Stone paving and terraces

Our terraces

Two of our projects are terraces, one in rainbow sandstone that changes from slab to slab, one in grey pavers round a seating area.

Frost

It freezes most winters in the Aube. Stone that absorbs water will flake at the surface after a few winters. Dense granite and good sandstone are fine, some soft limestones and unfilled travertine aren't. If you want limestone, we'd pick a hard Burgundy stone such as Comblanchien. Which test results to ask for is in the frost and grip guide.

Laying

• On a concrete slab with mortar, the most durable next to the house.
• On a compacted base with a mortar bed, for paths.
• On pedestals, for roof terraces over a waterproof membrane, with open joints.

Fall

1.5 to 2% away from the house, so 1.5 to 2 cm per metre, and somewhere for the water to go, a gravel strip, a channel or the garden. Water left standing on the paving in winter freezes there.

Grip

Smooth stone gets slippery in rain and with moss in the shade. Outside we use flamed granite, bush-hammered or riven sandstone, or tumbled limestone, and keep polished stone for indoors.

Inside

Kitchens, hallways and ground floors of old houses, replacing worn terracotta or concrete. On underfloor heating, stone conducts well. The adhesive and joints have to suit heating, and it's switched off while we lay.

Upkeep

We clean off the mortar and, depending on the stone, put on a water repellent against leaves and barbecue fat. Moss comes off with a soft brush. A pressure washer up close can open the surface of soft stone.

Round a pool, see pool coping. For a floor with no joints, resin-bound stone. Sills and thresholds in the same stone are on the sills page. Call +33 7 45 20 76 39.