The in-ground swimming pool becomes an integral part of the modern building design. Are you the one who is planning to impart a mesmerizing pool in the outdoor oasis to beat the heat this season?

If yes, then do consider the ins and outs of the material in which you are going to make a heavy investment. Have you asked yourself what is good for your next swimming pool renovation project? Well, there are the certain rule of thumb that one should consider to have a perfect pool surrounds.

Have a look at the facts to make the right choice for swimming pool renovation:

DECISION ON POOL EDGE PROFILE

The outlook of the pool greatly depends upon the edge profile you choose. It gives a sleek finish and a defined look to the overall area. The edge profile you choose should be safe enough for the regular dive. Stone Universe Inc – the stone pool coping supplier in the USA carries eased edge coping and bullnose pool coping.

Eased Edge Coping: If you are planning to give a straight and simple look to the in-ground swimming pool, then natural eased edge coping is one of the best ways to achieve the desired look. Straight doesn’t mean sharp or harsh. Perfectly finished natural eased edge coping gives you safety against cuts and marks. 14”x24” eased edge profile with the best-suited color highly complements the design style.

Bullnose Pool Coping: Bullnose pool coping is slightly curve in the shape to present a smooth finish. 1 long-side bullnose edge profile makes your every dive comfortable. A semi-circular finish imparts a nice traditional touch to the pool surrounds which can elevate any design style.

POOL DECK FLOORING SHOULD BE ANTY-SLIPPERY

The next and most important thing is to choose the right type of flooring material. Now the question arises, which flooring is right for the pool deck? The floor which allows high gripping and comfortable walk is the wisest choice. Opt for natural stone flooring to fulfill this purpose. Either natural stone pavers or flagstone, both serve the same purpose. The Slip-resistance property of natural stone flooring makes it an ideal choice for paving swimming pool decks.

COLOR OF THE DECK PAVERS

Color in the landscaping design can make or break the entire visual appeal. Color choice of pool paving stone acts as a true image reflector. It defines your taste and personality. Deck pavers must contrast with the existing elements to present harmony. Stone Universe Inc carries a wide assortment of pool paver colors that can give an instant lift. From mellow to dark, stone pool pavers are availed in every shade. It is merely one’s own choice as per the design idea.

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Do you want to give a sleek look to the outdoor oasis? It is the right time to start up with the renovation project. Spruce up your outdoor flooring with the installation of natural stone pavers and porcelain pavers.

Now the question arises which stone to choose and why? Well, Stone Universe Inc – the outdoor flooring supplier in the U.S.A carry an exotic range of both natural stone pavers and porcelain pavers. Both these paving stones carry varied characteristics and properties.

DIFFERENCE IN FORMATION & COMPOSITION

Natural stone is extracted from the quarries and is 100% real stone. Sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks are buried under the earth’s crust for years and then came out as a hard-wearing material. Natural stone paver flooring carries rich minerals, calcium carbonate, and a mixture of organic substances which makes it an ideal option for laying outdoor flooring design ideas. Sandstone pavers being sedimentary rock composed of quartz grains. On the other hand, Porcelain Pavers are formed with a mixture of kiln-fired clay, ceramic material, and other mineral deposits. The top surface of the porcelain paver is inkjet to give it the desired look.

DIFFERENCE IN COLOR COLLECTION

Coming next to the color range, both natural stone pavers and porcelain paver flooring carry a vast range of color options. From light to dark and subtle to magnificent, one can avail every color. Natural stone pavers carry natural color tones with the essence of nature. Whereas, several artificial hues are mixed to present an appealing touch. Although, if compare closely, the colors of natural stone and porcelain look almost similar to each other with a slight variation of texture.

• DARK SHADES: Darks shade flooring stone always overwhelm the outdoor surroundings. In the range of natural stone paving, SUI offers antique black, basalt, lime black, Indian bluestone, and ebony black. One can also go with the Azul wave porcelain pavers for dignified outdoor flooring.
• EARTHEN SHADES: Earthen tones are no less than bright hues when it comes to paving the outdoor surfaces. Autumn brown, brown wave, autumn mist, and California gold natural stone paving gives a great appeal to the patio floor. Whereas canyon wood porcelain paver is an ideal choice for imparting a rustic look.
• SOFT SHADES: Neutral and soft shades are becoming people’s choice for paving outdoor oasis. Natural paving stone of grey mist color gives almost same resemblance just like steel grey porcelain pavers.

