Tips & Articles

Natural stone and landscaping often go hand in hand. There are various landscaping ideas that you can use for your yard this season to give it a more appealing look for your family and friends or just to create a corner of your own where you can relax outdoors.  

Natural stone and natural stone tiles are perfect for the implementation of various landscaping ideas since they come in great variety and most of them can withstand harsh weather conditions with proper sealing and maintenance. It is necessary to select the proper outdoor tiles for each of your projects and then go ahead. 

You can draw inspiration from various websites, from your neighbours or friends, you can hire a landscaping designer or simply ask your natural stone retailer for some practical ideas on how to decorate your yard. Below, you can find a few clever natural stone landscaping ideas that can make your home more comfortable, attractive, and ultimately raise its value.  

Natural stone pathway 

One of the first things that come to your mind when you think about landscaping and natural stones are pathways. This is one of the most obvious ways to use natural stone outdoors and there are plenty of different stones to choose from. Some of the most common natural stones used for pathways include slate, granite, limestone, and sandstone.  

Depending on the look, you can select the same stones for al pathways or set your imagination free and think of combinations. London pavement sandstone brings in warmer colours and a more rustic style to your garden, while the Galaxy grey granite cubes with split finish are one of the traditional options you can go for. 

It is also possible to choose marble for your landscaping ideas but be careful to select the right finish in order to get the best results. Polished marble should be avoided by all means as it is too slippery to be used outdoors.  

If you want to add some more art to your pathways, you can implement different mosaic patterns.  

Natural stone furniture 

Natural stone furniture is gaining popularity in the last few years, hence you shall not skip the idea when thinking about the latest landscaping tendencies. You can have different benches, chairs, and tables around the garden that can make a nice relaxing spot to have a cup of coffee with friends or relax while reading a book. 

You can use natural stone flower pots or vases to complement the look.  

Natural stone patio 

If you do not have a porch as part of your house, it is a good idea to create a patio in your garden and enjoy spending good time outdoors. There are many smart ideas for outdoor patios that you can draw inspiration from.  

The first thing to do is to select the right location for your patio. You can choose a sunnier spot or select a place surrounded by trees providing more shade. It all depends on your personal preferences and the kind of weather you have in your country. As it tends to rain quite often in the UK, a brighter spot shaded by a pergola can be one of the smartest decisions.  

You can combine natural stone flooring for the patio with wooden furniture for more comfort. You can surround the patio area with boulders or special bushes so that it feels more secluded or to make it the focal point of your yard. You can use uniform natural stone tiles or a variety of different materials to make it more appealing. As long as you stick to those natural stones that fall into the exterior stone category, you are on the right track.  

Natural stone outdoor fireplace 

In case you want to go a bit further with your landscaping ideas, you can add an outdoor fireplace made of natural stone tiles to your project. It can be part of your patio, for example, and you can enjoy the fire in the cool spring nights.  

You can either buy a ready-made fireplace, have someone build it for you or you can do it yourself if you have the passion and skills for the job.  

There are certain steps to follow if you want to build your own outdoor stone fireplace. The most important one is to get permission for the construction and then you can let your imagination be your guide. You can choose the overall design and the shades and texture of the natural stone that will go into your fireplace construction. Note that limestone, marble, and granite are three of the best natural stone tiles to use for your project. They are durable, easy to maintain, can withstand cold and heat, and above all their beauty has been proven throughout the ages.  

Natural stone outdoor kitchen  

The ultimate step in landscaping your yard with natural stone is to build an outdoor kitchen. It is necessary to think about incorporating functionality and style while designing your outdoor kitchen. You can choose a simpler design and include only a BBQ area with a table and a few chairs or other pieces of furniture. Or, you can opt for a more complicated project which features a complete kitchen with all cooking appliances, serving countertops, and even a kitchen island. 

No matter which of the options suits you better, it is a wise idea to think about protecting your outdoor kitchen from heavy sun or rains. Thus, you will be able to enjoy cooking there even when the weather is not particularly perfect. You can use a pergola, a wooden shelter, or you can build it next to the house where the roof can be extended to shelter the outdoor kitchen.  

These are just a few ideas for landscaping your yard using natural stone. You can opt for a simpler project including a few pathways or a patio and when time passes by you can add other elements such as furniture, a fireplace or an outdoor kitchen.  

Make sure to give us a call if you need some advice on the best outdoor natural stone tiles for your landscaping project.