A stone patio installation comes with many advantages, including an elegant look and style. Some of the biggest advantages to consider are the environmental benefits. As homeowners become more aware of their carbon footprint, every home remodeling decision can include considerations about the environment.

When you choose a stone patio installation, you will help reduce your carbon footprint in many ways, from the installation to the use of the patio for years to come.

1. Heat Absorption

When you choose a patio surface, cement and asphalt are flat smooth surfaces that are often finished in darker colors. A dark material like asphalt absorbs a lot of heat and gives off the heat back into the atmosphere. Asphalt has been known to significantly increase ambient temperatures in cities.

When you choose a natural stone patio, you can select light-colored stones that do not absorb the heat. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint with the use of stones, but also the stone surface is more comfortable for your feet. The stones will not be as hot to the touch and will provide comfort for both you and any pets you own.

Some of the lighter stone options include flagstone or granite. The light finishes add a nice look to patio areas and come in many shades and design patterns to match the rest of your home without increasing your carbon footprint or heat absorption.

2. Water Conservation

If you plan to install a new patio over a plot of land, then you can save on the water use for your lawn. You will have less lawn area to water and can conserve your home's water use. Over the years, the water conversation will add up. The bigger the patio, the less grass you need to worry about watering.

Along with watering, the patio has a lot less maintenance than a lawn. You do not need to spend as much on gas for a lawn mower or use power for other tools like weed trimmers. You also have the option to expand the patio area with additional stone options. For example, stone walkways could extend beyond the patio and onto a lawn or garden area. 

The pathway will cover more of the lawn and reduce the landscaping maintenance you need.

3. Heating Options

When you hire a company for a stone patio installation, you have many add-on options. One of the options is the installation of a patio fireplace made of stone. With the fireplace, you can heat wood and have some natural heating options for the home. You do not need to worry about running an electric or gas-powered space heater.

The reduction in electric use or natural gas will help reduce your overall carbon footprint. You may even use a fireplace area as a cooking source, which will reduce the amount of time you use stove tops or ovens. For example, you could cook meats and other meals directly over the flame. You may put a griddle on to grill up hot dogs and hamburgers.

4. Stone Manufacturing

The initial decision to choose stone over other materials can lead to major reductions in carbon emissions. Concrete and asphalt manufacturing produces a lot of emissions to break down stone, process the materials, and create the material composition. Natural stone pieces are simply cut and formed into the patio sections. 

When you choose the stone products, your initial purchase alone can make a difference in your carbon footprint. You may even have an option to purchase recycled or refurbished stone products that were left over from other projects. As you use the stones, you will reduce your carbon footprint further and may save on overall costs.

For all your stone patio needs, contact us directly at The Rock Garden. We will help plan out your patio design with your carbon footprint in mind.