 2–4 days depending on size and complexity
- Spring and fall are ideal times to install stonework due to cooler temps and stable ground
💬 Final Thoughts
Patios and walkways are more than just paths — they’re gathering places, quiet zones, and transitions that shape how you live outdoors. We’ll help you pick the right material, design something that suits your home, and build it to last.