Stone is an extremely versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Whether for paving paths, for securing your favorite cozy seat or the garage forecourt or for building a privacy wall - you will find the right material for every project. Stone is extremely varied and colourful, you can choose from many different types.

Stones can be used, for example, to create a beautiful terrace

Observe legal regulations

In order to avoid trouble with the neighbors, you should obtain information about what is permitted and what is not, especially before building work on or near the neighboring property. For the construction of terraces and paths, no inquiries to the building authorities are usually necessary. If there are small border walls, privacy walls, privacy protection elements or larger buildings near the garden border, we recommend taking a look at the development plan, the local statute or an inquiry at the municipal or district office.

In which garden areas is stone worked?

Stone is used in many garden areas and allows you to design different garden spaces. Despite all your creativity, you should also make sure that access routes, garage entrances, terrace areas or simply paved paths through the vegetable garden are functional, safe and sensible so that you can enjoy them over the long term. The access path to the house will be wider and more solid than the stepping stones to the secluded, hidden seating area in the corner of the garden. Garage forecourts, on the other hand, require a harder-wearing surface than would be the case with a terrace, for example.

ways

Paths are not only a practical, but also an important design element in the garden. The routing and the selection of the stones have a significant influence on how a garden is perceived: strictly formal with a straight route, interesting with curved paths with imaginative, colorful paving or unusual, for example with star-shaped, paved work paths in the vegetable garden. The following tips are recommended when creating paths:

  • Access routes should be paved or covered with slabs, avoiding stumbling blocks.
  • Grass pavers and other perforated stones are not suitable for main paths, only for side paths.
  • Reason: Ladies like to get stuck here with their heels.
  • Paths to the house entrance should be at least 120 centimeters wide
  • Long paths appear shorter when they are paved with "horizontal stripes" or square patterns.
  • Large plate formats also visually reduce the path.
  • Short distances, on the other hand, appear more spacious when working with small-format paving stones.
  • A curved route makes short distances appear longer and creates visual tension.
  • Small, separate squares that are integrated into the path also have an optically shortening effect.
  • Paths that are rarely used can be covered with easy-care slabs, clinker bricks or paving stones.

Garden forecourts and front yards

For the sake of your car, avoid garage forecourts that are too small. Even poorly visible obstacles such as boulders, low posts or small walls have no place here. Instead, the substructure for garage driveways has to be laid out very carefully in order to be able to withstand the larger loads. These places look exciting when you work with patterns and pave circles, squares or even mosaics, for example.

Garden walls and stairs

Garden walls, no matter how high, always need a foundation to be stable. If the slope is about ten percent or more, it is also advisable to install steps. These must be safe and non-stumbling. Wide, paved steps are useful for frequently used paths, while simple steps only make sense for opening up less frequented garden areas - such as side paths. Stairs and walls can be excellently combined and combined with water basins, sun terraces, seating areas or raised beds to form interesting units.

terraces and seating areas

A wind- and view-protected terrace at the house, which offers enough space for a seating area with tables and chairs, is ideal. Smooth coverings on which the furniture stands securely are to be preferred in the terrace area. Second seats in the garden can also have simpler coverings and can be designed in an exciting way: For example, you can "sink" such a place with the help of little walls or attach it to a slope.

Which stones are suitable for use in the garden?

The wallet often decides which stone is used in the garden. However, questions of environmental protection and the expected transport routes and costs should also be included in the considerations.

natural stones

As the name suggests, natural stone is extracted from natural deposits. A rough distinction is made between hard and soft rock, which is important for processing and use in the garden. Examples of hard rock are granite, gneiss, porphyry and basalt, which are very hard, frost-resistant and durable. These stones are often used for walls and as paving stones, for stone steles and as curb stones. Soft rocks are, for example, all limestones, sandstones, slate and marble. They are easy to work with and are ideal as garden slabs and for building low walls and stairs.

concrete and concrete blocks

Concrete is a stone-like material that, like natural stone, can be used in a variety of ways. This makes it a good alternative to the more expensive natural stones. Heavily used areas in the garden can be covered with composite stone paving, the individual stones of which are provided with a so-called wear layer. This is particularly hard and can withstand even the greatest stresses.

tips

Clinker is available in many shades of color and is therefore a very good alternative to natural stone, but also because of its durability.

Category:

Garden design