Skip to main content

Author: Stonehunter

Oyster Travertine pavers (medium light selection)

Oyster Travertine for Eloquent Outdoor Designs

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, Natural Stone Pavers, News, Outdoor Kitchen, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers.

In outdoor design, the choice of materials plays a crucial role in shaping the ambiance and functionality of a space. Oyster travertine stands out as a timeless and versatile choice among the myriad options available. It is admired for its understated elegance and practical benefits. From patios and pathways to pool decks and outdoor kitchens, it lends a touch of natural sophistication to outdoor environments, enriching them with its subtle beauty and enduring charm.

Stays Cool in the Sun

Travertine pavers and coping remain cool under the sweltering sun, making it an ideal choice for hot climates, pool decks, and patios. Concrete, brick pavers, and PA/NY Bluestone absorb and retain heat. Travertine stays pleasantly cool to the touch, ensuring comfort and enjoyment for barefoot strolls or leisurely outdoor gatherings. This heat-resistant quality makes oyster travertine particularly well-suited for pool decks and patios providing a welcoming retreat from the heat of the day.

Freeze-Thaw Climates

Moreover, the travertine’s versatility extends beyond its aesthetic appeal to its practical functional benefits for outdoor living. Travertine is well-equipped to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, from heavy foot traffic to exposure to the elements. Its durable composition ensures long-lasting performance, maintaining its beauty and integrity even in high-traffic areas or harsh freeze-thaw climates.

Oyster Travertine has Warm and Cool Tones

Another advantage is its compatibility with a wide range of design palettes, making it a versatile choice for outdoor projects. Create a rustic retreat in a woodland setting or a sleek oasis in a contemporary urban environment. It harmonizes effortlessly with its surroundings, enhancing the visual appeal of any outdoor space. Its neutral color palette complements warm and cool tones, allowing for endless creative possibilities in outdoor design.

Oyster Travertine has Minimal Maintenance

Oyster travertine offers ease of maintenance requiring minimal care to preserve its natural beauty. With regular sweeping and occasional washing, travertine retains its luster and allure for years, providing enduring beauty for outdoor living.

In conclusion, the subtle elegance of oyster travertine makes it a premier choice for outdoor spaces seeking to balance beauty and functionality. From its heat-resistant properties to its compatibility with diverse design schemes, oyster travertine pavers & tile embody the timeless allure of natural stone, enriching outdoor and indoor environments with its understated sophistication. Whether gracing a patio, pathway, pool deck, pool house, or kitchen, oyster travertine is a testament to nature’s artistry, offering a harmonious blend of form and function that enhances the allure of outdoor living.

Related Articles

Geocells are also known as cellular confinement systems

The Power of Geocells, Geotextiles, and Geogrids to Bulletproof Paver Installations

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, Cellular Confinement Systems, Commercial Projects, Driveway Installation, Driveways, Geocells, Geogrids, Geotextiles, Hardscape Installation, Installation, Limestone Pavers, Marble Pavers, Natural Stone Pavers, Patio Pavers, Pool Pavers, Travertine Pavers.

Paver installations are an excellent way to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces. However, ensuring the longevity and stability of these installations can be challenging, especially in areas prone to soil erosion, shifting, or settling. In the quest for a robust and enduring paver foundation, advanced technologies such as geocells, geotextiles, and geogrids have emerged as indispensable tools. Explore the transformative impact of these technologies in fortifying paver installations such as driveways, patios, pool decks, walkways, and other paver areas.

Geocells: Reinforcing the Foundation

Geocells are also known as cellular confinement systems. They are 3-D honeycomb-like structures made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or other durable materials. Geocells create a reinforced grid that distributes loads and prevents lateral movement when filled with gravel.

– Load Distribution: Geocells excel in distributing the weight of pavers evenly, minimizing the risk of uneven settling and surface deformations.

– Erosion Control: Geocells act as a barrier against soil erosion, ensuring that the foundation remains intact over time, even in areas with high water flow or heavy rainfall.

– Versatility: Geocells are adaptable to various soil types and terrains. They are an ideal choice for stabilizing the base of paver installations.

