Question 1

What stone should I use for a fireplace?

Accepted Answer

Almost any of our veneers can face a fireplace; the choice is mostly about style and format. Thin veneer keeps weight down for interior installs, and limestone, basalt, and stacked-stone profiles are the most requested looks. Our fireplace stone guide walks through the options

Question 2

Do I need to seal natural stone?

Accepted Answer

For stone veneer and most wall applications, no. Natural stone develops a patina that lets it breathe and age with character, and sealing works against that. Sealing earns its keep on pavers and high-traffic surfaces as damp-proofing and stain protection. If you’re unsure, tell us where the stone is going and we’ll give you a straight answer.

Question 3

Can I use large format pavers for a driveway? What are the regulations for driveway paving?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the pavers are rated for vehicular traffic and installed over a properly engineered base. Thickness matters more than face size here — some large-format slabs are pedestrian-only no matter how substantial they look.As a general guide:60 mm pavers: 12" × 12" is typically the largest recommended size for a driveway.80 mm and 100 mm pavers: larger formats are often fine, since the added thickness carries the load.Regulations vary by city, and permeable paving is increasingly favored where stormwater rules apply. Check your local requirements before you finalize a selection, or bring your project to any yard and we'll walk through what each material can and can't do.

Question 4

Can I customize my stone and paver selections?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes.Natural stone can often be customized in terms of size, finish, texture, and pattern, depending on the material and supplier. We also work with manufacturers who offer custom concrete pavers in a variety of colors, sizes, and finishes.

Resources List

Flagstone Guide

Bluestone Guide

Los Gatos Blend Pattern Guide

Mortar Techniques Guide

Mortar Colors Guide

Architectural resources

Frequently asked questions

What stone should I use for a fireplace?

Do I need to seal natural stone?

Can I use large format pavers for a driveway? What are the regulations for driveway paving?

Can I customize my stone and paver selections?