Natural Stone, Elevated: Choosing the Right Surfaces for Outdoor Spaces

When it comes to designing outdoor spaces that are both functional and beautiful, material choice is everything. For landscape designers, stone plays a critical role in defining the tone, structure, and longevity of a project - from timeless terraces to contemporary courtyards.

At Artisans of Devizes, we’ve spent decades collaborating with landscape professionals, supplying stone that’s built to endure and crafted to inspire. Here’s our guide to specifying natural and sustainable stone for exterior schemes - and how we can help bring your projects to life.

We only recommend materials that are proven to withstand the rigours of outdoor use:

Limestone – Extremely durable and ideal for patios, steps and terraces. Available in tumbled, etched or riven finishes.

Sandstone – A classic for heritage gardens and rustic settings, with high weather resistance and natural texture.

Porcelain – A smart alternative for clients seeking a clean look with very little maintenance. UV, frost and stain-resistant.

Note: We never recommend marble for outdoor use due to its vulnerability to weathering and staining.

The finish of a stone isn’t just about aesthetics, it determines how it performs outdoors:

Tumbled: A soft, aged look perfect for traditional settings.
Etched: Sand-blasted for a bleached, contemporary appearance with excellent grip.
Tumbled & Etched: Offers a blend of aged character with enhanced slip resistance.
Riven: A raw, naturally cleft surface for a truly rustic effect.
Seasoned: A deliberately weathered appearance, ideal for restoration projects.

We know that format matters just as much as finish. That’s why our collection offers:

Flagstones & Random Lengths – For traditional layouts or larger formal gardens.
Parquet & Cobble Sets – For detailing, edging or feature zones.
Clinkers & Clay Pavers – Handmade feel with rich heritage tones.
Large Format Slabs & Bullnosed Copings – For contemporary terraces and seamless transitions.

Many products are also available in coordinated copings, steps and bespoke profiles.

For projects that require made-to-measure components, our Wiltshire-based workshop offers in-house CNC fabrication, laser templating and custom finishing. From drainage grills and risers to pool corners and sculptural details, our team ensures a smooth and accurate process from start to finish, often in as little as 3–4 weeks.

For projects where character, heritage or conservation credentials are key, reclaimed stone offers an unmatched depth of texture and patina. Whether restoring a listed garden or creating a courtyard with age and soul, reclaimed materials bring a sense of timelessness.

We work with a trusted network of salvage experts and quarries to source reclaimed paving, cobbles, and architectural details on a project-by-project basis. “There’s something special about working with reclaimed materials - they carry the marks of history and offer a completely unique result every time.” Aidan Ollerhead, Senior Project Consultant.