Limestone And Travertine | Natural Stone Coping And Pavers

Posted by Gappsi Group on

Limestone-And-Travertine-Natural-Stone-Coping-And-PaversLimestone and Travertine both are well-suited for high-traffic areas. However, in general terms, Limestone has more strength as compared to Travertine. It is less likely to crack or break whereas Travertine is more brittle and is more prone to breaking.  Every natural stone requires maintenance and care. If installed and cared for correctly, they can last for decades!

Limestone and Travertine tiles and pavers are great natural stones that enhance the value of your property, feel soft underfoot, and bring a long-lasting premium touch to your home or project.

While choosing natural stones for commercial projects or home renovations, we often consider the usage, footfall, weather, and many other factors.

How Are Limestone and Travertine Made?

Limestone – Limestone is a natural stone that forms at the bottom of water deposits and is formed mostly of the skeletal and shell-like fragments of marine organisms. Subject to high amounts of pressure and a lot of heat, these minerals form into crystalline calcium carbonate rock. In both appearance and function, limestone can seem very similar to marble.  Limestones are popular because of their neutral, white, and beige colours.

Travertine – Similar to limestone, travertine is made of compact calcium carbonate.  It forms at the bottom of bodies of water and from the remains of aquatic creatures. The big difference between travertine and limestone in development is when extra heat and pressure are added to the travertine. It forms subsequently limestone. When the necessary heat and pressure are absent, travertine is left.  Travertine is made up of a compact composite of layers of different materials. Hence, travertine can be considered a stone in the pre-limestone stage.

Different stages achieved in the formation, dictate the density of the stone. Both Limestone and Travertine are dense.  It is suitable for a variety of residential and commercial projects, depending on the specific requirements of the project.

Limestone-And-Travertine-Natural-Stone-Coping-And-Pavers1Standing The Test Of Time

All natural stone is porous to some degree and requires proper maintenance and care.  If durability and low maintenance are key focuses, it is always advisable to seek expert advice.  When selecting the most suitable product for your project. When maintained properly, natural stone will last generations.

Many historical landmarks have been constructed of Limestone or Travertine, creating the perfect example of the durability of these natural stones.

Limestone-And-Travertine-Natural-Stone-Coping-And-Pavers3Life With Natural Stone

Since Limestone and Travertine have been created by natural processes rather than in a factory, the stones are beautiful and unique.  But to keep natural stone looking beautiful and long-lasting, proper care and maintenance are required.  If less maintenance is a deciding factor for you, Limestone might be a better choice than Travertine since fewer holes make Limestone less prone to collecting dirt.  The maintenance will also depend on the type of colouring you choose. If you select a light-colored Limestone or Travertine, it will need to be cleaned more frequently than a darker stone with more veining and pattern.

Sealing Both Limestone and Travertine Is Essential

High-quality sealers can last up to 5-10 years depending on usage and the porosity of the stone. Sealers allow the stone to be cleaned more easily and stains to be released but it is recommended to wipe away spills before they have a chance to penetrate. Cleaning should always be done with a pH-neutral cleaner to prevent etching the surface.

Our natural pool edging in Long Island NY offers texture, warmth, durability, and elegance in your outdoor surroundings. Choose from any one of our exceptional materials, carefully selected to ensure suitability in a wet environment, ensuring a quality product that will stand the test of time.

Limestone-And-Travertine-Natural-Stone-Coping-And-Pavers2Pool Coping

Choosing quality pool edging is crucial in the overall design of your space, and we are here to help. There are a number of factors involved, including choosing a stone that will enhance the look of the pool, but one that can also stand the salt and chemicals in the water, and one that provides a non-slip surface. Our natural stone range ticks all these boxes and more, ensuring that you get the right finish for your project.

We offer a full range of shapes and sizes, including square-edged, bull-nosed, tumbled-edged, and arrissed-edged.  We have the right shape for you.

Don’t choose your pool coping tiles blindly – come into our showroom and see how the finished products look, and talk it over with our stone and paving experts, who are always on hand to help you get the right product for your job.

Limestone G044 Pool Pavers And Coping

Gappsi designed and built this backyard in Asharoken NY. We built a 20 x 50 gunite pool with a sundeck and stadium stairs in the shallow area. The pool was finished with super blue diamond bright and porcelain tiles in the water line. The pool is also equipped with an auto cover.  We used G044 Gappsi Limestone for the coping and the patio. We also built an outdoor kitchen with all twin eagle appliances including the grill, storage cabinets, refrigerator, and icemaker, and also an under-mounted sink. The shade structure built over opens to let the sun come through it and also closes to protect the cooking area from the rain. The latest backyard was designed and built by Gappsi. 

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Limestone Rustic Patio And Pool

Posted by Gappsi Group on

Limestone-Rustic-Patio-And-PoolLimestone rustic patio and pool decks make the perfect choice for homeowners when designing their backyards.  Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock composed predominantly of calcium carbonate and varying amounts of clay, silt, and sand. The varying amounts of these other minerals determine the color of the stone, which can range from blue to red and green. Limestone is significantly dense and renowned for being a heavy, hard-wearing material. There are many types of limestone that may have been subjected to different surface treatments, display different textures, contain different amounts of fossils, and bear different degrees of permeability. Therefore, certain types of limestone will be better suited to your patio floor than others.

