Laying a New Patio? Here’s Why Limestone Could be a Great Option
From pinkish whites through blue-greys and out into deepest black, limestone brings a natural beauty to outdoor spaces
Limestone is durable and versatile, can be cut to any size or shape, and has an even colour that produces stunning results. Let it fade and develop a patina over time or apply an intensifier or enhancer to deepen the colour. Reseal every year for best results and always seek expert advice for the most effective way to clean and maintain your limestone patio.
More in this series: How Slate Can Create a Stunning Effect in Your Garden
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
More in this series: How Slate Can Create a Stunning Effect in Your Garden
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Start inside, then take it out
Make the most of limestone’s even tone and velvety finish by using it for the flooring of a kitchen-diner as well as a same-level patio.
In this property, the honed limestone inside gives way to a brushed version outside. The purity of the tone creates an almost-not-there feel in keeping with the open design of the extension.
Find stone, paving and concrete specialists in your area.
Make the most of limestone’s even tone and velvety finish by using it for the flooring of a kitchen-diner as well as a same-level patio.
In this property, the honed limestone inside gives way to a brushed version outside. The purity of the tone creates an almost-not-there feel in keeping with the open design of the extension.
Find stone, paving and concrete specialists in your area.
Round up a seating area
Combine London stock brick in circular form with limestone slabs to create a stunning focal point in a small garden.
This classic courtyard features raised beds behind curving dwarf brick walls and an intriguing garden gate that helps to set the stage for dramatic dining.
Stick to a single colour for the planting scheme so it reflects and draws attention to the pale beauty of the limestone and the pleasing circular scheme.
Discover how to bring curves into your garden.
Combine London stock brick in circular form with limestone slabs to create a stunning focal point in a small garden.
This classic courtyard features raised beds behind curving dwarf brick walls and an intriguing garden gate that helps to set the stage for dramatic dining.
Stick to a single colour for the planting scheme so it reflects and draws attention to the pale beauty of the limestone and the pleasing circular scheme.
Discover how to bring curves into your garden.
Pair with decking
Add textural interest by combining the classic appeal of sawn limestone with the warm earthiness of cedar decking. Use the change in material to mark out a relaxed seating area.
Here, whitewashed walls and planters provide the perfect backdrop for leafy acers finished with a white pebble dressing. Choose garden furniture that complements the hard landscaping materials for a serene and relaxing space.
Add textural interest by combining the classic appeal of sawn limestone with the warm earthiness of cedar decking. Use the change in material to mark out a relaxed seating area.
Here, whitewashed walls and planters provide the perfect backdrop for leafy acers finished with a white pebble dressing. Choose garden furniture that complements the hard landscaping materials for a serene and relaxing space.
Set off with colour
Blue-grey limestone has an appeal all of its own. Darker shades are more durable than lighter ones, but they can fade quickly without the application of a colour enhancer and regular sealing. The results, though, are well worth the extra effort.
Stop a limestone patio short of your boundary all round and it appears like a stage. Here, a red panel on the far wall contrasts with the grey stone, creating additional drama.
Blue-grey limestone has an appeal all of its own. Darker shades are more durable than lighter ones, but they can fade quickly without the application of a colour enhancer and regular sealing. The results, though, are well worth the extra effort.
Stop a limestone patio short of your boundary all round and it appears like a stage. Here, a red panel on the far wall contrasts with the grey stone, creating additional drama.
Reboot with stone strips
Swap pavers and slabs for strips of natural stone laid in a brick pattern and the results are quite different from what you’d expect of a traditional limestone patio.
Lay sections in alternating directions for a modern feel full of interest. Patterns like this are a good way to zone larger spaces – try using them to demarcate dining and lounging areas.
Swap pavers and slabs for strips of natural stone laid in a brick pattern and the results are quite different from what you’d expect of a traditional limestone patio.
Lay sections in alternating directions for a modern feel full of interest. Patterns like this are a good way to zone larger spaces – try using them to demarcate dining and lounging areas.
Cut in flowerbeds
Plan your patio with paver-free zones along the exterior of your home that you can use for planting. Earmark south-facing walls for best results.
Designating stone-free spaces like these will allow you to plant in beds rather than bringing in planters that can involve additional maintenance.
Add wall-hung trellis if you’d like to grow climbers such as rose, jasmine or clematis.
Tell us…
Have you used limestone for a garden project? Share your experiences and photos in the Comments section.
Plan your patio with paver-free zones along the exterior of your home that you can use for planting. Earmark south-facing walls for best results.
Designating stone-free spaces like these will allow you to plant in beds rather than bringing in planters that can involve additional maintenance.
Add wall-hung trellis if you’d like to grow climbers such as rose, jasmine or clematis.
Tell us…
Have you used limestone for a garden project? Share your experiences and photos in the Comments section.
This smart, contemporary garden has been designed over a few levels, which gives the modest space more interest.
The limestone surfaces prevent the layout from looking too busy, allowing a streamlined combination of steps, raised beds and walkways between lawns and planting.