6 Best Paver Stone for Home Remodeling and How to Maintain Them

If you are going to remodel your home's exterior and are looking for some of the best paver stone styles, then you are at the right place. There are endless choices for paver stones to make your home exterior look the best and truly classic.

In paver's stone, you can find a plethora of finishes, sizes, and materials for your home. Well, picking the right paver stone can be quite difficult and time-consuming for you. We can understand how hard it can be for you. In this blog, we have listed the best paver stones for your home's exterior. So, let's dive in to learn more:

Best Paver Stone Styles and Materials

Prior to making an investment in a paver, it is crucial to conduct appropriate research to choose the right type and style of paver.

There are also a few other aspects to take into account. Your unique preferences and priorities will determine how important each of these variables is, but we still advise assessing them all before making a final choice. Some of the factors are:

Cost

The cost will be a deciding factor when selecting a type of paver for a new patio, pool surround, driveway, or other indoor/outdoor projects, especially depending on the size of the area you will be paving, unless you have an infinite budget.

Appearance

Generally speaking, the pavers you use should blend nicely with the façade of your house and the surrounding landscape in terms of color and texture.

The significance of this, however, may vary depending on whether your home renovation project is merely for practical purposes or to increase your outside living area and the value of your home in preparation for a future sale.

Certain paver stone designs and materials are more resilient than others, making them more suited for locations with high foot or vehicle activity.

Durability may not be a top concern if you're creating a beautiful garden pathway. On the other hand, if you're installing a new driveway, this will unquestionably be your first priority.

After deciding which of the aforementioned aspects is most crucial for your project, you should think about the pavers you can put. Here are six of the greatest paver stone designs and materials:

Limestone Pavers

There are many various kinds of limestone pavers available, all of which are quite strong and simple to keep clean. Limestone blends in well with a variety of outdoor settings and is less porous than some of the other natural stone alternatives.

Marble Pavers

Since marble is a denser and harder variety of limestone, it is particularly heat- and wear-resistant. Its opulent appearance will undoubtedly increase the curb appeal of your home, but it is not free. If you're on a tight budget, marble pavers will cost extra.

Granite Pavers

Granite is more durable than limestone or marble and is, therefore, perfect for locations with heavy foot activity. It is somewhat stain resistant, but because it is porous (like marble and limestone), we strongly advise sealing the pavers on a regular basis if you are concerned that staining will be a significant problem.

Travertine Pavers

Travertine stone is a type of hot spring-formed limestone that is more fragile than regular limestone. As a result, it is not advised to use it in busy areas. However, it is a well-liked option for garden features and pool surrounds due to its appealing design and naturally slip-resistant surface.

Bluestone Pavers

It is simple to understand why bluestone pavers are among the most popular paver stone styles since they are beautiful, simple to install, affordable, and lasting.

Sandstone Pavers

Experts don't recommend using sandstone around swimming pools because of its propensity to erode when exposed to acid and salt. Other than that, sandstone pavers are lovely and a great option for patios, decorative elements, and walks because of their natural appearance.

Now, let's proceed to learn more about how you can maintain these paver stones and take care of them:

Tips for Maintaining Pavers

Pavers are available in a variety of materials and can significantly improve the curb appeal of both residential and commercial properties. They can be used to pave walkways, outdoor stairs, driveways, and parking lots. Moreover, they are both utilitarian and ornamental.

They can also be used for landscaping, driveways, patios, outdoor living spaces, retaining walls, sidewalk lining, and pool decks. A beautiful approach to finishing many hardscaping projects is with pavers made of stone, concrete, granite, and brick.

Following are some of the tips through which you can maintain your pavers:

Yard Work

Although it might not appear relevant, maintaining the nearby landscaping will help keep your pavers in good condition. For instance, clearing the paved surface of debris and leaves before it pours heavily can help keep the brick, concrete, or stone from getting stained.

By preventing root growth from gradually shifting the paving stones over time, weeding the lawn, garden, or mulched area surrounding them can also help maintain a level surface.

Seasonal Cleaning 

A more thorough cleaning of the paver surface is best done in the spring. Simply spray the pavers down with a high-pressure garden hose attachment after removing the dirt and grime that generally accumulates throughout the winter and under snow accumulation. During the springtime, it's also critical to use weed killer carefully.

Removal of Stains

You can scrape the surface with a push broom or plastic brush for harder stains. A wire brush should never be used since it is too abrasive and can harm the paver's material.