DIFFERENCE IN SIZE

When you are planning to revamp the outdoor flooring, the size of paving material is the one that needs to be taken care of. The outdoor area is exposed to regular wear and tear. Thus dimension and thickness of the stone paver matter a lot. Dealing in natural stone pavers, SUI carries varied small to the large size ranges from 8”x8” to 24”x36” respectively. Porcelain pavers are generally available in 12”x24” and 24”x24” dimensions. The difference also lies in paver thickness. Porcelain pavers are ¾”± thick. Natural paving stone comes with thickness 1” and 1¼”±. Due to the availability of different stone paver sizes, these can also be applied to the outdoor flooring in the form of patterns.

DIFFERENCE IN INSTALLATION PROCESS

After taking into account the color and size collection, the next step is to know about the installation process of both these paving stones. The installation process of natural stone pavers and porcelain pavers is different from each other. If you are dealing with natural floor stone, you need deep digging into the operational area. Afterward, a gravel base followed by sand bedding is required on the floor before laying natural stone paver flooring. It is recommended to apply sealers on the porous natural stone pavers for long-lasting beauty. The process of laying a porcelain paver includes all the steps similar to the natural stone paver installation. Only one needs to take special care of a primer coat that is done before placing the flooring paver. The slurry primer coat is enough for a good gripping.

DIFFERENCE IN VISUAL APPEAL

Comparing both the paving stones based on visual appeal, natural and porcelain pavers gives a great difference. Almost all the porcelain pavers showcase veins, textures and strike on the surface to give a presentable look. Natural paving stone carry natural beauty without many textures on the stone base.

Have a look on a couple of design options to get more clarification:

Here natural stone pavers are combined well in the form of interlocking patterns to give a graceful appeal. Different small and large dimensional pavers came up together in a set of 8-pattern. Deep and dark antique black showcase charcoal and black shades with a no to slight texture on the base.

This beautiful 24”x24” porcelain paver shows the neutral tan-brown background in perfect sync with wavy veins. A combination of a decent color palette and veins on the flooring base gather everyone’s attention.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAVING MATERIAL:

Well, there is no dilemma that natural stone pavers and porcelain pavers both serve as an ideal paving choice when it’s about exterior flooring. It merely depends upon the homeowner what to choose that suits best for the building project.

Last-Minute Tips:

• Choose the color that highly complements the existing surroundings.
• Opt for the size keeping in view the size of the operational area.

The post NATURAL STONE PAVERS V/S PORCELAIN PAVERS – WHAT’S BETTER FOR OUTDOOR FLOORING? first appeared on Natural Stone Supplier | Landscape Supply | CA | TX | WA | MD | USA.

When it comes to building the perfect outdoors, the first thing that strikes the mind is the flooring material. No matter, other elements like claddings, entrance, etc also carry their importance. Still, floor coverings play an important part in the construction project.

The floor that looks attractive, comfortable to walk, and at the same time blends well with the existing components gives the true worth to the property. There are an array of options available when you step out in the market. Each flooring material carries its specialties and qualities. It merely depends upon the homeowner what to choose keeping all the essentials in the mind. 

Keeping functionality and visuality at the topmost priority, natural stone flooring serves the best choices. Now the question arises either to choose natural stone tile or natural stone pavers for the outdoor flooring. Stone Universe Inc – the outdoor flooring supplier offers quality flooring material that spruces up the living area.

NATURAL STONE TILE – USAGE & DESIGN IDEAS

Tiles are quadrilaterals thin cut pieces of natural stones tailored to be used as a floor covering material. These are square or rectangular pieces of natural stone available with a thickness of ½” or ¾”. Saw cut edges give it a sleek finish and a dignified look. If you are looking for elegant and affordable flooring material, SUI’s natural stone tiles are one of the best options to choose. Be it a living room, foyer, or an outdoor patio, stone tile flooring installation always gives the best result.

Natural stone tiles are available in several colors, stone types ad textures. If you are looking for something exotic indoors, Antique black tile serves as a great choice. The black, grey, and charcoal neutrals when combined give an amazing appeal. The hard and durable base of limestone flooring gives true meaning to the construction project.