Geotextiles: Enhancing Stability and Drainage

Made from synthetic materials like polyester or polypropylene, Geotextiles are permeable fabrics. Placed beneath the paver base, geotextiles serve multiple purposes, including weed suppression, separation of soil layers, and improved water drainage.

– Weed Prevention: Geotextiles act as a protective barrier, preventing weeds from penetrating the paver base and compromising its integrity.

– Separation of Soil Layers: By preventing the mixing of different soil layers, geotextiles enhance the stability of the paver foundation, reducing the risk of settling.

– Water Drainage: Geotextiles allow water to drain through the paver base. Preventing water buildup that could lead to soil erosion or the destabilization of the foundation is critical.

Geogrids: Strengthening Structural Integrity

Geogrids are geosynthetic materials with a grid-like structure, commonly made from polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene. They provide additional tensile strength and stability installed in the paver base.

– Load Distribution: Geogrids reinforce the paver base, distributing loads more effectively and reducing the risk of surface deformation.

– Improved Load-Bearing Capacity: By enhancing the structural integrity of the base, geogrids increase the load-bearing capacity of the paver installation, allowing it to withstand heavier loads.

– Resistance to Soil Movements: Geogrids resist soil movements and lateral pressure. This helps to maintain the stability of the paver foundation over time.

Conclusion:

The integration of advanced technologies such as geocells, geotextiles, and geogrids represents a groundbreaking approach to fortifying paver installations. By addressing familiar challenges such as soil erosion, settling, and uneven loads, these technologies contribute to the creation of durable and long-lasting outdoor spaces. As the demand for resilient infrastructure continues to grow, the adoption of these innovative solutions will likely become a standard practice in the construction and landscaping industries, ensuring the longevity and stability of paver installations for years to come.

Related References:

Gothicstone Noce Travertine pool deck with light Cream Travertine Coping

Noce Travertine for Unforgettable Hardscape Projects

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, Commercial Projects, Hardscape Installation, Landscape Stones and Rocks, Natural Stone Pavers, News, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers, Travertine Pavers.

Step into a realm of enduring beauty and sophisticated charm with our featured product spotlight on Noce Travertines. These exquisite stones, characterized by warm, earthy tones, are the perfect choice for elevating your exterior hardscape projects. Whether you’re an architect planning a backyard oasis or a contractor seeking top-tier products for your clients, Noce Travertine promises to bring timeless elegance to every outdoor space.

 Noce Travertine: A Symphony of Warm Tones

  1. Rich Color Palette:
    • Noce Travertine highlights a rich palette of warm browns, tans, and creams, creating a captivating visual tapestry. This versatile color range effortlessly complements a variety of aesthetics and design styles, from classic to contemporary.
  2. Natural Variation:
    • The inherent beauty of this Travertine lies in its natural variation. Each stone boasts unique patterns and veining, ensuring that every hardscape project is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This distinctive quality adds character and authenticity to any outdoor space.
  3. Unmatched Versatility:
    •  From patios, walkways, and wall veneers to pool surrounds, copings, and driveways, Travertine is an incredibly versatile choice for exterior hardscape projects. Its warm hues create a welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for both residential and commercial settings.

Why Choose Travertine?

  1. Durability in Every Detail:
    • Engineered by nature and perfected over time, Travertine is renowned for its durability. Its robust structure ensures resilience against the elements, making it an ideal choice for enduring hardscape projects that stand the test of time.
  2. Easy Maintenance:
    • Enjoy the beauty of Travertine with minimal maintenance. Its natural resistance to wear and tear simplifies upkeep, allowing you to relish the stunning aesthetics of your hardscape without the stress of constant maintenance.

Distributors and Architects Love Working with Gothicstone Travertine

  1. Extensive Stock Availability:
    • Our Travertine collections are readily available and special requirements can be produced in record time, ensuring that you have the stock you need for projects of any scale. Whether you’re a contractor with multiple clients or a designer embarking on a new project, our products are available to meet your demands.
  2. Customization Opportunities:
    • Elevate your exterior space with custom creations using Travertine. Its natural variation and versatility make it an excellent choice for intricate designs, patterns, and layouts (including waterjet cutting capability). We can produce any size or thickness for projects or stock and have (12) surface finish textures to enhance the aesthetics.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Outdoor Experience with Gothicstone Noce

In conclusion, Noce Travertine is more than just a stone; it’s an invitation to elevate your outdoor aesthetics. With its warm tones, natural variation, and enduring charm, Travertine stands as a testament to the beauty that only nature can create. If you’re envisioning a cozy patio, a serene garden path, or a magnificent pool deck and outdoor entertainment space, Noce Travertine is the key to turning your hardscape dreams into an outdoor living reality.