Try creating a soapy solution with water and a degreasing detergent, such as dish soap, for the greatest results and to get rid of oil stains. Simply use the soap solution to scrub the surface clean, and then give it a good rinse.

For challenging stains and discolorations, paver cleaning detergent is advised. Make sure to apply the paver cleaning solution according to the product's application directions.

SK Stones is a leading supplier of paver stones in Pakistan and offers you a premium quality of pavers. Get a free quote today for your desired paver stone today!

Read More: 5 Concrete Paver Walkway Ideas

The Pros and Cons of Travertine Countertops

If you know about pool decks, then you know very well what travertine stone is. As you know that there are different natural stones found in nature such as travertine, limestone, and granite.

As a result of being made of natural materials, each item has a distinct appearance and comes in a range of hues, including cream, beige, ivory, gold, silver, coral, walnut, and different tones of brown.   

Travertine stone seamlessly mixes aesthetic appeal and robustness. Due to its properties, travertine stone became a very popular choice for countertops and among homeowners and interior designers.

In this article, you will get to know about the pros and cons of installing travertine stone countertops in your home:

Travertine

In moist environments like hot springs and caves, carbonate minerals rapidly precipitate out to form travertine, a type of sedimentary limestone.

Carbon dioxide-rich water permeates limestone rock, causing the rock to dissolve and release gases in response to large changes in pressure or temperature. Over time, the resulting calcium carbonate recrystallizes and hardens, forming travertine deposits.

Travertine is perhaps best recognized in Colorado for its role in the development of Hanging Lake, one of the most well-liked natural tourist destinations in the state.

Travertine layers have formed along the beach as a result of hundreds of millions of years of dissolved limestone accumulations. Dissolved carbonates are also to blame for the stunning turquoise color of the water.

Travertine as a Countertop: Is it Good?

Travertine is an excellent stone for kitchen countertops. Just like granite, and marble, this stone is one of the best stones for your residential and commercial use. This material has high durability and is well-known because of its smooth texture.

Travertine stone material is available in slab and tile forms. These forms can easily fulfill your requirements for your kitchen countertops or home flooring.

Well, now no need to worry about matching the colors of your countertops with your kitchen theme. As this countertop material is available in a large range of different colors. Let’s proceed to know about the pros and cons of travertine stone countertops:

Pros of Travertine Countertops

• Travertine is a really elegant and lovely stone that adds a classic touch to any kitchen or bathroom surface.
• Since travertine is a natural stone, every slab is different and has distinct characteristics like crooked veins and pits.
• Travertine slabs come in a variety of colors that complement any style and design, unlike other natural stones. They come in a variety of sizes as well.
• You don't need to be concerned about leaving large weights on top of your countertop because this sort of stone is highly sturdy and resilient.
• Travertine is simpler to cut and shape than porcelain tiles. Because of this, it makes for a very practical material to employ in locations with unique shapes.

Cons of Travertine Countertops

• Travertine is a highly reactive material towards acidic substances like lemon juice or orange, soda, etc. If you are using kitchen countertops frequently, then it is not recommended to use them. As even a small spill can react to it.
• Additionally, abrasive cleaners like bleach and ammonia don't perform well on the stone. You must use particular materials designed for this material if you choose to install a travertine countertop in your kitchen or bathroom to prevent any long-term harm.
• Because travertine is far more porous than granite and marble, it requires constant sealing and polishing to prevent etching, stains, or other damage.
• You'll need to clean and disinfect travertine frequently because its porosity makes it much easier for liquids to be absorbed. This can lead to the growth of bacteria.
• Travertine is more likely to scratch than other stones, so extra caution is advised when using knives on it.

If you want to purchase travertine stone for your kitchen countertops and flooring, you can contact SK Stones. They are the leading supplier of travertine countertops in Pakistan!

Read More: Tips for Selecting Pavers for Your Outdoor Living Area

Choosing The Best Natural Stone for Bathroom Countertops

When you place a natural stone countertop on your bathroom vanity top, it will make a style statement for your bathroom. This also makes an amazing aesthetic in your bathroom. But, this will be a challenging thing for you to choose a highly durable natural stone.

In addition, there are several other things which you have to keep in your mind like functionality, and which style you want in countertops. A room with so much water and steam might not be a good fit for the more permeable stones.

So which natural stones work best as bathroom countertops? Let's learn about some popular choices for you to think about:

Marble

The elegance of marble is unmatched and it is an exceptionally resilient stone. Although marble is most frequently thought of as a white stone, it is available in a variety of colors and has distinctive veining patterns.