Do you know the physical and chemical properties of natural stone tile makes it an ideal choice for paving the driveway path? Make your front entrance more alluring with the installation of Multi Classic stone tile flooring. Multiple variants with slate stone bases give a rustic touch to the outdoor flooring. Shades of brown and beige combine well for creating a dramatic stone floor design idea.

Are you about to revamp the swimming pool surroundings? Have a look at the California Gold tile flooring. Natural stone tile applied on the pool deck flooring gives a nice visual appeal. Light and dark shades of brown with a tint of blue and peach somewhere on the slate stone surface complete the patio look. 

NATURAL STONE PAVERS – USAGE & DESIGN IDEAS

Natural stone pavers are dimensional pieces of natural stone cut to the size to give it a pre-defined shape. Usually square or rectangular in the shape, natural stone pavers are available with saw-cut edges. Varied size pavers are also combined to form a pattern flooring that leaves a great impact on the viewers. Paver pattern flooring with a thickness of 1¼”± is an ideal choice for paving outdoor yards, patios, garden walkways, or pathways.

Are you all set for your patio flooring? Pave it nicely with antique black paver pattern installation. The 8 size pattern lay perfectly in an interlocking way to grab everyone’s attention. Dark and dramatic antique black paving stone blend easily with the exiting elements to create a great flooring design idea. 

Slightly different in look from antique black, Lime black paving stone carry rich shades of grey and black. This non-tumbled stone paver when applied to the outdoor flooring gives an astonishing look. Paver jumbo 4 size pattern flooring of this dark shade gives an instant makeover to the entire patio. 

Stone Universe Inc also carry soft and neutral shades with alluring textures when it comes to paving outdoor area. Autumn mist paving patterns carry natural hues of yellow, golden, browns with fossils leave on the sandstone base. This exotic look gives a matchless appeal. 

Choosing paving material for your dream project is entirely your choice. We can only guide you to make your decision-making process easy. You can choose material, color, and stone type as per the preference. 

The post NATURAL STONE TILE V/S NATURAL STONE PAVER : WHAT’S YOUR CHOICE? first appeared on Natural Stone Supplier | Landscape Supply | CA | TX | WA | MD | USA.

Natural paving stone has become today’s topmost choice when it comes to outdoor surface coverings. Dimensional pavers either individually or in pre-defined combination gives a great appeal to the outdoor floor. 

But do you know the making process of these natural stone pavers? Get more familiar and read out the journey of natural paving stone from raw product till final stage:

EXTRACTION PROCESS

The first and foremost step towards any final product is the extraction of the raw stone from the quarries. The quarry may be an open pit or underground. Stone is extracted from the natural quarry in the form of giant blocks. The blasting technique is used to remove the block of the rock. Firstly small holes are dug into the pit to add explosives and then the blasting process is carried out. On other hand, sometimes a small motor consisting of fuel and air is injected into the pit to get out the block of the rock. Natural stone pavers are generally found in the North and south quarries.

FROM QUARRY TO FACTORY

Carrying giant stone blocks from the quarry to the processing site is a challenging task. Each block weighs approx. 15 tones which are carried with the help of wheel loaders and then placed safely into the off-highway trucks (rock trucks). Sometimes crusher is required to reduce the size of the rock block for a safe landing to the factory unit.

PRODUCTION PROCESS

Once the raw stone block has been delivered to the factory, the process towards its final production start. The giant block is cut into several small blocks and the process is commonly known as slabbing. These fragments are further hand split and processed in the cutting machine to make the uneven edges saw cut. The cutting machine gives a sleek and desired finish to the stone pavers. Pavers always have a top natural surface. The upper surface is not refined to give any texture or veins.

CALIBRATION PROCESS

All natural stone pavers varied in thickness and size. To get the desired thickness, natural stone pavers are undergone a calibration process. It takes a variable thickness and cuts the same through a strip mill. Natural stone paving with bottom calibrated and top natural bring the rustic charm. Bottom calibration also helps in the easy installation of the stone paver due to defined thickness. 

PACKING OF FINAL PRODUCT

After the calibration process, the finished pavers which are ready for the installation came out. These are then packed into wooden crates depending upon the number of pieces or square feet. Proper stuffing of the pavers is done with the help of belts to avoid chances of breakage. Natural stone pavers are fully wrapped with waterproof plastic. Then fumigation process on the container takes place as a safety measure. 

All these steps conclude the hard manufacturing process of natural stone pavers from the quarry to the warehouse.

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