Knowing the mistakes to avoid when installing natural stone is necessary. You can never go wrong when using STONEarch natural stone pavers on your property. They are not only gorgeous and elegant but durable as well.

Nonetheless, if you want your natural stone flooring lasts, you need to install and maintain it properly. Thereby, knowing the most common natural stone mistakes to avoid will ensure your floors keep its beauty and luxurious look for many years.

Not Purchasing Your STONEarch Natural Stone Pavers In Batches

You’ll just give yourself a headache from the get-go if you don’t purchase your natural stone pavers in full batches, enough to cover the entire landscape project.

The uniqueness and beauty of these stones lie on its organic variations in colour and vein patterns. So when you buy from different batches, your home may end up with floors that look mismatched. This, in turn, can take away a bit of the stone’s appeal.

Natural stones like granite, limestone, slate, and travertine have subtle variations that may look out of place after installation if they don’t come from the same batch.

Moreover, it’s a good idea to purchase a little extra to account for cuts and breakage. Usually, there is a 5-10% extra material requirement for cuts along the border of the project. Plus, there’s also a chance of some breakage on-site due to poor handling by contractors and crew.

Choosing To Work With The Cheapest Installer You Can Get

Don’t get us wrong here. You can still find an excellent installer at a competitive price. But always keep in mind the saying that you get what you pay for.

When considering a paver installer, make sure to ask for pictures of their previous works. You also get addresses and drive around to check them out for yourself. Furthermore, set expectations upfront in terms of the level of quality you would like for your project, and avoid negotiating too much.

Installing natural stone floors correctly needs more labor and proper skills. So if you want high-quality work, expect to pay higher installation fees. Also, you may see yourself dealing with costly problems and repairs in the future if you chose not to hire a professional to do the installation for you. Hiring an expert down the road to repair, refinish, and polish your natural stone flooring can hurt your budget.

Not Selecting The Right Finish

Aside from choosing the type of STONEarch natural stone you want, you also need to choose the right finish and colour carefully.

Homeowners often opt for a honed finish only to see themselves spending extra to have them polished later on. Meanwhile, others choose those with a glossy, polished finish initially and then have it honed because they don’t have the time to keep up with its cleaning requirements.

The most common finishes for landscape stone are natural, flamed, sandblasted, and shot-blasted. These allow for sufficient traction in rain and snow and are still gentle enough for pool decks and patios.

So make sure to consider your needs and lifestyle when selecting the right finish from the start to spare you the trouble later on.

Poor Sealing

As mentioned, these stones are porous. Thereby, you need to properly seal your STONEarch natural stone pavers to help preserve their aesthetic.

Some stones are more porous than other types, which means they often need sealing to protect from discolouration and stains. There are also instances when the poor application of sealant changes the colour or finish of the flooring. Sometimes it can even create weak spots where staining agents and moisture can seep through.

On the other hand, some natural stones are recommended to be sealed to protect them from staining. Likewise, this will ensure that your project maintains the same look for many years to come. However, make sure you use a sealer specifically designed for natural stone. Also, take time to wash your natural stone pavers and clean with a mild brush to remove any debris or excess grout.

Final Words

These are the top 4 common mistakes to avoid when installing natural stone. Knowing how to avoid them is crucial for the long term success of your landscaping projects. If you have any questions about how to install your STONEarch natural stone pavers, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re more than willing to answer any questions you may have.