For inquiries, quotes, or to explore our extensive Travertine collection, please contact us. Let the journey to a more elegant and inviting outdoor space begin today.

Related Resources:

Chocolate Noce Travertine with Honey or Grey color tones
Portobello Light Travertine (chocolate Noce with slight honey undertones)
Chocolate color with slight grey undertones
Portobello Dark Travertine (chocolate Noce with slight grey undertones)
Gothicstone Noce Travertine Driveway Pavers
Walnut Noce travertine (light brown to darker brown)
Gothicstone Noce Travertine
Gothicstone Noce Travertine pool deck with light Cream Travertine Coping
Gothicstone Noce & Cream
Gothicstone Noce & Cream
Gothicstone Noce Travertine Buttersticks
Gothicstone Noce Travertine Patio
Micro Chiseled Cladding

Designing with Surface Finishes: Elevating Aesthetics and Functionality

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, Commercial Projects, Limestone Flooring, Limestone Pavers, Marble Pavers, Natural Stone Pavers, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers, Terrazzo Pavers, Travertine Pavers.

Introduction

In the realm of interior and exterior design, surface finishes play a pivotal role in enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Whether you’re designing a home, commercial space, or outdoor environment, the choice of surface treatments can dramatically impact the overall look and feel of a space. In this blog, we’ll explore the art and science of designing with surface finishes, highlighting how these choices can transform ordinary surfaces into works of art. 

The Significance of Surface Finishes

Encompassing a wide range of treatments applied to materials such as wood, stone, metal, concrete, and ceramics, serving several essential purposes:

  1. Enhancing Aesthetics: Surface finishes can add texture, color, and pattern to surfaces, elevating their visual appeal. They create visual interest and contribute to the overall design style.
  2. Improving Safety: Some finishes, like non-slip coatings on floors, a bush hammer, or sandblasted stone finish, enhance safety by preventing slips and falls. These finishes are especially crucial in commercial and public spaces.  
  3. Adding Functionality: Surface finishes can also enhance functionality by making surfaces easier to clean, more resistant to scratches, or more suitable for specific tasks.

Popular Surface Finishes

  1. Honed Finishes: Honed surfaces have a matte or satin appearance with a smooth texture. They provide a subtle elegance and are often chosen for countertops, flooring, and bathrooms.
  2. Textured Finishes: Textured finishes add depth and character to surfaces. They can range from subtle patterns to dramatic textures, such as Etruscan Texturetm, providing visual interest and tactile appeal. Textured finishes are popular in wall coverings, pavers, tiles, and exterior cladding.
  3. Anti-Slip Finishes: These finishes prioritize safety, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. They incorporate slip-resistant materials or textures to reduce the risk of accidents. A bush hammer surface finish is ideal for residential or commercial step treads.

Design Considerations

When designing with surface finishes, consider the following factors:

  1. Design Style: The choice of finish should align with the overall design style of the space, whether it’s modern-contemporary, traditional, industrial, or eclectic.
  2. Functionality: Determine the intended use of the surface. High-traffic areas may require more durable and easy-to-clean finishes, outdoor step treads will require a more textured finish for safety purposes, and decorative elements, such as accent walls, can benefit from unique textures and patterns.
  3. Maintenance: Consider the level of maintenance required for the chosen finish. Some finishes may need regular cleaning and sealing, while others are virtually maintenance-free. For example, we don’t recommend a bush-hammered surface for interior flooring because it is difficult to clean inside.  Outside, it can easily be hosed off.
  4. Color and Material Compatibility: Ensure that the finish complements the color palette and material selection in the design. A harmonious combination enhances the overall aesthetic. When a natural stone surface is bush-hammered or sandblasted, the stone becomes lighter in color. 