Despite the fact that marble is a very porous stone, this issue can be solved by having it properly sealed. However, you might need to exercise caution while using cosmetics on your marble surface.

Limestone

When sealed and maintained properly, limestone is another substance that may be utilized for bathroom countertops.

The matte surface of limestone countertops is popular, and when coupled with various minerals, it may produce a wide range of hues. However, it usually has a white or cream hue to it in its natural state.

Slate

Compared to the other stones here, slate provides a countertop alternative that is slightly more cheap. It can contrast effectively with a bathroom that is otherwise bright or neutral in color because it is typically available in deeper tones of black or gray.

Even though slate is less permeable than, say, marble, sealing it can nevertheless help keep it looking excellent for longer.

Sandstone

Like limestone, sandstone is a flexible substance that may take on various colors when mixed with other minerals. It is also a somewhat porous stone, thus sealing is necessary to preserve it and stop stains.

Granite

One of the most famous natural stone materials among homeowners is granite. Despite the fact that it is quite expensive, but a great alternative to marble stone in Lahore. It is strong and durable, especially when combined with efficient sealing techniques to help prevent stains.

Because of the range of patterns and colors available, you may choose the design you want for your bathroom.

Soapstone

For bathroom countertops, soapstone is an excellent material as it is a non-porous one. This natural stone material is highly non-porous and doesn’t absorb any liquid in it. It possesses the best qualities by being low-maintained countertop material.

Thus, doesn’t cost you more when it comes to maintaining it. Moreover, soapstone is also stain-resistant material so now you don’t have to worry about any stains in your bathroom.

It is easy for you to clean this stone, and its daily maintenance helps you in keeping it in the long term. This stone material is commonly available in Pakistan in gray and white colors and has subtle veining on it. This differentiates it from other natural stone materials.

For any natural stone material, you can contact SK Stones for premium quality stones such as marble, granite, limestone, or any other stone, etc.

Read More: The Guide to Purchase An Onyx Stone

The Black Granite Stone – An Ideal Choice for Your Kitchen

You can choose a natural stone countertop for your home from a variety of other uncommon possibilities, though. The beauty and appeal that black natural stone, such as black granite stone, provide to your kitchen, however, cannot be matched by any other color.

The installation of this black granite stone will raise the worth of your home if you're thinking about selling it. Select the clearest black granite stone from the variety that is offered.

But what makes this granite a popular option for landscapers, flooring professionals, interior designers, and even average homeowners? In this article, you can read more about black granite:

Granite is thought to be the hardest material known to man, tougher than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires combined. Compared to other stones, it is stronger than marble and limestone and more stain- and acid-resistant.

Due to its great strength and resistance to dangerous elements, granite is still the material of choice for exterior cladding. Compared to marble, granite is far more heat, stain, and scratch resistant and requires less upkeep.

Black Granite

Dark-hued igneous rocks called black granites are mined for construction stone, building roughcasts, monuments, and specialty materials. These rocks include gabbro, anorthosite, diabase, diorite, basalt, and diabase.

Absolute granite stone is the most often used type of granite. But this stone is known by a few other names that are also fairly famous.

These include Nero Assoluto India Granite, Absolute Black India Granite, Black Absolute Granite, Super Black Granite, India Black Granite, and Premium Black Granite.

Features of Black Granite

The exquisite material of black granite stone provides your house with a distinctive appearance. Additionally, this stone material is renowned for producing a dramatic and sleek atmosphere that is ideal for a home in the traditional design.

This stone looks jet black when viewed from a certain distance. Everyone loves the color black, therefore it should come as no surprise that people prefer to use black stone in their kitchens.

Absolute Black Granite is a fantastic stone option for both indoor and outdoor applications, especially for worktops, floors, external paneling, and other architectural uses.

One of this granite's noteworthy characteristics is its capacity to function efficiently in subfreezing conditions.

Overall, the Indian version is of far higher quality than the other versions. As a result, India is regarded to be the world's top exporter of black granite.

Absolute black granite is a great option for your home because it includes the following features:

Design Pattern

Absolute black granite, also known as jet black granite, is strongly influenced by the quarry from which it is extracted in terms of both color and pattern.

Because of the minerals, its surface is frequently black and covered in tiny granules. This granite is a well-liked natural stone for use in a number of architectural applications because of its regal appearance.