Why Choose Limestone?  Limestone is a well-used building material for several reasons:

  1. Strength – Limestone has a compressive strength of 180 MPa, while concrete has a compressive strength of 30 MPa.
  2. Shaping – While limestone is strong and hard, it is still soft enough to cut into different shapes for pool coping and other building projects.
  3. Aesthetic – Limestone comes in a variety of colors and textures that work with any design. Natural tans, buffs, and grays can have hues of pink, blue, and rust in the veining.
  4. Weathering – Limestone has the ideal porosity to handle the water and New York weather, making it a perfect pool stone.
  5. Durability – Limestone is also suitable for high-traffic areas such as patios.
  6. Safety – Not only does limestone last, but it also provides an element of security. The texture of the natural stone is not as slippery as tiles and other building materials, reducing the risk of falls.

Advantages For Patios And Pools Using Limestone

Limestone is a hard material that fairs well under exposure to the elements, making it an excellent candidate for patio floors. It is easy to cut and convenient to work with, minimizing costly complications during installation and contributing toward a flawless finished product.

Limestone can be obtained in unique and striking colors that can make a patio much more memorable. However, it can also be sourced in even colors for the creation of a uniform surface against which other features stand out. In addition to this aesthetic versatility, limestone bears a very fine texture that appears soft and smooth to the eye.

Limestone-Rustic-Patio-And-Pool1Limestone Disadvantages For Patios And Pools

Take note that limestone may not be a good candidate for your poolside, as it can be damaged by acid. While many homeowners find limestone desirable because of its beauty and longevity, it is important to seal any limestone that may come into contact with acid and be cautious handling chemicals near unsealed limestone.

Limestone is more susceptible to fading than many other natural stone variants, like sandstone. This can be combated through treatments and sealing. However, if you opt for a dark limestone variant, you may find that gradual fading gives it a time-worn look that is packed with timeless character.

Should you desire a very specific shade for your patio floor and cannot find limestone in that color, don’t settle for another shade before you have perused other types of natural stone.

Limestone Pool Coping Long Island NY

Pool coping is not the place to cut corners. Substandard pool coping can lead to problems with the structural integrity of your pool and create safety risks. Coping is what keeps water away from the pool’s shell. If water goes behind the pool walls, the structure is at stake.

Other Pool Coping Benefits

If pool coping breaks away easily, you and your guests can cut yourselves getting in and out of the pool. Keep everyone safe with coping that lasts.  A solid pool coping helps keep debris from falling into the pool and improves cleanliness.  Plus, if you want to add an automatic cover to your pool, the coping will simplify the process.

Works Well With Water

Why are we discussing water and swimming pools in the same sentence as if they don’t naturally go together?

When selecting your pool materials, water is one of the main considerations. The pool surface, walls, and floor must be waterproof.

Consider this: An average size swimming pool contains between 18,000 and 20,000 gallons of water. If left uncovered, around two inches of that water evaporates each week. Using porous materials could result in even more water seeping from the pool.

Limestone-Rustic-Patio-And-Pool2Natural stone tiles, if sealed properly, are essentially waterproof!

The Century Effect – Not only are natural stones water-friendly, but they also stand the test of time.

Bathing pools have a long history going back to ancient Rome and Greece. Early pool builders used tightly fitted terracotta bricks for the pool walls and floors. Bathers at Pamukkale, the site of ancient Turkish thermal springs, enjoyed the beauty of travertine terraces that still exist today.

If you build your pool deck from bricks or concrete, both common building materials, you may get a few decades of use before making major repairs. Take it from the Turks, the Greeks, and the Romans—choose natural materials. They’ll last longer.

Also, stones won’t fade over time. In fact, unlike concrete and humans, stones weather the effects of time and end up looking even more beautiful.

Limestone Rustic Patio And Pools in Plandome Manor NY

Gappsi’s latest Limestone Rustic Patio And Pools in Plandome Manor NY included a complete backyard design and installation.  We installed a new vinyl pool equipped with an automatic cover for ease and convenience for the homeowner.   Our team built two retaining walls with poured concrete and veneered with natural stone. The cooking island was built using all Delta Appliances which can be found in our online store. For the patio, we used G046 limestone and G045 blue limestone for the pool coping all selected from the Gappsi Natural Stones Collection. In addition, we kept the top of the wall with matching coping to the pool. This was a very large wall project but our team at Gappsi has the experience and knowledge. To complete the project the area was very beautifully landscaped by our team at Gappsi. To add to the depth and beauty of the property on the second level we built a circular patio with G046 brown limestone and a fire pit built with matching stones and added a Breeo Smokeless Stainless Steel Fire Pit. This was a very beautiful project to design and build with many details.  