Conclusion

Designing with surface finishes is a multifaceted endeavor that blends aesthetics, functionality, and practicality. These finishes have the power to elevate the look and feel of interior and exterior spaces, making them more inviting, safe, and durable.

Whether you opt for polished elegance, natural authenticity, or textured character, surface finishes offer a wide array of design possibilities. By carefully considering the style, functionality, maintenance, lighting, and material compatibility, you can harness the transformative potential of surface finishes to create spaces that are both visually captivating and highly functional.

Gothicstone Surface Finishes
Chart – suggested finishes for the various landscape applications
Cream travertine mini split face building facade veneer
Split Face
Grey Terrazzo pavers polished border, sandblasted center
Polished – Sanblasted
SEAHAZE SAND Limestone Pavers and low fired terra cotta border
Honed – Tumbled
Hand Chiseled
Honed with Grooves
seahaze sand wall facade small chipped2
Micro Chipped
bush hammered pilaster
Bush Hammer
SEAHAZE SEA AND SAND 18x36x3cm
SUREGRIP MOLESKIN
caramel travertine pool coping square edge and pool tile
Honed
Honed Golden Ink Travertine

Travertine Tile Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, FAQs.

What is the difference between travertine, limestone, and marble?

Limestone is the youngest of all these stones. Limestone is a sedimentary stone usually found in ocean beds. Typically, limestone is not interesting, however, most of the buildings around the world (i.e.: Washington, DC, Empire State Building) have been built with sedimentary limestone. It is the most common building material in the world. Travertine is a type of “morphed” limestone, but it is created from Artesian wells which means lime has been deposited by water. Travertine is an excellent use for any indoor or outdoor area because it never gets hot (no metal content in the stone), it is twice the strength of concrete and is non-slippery. Travertine is durable for any application both commercial and residential – it is about 50 million years old. Marble, on the other hand, is about 100 million years old and is perfect for the same applications as Travertine. Since marble is older, it typically will be “veinier” and less “wild” than the travertines.

Continue reading

Grey Terrazzo sandblast-polished border rectangles

TERRAZZO PAVERS

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, Commercial Projects, Hardscape Installation, Natural Stone Pavers, Terrazzo Pavers, Terrazzo Precast.

Introducing Terrazzo pavers to our product line offering CUSTOM DECOS and sandblasted LOGOS which can be specified for any size project and to accommodate any size budget.

This is NOT “poured in place” Terrazzo…. which is quite common, on elementary and high school floors back in the day and big in institutional construction implementation. Terrazzo materials are available for commercial, institutional, and residential projects.

Finishes, Custom Decos and Logos

ADA-compliant products are also available in a multitude of colors and formats. Standard surface finishes are polished, sandblasted, and honed. Any design can be submitted. Below are some of our popular “stock” options.

Examples of our Terrazzo Pavers

A LARGE COLOR selection is available other than what is shown below.

Grey rectangles with sandblast center-polished border
Grey rectangles with sandblast center-polished border
SEAHAZE SEA Limestone facade, grey terrazzo pavers
SEAHAZE SEA Limestone facade, grey Terrazzo pavers
Grey square pavers (polished border, sandblasted field)
Grey square pavers polished border, sandblasted center
Grey or beige bubbles-stripes
Grey or beige bubbles-stripes
Grey square pavers polished border, sandblasted center
Grey square pavers polished border, sandblasted center
Terrazzo-round-inset-beige-or-grey
Terrazzo-round-inset-beige-or-grey
ADA-compliant designs, offerings, and options.
ADA-compliant designs, offerings, and options.
Grey 4x4 look
Grey 4×4 look
Beige square polished and sandblasted
Beige polished and sandblasted center

GOTHICSTONE PROVIDES FREE VALUE-ADDED CONSULTING SERVICES

CONTACT US for a quote and/or to discuss our Terrazzo Pavers

Reference: Terrazzo Wikipedia

SEAHAZE SEA Limestone Pool Pavers

Everyone Loves Bluestone

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, Bluestone alternative, Cobblestones, Driveway Installation, Driveway Pavers, Driveways, Hardscape Installation, Limestone Flooring, Limestone Pavers, Limestone Pool Pavers, Natural Stone Pavers, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers.

Not all are created equal!

