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Our headline is loaded and intriguing and you’re probably wondering:

“But why aren’t tumbled travertine pavers suitable for installation around the pool?”

Good question!

We would love to answer it for you.

There are three major reasons why tumbled travertine pavers aren’t suitable for installation around the pool.

Before we dive head first into these.

We would love to introduce ourselves so that you know that we aren’t just a character blogger who is regurgitating content.

In the past 10 years, Armstone has become one of Sydney’s high-end natural stone suppliers.

Situated in Glebe, we are passionate about supplying you with the best quality pool pavers that transform your outdoors and bring you and your family, joy and happiness.

We love to guide our customers to make the best decision that is perfectly tailored for their project.

We have worked on thousands of multimillion-dollar homes and commercial projects.

Working closely with pool builders, architects and landscapers alike.

We have learnt a few tricks of the trade about how to create attractive natural stone designs.

All the while keeping the area around your pool safe and practical for your entertainment and enjoyment.

Over the years we have received 5 star rated feedback from our lovely clientele.

Making us one of the best stone suppliers in our niche-industry.

Now, let’s get back to the article.

Below we will highlight the three key disadvantages of installing tumbled travertine pavers around your pool area.

If you would like more information about travertine pavers, check out our article on the 9 most frequently asked questions here.

3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULDN’T USE TUMBLED TRAVERTINE AROUND THE POOL:

1. TUMBLED TRAVERTINE PAVERS ARE SLIPPERY WHEN WET

A pool is obviously a wet area.

So in order to keep the surrounding paving as safe as possible.

It’s best to install materials that are made of non-slip surfaces.

It is recommended that these extend at least one metre from the pool.

Are graded away from the pool and installed in such a way where any water that gets onto the surface of the stone.

Drains to a waste area so that it decreases the slippage of the stone’s surface.

Ordinarily, tumbled travertine pavers can get slippery when wet.

And as such, it is not recommended for installation around the pool.

How do we know this?

We pride ourselves on testing our natural stones for safety.

To check how slippery stones are, we put them through what’s called a “Wet Pendulum Test”.

We conducted this test on “A” grade travertine pavers and noted that they had a P3 slip rating.

This is the same rating as to your indoor stone or porcelain tiles.

Which means that the stone is slippery when wet.

The Wet Pendulum slip test is where a metal boot.

With a spring-loaded rubber slider on its outsole.

Swings down onto a stone and slides across its surface.

Once the boot swings back up.

The height of the swing helps us determine the slip rating of the surface.

The more slippery the stone is, the higher the pendulum swings.

The “P” Stands for Pendulum Test.

And its rates range between P0 – P5 (see table below for more information).

When choosing a paver for your pool surrounding.

It’s important to understand that when there is too much water on a stone’s surface.

It can naturally get very slippery.

As such, it is much wiser to choose a pool paver with a P4 or P5 slip rating.

These ratings show that the stone has a better grip than a stone with a P3 rating.

For example, while having fun in the sun, excited children tend to run around the pool.

If the stone’s surface has a P3 rating.

It can be tough to keep your balance and a small slip can result in devastating injuries.

Yes, adults included.

P4 or P5 ratings will give you the confidence and peace of mind that your pool paver is safe for everyone to enjoy.

2. TRAVERTINE MAY CONTAIN PITTING THAT TRAPS DEBRIS

One of the characteristics of travertine tumbled pavers.

Is the various sized holes throughout its surface.

This isn’t a defect, but simply a unique trait of the stone.

However, these pits and holes can become quite troublesome outdoors.

Especially as debris and dirt can build up in them.

If installed near a wet area like a pool, these holes are also prone to water filling into them.

As they are hard to clean, eventually the travertine paver will have mould growing in it.

Meticulous maintenance and care are prerequisites for travertine pavers.

For example, it’s recommended to fill these holes with an appropriate grout.

However, this adds additional labour and material cost.

Which coupled with the additional maintenance time, is not always an ideal situation for many homeowners.