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View Gappsi’s YouTube channel for videos of Limestone Patio And Pool

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Benefits of Limestone Patio Pavers and Pool Copings

Posted by CDP on
Limestone Patio Pavers & Pool Copings
A custom limestone patio designed by Gappsi

Planning to revamp your patio? Limestone patio pavers and pool copings are your best bet!

The material of patio pavers and pool copings matters because it affects everything, from convenience and aesthetics to budget and several other factors.

Although patio pavers and pool copings are available in many different forms, limestone has remained one of the most reliable paving choices in the market over all these years. Read on to find out why.

What is Limestone?

In simple words, limestone is a natural sedimentary rock formed of calcium carbonate, clay, silt, sand, and many other minerals. The deposits of this naturally beautiful rock are present all over the world.

Limestone is rightly described as universal and timeless; people have used it in many monumental constructions, like the Pyramids of Egypt, the Empire State Building, and the Houses of Parliament.

Due to the presence of minerals in limestone, it is available in various natural colors, including blue, gray, tan, green, beige, and red.

Want to know the main reason behind its high appeal and value? It’s the natural feel that radiates from this rock! It can complement both traditional and contemporary settings.

Benefits of Limestone Patio Pavers and Pool Copings

Expert Masonry designers and contractors in Nassau and Suffolk county, Long Island, NY, recommend limestone for patios. The reasons are as follows:

Gappsi's limestone patio pavers and pool coping
Limestone Patio and Pool Coping in Suffolk County

Hardwearing

Durability is the first thing people look for when constructing patios; limestone fulfills this requirement perfectly.

Limestone’s high durability may sound surprising because of its soft and elegant look, but this naturally-dense rock is impervious to elements. It doesn’t break or crumble easily under harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures.

In fact, people have been using it in building things intended for heavy-duty use. This rock is not only suitable for patios but also ground floors, kitchens, and other interior parts of a home.

Aesthetic and Versatile

The best part about limestone is that it fits well with any style and color palette you have in mind. It is available in many colors, from dark to light gray, buff, white, blue, green, and even gold. Hence, you can easily match your patio with the interior of your house.

You can find limestone in different textures, amounts, sizes, and durability. Although most limestone pavers have a honed surface, some varieties can also be naturally split.

Experts usually heat limestone to a high temperature in a flame to create a smooth and uniform surface. They can easily chisel, tumble, split, or cut edges to match your requirements. Some textures are suitable for flat and smooth surfaces indoors, while others are perfect for patios and walkways.

Designers can help you choose from the limestone patio pavers and pool copings displays in showrooms. You can also get custom fabrication done by contractors in Nassau and Suffolk County in Long Island, NY.

An Effective Insulator

With its strong insulating properties, limestone prevents your patio and pool copings from getting too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer.

You can walk barefoot on the patio without worrying about burning your foot on hot and sunny days in Nassau and Suffolk County, Long Island, NY. Similarly, you won’t get cold feet while walking barefoot on the patio on chilly days.

Slip-Resistant Properties

Limestone has a little textured and riven profile, making it even more ideal for patios. How? Its texture facilitates underfoot resistance and reduces the chances of slipping to a great extent, even if your feet are wet or it has rained heavily.

With limestone patio pavers, you can let the children in your family run freely around the patio without having to worry about a bad fall.

An Eco-Friendly Choice

Limestone is one of the best options for environment-conscious people when it comes to remodeling the exterior of a house. This is because it’s a renewable stone and doesn’t increase your carbon footprint. Even if it gets damaged for any reason, its repairs won’t contribute to the already-high pollution levels of the nation.

Limestone Patio & Pool Pavers
Gappsi’s custom limestone patio pavers

Cleaning and Maintaining Limestone Patio Pavers and Pool Copings

One of the best parts about limestone patio pavers and pool copings is that you don’t necessarily have to seal them.

  • The first step to cleaning your limestone patio pavers and pool copings is to brush off the dust and debris from the surface with a broom. But be careful not to scratch the stone with your brush.
  • After removing dust and dirt from the surface, wash the pavers with warm water and non-acidic soap. You can soap the water and use a sponge mop to thoroughly clean all the grime and stains. After that, rinse with clean water and let the surface dry naturally.
  • Limestone is more susceptible to chemical damage than other building materials like concrete. Hence, you should never use any acid to clean limestone.
  • Acids cause chemical reactions and affect the colors and hardiness of the stone. So, always choose your cleaning products wisely.
  • Some soap scum and mineral stains may not come off easily. To get rid of them, pour a mixture of baking soda and warm water on a sponge and scrub well. If a stain still persists, you should let a professional paver cleaning service take care of that.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With A Gappsi Professional Today!

Gappsi has been providing masonry services to residential and commercial property owners for a long time in Nassau and Suffolk County, Long Island, NY. Being an integral part of the masonry industry in our region has enabled us to understand your requirements to the core and recommend the best possible ideas to remodel the interior and exterior of your home.

If you want to install, seal or clean your limestone patio pavers and pool copings, contact Gippsi today to let our experts handle that for you!

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