Gothicstone SEAHAZE SEAtm is a blue-grey limestone quarried in the Atlas Mountains of northern Morocco. Several other countries quarry blue-grey limestone, like Belgium, Germany, France, Vietnam, China, and the USA. The key difference between PA/NY Bluestone and SEAHAZE SEAtm Bluestone is that SEAHAZE SEAtm is classified as limestone, while PA/NY Bluestone is classified as sandstone. Generally, limestone pavers tend to remain cooler than sandstone pavers.

Gothicstone bluestone (blue-grey limestone) stays cooler vs PA or NY bluestone

8 Reasons to choose Gothicstone bluestone (SEAHAZE SEAtm Limestone) vs PA or NY Bluestone pavers for your outdoor project.

The Technical Differences

  1. Limestones typically stay cooler than sandstones. Therefore, an additional benefit to using SEAHAZE SEAtm Bluestone over the PA/NY option for copings, pool decks, or any outdoor hardscape areas.
  2. PA and NY Bluestones are quarried from sandstone deposits. And commonly suffer from chipping, delamination, and flaking due to how the deposit is formed in striated sedimentary layers.  The striations (layers) do not commonly occur in limestone deposits.  For this reason, the SEAHAZE SEAtm limestone is easier to work with and will retain its natural beauty without the delamination issues that can be quite common with the PA and NY Bluestones.
  3. Due to many of limestone’s advantageous technical characteristics plus a more exacting manufacturing process, SEAHAZE SEAtm Limestone is often less expensive to implement than Bluestone originating from PA and NY.
  4. These limestone pavers have greater than 5,000 PSI compressive strength. They can be used in most industrial applications.
SEAHAZE SEA grey selection
SEAHAZE SEA grey selection
SEAHAZE SEA grey selection
Bush Hammered SEAHAZE SEA
Bush Hammered surface finish
30″x0″x1 1/4″ pavers
Inspection
SEAHAZE QUARRY MIX
seahaze sea middle blue grey slab gothicstone
SEAHAZE SEA BLUE GREY LIMESTONE SLABS
SEAHAZE SEA machine cleaved
SEAHAZE SEA AND SEAHAZE SAND SPLIT FACE
SEAHZE SEA Slotted Drainage pavers-treads
Limestone tumbled cobblestones
Seahaze Mix tumbled 4×4 cobblestones
grid line grooves
SEAHAZE SEA blue-grey selection slotted pavers
SEAHAZE SEA Limestone & Pool and Patio Projects

The Aesthetic Differences

  1. We produce extra-large format pavers which are available according to your specifications. Example sizes are 18×36, 30×30, 24×48, 48×48, and varying thicknesses according to your project needs (2cm/3cm/4cm/5cm/6cm/7cm, etc.). We work with you to determine the best thickness and surface finishes for the best technical and aesthetic balance in your hardscape design.
  2. These limestone pavers are cut beautifully and are processed with more precision and accuracy than the typical PA and NY Bluestone processing plants can produce. The resulting aesthetic is the ability to “butt install” the pavers or tile without extra-large grout joints.
  3. All SEAHAZE SEAtm products are available for your patio, pool deck, driveway, interior stone flooring, and general building projects are pavers, steppingstones (extra-large), slabs for countertops and wall caps, step treads, block treads, coping, veneers & cladding, tile and driveway pavers or cobblestones.
  4. Finishes varieties: Suregrip Moleskintm – a mechanically sandblasted surface; Ancient Etruscan Texturetm – bush hammered with a mechanically sandblasted secondary finish applied; Tumbled; Honed; Bush Hammer – mimics the ancient art of point chiseling/texturing the surface of the stone.   A great combination of textural visual aesthetic and tactile interest without being too aggressive, and yet it significantly raises the coefficient of friction (for those who have that concern); Micro Bush Hammer – a finer more delicate version of the above. 

 

Contact us for your free project value engineering consultation.

Blogs that may be of interest:

SEAHAZE SEA Limestone 30x30x3cm Project Inspection

CUSTOM STONE SOLUTIONS

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, FAQs, Landscape Stones and Rocks, Limestone Pavers, Marble Pavers, Natural Stone Pavers, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers, Services, Travertine Pavers.

