Granite Pavers – Best Natural Stone for Patio in 2022

Granite is the most commonly found and used natural stone across the world. Since the ancient days of human history, we have been using granite as a favorite construction rock for indoor and outdoor applications. Thereby, everyone has some interest in exploring more about Granite Pavers.

Origin of Granite:

Granite has a felsic composition. It means it has its origin in recent geologic time, so it is found in the upper strata of the earth. Mafic and ultramafic rocks are denser than granite and are found beneath the granite layer in a mental crust of the earth.

Geochemically, granites have fractional crystallization, so they are rich in feldspar (Potassium) and quartz (Silica) as primary components. Based on the origin, when granite is derived from melted sediments (Sedimentation-origin), it is rich in alkali feldspar, whereas granite is formed from melted basalt (Igneous-origin) those are rich in plagioclase feldspar. Moreover, granite formation is mostly based on the slow cooling process, so it has larger crystals.

Properties of Granite Pavers:

Due to an abundance of grains or coarse-grained nature, we know these ingenious rocks as granites. Granites contain 20% to 60% quartz by volume and an average of 35% feldspar rich in alkalis. Apart from quartz and feldspar, these rocks also consist of mica and amphibole minerals.

Properties	Values
Average Density	2.65 – 2.75 g/cm3 (165.4 – 171.7 lb./ft3
Compressive Strength	200 MPa
Viscosity near STP	3–6 • 1019 Pa·s
Melting temperature at ambient pressure	1215–1260 °C (2219–2300 °F)

Why Granite is among the Best Natural Stone Pavers for Patio

Apart from physical properties, certain commercial characteristics render granites the best paving material when you have chosen natural rocks for indoor and outdoor construction projects. Let’s check some of the most important properties.

Size & Shape of Granite Pavers:

Most of the stone suppliers in the States offer granite as

Cut stones: Mostly veneers for wall cladding and cuts in different shapes for decorative designs.
Dimension stones: Mostly in 3X6X6 & 9X9X12 inches pieces
Irregular stones: Like fieldstones of Limestone or Bluestones.

Granite Paving Colors:

Around the world, granite pavers are mostly gray in color. Some regions of the world, however, have quarries that produce granite rocks that are white, pink, tan brown granite, and dark charcoal in color. Due to the scarcity of colored stones, especially pink and black, market prices for these stones are higher than gray granites.

Blue Granite Stones in Patio Paving	Gold Granite Stones in Patio Paving
Black Granite Stones in Patio Paving	Pink Granite Stones in Patio Paving

Surface Treatments:

Granites are kind of siliceous stones, which are always superior in various stone properties, including hardness, strength, viscosity, and porosity. Therefore, granite pavers are tough enough to receive various surface treatments.

For instance, glossy polishing, honed, thermal blasts, brushed, and split-face treatments as per needs. You can get stones with ultra-smooth to coarse (Skid-free) surfaces according to requirements.

Maintenance:

We know well that siliceous stones have a low impact on acidic solutions if any spill occurs or a washing solution contains a mild quantity. Therefore, chances are low to have permanent staining issues for granite paving.

Moreover, granite is the sturdy material next to quartzite, so cases of breaking, cracking, and other damages to natural stones are in a few instances. Replacement is easy, quick, and cost-effective due to smaller to mid-size pieces of stones.

Permeability:

Granite pavers are porous by nature but lesser than limestone or sandstones like other varieties. Although, it is permeable enough to pass the humidity, hot, and cool air to keep stones weatherproof to some extent. If you use standard bedding of sands and aggregates as well as keep grouts filled with permeable sands, it can help more in making the surface permeable during wet days.

Sustainability:

Recycling granite pavers is not a new thing in the construction industry. Granite is a durable natural stone with a long and reusable life. It renders granite the most sustainable and environment-friendly material. Most of the rock aggregates come from locally sourced quarries or recycled granite stone processing units.

Aesthetic:

Granite is a natural stone and comes with natural beauty. It has grains, veins, colors, hues, and patterns to augment when you are styling the paving areas in exterior and interior decoration. You have the freedom to create layouts of your choice to make your spaces aesthetically pleasant.

Granite Stone Design Ideas for Patios:

Smooth yet honed granite stone slabs are used in a grid layout. The silver-gray color of granite encompassing a dark gray granite stone belt seems organized and attractive at first sight.

Large flamed granite slabs with distinct and deep grooves/grouts provide anti-skid yet eye soothing surfaces.

The brownish veins scattered in low density in whitish granite slabs designed in a symmetrical pattern look dazzling on a modern patio and steps to the lustrous grassland.

In A Nutshell:

Granite is a rich, pleasant, and aesthetically beautiful material gifted by nature. Granite is an almost universally available material with an adequate supply. If you feel that your stone supplier in your vicinity is missing the stock of granite to meet your bespoke needs in the USA, World of Stones in Maryland is an ideal destination to get everything you expect at highly competitive rates.