How to choose the right stone paving for New Zealand's conditions

New Zealand’s climate varies significantly across regions, and your paving solution should match local conditions; consider heat, humidity, frost, wind (causing sea salt spray). Natural Stone Import's stone types are chosen based on New Zealand’s somewhat extreme weather conditions.

There are key factors to look at when it comes to selecting natural stone:

Durability and Hardness

Hard stones like Granite and Quartzite are excellent for high-traffic areas. Softer stones like Limestone can be suitable if properly sealed.

Slip Resistance

An essential factor in New Zealand’s rainy climate. Most of our stone types have an appropriate finish such as Flamed, Brushed or Sandblasted for maximum slip resistance. This is especially important when using around pools or sloped paths. Consider stone types with a Flamed finish for areas that remain in shade or are continuously wet.

Salt Resistance

Those in coastal areas may like to avoid softer stones such as Limestone or Travertine which can be affected by salt, however, properly caring for your natural stone by sealing and providing good drainage around it means you can.

Colour Fastness

Intense UV exposure can fade some stones. To avoid this, we suggest sealing the stone. Granite (excl Black) and Quartzite are highly UV resistant while Travertine and Limestone are moderately UV resistant.

Temperature

If paving will be exposed to direct sunlight, consideration should be given to the colour of the stone. Darker stones such as Black and Grey Granite will heat up underfoot and maintain heat. Lighter stones such as White Quartzite, Aspen Granite, the Travertines and Limestones will remain cooler underfoot.

Maintenance Requirements

Different stones have different care needs—important in New Zealand’s moss-friendly, rainy climate.

Sealing