SEAHAZE SEA Limestone 30x30x3cm Project Inspection
SEAHAZE SEA Limestone 30″x30″x3cm Pavers

OUR MATERIALS ARE AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOUR PROJECT

Gothicstone produces custom stone solutions – the piece parts of the whole project are produced together for a turnkey solution. No more trying to figure out what pool coping, treads, or wall caps will go with your pavers. Consequently, with our distinctive selections of materials, colors, surface finishes, and sizes, we can easily personalize your client’s outdoor living spaces.

We collaborate with our clients from cradle to grave

We collaborate closely with our clients from cradle to grave. In other words, we work with our clients every step of the way to ensure their success and the success of their projects. Therefore, in all projects, we make sure that we understand where the material will be used and how installed so we can make recommendations for size, thickness, and surface finish.

Free value-added consulting services

Many clients have designs or complexities in their projects that require an expert source for the best ways to engineer a solution. Gothicstone provides free value-added consulting services.  For instance, we assist in planning, designing, selecting, value-engineering, and installing techniques for natural stone.

Custom stone solutions example

A Tennessee client wanted a particular grey color stone for their lower pool deck, outside entertainment areas, and house-level patios. We consulted with the general contractor, pool builder, and architect to determine the size of the large format stone to produce. Consequently, through reviews of drawings and discussions regarding installation methods, we recommended 30″x30″ pavers. Subsequently, this size paver minimizes the number of cuts and wastes across the 6500-square-foot project.

30″x0″x1 1/4″ pavers
Grate drainage pavers
Bush hammer surface finish
Inspection
SEAHAZE SEA LIMESTONE project

It was cost-effective for the client for us to produce 3/4″ stone for the upper patio areas (wet-set installation). Similarly, we produced 1 1/4″ paver thickness for the lower pool and entertainment decks that were going to be dry set. With the size of the pavers being 30″x30″, the thinner pavers were going to be a lot easier to install! A bush hammer surface finish was added to the 30″x60″ steppingstones for an optimum non-slip finish. Grate drainage pavers, for water overflow, were added to match the pool deck pavers. The copings are 40″ in length and the outdoor shower slabs were cut to exact custom sizes for easy installation.

Contact us to start the conversation about your next project and how Gothicstone can help you achieve your goals!

Silver Travertine Patio Pavers 12x24

Silver Travertine Color Selections

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, Landscape Stones and Rocks, Natural Stone Pavers, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers, Travertine Pavers.

Silver Travertine color selections are typically a mixture of light and dark silver-grey with beige and white colors. Gothicstone is promoting three Silver Travertine selections for better project specificity. The Toadflax selection is the mix of the quarry, as mentioned above, and the Gunmetal selection is all silver and grey with little if any beige or white. The third selection is the Adirondack selection which is a much darker selection of silver and grey. All three selections have lots of movement in the stone – it is primarily the coloration that is the difference.

Silver Travertine color selections make a difference for your project!

Specializing in custom project productions, we think it is critically important to have the best selection of materials, surface finishes, and custom sizes of pavers, treads, copings, wall caps, countertops, and cladding so we can produce exactly what you need for your client’s project.

Silver Travertine Toadflax selection
silver grey travertine no beige
Gunmetal selection
Dark grey and silver travertine
Silver Adirondack selection

See our complete product portfolio of materials, colors, surface finishes, and applications.

Radius Coping, Treads, and Wall Caps are not custom for us!

Just send us the drawings! The dimensions range from 6×12 to 24 x 72 (or higher) but we produce according to the project requirements so, about any size is possible and standard in our productions.

Smart Solutions

We specialize in ‘smart solutions’ designing safety (in particular, surface finishes with a high coefficient of friction) into the implementation and end-use of our products. New surface finishes such as Micro Bush Hammer, SUREGRIP MOLESKINtm, Hand-Chiseled, and, Etruscan Texturetm add soft and subtle interest without changing the material itself.

Related Information:

Caramel walnut travertine pavers and cream travertine coping

Cleaning & Sealing Natural Stone – Limestone, Travertine, Marble

Written by Stonehunter on . Posted in Blog, Cleaning, Driveway Installation, FAQs, Hardscape Installation, Installation, Limestone Flooring, Limestone Pavers, Limestone Pool Pavers, Marble Pavers, Natural Stone Pavers, Patio Pavers, Pool coping, Pool Deck Pavers, Pool Decking, Pool Pavers, Travertine Pavers.

