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There are many beautiful stone products available in the local market. The design aesthetic is arguably the most important factor in choosing your stone, however, a number of other factors should be considered. Among these are, how the surface will be used, the colour, age, and architecture of your home, your project budget, and the level of maintenance that is acceptable.

Local limestone, such as Owen Sound or Credit Valley, either in dimensional or flag stone, is the most popular choice, but, by no means the only one. Granite, either native or imported, is very effective, used in cobbles for a more established old country look, or in flamed slabs for a more polished finish, perhaps for a French garden.

Porphyry is a natural stone we like very much for its unique warm reds, browns and greys. Porphyry is imported from Mexico, but is also available from Italy and Brazil in slightly different colouration. Porphyry has some very ancient and famous applications, including the floor of Solomon’s temple.

For more contemporary gardens, the concrete like appearance of Indiana Limestone is very effective, while New England Fieldstone and New York Bluestone provide a more rugged and colourful appearance suitable to country estates.

Many sandstones are also available. Sandstone is generally solid coloured and is a softer stone, less workable but highly satisfactory in many applications, at a slightly lower cost.

If cost is a priority, there are numerous very good quality engineered stone products. Many of these provide a very attractive finish, particularly in combination with natural stone. For driveway and other heavy wear applications, these unit pavers are better than natural stone.

Whatever combinations of stone products you choose, the application process will play a very large part in determining the attractiveness and durability of the finished hardscape. A highly skilled and experienced mason is worthy of his hire.

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