Stone patios bring natural beauty to any home. Flagstone, travertine, and granite are classic choices. Each has a distinctive look and character.
If you’ve already chosen your preferred stone, we can make your dream patio a reality. With 30 years of experience installing stone patios throughout the Twin Cities area, our team handles projects of any size and complexity with care and precision. Contact us today to get started on your stone patio project.
Still weighing your choices? Read on to learn more about.
3 types of stone for patios
Flagstone
Flagstone comes from sedimentary rock beds and naturally splits into flat sections. Most flagstone ranges from ¾” to 2″ thick with irregular edges.
Common varieties include Pennsylvania bluestone (blue-gray), Arizona sandstone (rust and tan), and Canadian slate (dark grays and charcoal).
Patios typically use pieces ranging from 8″ to 24″ across, with larger pieces for main walking areas and smaller ones for intricate spaces. The irregular shapes can be laid in “random” patterns with fitted edges or installed with uniform gaps of 1″-2″ filled with plants, pebbles, or ground cover between stones.
Flagstone’s slightly textured surface provides excellent slip resistance in all weather conditions while developing a subtle patina over time that compliments its natural character.
Travertine
Travertine forms around mineral hot springs, creating a limestone with distinctive small holes and depressions across its surface. These pits give it extra character and good traction when wet.
It comes in warm earth tones, like creams, tans, and honey. Travertine stays cooler to the touch than many other stone types, even in direct summer sun, helping to prevent burned feet around pools.
Travertine is typically cut into regular tiles (12″×12″, 16″×16″, or 24″×24″), making layout more predictable than flagstone’s irregular pieces. Its consistent 1¼” to 2″ thickness creates a more level finished surface that works well for dining areas and outdoor furniture.
Granite
Granite forms over millions of years deep underground, where intense heat and pressure create an extremely dense stone with distinctive speckled patterns. It comes in a wide spectrum of colors—from classic blacks and grays to blues, reds, pinks, and golds—with each type showing unique mineral compositions.
For patios, granite is typically cut into uniform tiles (12″×12″ or 24″×24″) or rectangular pieces with precise edges that allow for clean, contemporary designs. The stone can be finished several ways: flame treated for greater texture and slip resistance, honed for a subtle matte appearance, or polished for maximum color vibrancy.
Its density and hardness makes granite highly resistant to scratching, cracking, and staining. This durability makes it a great choice for outdoor kitchens, bar areas, and other high-use spaces where other materials might show wear.
Our process for installing stone patios
Patio design. We work with you to select the right stone type, pattern, and layout for your outdoor space. This includes determining the patio’s size, shape, and how it connects to existing landscape features and structures.
Site preparation and grading. We excavate the area to the proper depth, typically 6-10 inches, and make drainage slopes away from your home’s foundation. This prevents water pooling and potential damage later on.
Base construction. To give a strong foundation for your patio, we add a 4-6 inch layer of compacted crushed stone, followed by a 1-inch layer of coarse sand. This helps prevent settling, improves drainage, and provides frost protection in Minnesota’s harsh winters.
Stone placement. Each stone is carefully positioned according to the design plan. For flagstone, we sort pieces by size and thickness to create natural-looking patterns. For travertine and granite, we maintain precise spacing for the tiles.
Custom cutting and fitting. We shape and trim stones to fit perfectly around curves, corners, and existing landscape features. This creates clean edges, seamless transitions, and a polished, professionally finished patio that naturally complements your outdoor space.
Joint finishing. Depending on the stone type and design, we fill joints with polymeric sand (which contains binders that harden when exposed to water), fine gravel, or mortar. This locks the stones in place, prevents weed growth, and completes the patio’s appearance.
Common Questions About Stone Patios
Can I mix different types of stone? Yes. Popular combinations include granite borders with flagstone centers or travertine with decorative granite inlays. We can help you select complementary stones that work well together.
Can stone patios be installed on slopes? While there is no point making a very uneven patio, we can create level “terraces” with retaining walls connected by stone steps. Stone’s versatility allows us to select and cut pieces to accommodate various elevations while maintaining proper drainage.
How long does installation take? Typically 3-7 days for most residential projects, depending on size and complexity. Projects requiring extensive drainage work or retaining walls take longer.
What’s the difference between dry-laid and mortared stone patios? Dry-laid patios have stones with polymeric sand or gravel joints, allowing flexibility and natural drainage. They’re easier to repair and typically less expensive. Mortared patios have stones set in mortar with cement-based joints for a more rigid, formal surface that works better on slopes and creates a more level surface for furniture.
Can we add lighting to our stone patio? Absolutely. We can install lighting between stones, on steps, or as accent lighting.
How slippery do stones get? Textured finishes like flamed, brushed, or natural-cleft provide excellent slip resistance when wet. Polished surfaces of any stone type can become slippery. Most outdoor installations use textured finishes specifically for better traction in wet conditions.
What’s the typical lifespan of a stone patio? Properly installed stone patios can last decades or longer. Natural stone often looks better with age, developing a distinct character as it becomes a part of the landscape.
How much maintenance do stone patios need? Very little. Just occasional sweeping and rinsing with a garden hose. You might need to add polymeric sand every few years. Unlike some other patio materials, there’s no staining, sealing, or painting.
How do stone patios hold up to freeze/thaw cycles? Granite and high-quality quartzite flagstone (like bluestone) strongly resist freeze/thaw damage. Travertine is more susceptible but lasts well when properly installed with adequate drainage. The spacing between stones in dry-laid designs allows for natural expansion and contraction during seasonal temperature changes, making them good for tough Minnesota winters.
Is there any special winter maintenance? You don’t have to worry about structural damage from metal snow shovels, but they can scratch the surface. Plastic shovels help keep your patio looking its best. We recommend avoiding regular rock salt, which can leave stains, especially on travertine. Calcium-based ice melters work better and won’t harm your plants. Come spring, you might need to add more sand between the stones since winter weather can wash some away.
Is stone more expensive than other materials? Yes, it has higher up front costs. Stone outlasts concrete pavers and poured concrete by decades, often making it more cost-effective long-term. Stone patios also tend to add more property value.
Are stone patios environmentally friendly? Natural stone requires minimal processing compared to manufactured materials. Dry-laid installations create permeable surfaces that reduce runoff and help replenish groundwater.
How soon can I use my stone patio? For dry-laid patios, you can walk on the surface immediately, though we recommend waiting 24-48 hours before placing furniture. For mortared patios, walking traffic should wait 24 hours, while furniture placement should wait 3-5 days.
Get started
Contact Landscape Guys today to discuss your goals and to get an estimate. We serve the entire Twin Cities area and beyond.