Cleaning and sealing a natural stone (limestone, travertine, or marble) pool deck or patio is less maintenance than its wood counterpart.  Stone sealer and cleaner products are very high-tech and require minimal maintenance to keep your natural stone looking like new over the years.

Cleaning natural stone on a regular basis:

  • Use any non-caustic degreasing agent (mild dish or hand soap) mixed in warm water. Agitate/scrub with a broom.
  • Use Stain Proof Alkaline Cleaner, formerly Oxy-Klenza™, https://www.drytreat.com/cleaners/regular/hanafinn-oxy-klenza.html
  • Power washing with residential strength power washers (i.e. 3000 PSI or less) is recommended. 

Minor restoration cleaning (mild surface etch):

This treatment will renew the original look of the stone surface and make the color ‘pop’ and is only recommended occasionally (maybe once every several years). Not in lieu of regular cleaning.

  • Dilute muriatic acid 10 parts water to 1 part store-bought muriatic acid.
  • Hose down the entire stone surface.
  • Pour diluted mix and move it around with a broom or rag mop – consider doing it in 10-15 square foot overlapping sections.  Don’t let it sit in one place without moving and agitating it.  The acid will neutralize after 10-15 seconds. Be sure to follow all safety procedures (eye protection, rubber gloves, etc.) as with any caustic material. However, this weak solution of diluted muriatic acid will not attack the skin under normal circumstances.  Additionally, after 10-15 seconds of contact with the stone, the acid will be neutralized (100%, more or less) and not harmful to plants, shrubbery, pets, etc.  
  • Finish by rinsing the surface with clean water.

Sealing natural stone when dry-set installation:

For a dry-set installation, it is not necessary to seal the stone.  However, sealing the stone with a high-quality penetrating sealer does provide some attractive benefits.

  • If you choose to seal the stone (to prevent staining that can naturally occur with any masonry product) we recommend ICP brand products, ‘Stain Proof’ sealer, and cleaner products.  Please be sure to follow all recommendations stipulated on this page for optimal results: https://www.drytreat.com/sealers/residential/stain-proof.html.  
  • Another benefit is the additional ‘locking in’ effect that the sealer has on prolonging the natural coloration of the stone. Over many years, the stone can fade slightly due to acid rain and other environmental factors. 
  • NOTE: Do not use concrete paver sealers – they are formulated as topical sealers. They can be very slippery and appear as an undesirable shiny coating on the surface.  Furthermore, the topical coating traps moisture. It doesn’t allow the stone to “breathe” (which is important for all natural stone products). 
  • NOTE 2: If you choose to purchase sealers from a “big box” retailer, be aware that (even within the same brand name) you will get a lesser quality product. The “big box” retailers force the manufacturers to make less expensive (lower quality) versions for them under the same brand labels. 

Sealing natural stone when wet-set installation:

  • It is best to seal the stone BEFORE grouting as the sealer also acts as a “grout release” and will make the grouting process faster and easier.
  • Please be sure to follow all recommendations stipulated by the sealer manufacturer. If using Stain Proof, please follow the recommendations on this page for optimal results: https://www.drytreat.com/sealers/residential/stain-proof.html.  
  • NOTE: you mustn’t use concrete paver sealers! They are formulated as topical sealers. It can be very slippery and appear as an undesirable shiny coating on the surface.  Furthermore, the topical coating traps moisture. It doesn’t allow the stone to “breathe” (which is important for all natural stone products). 
  • NOTE 2: If you choose to purchase sealers from a “big box” retailer, please be aware that (even within the same brand name) you will get a lesser quality product, as the “big box” retailers force the manufacturers to make less expensive (lower quality) versions for them under the same brand labels. 

Video: STONE SEALER PRODUCTS BENEFIT FOR MANY YEARS

We do not receive financial compensation, nor do we bear any responsibility for the use or misuse of these recommended brand products.

Direct inquiries to:  stonehunter@gothicstone.com

Related Information: