Grey limestone paving has become increasingly popular among landscape designers and homeowners, thanks to its sophisticated, neutral aesthetic and durable nature. We show you two options that will show you have your finger on the pulse of modern design.
Graphite Grey Limestone: on-trend and great value
If you're seeking a versatile and stylish material for your outdoor space, Graphite Grey Limestone might just be the answer.
This durable and naturally slip-resistant stone features beautifully rich, consistent colouring, and its naturally split surface adds subtle ripples of texture that work well in traditional settings. The riven surface is balanced by the machine-sawn edges, making the stone a perfect fit with contemporary settings. Find it in our riven limestone collection.
Jura Grey Limestone: a designer favourite
Jura Grey Limestone is another superb grey limestone paving—perennially popular. This beautiful stone, sourced from Germany, boasts a unique blend of fossils, veining, and markings, giving it an unparalleled depth of character.
It not only adds its own character, though; it enhances other elements of the garden. This is what Neil Sutcliffe, of the award-winning landscaping company Creative Roots, says of Jura Grey:
"I love to use paving like the Jura Grey Limestone alongside rich timber and vibrant planting. The contrast not only enhances the colour of the wood and the plants but it also highlights the texture, subtle tones and fossils within the cool grey stone. Without doubt one of my favourite stones."
Neil Sutcliffe, Creative Roots
With a slightly lighter tone than Graphite Grey Limestone, Jura Grey Limestone has a sawn, sandblasted and brushed surface. This not only brings out the colour but adds a luxurious, aged finish that feels almost like leather—lovely to the touch and a sumptuous addition to a contemporary design.
What you need to know about limestone colouring
It’s worth noting that, like all limestones, both these grey paving options will gradually weather to a lighter shade. This will happen more quickly in full sun. For some, this is part of their appeal. If you prefer to retain a richer colour, then we recommend applying a colour-enhancing sealer, preferably before laying. It's also important to clean limestone with a non-acidic cleaner.
Even if you don’t want to apply a colour enhancer, we always recommend that sawn stone should be sealed. And if you prefer not to seal and would like to avoid limestone weathering, consider our exclusive range of Jura porcelain.
Complete your design with matching steps and coping
Both grey limestone paving choices are available, for that finishing touch, in matching bullnose steps. And for an extra design touch, Jura Grey offers coping stones with a pencil round profile.
For more ideas
Take a peek at how Neil Sutcliffe used Jura Grey limestone to win Best Lifestyle garden. And don’t forget our Bespoke capabilities. Jura’s exceptional looks make an extra-special design, as found in RHS Chelsea’s Perennial Lifeline Garden in 2019.
If you want a paving with a slightly warmer tone, take a look at our patio ideas in Kota Blue limestone.
And for more modern patio inspiration, see our tips on designing small patios with porcelain paving.