If you are keen to learn how to grout travertine pavers, follow this link and read the answer to question 9.

3. TUMBLED TRAVERTINE PAVERS USED AS A COPING CAN CUT OPEN YOUR SKIN

Aside from being super slippery and full of tiny holes that require additional maintenance and care.

Travertine pavers are actually one of the more economical natural stone pavers on the market.

Which is why many people use tumbled pavers as pool coping.

However, to cut costs, they do not purchase the tumbled travertine in an appropriate bull-nosed or pencil-rounded edge.

And this is necessary for pool coping.

You are probably thinking: why not?

Well, many have a preconception and belief that tumbled travertine pavers have a rumbled edge that is “suitable” for pool coping.

As such, they think this cost-cutting method can help them “get away” with using the pavers.

Rather than getting the correct bull-nose, pencil-rounded or drop edge necessary for pool coping.

Like we mentioned in the second point, travertine has naturally occurring holes throughout it.

This is true of its surface and its edges as well.

It is also impossible to source travertine pavers with smooth edges.

Why is this important for pool surroundings and pool coping purposes?

Well, if you run your hand (or foot) over the edges of travertine pavers.

The holes can be so sharp, that they can cut your skin open.

Now imagine you are trying to pull yourself out of the pool.

You grab onto the edge of the travertine paver and cut yourself because the stone is slippery when wet.

And the little holes are sharp as well.

Now you’re injured and the pool is full of bloodied and contaminated water.

We are always amazed at how many consumers close their eyes to this detail.

And even more astounded by how some shady-stone suppliers will never tell you about this, just to close a sale.

To know more here is a video with frequently asked questions about travertine pavers:

Conclusion

Tumbled travertine is a beautiful natural stone.

However, it’s best to avoid installing it in an outdoor area that is susceptible to water.

This is because it can be slippery when wet and cause unnecessary injuries.

When installing pool paving, safety is the first priority.

There are many beautiful pavers that are safe and aesthetically pleasing.

If you want to learn more, check out our article where we share 5 tips on how to choose pool pavers and pool coping.

In case you need any help or guidance finding the right natural stone for your pool paving or coping.

Reach out to us at Armstone and one of our experts will guide you in the right direction.

PS. Below video will help you understand why is it important that your trusted stone suppler works closely with Installer.

We can just imagine what you’re thinking.

Crazy paving?!

What even is that?

So first, let’s take a look at what crazy paving is.

What types of homes it suits best.

How to best lay crazy paving.

And of course, best practices for sealing and grouting.

WHAT IS CRAZY PAVING?

Basically, Crazy Paving is exactly what it sounds like!

It’s stones that have been assembled on the floor in a crazy look with irregularly shaped stones of small, medium and large-sized pieces.

Crazy pavers are also known as flagstones or flagging.

Usually, flagging stones refer to stones that have a natural split finish on the top as well as the bottom.

As such, these can have inconsistent variations of thickness.

The most popular flagstone pavers are Sydney Sandstone.

These can be sourced in many random shapes or more random squared/rectangular shapes.

Crazy paving stones are also available in many other materials, like Bluestone Crazy Paving, Limestone Crazy paving, Marble Crazy paving, Slate Crazy Paving,  Quartz Crazy Paving and Porphyry Crazy Paving.

With its multi-purpose functions, crazy paving can be used for driveways, patios, courtyards, around fire-pits and in many other spaces.

**Trello Limestone Crazy Paving

WHAT STYLE OF HOME DOES CRAZY PAVING SUIT?

Crazy paving and its unique “randomness” works naturally in retro-styled homes and inspire a pleasant retro feel.

Being a versatile material, it also works well in modern settings, creating beautiful terraces and entertaining areas.

As it is easy to use and install, you can also create seamless and organic spaces.

These will complete your home with contemporary or mid-century designs as well.

Many homeowners and designers also strategically use crazy pavers with accessories like dichondra plants.

This is an incredible combination in the modern landscaping industry.

It helps create a truly beautiful balance between land and plants.