Durability

Absolute black granite is reportedly more durable than other types of black granite. It often has a longer-lasting high gloss finish. This granite is a great option for both indoor and outdoor building applications because of its consistent color and surface pattern.

Versatile Option

Black granite in Pakistan is one of the versatile options for kitchen countertops. Its design has made it one of the elegant options that one must choose for a kitchen.

Well, if you want to purchase black granite stone in Pakistan, contact SK Stones!

Read More: Why Choose Granite for Your Kitchen Countertops?

Black Granite Stone- A Classic Natural Stone

Although, you can have a lot of other exotic choices from which you can choose a natural stone countertop for your home. But, the appeal and elegance that black natural stone, such as black granite stone, gives to your kitchen is something not any other color gives.

This black granite stone is considered an element of elegance and luxury, and it makes your home more in value if you are thinking of resale. When you have to choose from the collection of black granite stones, choose the absolute granite stone.

But what about this granite makes it a popular option for landscapers, flooring professionals, home designers, and even ordinary homeowners? In this article, learn more about black granite.

Granite is thought to be the hardest material on earth right now, harder than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires combined. It is more resistant to acidic substances and stains than other stones and is tougher than marble and limestone.

Due to its excellent strength and resistance to harmful factors, granite continues to be the top choice for exterior cladding. Granite takes less maintenance than marble and is far more heat, stain, and scratch resistant.

Black Granite

Dark-hued igneous rocks known as basalt, diabase, gabbro, diorite, and anorthosite that are mined for building stone, building roughcasts, monuments, and specialty materials are referred to as black granites.

Absolute black granite is one of the most famous and darkest stones of black granite. It is quite popular with some other names too. These include Absolute Black India Granite, Super Black Granite, Nero Assoluto India Granite, India Black Granite, Premium Black Granite, and Black Absolute Granite.

Characteristics that Make Black Granite an Ideal Option

This granite is known to produce a sleek, dramatic, and bold vibe that is ideal for chic and traditional themes. It has a homogeneous color and texture and is mainly quarried in South India.

The stone appears to be jet black when viewed from a distance. Yet, upon closer inspection, one can clearly see its grey mineral deposits.

Absolute Black Granite is an excellent stone option for both interior and outdoor use, especially countertops, floors, exterior siding, and other architectural uses. The best feature of this granite is that it functions effectively in subfreezing conditions.

Although this granite may also be purchased from other nations. The Indian version's overall quality is far higher than that of other versions. For this reason, India is regarded as the world's largest exporter of black granite.

The following are the characteristics of absolute black granite that make it a perfect option for your home:

Design Pattern

Absolute black granite, also known as jet black granite, is highly dependent on the quarry from which it is mined for its color and pattern. Its black surface typically has tiny grains because there are minerals there. This granite is a well-liked natural stone for a range of architectural applications because of its regal appearance.

Durability

Absolute black granite is reported to be more durable than other types of black granite. The high gloss polish on it usually lasts for a longer time. This granite is a great option for both indoor and outdoor building applications due to its homogeneous hue and surface design.

The longevity of this granite can be increased by selecting a thicker granite block because it is available in various thicknesses.

This black granite price in Pakistan varies with its designs and patterns. Moreover, you can browse through the collection of SK Stones to get one!

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Limestone Countertops

3 Things All Homeowners Should Know About Travertine Stone

One of the most common types of stone used in construction is travertine, a sort of limestone created from calcium carbonate deposits in or near hot springs or limestone caves.

Nowadays, travertine stone is one of the elegant materials for residential applications too. It can be installed as countertops, flooring, backsplashes, tub and shower surround, and in fact, fireplaces too.

Travertine, as opposed to granite and marble, has a naturally aged appearance that complements both informal and formal décor styles.

3 Facts About Travertine Stone

Read on to learn what to anticipate from travertine in terms of beauty, upkeep, and cost if you're thinking about using this stone in your house and comparing it to marble and granite.

Wide Range of Colors

Ivory, gold, beige, brown, rust, and peach are just a few of the warm and calming neutral colors you may find in travertine pavers, slabs, and tiles. 

It's important to keep in mind that travertine is different from granite and marble in texture. It usually has small pits and indentations on its surface. This is because of the CO2 that bubbles up and out of the stone during its formation near natural hot pools.

Travertine has holes that give it a rustic character, but when used as worktops or floors, they tend to collect dust and other dirt. When working with travertine, it's important to keep in mind that scratches can be a concern. One option to avoid this is to use honed or tumbled stone instead of polished stone. 

Highly Durable Stone for Countertops

Travertine is a relatively resilient stone while not as hard as marble or granite. It resists foot traffic well and is unlikely to crack in very cold or very hot weather. Yet, a tile might crack if it is struck by something heavy.

You may want to consider using honed or tumbled stone instead of polished stone if you want to avoid scratches, as travertine is relatively susceptible to them.

Never pull heavy furniture across travertine tile floors to prevent damage. If there is any sweep-up sand or other debris brought in by pets or shoes, clean it immediately.

Travertine tends to wear, and age has given enough time and exposure to the outdoors. However, for many homeowners, that's a bonus.

Prone to Etching and Staining

Because travertine is porous, it readily absorbs liquids, grease, and oils, creating stains that deface the surface of the stone.

Additionally, acidic things like wine and other alcoholic beverages, vinegar, coffee, tomato juice or sauce, and citrus juices have a tendency to etch the stone, which is a chemical process that eats away at the stone.

Etching on travertine can also be brought on by ammonia and bleach. Even though polished travertine has some inherent stain and etches resistance, a persistent spill is nevertheless likely to leave a mark.

Most travertine is sealed by suppliers with a protective sealer made specifically for natural stone to prevent stains and etching. Reapplying the sealant every three to five years is a good idea.

Get your hands on the Travertine Stone.

Travertine can be an attractive and reasonably priced solution for all types of surfaces. To increase the adaptability of the stone, choose to either leave the natural pitting exposed or choose a more polished finish.

The substance is also tough, and a little weathering can even make it seem better. However, because travertine is prone to etching, use the right cleansers and regularly apply a sealer to stop etching. Moreover, browse through the collection of SK Stones to learn more about travertine stone!

Read More: Everything Related to Silver Travertine Stone

All the Things You Should Know About Black Granite Tiles

In today's world, when you search over the internet, there are many choices in the market when you are choosing the ideal material for your kitchen countertop. However, because of its strength, adaptability, and elegance, black granite tiles are rising in popularity. This post will go over the perks and benefits of choosing black granite tiles for your kitchen countertop and everything related to it:

The Durability of the Black Granite Tiles

The endurance of black granite tiles is one of the primary factors contributing to their popularity as kitchen countertops.

Given its great hardness and scratch resistance, granite is a naturally-occurring stone that is perfect for high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

 It is a durable investment because it can tolerate extreme temperatures, spills, and stains without getting destroyed.

Versatility

There are several different black granite tile finishes, including polished, honed, and leathered. They are, therefore, a flexible option for any kitchen design or taste.

Black granite stone tiles may go with any décor, whether you have a modern, contemporary, or traditional kitchen. To complement your cabinets and flooring, you can opt for a variety of patterns and colors.

Elegance

Any kitchen benefits from the elegance and sophistication that black granite tiles bring. Your countertops have a sumptuous appearance because of the polished gloss and the inherent beauty of the stone.

Additionally, black granite has a classic appeal that ensures it will always be in vogue. It can raise your home's resale value as well, making it a smart investment.

Maintenance

It's not difficult to maintain black granite tiles, despite what many people think. To maintain it clean, all you have to do is wipe it down with some light soap and a moist cloth.

Additionally, you can seal it once a year to guard against spills and stains. The use of abrasive cleaners or strong chemicals must be avoided, nevertheless, since these harsh chemicals and cleaners will damage the surface of the tile.

Cost

Despite not being the cheapest option available, black granite tiles are a wise investment. The price of black granite tiles varies according to the tile's thickness, size, and quality.

But it's significant to keep in mind that a high-quality countertop can last for decades, making it a long-term, cost-effective option. As a result, black granite price in Pakistan varies as per the quality of the countertop.

Installation

Black granite tile installation is not a do-it-yourself thing. For the tiles to be laid properly, specialist equipment and knowledge are needed.

It is significant to work with a certified installer who has knowledge of real stone. They can guarantee that your countertops are properly constructed and will last for many years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing black granite tiles for your kitchen countertop is a wise move. They are enduring, adaptable, beautiful, and simple to maintain. These tiles can also enhance the value of your house and go well with any kitchen design or style.

They might cost more than other materials, but they are a good investment option that will last for many years. Therefore, think about using black granite tiles as a long-lasting, stylish, and sturdy countertop. If you need the black granite tile for your kitchen countertops, you can check SK Stones!

Read More: All the Things You Should Know About Black Granite Tiles