Natural Stone for Landscaping: Uses, Sourcing & Maintenance Tips

Natural stone is a top choice for landscaping in Southwestern Ontario thanks to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and natural texture. From patios and walkways to retaining walls and garden edging, different types of stone serve different functions—each with their own strengths, care needs, and visual appeal.

In this guide, we cover the most popular natural stone types used in landscaping, how they’re sourced and delivered, which projects they’re suited for, and how to keep them looking their best for years to come.

Flagstone

• Appearance: Flat, irregular slabs in earthy shades like grey, brown, and rust.
• Best Used For: Patios, stepping stones, pool surrounds, and walkways.
• Key Benefits: Natural, organic look and
• Watch Out For: Can become slippery when wet; requires solid base preparation.
• Maintenance Tip: Sweep regularly and reinstall polymeric sand every 2–3 years to prevent staining, erosion and weed growth.

Limestone

• Appearance: Smooth and uniform; usually light grey, beige, or buff.
• Best Used For: Garden walls, coping, and steps.
• Key Benefits: Clean, consistent look that suits formal garden designs.
• Watch Out For: Softer than granite—vulnerable to wear in freeze-thaw cycles if unsealed.
• Maintenance Tip: Avoid acidic cleaners that can etch the surface.

Granite

• Appearance: Dense, crystalline stone available in greys, pinks, and blacks.
• Best Used For: Retaining walls, steps, curbing, patios, and feature boulders.
• Key Benefits: Extremely durable, colourful, and weather-resistant.
• Watch Out For: Most expensive of the natural stone options, heavy and expensive to transport; often requires machinery.
• Maintenance Tip: Easy to care for—wash with water and mild soap to maintain appearance.

River Rock

Can be composed of granite or limestone and comes in various sizes. (Same with flagstone)

• Appearance: Smooth, rounded stones in mixed colours like grey, brown, and white.
• Best Used For: Dry creek beds, drainage areas, garden edging, and mulch alternatives.
• Key Benefits: Great for decorative ground cover and water features.
• Watch Out For: Shifts easily; not ideal for walkways or structural uses.
• Maintenance Tip: Use landscape fabric underneath and relevel periodically to maintain even coverage.

Fieldstone

• Appearance: Naturally weathered stones in rounded or irregular shapes.
• Best Used For: Dry-stacked garden walls, accent rocks, and borders.
• Key Benefits: Ideal for cottage-style or informal gardens.
• Watch Out For: Uneven shapes make installation more time-consuming.
• Maintenance Tip: Pull weeds regularly and reposition stones yearly to prevent shifting.

Sandstone

• Appearance: Textured stone in warm tones like red, tan, or gold.
• Best Used For: Decorative walls, walkways, patios, and cladding.
• Key Benefits: Adds warmth and texture to garden spaces.
• Watch Out For: High porosity makes it prone to erosion and staining.
• Maintenance Tip: Seal regularly and clean spills quickly to prevent permanent marks.

Armour Stone

• Appearance: Large, rectangular stone blocks in grey or buff tones.
• Composition: Typically quarried limestone or dolomitic limestone; occasionally granite.
• Best Used For: Retaining walls, shoreline control, steps, and garden borders.
• Key Benefits: Visually bold and highly durable.
• Watch Out For: Heavy and requires professional installation with equipment.
• Maintenance Tip: Minimal upkeep—check for shifting and remove plant growth in joints when required.

How Natural Stone Is Sourced and Delivered

Natural stone used in Southwestern Ontario is typically sourced from local quarries in Ontario and Quebec. Some high-end stone varieties may be imported from other parts of Canada or internationally. The stone is processed in four main steps:

• Quarrying: Large stone blocks are extracted using controlled blasting or wire-saw cutting.
• Cutting & Splitting: Stones are shaped using saws and hydraulic splitters.
• Sorting & Palletizing: Stones are categorized by size and purpose.
• Transporting: Delivered by flatbed trucks to stone yards or job sites.

Pro Tip: Factor in delivery and handling costs when planning your landscaping budget; natural stone is heavy and sometimes fragile.

Choosing the Right Natural Stone for Your Landscape Project

Match the stone to your design style and functional needs:

• Use flagstone for naturalistic patios and walkways.
• Choose limestone for modern, clean lines in steps or walls.
• Opt for granite where maximum durability is required.
• Pick fieldstone for rustic, informal gardens or rural properties.
• Select sandstone to add warmth and colour to decorative spaces.
• River rock is ideal for low-maintenance mulching, dry streams, and water features.
• Armour stone adds structure and drama to large-scale retaining walls.

Maintenance Tips for Natural Stone in Landscaping

Keep your stonework looking great and functioning well with these expert tips:

• Seal porous stone types: Especially sandstone and limestone, to prevent water absorption and stains.
• Keep joints clear: Weeds and ants can degrade structural integrity—use polymeric sand or ground cover.
• Ensure good drainage: Poor drainage can cause frost heave or surface damage.
• Avoid de-icing salts: Use plastic shovels and skip salt-based products in winter to prevent surface breakdown.

Work with a Landscaping Team That Knows Natural Stone

Natural stone is a long-term investment that adds both beauty and value to your landscape. Choosing the right stone, installing it correctly, and keeping it well maintained ensures it will stand the test of time—through all four seasons in Southwestern Ontario.

Need help designing with natural stone? Our landscaping experts can help you choose the best stone materials for your space and install them with care. Contact us today to get started on your dream landscape.

Costs, Planning, and Smart Strategies

Planning a hardscaping project for your yard or outdoor space in Stratford and area? Whether you’re dreaming of a new patio, stone walkway, retaining wall, or full backyard renovation, understanding how to budget is the key to success. Thoughtful planning helps you avoid surprises and ensures your investment results in a functional and beautiful landscape that lasts.

Here’s a complete breakdown of what to consider when budgeting for a hardscaping project in Southwestern Ontario or beyond.

Start with a Site Consultation and Assessment

Every outdoor space is unique, and a site consultation is a critical first step. A landscaping professional will evaluate:

• Drainage and grading conditions
• Soil type and compaction
• Existing structures or barriers

This visit allows you to discuss your vision, identify potential challenges early on, and ensure the right installation techniques and materials are chosen from the start.

Invest in a Professional Hardscape Design Plan

Creating a solid landscape design plan is worth every penny. An experienced designer will:

• Maximize the use of space
• Recommend materials that fit your goals and budget
• Help you visualize the finished product

Design fees can vary—from a few hundred dollars for basic layouts to several thousand for detailed or large-scale projects. A good design helps prevent costly mistakes down the road.

Understand Material Costs and Quantities

Material selection is one of the biggest factors in your overall hardscaping budget. Common hardscape materials include:

• Natural stone (e.g., limestone, flagstone)
• Interlocking pavers
• Stamped or poured concrete
• Brick

We source much of our stone from Ed’s Concrete in Stratford.

When pricing materials, factor in:

• Cost per square foot or per unit
• Delivery fees (especially for heavy materials)
• Added features like edging, inlays, or drainage systems

Choosing higher quality or low-maintenance materials may increase your upfront cost but reduce long-term maintenance.

Consider Installation and Labor Costs

Professional landscaping installation ensures durability and longevity, especially in climates with freeze-thaw cycles like Ontario’s. Your total cost will depend on:

• Site preparation needs (excavation, demolition, leveling)
• Project complexity and timeline
• Equipment use (such as excavators, compactors, or cutting tools)

If you’re considering DIY installation, don’t forget to budget for tool rentals, material delivery, and your own time. Keep in mind that mistakes made during installation can be expensive to fix later.

Don’t Forget Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Even the most durable hardscapes need periodic upkeep. As you budget, plan for:

• Cleaning and sealing surfaces every few years
• Replacing polymeric sand between pavers
• Fixing drainage issues or settling over time
• Occasional repairs or realignment of stones or bricks

Opting for durable, low-maintenance materials now can reduce long-term costs and effort.

Use a Phased Approach to Manage Costs

If your dream design is more than your current landscaping budget allows, consider completing your project in phases. This staged approach helps you:

• Spread out expenses over several seasons or years
• Focus on the most essential features first
• Adjust future phases based on your needs and preferences

Example of a phased hardscape installation:

• Year 1: Build the patio and foundation elements
• Year 2: Add pathways, retaining walls, or stairs
• Year 3: Install lighting, gardens, and decorative features

Create a Hardscape Budget That Works for You

A well-planned hardscaping project can add long-term value, functionality, and beauty to your property. By considering design, materials, labor, and maintenance—and by phasing the work if needed—you can make smart decisions that align with your vision and your wallet.