**Culburra Quartz Crazy Paving

HOW TO LAY CRAZY PAVERS?

If you are planning to lay crazy paving stones in a foot traffic area that has a concrete slab.

And the crazy paving stones are 20mm in thickness.

You need to use flexible glue to adhere them onto a concrete slab.

If you don’t have a slab, you need a compacted road base and sand-cement mix.

Then you can lay them on the wet bed.

But if you use this method, your stones need to be 30mm or more in thickness.

The type of glue you use depends entirely on the traffic of the area where you’ll be installing the pavers.

For example, a vehicle traffic area like a carport and driveway requires a very different glue to a foot traffic area like a footpath.

Prior to gluing the stones, we recommend laying at least 3 square metres on the floor.

This will help you have a good idea of the shapes and visual design you will be working with.

Then you need to mix the shapes and colours of the natural stones to make them as “crazy” as possible.

There are only two major rules you should follow. 

Rule number one: 

Do your best to create consistent gaps between the pavers.

For example, if you decided on a 20mm gap between the pavers, do not exceed a 30mm gap.

Also, ensure that your gaps are not less than 10mm in width.

Rule number two: 

Do not line the paving pieces consistently with each other.

The goal is to maintain an organic and unstructured look and feel.

As such, the pavers should not be aligned to create any straight lines.

Aim to lay them in a free-form manner.

**Pazzo Crazy Paving

HOW TO SEAL CRAZY PAVING?

Prior to grouting crazy paving pavers with split finishes, you must pre-seal them.

We recommend pre-sealing your crazy paving with Aqua Mix – Pro Block.

We recommend this product because it will help you easily clean off any grout haze or leftover grout from the surface.

This way you’ll be able to keep the job tidy and clean, without hindering your installation process.

Once you finish grouting the crazy pavers, you need to apply a top sealer.

This helps protect the stone, increase its longevity and allow for easier maintenance.

At Armstone we recommend using Aqua Mix – Sealers Choice Gold.

This is a water-based penetrating sealer that also contains a micro-band formula and a low VOC rating.

We also recommend re-sealing outdoor exposed areas every 8 years with our recommended sealer.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED GROUT FOR CRAZY PAVING?

At Armstone we recommend using Ardex WJ50 grout for crazy paving.

This grout has a lot of colours to choose from.

More importantly Ardex WJ50 doesn’t have polymer in it.

So your grout won’t shrink and you won’t have cracks in the joints.

To avoid possible shrinking issues, Ardex WJ50 is ideal to use in joints that range from 3mm to 50mm in width.

It is recommended to combine the Ardex WJ50 grout with the Ardex Grout Booster.

The Ardex Grout Booster is a water-based, synthetic polymer grout additive.

It was specifically created to be used with cement-based grouts.

It improves the grout’s adhesion strength, flexibility and resistance.

The product is available in a range of colours.

Added benefits include improved colour consistency and excellent workability.

If you have any questions or want to find out more, contact the team at Armstone on 1300 560 560.

Our experts would love to help you.

Limestones pavers have softer colour variations than most natural stone.

They also have less veining and a chalky feel about them.

Each piece of limestone has a story behind its beautiful aged look.

And makes an excellent paver for your home, outdoor entertainment area or poolside.

In this article, we will answer a few important questions about limestone pavers to help you make the right choice.

Let’s start with…

What are Limestone Pavers Made of?

Limestone is a sedimentary stone that is primarily composed of calcite and is formed by nature.

Compared to travertine and sandstone, limestone pavers are a very popular natural stone with Australians for outdoor usage.

While travertine is a stone with much character, its holes make it look quite busy.

And though sandstone is a desirable paver, it’s very porous.

Which is not ideal for outdoor usage due to it attracting mould and discolouring over time.

So if you are searching for an exclusive and unique paver for your outdoor entertainment areas and pool surroundings.

Limestone pavers are an excellent choice.

*DuToit Limestone Pavers

Do Limestone Pavers Stain Easily?

We have noticed a common trend from customers when they visit our showroom:

They have mixed information about limestone pavers.

Many think limestone pavers are cheap, porous and stain very easily.

Whilst others have been told that limestone pavers are so durable that they are suitable for driveways.

So we want to make it clear once and for all:

The porosity, durability, suitability and cost of limestone pavers.

Are all dependent on the supplier and the quality of stone they stock.

For example, a fine limestone paver is not as durable as a bluestone paver or granite paver.

However, limestone pavers are much denser than your average travertine paver or sandstone paver.

On the other hand, while high-quality limestone pavers have great strength.

And are salt and slip tested to ensure they are suitable for installation around saltwater pools.

They are not ideal for installation in heavy traffic areas like driveways.

How Much are Limestone Pavers?

Like all natural stones, quality limestone pavers add value to your home.

So even though they are a higher investment now.

iIf you look at it from a long-term perspective, they’re worth every dollar.

Limestone pavers can vary in cost from $65 per/m2, all the way to $230 per/m2.

This variance in cost is not due to the limestone’s durability.

But rather the fossils and shells that have set in its formation.

This unique trait adds a lot of value to limestone pavers.

* Melba Limestone Pavers

What Makes Some Limestone Pavers Superior to Others?

There are a few characteristics that distinguish a superior limestone paver from a less superior one.

These include:

• The stone’s density
• The colour of the stone and
• The cut of stone sold to the supplier.

In saying this, we urge you to be wary when investing in limestone pavers.

This is because some pavers on the market, even if they are 30mm thick.

Are actually quite porous and need to be dip-sealed to help make them less porous.

In such cases, you may even need to seal all 6 sides of the stone to protect it.

Also, there are some very low-quality limestone pavers on the market.

They’re so porous and soft that installing them around a pool, especially a saltwater one, is not ideal.

The stone will simply crumble over time and cost you even more time and money to fix.

This is why investing in the right quality stone for the area you intend to install it in, is very, very important.

If you need any help with this, reach out to our team of experts for some guidance here.

* Grampian Limestone Pavers 

Limestone Pavers Around the Pool?

If the particular limestone is carefully selected and adequately tested.

Limestone pavers can have up to double strength and durability compared to their sister paver, travertine.

As such, limestone pavers can be installed around the pool.

However, we will caution you to salt test your limestone pavers before actually investing or installing them as pool coping pavers.

We have seen limestone pavers installed in various locations around the pool including pool houses and pool surroundings.

They’re also perfect as walkway pavers and for patios, courtyards and basically anywhere else you can imagine.

What’s the Best Limestone Paver Pattern?

The French pattern is the most desired pattern for tumbled limestone pavers.

Basically a French pattern consists of four different sized pavers, that form a pattern which repeats itself.

The sizes include 600×400, 400×400, 400×200 and 200×200. Below is an example of this pattern.

In terms of design trends with limestone pool coping

Bullnose coping pieces are used in traditional homes or for curvy pools.

While square edge or drop edge limestone coping is used for modern contemporary homes.

See image below:

Do Limestone Pavers Get Hot?

Compared to granite and bluestone, limestone pavers reflect heat.

As they are made of calcite, this element does not absorb heat.

And as such, limestone pavers are an excellent choice as a poolside paver.

This is because they do not get hot underfoot.

And in the harsh Australian climate.

Where temperatures can reach 40 degrees celsius and higher.

This is a helpful characteristic for a poolside paver.

Along with heat-resistance.

You also want to ensure that the limestone you purchase for your poolside, is slip-resistant.

Ideally, you want to invest in a poolside paver that has a slip rating of P4 or higher.

To make sure, always ask your supplier to send you a slip rating test of the stone prior to purchase!

Do You Need to Seal Limestone Pavers?

As with all natural stone products, sealing is essential to maintain the stone’s aesthetic and longevity.

Limestone pavers are no exception to this.

Aqua Mix – Sealers Choice Gold is our recommended sealer for limestone as it keeps the stone’s natural appearance intact.

Aqua Mix® Sealer’s Choice® Gold – Rapid Cure, which contains MicroBan®, is the world leader in antimicrobial chemistry.

This sealer is able to penetrate through denser stones with smaller pores.

It also has a Low VOC (Low Volatile Organic Compound).

Which means it emits less carbon into the atmosphere.

For example, Aqua Mix only emits 46 grams of carbon per litre of sealant.

Which in the scope of things, is a very small amount of carbon pollution.

Aqua Mix Sealers and Cleaners have been used on limestone pavers globally in different environments for over 20 years.

Compared to other sealants, they are more long-wearing.

Which means you get the most bang for your buck from the product.

Conclusion

Choosing the right limestone paver will add a wealth of beauty, class, longevity and functionality to your home.

However, paving your home and surroundings is a significant investment and as such, should be one that stands the test of time.

This is why prior to investing in any natural stone pavers, it’s important to always do your research.

As we’ve mentioned earlier, the quality of a natural stone can vary between each supplier.

This is why it’s important to review the tests conducted on each stone.

And see if this information makes limestone paving an appropriate choice for your area of choice.

It’s easy to be led astray in this industry, especially when so few suppliers actually know their products.

If you’d like some guidance with your research or to chat about a specific product, you’re welcome to reach out to us.

We love this stuff and would love to guide you make the best decision for your home.

If you want to add character and a sense of antiquity to your front or backyard, cobblestones can really help achieve this aesthetic.

Now, before we jump into how to lay cobblestones on mesh, let’s first start at the beginning.

And find out …

What are Cobblestones?

Cobblestones are based on the century old roads and walkways that are prominent in Europe.

Given their historical value, they bring a tremendous amount of character, timelessness and beauty to any space.

Cobblestones are typically made from dense stone materials such as granite, bluestone, quartzite and porphyry.

They typically have excellent grip strength.

As a result of their superb genetic makeup, they serve as a long-lasting paving solution.

With a wide selection of designs and materials, cobblestones can easily be used to create stunning outdoor spaces.

What Patterns do Cobblestones Come in?

Cobblestones are available in a wide range of styles.

These include the Chicago Pattern, Herringbone Pattern, Brick Pattern and Straight Pattern.

They are also available as loose individual pieces which gives you the chance to create your own unique design.

Below are some examples of how you can arrange cobblestones to turn your outdoor space into a stunning feature for your home.

How to Lay Cobblestones on Mesh?

Generally speaking, all cobblestones that are on mesh backing of 20-30mm thickness, are to be laid on a cement base.

Depending on where and why you are installing the cobblestones, installation methods may vary.

As such, we strongly recommend consulting your professional contractor to confirm the exact thickness required for the concrete slab.

For example, when laying cobblestones for driveways, it is recommended to install them on a reinforced concrete slab that is 120 mm thick.

Cobblestones can vary by 3 – 4 mm in size and/or thickness.

All meshed back cobblestones must have a tolerable thickness and size variation of +/- 2mm.

Cobblestone pavers with a split finish have more flexibility in size and thickness because of the split factor.

It is important to consider these size tolerances during the installation process.

Sometimes the tradesman will need to manually adjust some individual cobblestones in order to maintain the correct heights.

During installation, it is also typical to remove the odd cobblestone that has been broken during transportation.

Graphene Granite Cobblestones – Installed by Branch Out Landscape Design

If you want to create that traditional look with your cobblestones, you must use the appropriate installation procedure.

This includes using the proper adhesives, grout, additives, sealers and pre-sealers.

Installing cobblestones the right way will give your paving that “bulletproof” feel.

In this regard, meshed back cobblestones are easier and quicker to install.

However you must use the appropriate adhesives (glue) and grout.

Otherwise your cobblestones will fall apart and that will be costly and time consuming to fix.

When you get cobblestones with a mesh backing, they are held together on the mesh with an Epoxy Glue.

The mesh backing is made of plastic.

It has holes throughout it so that when you apply the glue to the paving.

This helps it adhere to the back of the cobble stone as well.

Together, the plastic mesh and epoxy glue cover about 50% of the cobblestone’s back.

This leaves another 50% of the space free for the paving glue to stick to the cobblestone.

To avoid the stone from de-bonding over time, it’s very important to use the right adhesive. H

ere we recommend a strong bonding and fibre reinforced ‘Non-Slump Adhesive.’

If you want your cobblestones to stand the test of time and stay glued to the cement.

Using only a stronger bonding glue is simply not enough for mesh backed cobblestones.

Let’s say that your car is parked in the driveway and you turn the steering wheel while it’s stationary.

The rubber tyres will grip onto the cobble.

And just as you are rotating the wheel, the tyres will physically rotate the stone.

If you repeat this overtime, it will cause your cobblestones to debond.

In order to avoid de-bonding and increase the strength of adhesion.

We suggest you apply a thicker amount of glue in comparison to installing other ordinary stone pavers.

Use a notch trowel that’s 15mm in width and apply it all over the concrete slab prior to installing the meshed cobblestones.

When you place the cobblestones on top of the glue, keep 10mm space free for the grout.

This means that you will have 5mm of glue under the cobblestones.

And 10mm of glue around the edges of the cobblestones.

This will ensure that all 5 sides of the cobble are somehow glued and joined to another material.

The above method of adhesion is recommended for heavy-traffic areas.

These include driveways that are exposed to more weight and vibrations.

If, on the other hand, you are installing cobblestones for an entertainment area that will only be exposed to foot traffic.

You can get away with a more ‘light’ installation method.

Now that we’ve reviewed the correct way to adhere to meshed cobblestones.

Let’s check out the best products for the installation process.

Lorax Cobblestone on mesh

If you are installing cobblestones for an entertainment area that will only be exposed to foot traffic.

You can get away with a more ‘light’ installation method.

However, if you are planning for a driveway.

You will need what we like to call ‘heavy-duty’ installation products.

This is because this area will take a lot more weight and vibrations than an area only exposed to foot traffic.

RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

Adhesive:

Depending on the area, we recommend different adhesives.

• For installation on the footpath area, we recommend a Fibre Reinforced Non-Slump Adhesive like Ardex X18.
• For driveways, we recommend the adhesive Ardex X18 mixed with the Ardex E90 Here the mixing ratio must be: 1 x 20kg bag of Ardex X18 + 2L of E90 + 4.5L of water.

Grout

The recommended grout for cobblestones is Ardex WJ50 Sanded Grout mixed with an Ardex Grout Booster.

Ardex’ WJ50 is a water-based, synthetic polymer grout additive, designed for gaps that are bigger than 3mm.

It improves the strength of adhesion, flexibility and resistance to abrasion.

Grout Booster is added to assist with the grout’s flexibility and also helps reduce efflorescence.

The best mixing ratio is 1 x Ardex WJ50 grout to be mixed with 2L Ardex Grout Booster + 2L water.

Sealers

Pre-sealing and top-sealing your cobblestones is crucial to increasing their longevity and ensuring a cleaner installation process.

Pre-sealing cobblestones helps clean off any excess grout or ‘grout haze’.

Without using stronger acidic cleaners that can damage the stone.

You may use a pre-sealer like the Aqua Mix – Pro Block.

This is an economical, natural-look, breathable, water-based penetrating sealer.

It is designed to resist staining caused by water-soluble minerals.

It also helps resist efflorescence migration.

However, ProBlock is not an adhesive bond breaker.

Once you have glued, pre-sealed and grouted the cobblestones, the top sealer provides the ‘final touch’ to the overall aesthetic.

A sealer like Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold is a premium grade, high performance penetrating/impregnating stone, tile and grout sealer and will help protect your stone.

It has built-in Microban® – Cured Sealant and is Mould & Mildew Resistant and will last up to 15 years.

What is the Cost of Installation Materials for Cobblestones?

The answer to this really depends on your project and its unique specifications.

So what we will do is give a quote sample and then show the cost of materials per square meter.

Quote sample for 40m2 of the 100x100x20mm meshed cobblestones: