How to Properly Maintain Your Natural Stone Pavers

Whether you're creating a patio, adding stones to your backyard, or considering reworking the exterior of your new pool, natural stones make for a beautiful addition to your home.

According to this market research report by Allied Market Research, the global natural stone market is projected to reach over $50 million by 2030. Natural stones, including quartzite, limestone, slate, sandstone, granite, and marble, are mountain-acquired minerals that are timeless, sturdy and perfect for paving, countertops, fireplaces, tables, and dozens of other applications.

This blog will explore how to maintain natural stone pavers, the importance of cleaning them, and the process of keeping them glistening!

What Are The Benefits of Natural Stone Pavers?

Why is natural stone a great option for your next home project? From Sandstone to Bluestone, they’re more than a surface that’s pleasing to the eye.

They look beautiful: Formed over thousands of years, natural stone pavers are earthy in appearance, and no two natural stones look the same. For example, Crazy Pavers have irregular shapes, and Sandstone, Bluestone, and Travertine all come with their own distinctive colours and patterns.

They are durable: Unlike wood or laminate, stone pavers have high scratch resistance and resilience. This is one of the reasons why natural stones like Granite and Bluestone are such a popular choice for outdoor areas. Marble, travertine, and limestone floors are an equally great option for indoor areas!

They maintain temperature: Natural stones keep cool during summer. For example, Marble, with its light colours, makes spaces appear cooler and brighter, and stones hold heat, which is excellent for winter. 

They add value to your property: If you’re planning to sell up in future, natural stones aren’t susceptible to termites or moisture. Fewer repairs are needed for stone flooring, so you’re always getting an authentic stone appearance that adds home value for the long term!

They can be cleaned easily: Natural stones can be mopped with plain water to make them shiny and new. As for stains, some may need chemical treatments, but this can be done DIY from home with warm, soapy water.They’re stain and moisture-resistant: Unlike wood, the porosity of natural stone is locked in by sealing the surface, making the stone impermeable to moisture and stains. Often, pool or landscape paving can be done with Marble, Limestone, Travertine, or Slatestone.

Maintaining Natural Stone Pavers

Maintenance is almost, if not equally, as important as your initial selection. So, what are the best ways to keep your stone paving shiny throughout all seasons?

1. Replace stained or broken pavers

Do you have chips missing from your pavers? Removing and replacing pavers without disturbing the other ones around it is easy. 

Start by locating the patio stone that needs moving and remove the sand around it. Use two-head screwdrivers to gently lift the paver out. Rock the paver back and forth to edge it out slowly so there's no further damage.

2. Address joints or cracks

Sealing pavers is mandatory, and this is done before the installation process. Since pavers are installed outside, they are exposed to the elements 24/7 (just like sealing paint on your car), and the paver sealer keeps them protected.

Check and fill joint sand as needed, apply a suitable sealant for small cracks, and for large cracks, replace individual pavers if needed. Sealants help pavers to deter weed growth, prevent stains, and improve the stone's natural colours. If you're unsure of what to do with your broken pavers speak to a professional that knows the process.

3. Use natural cleaners

Combining vinegar and water is a natural cleaning solution for stone pavers. Ratio one part vinegar to 10 parts water for routine cleaning tasks. Use the solution to scrub away moss or mildew, and apply it with a soft-bristled brush or broom to avoid scratching the surface.

Don't use vinegar when undiluted since the acidity can damage the stone over time; always apply natural cleaners under direct sunlight to prevent discolouration and uneven drying.

4. Seasonal maintenance

Temperature fluctuations during the changing seasons can affect the look of natural stone pavers. In winter, use calcium-chloride-based products instead of rock salt to de-ice without doing damage.

In summer and spring, regularly clean off organic material to prevent staining and growth. During autumn, clear leaves to prevent moisture retention and freeze-thaw damage.

5. Stain removal techniques

If you're dealing with oils or other stubborn stains, blot spills immediately with a clean cloth to prevent them from setting in, and use a poultice specifically designed for stone to draw out these stains.

Don't scrub spills aggressively, as you can push the stain deeper or damage the paver surface, and don't use generic cleaners that can lead to surface pitting.

6. Repair and restoration

When it comes to cracks, chips, and discolouration, it's important to know how to repair and restore your pavers. Look for widened or jagged cracks and missing small fragments, and note any odd colour changes, such as yellowing. 

For structural damage, fixes (such as intricate masonry) or comprehensive restoration (reviving larger areas), speak to an expert to revive your paver's value.

7. Avoid damage during cleaning

When using a pressure washer to clean your natural stone pavers, keep it on a lower setting to prevent paver dislodgement or surface etching. 

Don't aim the pressure washer too close to the paving on a high-pressure setting, and don't use a pressure washer frequently. Repeated use can wear down the joint sand and stone surface over time.

8. Manage foot traffic

To prevent uneven wear over time, make use of durable patterns for areas with high foot traffic. Regular inspections can detect shifting (for example, you frequently park heavy vehicles in your driveway) or sinking pavers early. 

For pathways and high-traffic areas, consider using basketweave or herringbone patterns for stability. Simple patterns are acceptable for lower-traffic areas but still monitor signs of wear.

Enhancing the Appearance of Stone Paving

How can you improve the natural stone paver's aesthetic appeal? 

1. Consider balance, symmetry, and designs that are pleasing to the eye.
2. With colour coordination, select stones that match the colour scheme of your home or surrounding landscape. It's great to have harmony in colour.
3. Experiment with different layering patterns and pattern variety to suit your space.

As for landscaping features for natural stone paving, you can interplay grasses, shrubs, and plants to soften the hard lines of stonework, which stops erosion and helps the draining process.

We make use of functional planting. For example, low-growing ground cover fills gaps between stones while adding colour and texture. You can also place lighting in a way that gives your spaces a relaxing ambience and an inviting outdoor space.

Safety and Prevention

1. Address slipping hazards. Keep your stone pavers free of moss and leaves to reduce slip hazards. Sweep pavers often and use a moss killer if needed. For example, a mild bleach solution can be effective but should be used carefully to prevent discolouration.
2. Remove falling leaves quickly to remove slippery conditions and potential stains on the pavers.
3. Protect your pavers with a sealant that is made to combat discolouration due to UV rays and acid rain. Never use muriatic acid or other harsh chemicals for cleaning.
4. Ensure proper slope planning (the area needs a slight slope for water run-off), avoiding puddle formation that stops moss growth.
5. Drainage system solutions channel away water from the paver surfaces, maintaining integrity and safety when you walk on them.

Have you been looking for natural stone pavers for sale? The Paver Shop offers pavers for Thomastown, Taylors Lakes, Bundoora, and Northcote homes across Melbourne.

Natural Stone Pavers Suppliers for Melbourne Properties

Are you looking for Porcelain, Travertine, Limestone, Cobblestones, Granite, or Sandstone pavers? We are your one-stop shop for all your paving needs. 

From Sealers to Cements, Grates, Adhesives, and Maxisil Silicones, your outdoor pool, patio, or pergola will look beautiful day and night. Opening in 2019, Paver Shop is owned and operated by a trade professional with 20 years experience in the landscaping and paving industry. Contact us today for Supply and Install support and request a Quote!