Ready to bring your outdoor space to life? Contact A Touch of Dutch Landscaping today to schedule a consultation and start planning your hardscaping project with confidence.

Hardscaping – the art of landscaping with non-living elements – adds structure, functionality, and aesthetic appeal to outdoor spaces. Doing the job right requires an understanding of the principles of hardscaping, careful planning, and attention to detail.

From patios and pathways to retaining walls and driveways, hardscaping can transform a mundane backyard into a beautiful and usable oasis. In this guide, we’ll delve into the principles and steps involved in hardscaping, along with common mistakes that DIYers make.

Principles of Hardscaping

Functionality

Before diving into the design, we consider the intended use of the hardscaped area. Whether it’s for entertaining guests, relaxing, or enhancing curb appeal, functionality primarily guides the layout and material choices.

Unity and Harmony

Hardscaping elements should complement the existing landscape and architectural features. We aim for a cohesive design that integrates seamlessly with the surroundings.

Balance

Our designs achieve visual balance by distributing hardscape elements evenly throughout the space. Balance is achieved through symmetry, asymmetry, or radial patterns, depending on the desired aesthetic.

Proportion and Scale

We also focus on maintaining proper proportion and scale to ensure that hardscape elements are not overpowering or overshadowed by the surrounding landscape. If there are existing structures, we consider the scale of those other elements and the size of the area overall when selecting materials and designing layouts.

Durability and Maintenance

Our recommendation is to select durable materials that can withstand the local climate and require minimal upkeep. Proper maintenance is essential for preserving the integrity and appearance of hardscape features over time.

Steps Involved in Hardscaping

Site Assessment

The first step is an evaluation of the site to identify existing features, such as slopes, drainage patterns, and utility lines, that may impact the hardscaping design. Factors like sun exposure, soil conditions, and access points will impact the layout.

Design Development

Then, we’ll sketch out the desired hardscape elements, taking into account the principles of hardscaping discussed earlier. Our design team then uses purpose-built software to create detailed plans and visualizations.

Material Selection

Keeping a customer’s budget in mind, hardscaping materials – mainly natural stone or precast products – are selected to complement the design aesthetic while meeting practical requirements such as durability, slip resistance, and maintenance needs.

Preparation

When the planning is complete, we begin preparing the site by clearing vegetation, grading the terrain, and addressing any drainage issues. Hardscaping projects require a sturdy base, such as crushed stone or gravel, to provide a stable foundation for hardscape features like patios and pathways.

Installation

Adhering to the plan as well as industry best practices, our hardscaping crew begins installation. To ensure proper alignment, spacing, and compaction, the team uses appropriate tools and techniques.

Finishing Touches

Finishing touches such as edging, lighting, and softscaping are added when desired to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of the hardscaped area.

Common DIY Mistakes

Skipping Site Assessment

Neglecting to assess the site can lead to issues like poor drainage, uneven surfaces, and conflicts with utility lines.

Overlooking Design Principles

Failing to consider principles like functionality, unity, and proportion can result in a haphazard or unbalanced hardscape design.

Poor Material Selection

Choosing materials based solely on aesthetics without considering durability, maintenance requirements, and suitability for the site can lead to premature deterioration and costly repairs.

Inadequate Preparation

Rushing through site preparation and base installation can compromise the stability and longevity of hardscape features, leading to issues like settling, cracking, and drainage problems.

Improper Installation Techniques

Incorrect installation techniques, such as improper compaction, inadequate joint spacing, and poor alignment, can result in uneven surfaces, instability, and structural failure.

Neglecting Maintenance

Failing to properly maintain hardscape features, including regular cleaning, sealing, and/or repairs, can diminish their appearance and lifespan.

While there are some aspects of landscaping that homeowners can tackle themselves, the labour-intensive and complex nature of hardscaping makes it more difficult for DIYers to get right. Whether you’re planning on a small patio project or a complete backyard makeover, contact us for professional, beautiful, and long-lasting results.

Creating a beautiful outdoor space often involves finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. Landscaping with natural stone helps elevate outdoor spaces in terms of both beauty and practicality.

