Tumbled Limestone pavers for patio and around a swimming pool in the Northeast

by Sheri
(northeast)

Hi Susan - can you give me your thoughts on using tumbled limestone pavers around a swimming pool vs. pavers? My area is about 1,300 sq ft and will include 2 stairs coming out of the back door. I think the limestone product is much prettier than pavers but my concerns are: how it will hold up in our northeast winters (will it freeze and crack? will the tiles lift?), the slipperiness of the product especially around the pool with running kids, and staining. The color I'm looking at is an almond (beige/light taupe). thank you!


ANSWER
Hi Sheri,

I am somewhat familiar with limestone but not limestone pavers. Are these pieces of limestone cut into some of the more typical paver sizes? Is it just limestone? Does the place you are considering buying these from have a website that I could take a look at? Sometimes terminology can be confusing!

Without this information I can only give you my opinion on limestone.

Limestone is a sedimentary stone which means that it is softer than some other stones. I have seen it used as treads on steps in the northeast, but that's all. I would imagine it would not hold up as well and I would not use it for that reason.

There are so many other harder and beautiful stones you could use.

I understand why you may not like pavers. So here are two recommendations.

1. Travertine Pavers - these are absolutely gorgeous, cool on the feet, and hold up very well. It comes in many colors.
2. Bluestone Pavers - while still being pavers, I'll bet you could not tell the difference. They look just like bluestone while also being cooler on the feet.

Let me know if I am not understanding the term limestone pavers or if I can be of further help.

Susan

Comments for Tumbled Limestone pavers for patio and around a swimming pool in the Northeast

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Mar 06, 2013
More About Travertine Pavers
by: Susan

Continuing the conversation.....

Have you asked them about the longevity and maintenance of the limestone? If so, what did they say? That's a large area and you are right to ask these kind of questions. Again, personally, I am not comfortable with it only because I know what kind of stone it is. There is another sedimentary stone that people were using and it did have flaking problems.

I love the travertine. I used it on two clients' pool projects and it was breathtaking. Have you gotten any prices? Pavers should cost you $15/square foot installed or less. Travertine pavers should run about $18, possibly a bit more. Limestone?

Travertine is known to resist freeze thaw conditions. And if you read more about it, you will see that it is not slippery. I walked on it on those projects I mentioned and it was not slippery. That is one of the advantages of using it in a pool area. In my opinion, it is one of the best pool paving materials...not to mention how good looking it is.

1300 sf is a very nice size paving job. He should be able to do the travertine paving for $18/sf in my opinion...and maybe you can get it for less, or have the supplier come down on price. That is, if you do decide on the travertine.

FROM SHERI
Thank you so much for your advice. I may go with the travertine as you suggest. The contractor isn't doing anything with the landscaping. I would like to contact you after the hardscape is done to retain you re: planting plans if that's ok?
thanks again

SUSAN REPLIES
I think you will be very happy with the travertine. Be sure to get samples of the stone to make sure you are getting first quality. First quality has fewer holes in it, as travertine can be "holey". That's the nature of the stone, but it is one of my favorites. You will also probably have questions about sealing it. It's totally optional but it does help protect form stains and brings out the color. I have some suggestions on my site if you ever get to that point.

I'd be happy to work with you on a planting design. Contact me any time.

Also take a look at these two related ebooks that I wrote which have great information.

Patio Plans for Inspiration

Landscaping Costs


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