Choosing the right material for a hardscaping project is one of the most consequential decisions in the design process — and one that’s made surprisingly often based on aesthetics alone without considering how that material will actually perform in Maryland’s specific climate. We’ve seen beautiful flagstone patios that failed because the stone was set on an inadequate base in our freeze-thaw zone. We’ve replaced concrete pavers that looked great at installation and turned slippery and stained within three years because the finish wasn’t appropriate for our humidity and organic matter. At Hometown Landscape, we help clients choose materials that look the way they want to look and hold up the way they need to hold up — because both matter equally.
Natural Stone: Bluestone, Flagstone, Granite, and Fieldstone
Natural stone is the premium tier of hardscaping material and the most durable when installed correctly. In the Maryland/DC area, the most commonly specified natural stones are:
Pennsylvania bluestone is the standard for quality patios and walkways in our region. It’s a sedimentary sandstone with natural color variation from blue-gray to warm buff tones, available in irregular/natural shapes or cut to dimensional rectangles. It holds up well through freeze-thaw cycles, has good slip resistance, and ages beautifully — developing a slight patina that looks more natural over time, not worse. It’s not cheap: expect $28–$48 per square foot installed depending on thickness and setting method.
Granite and limestone are used for steps, wall caps, and accent paving. Granite is extremely durable and available in a range of colors; it’s slightly harder to cut but essentially indestructible as a step material. Limestone is warmer in color but more porous and requires more sealing maintenance in our humid climate.
Fieldstone (Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland-sourced) is the material of choice for natural-looking retaining walls, garden walls, and rustic features. It’s irregular by nature, which limits it to applications where a naturalistic finish is desired rather than a clean, geometric one.
Concrete Pavers: Versatility and Repairability
Concrete pavers are the most commonly installed hardscape material in our region — for good reason. They’re available in a wide range of profiles, colors, and finishes; they’re significantly more repairable than poured concrete (individual units can be pulled and reset if settling occurs); and they’re competitively priced compared to natural stone. The key variables when specifying concrete pavers:
- Profile and size — Large-format pavers (18×18 or 24×24) create a cleaner, more contemporary look; smaller tumbled pavers create a traditional or Old-World appearance
- Finish — Smooth finishes look sleek but can be slippery when wet; textured or tumbled finishes are safer in rain and in areas near pools
- Color — Concrete fades over time with UV exposure; darker colors fade most visibly; natural/gray tones are the most stable long-term
Good concrete pavers from manufacturers like Belgard, Techo-Bloc, or EP Henry are genuinely durable in our climate. Cheap, thin concrete pavers are not — we don’t use them.
Porcelain Pavers: The Contemporary Option
Large-format porcelain tile for outdoor use has become increasingly popular in the DC area over the past 5–7 years. The appeal: an extremely clean, consistent aesthetic with minimal maintenance requirements and excellent resistance to staining and UV degradation. The considerations:
Porcelain is rigid — it doesn’t flex with ground movement at all — which means the base preparation must be exceptionally precise for it to stay flat over time. In our freeze-thaw climate, this usually means installation on a reinforced concrete slab substrate rather than a sand-set base. That adds cost but produces a result that stays true.
Porcelain pavers also need to be rated for outdoor freeze-thaw use — not all porcelain tile is. We only specify products with appropriate freeze-thaw ratings for our climate zone.
Ballpark Material Costs (Installed)
- Standard concrete pavers: $18–$28 per sq ft
- Premium concrete pavers (large format, textured): $22–$35 per sq ft
- Pennsylvania bluestone (natural/irregular): $28–$45 per sq ft
- Pennsylvania bluestone (thermal/cut): $35–$55 per sq ft
- Porcelain on concrete slab: $35–$60 per sq ft
- Granite steps (per step, installed): $400–$900 depending on width and rise
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best material for a pool surround in Maryland? Travertine, tumbled stone, and brushed concrete pavers are the most popular choices for pool surrounds. They’re slip-resistant when wet and don’t get as hot as darker materials in full sun. We don’t recommend smooth bluestone or polished surfaces for pool areas — they become dangerously slippery when wet.
How long do concrete pavers last? High-quality concrete pavers should last 25–50 years with proper installation and minimal maintenance. Freeze-thaw damage (spalling, cracking) typically indicates a base preparation or drainage problem rather than material failure in quality pavers.
Do you need to seal natural stone or pavers? Sealing is optional for most materials and genuinely beneficial for some. Limestone benefits from sealing due to its porosity. Bluestone can be left natural or sealed; sealing darkens and enriches the color but requires reapplication every 2–3 years. Most concrete pavers are fine unsealed; sealing can enhance color and reduce staining in high-use areas near outdoor cooking or grills.
To discuss material options for your specific project, call 301.490.5577 or reach out online. We serve clients throughout the Maryland and DC metro area and will make specific material recommendations after seeing your site.
Landscape and Outdoor Living Across the DMV
Hometown Landscape serves homeowners across Montgomery County, Howard County, and the wider Washington, D.C. region with landscape design, hardscape, outdoor living, and outdoor carpentry from our Burtonsville home base.