Whether you’re aiming to build a beautiful pathway, add a captivating focal point, or design an entire landscape, natural stone options such as flagstone, armour stone, and river rock can transform your outdoor environment into a mesmerizing retreat. In this blog post, we’ll explore the diverse uses and characteristics of these three popular natural stones, offering insights into how they can elevate your landscaping projects.

Flagstone: Timeless Beauty and Versatility

Flagstone, characterized by its relatively flat, irregular-shaped slabs, is a timeless choice for adding elegance and functionality to your landscape design. This type of natural stone is available in various colors, including earthy browns, grays, and blues, offering a wide range of options to suit your aesthetic preferences.

Pathways
Flagstone can be used to create visually appealing and durable pathways throughout your garden or yard. By arranging these flat stones in a natural or geometric pattern, you can achieve a unique and inviting path.

Patios
Transforming a bland outdoor area into a captivating patio is effortless with flagstone. Its natural texture and color variations provide a rustic charm, while its durability makes it an excellent choice for outdoor living spaces like patios.

Stepping Stones
Create a whimsical and enchanting garden by strategically placing flagstone stepping stones amidst lush greenery. These irregularly shaped stones add character and functionality, guiding visitors through your landscape while preserving its natural beauty.

Armour Stone: Majestic and Enduring

Armour stone is a heavyweight natural stone renowned for its strength and durability. These large, rugged stones bring a sense of grandeur to any landscape and are commonly used for creating retaining walls, borders, and eye-catching focal points.

Retaining Walls
Armour stones are ideal for building sturdy and visually striking retaining walls. Their substantial size and weight provide stability while adding a touch of natural beauty to your landscape. These walls help prevent soil erosion, level uneven terrain, and create distinct planting areas.

Garden Edging
Utilize armour stone to define garden beds, pathways, or driveways. The imposing presence of these stones adds an element of sophistication and serves as a functional barrier, protecting your plantings and preventing soil displacement.

Water Features
Incorporating armour stones into water features, such as cascading waterfalls or natural-looking ponds, can create a captivating oasis in your garden. The rough texture and natural colors of these stones enhance the visual appeal of your water feature, evoking a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

River Rock: Serene Simplicity and Versatile Charm

River rock, also known as river stones or pebbles, is a smooth natural stone typically found in riverbeds. Its unique rounded shape and earthy, soothing colors make it an excellent choice for enhancing various aspects of your landscape.

Ground Cover
Use river rock as a ground cover to create a low-maintenance and visually appealing landscape. Its smooth texture and uniformity offer a soothing backdrop for vibrant plants and flowers while preventing weed growth.

Dry Creek Beds
Mimic the beauty of a meandering stream by incorporating river rock into a dry creek bed. This decorative feature adds visual interest and can be used in xeriscaping projects. But they can also be functional, directing rainwater from rain barrels, eavestroughs, or reservoirs into beds, improving drainage in areas prone to flooding.

Waterless Ponds
River rock can be arranged in a layered manner to resemble the bottom of a pond or lake. This creative landscaping idea provides a unique focal point, adding depth and texture to your outdoor space without the need for water.

Pondless Streams and Waterfalls
The soothing sights and sounds of gently flowing water can be achieved in your own backyard. To create a pondless stream or waterfall, river rock is assembled down a slope and recirculating water cascades down the rock into an underground reservoir, where it’s pumped back to the top of the water feature.

Landscaping with natural stone opens up a world of possibilities for creating a captivating outdoor space that harmonizes with nature. Its timeless beauty, versatility, and durability make natural stone an ideal choice for pathways, patios, retaining walls, and other landscaping elements.

Natural stone is a permeable option that can benefit the environment by preventing runoff or pooling standing water. With increasing frequency and amounts of rain, permeable solutions work by allowing water to pass through joints and filter it back into the ground alleviating pressure on rivers and storm sewers. Permeable options can also reduce heat by counteracting how they absorb and emit the sun’s heat over traditional paving.

Whether you prefer a formal garden or a rustic retreat, natural stone can be adapted to suit your style and preferences, breathing life into your outdoor oasis. Planning a landscaping upgrade? Visit our Project Gallery for ideas and inspiration. And if you’d prefer to have a professional design and/or installation, contact us.