Natural stone is desired by homeowners for its beauty and durability. Whether it’s used on porches, steps, patios, walkways or more, there’s nothing quite like natural stone.
There are many different types of natural stone, each of which has its pros and cons for different installations and different climates. Limestone is one type of natural stone that’s actually preferred for outdoor spaces that have a lot of foot traffic.
Below, we’ll discuss limestone in more depth and why so many homeowners choose it for porches, steps and other outdoor spaces.
Benefits of Limestone
Limestone is one of the most popular choices for porches and steps, due in large part to the fact that it’s very durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as those in Michigan.
It’s not just about practicality, though. Limestone is also a natural stone that adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to outdoor spaces — something that some other natural stones cannot do.
Limestone is often chosen because of the seamless transition it can provide between indoor outdoor living areas. That’s because it has a natural color and texture that works very well with a wide variety of landscape designs and architectural styles.
In addition, limestone is very sustainable because it’s a natural, non-renewable resource that can be quarried and then used with minimal impact on the environment.
Natural Stone Steps: A Sustainable Choice
If you’re building steps, limestone and natural stone in general are both a great and sustainable choice. This is becoming an increasingly important factor to homeowners and contractors alike.
If you ever decide to change your steps in the future, you can also reuse or repurpose natural stone. This reduces overall waste while also not requiring you to get new materials for another job.
Limestone is very low maintenance. As a natural material that “lives” outdoors, it doesn’t require frequent upkeep and/or replacement.
Because of all these factors, as well as the overall look, natural stone steps can increase the value of your property. That makes them a worthwhile investment for any homeowner that you’ll also get a lot of enjoyment and function out of while you’re living there.
Safety Features of Limestone
It’s important to choose materials carefully when you are undertaking a project where there will be a lot of foot traffic. That is especially true when you’re installing steps, as it can be quite dangerous if you choose the wrong materials or don’t get them installed properly.
This is yet another reason why limestone is such a popular choice. It’s slip-resistant, which means it’s safe for outdoor porches and steps, which are open to the elements year-round.
Limestone has a textured surface, which provides traction for people walking on it. This helps to reduce the risk of slips and falls. It is also resistant to extreme temperatures, which makes it safe for outdoor projects — whether you live in a very hot or very cold climate.
Further, limestone can be sealed, which will protect it from being damaged and/or stained, enhancing its safety features as a result.
Versatility of Limestone
Limestone is also very versatile. You can find it used for many outdoor construction projects, from retaining walls, to porches, steps, patios and walkways.
Construction workers are able to cut and shape limestone to fit specific designs. This is a major reason why it’s used a lot in custom projects.
Limestone comes in a wide range of textures and colors, too, which makes it easy for you to find a specific style that will complement whatever landscape design you have in mind. It can be used in many different features as well, including benches, garden walls and planters.
If you’re looking to create a unique design that’s very visually appealing, then limestone is a great choice because it can be paired with other materials such as concrete or brick to create a stunning final product.
Cost-Effectiveness of Limestone
Budget is always a major factor of any construction project. Luckily, limestone is also very cost-effective. Since it’s a sedimentary rock that’s among the most abundant, its price tag is much more affordable when compared to some other stone imports.
Limestone is often available at quarries that are at least relatively local, which eliminates the need to ship the product form overseas.
There are more aspects of its cost-effectiveness other than just the cost of the material itself.
For one, it’s very easy to carve, cut and install limestone, as mentioned before. This reduces the amount of materials that are needed, and also often reduces the labor costs associated with projects.
Since limestone lasts very long and is very durable, it also cuts down on typical costs associated with maintenance, repair and replacement. This is why, when you analyze limestone from an overall cost perspective, it’s an extremely affordable option.
Installation and Construction
Contractors can follow a variety of different methods for constructing and installing projects using limestone. The natural stone can be dry stacked or mortar can be used as well.
Again, this provides a lot of versatility in terms of what limestone can be used for.
Dry stacking may be used for building smaller garden walls, which typically don’t require mortar. For larger projects or those which people will walk on — such as porches, steps and patios — mortar can be used to ensure the limestone stays in place and is safe.
The fact that limestone can be installed in these ways also means that everyone from professional contractors to DIYers can create outdoor projects with it.
While it would be best to leave the larger projects to professional masons, many homeowners have the ability to build garden walls using limestone.
Trust the Expert Masons at All Brick
If you’re searching for a versatile, cost-effective and durable natural stone to use in outdoor projects, then look no further than limestone. It’s among the most popular choices for these projects for many of the reasons outlined above.
Limestone is a beautiful natural stone that is also very safe. It’s naturally slip-resistant, which makes it ideal for porches, steps, patios and other areas with a lot of foot traffic.
At All Brick, we have mastered the art of masonry over the last 10 years. Our team of trained professionals has years of experience in all types of outdoor projects, from design all the way to installation.
You can trust us to provide you with an outdoor project that will please you and your guests, while also increasing the value of your home.For more information, or to receive a free quote, please contact us today.
