When it comes to outdoor spaces, the right materials can make a world of difference, not just in how your backyard looks, but in how it feels and lasts over time.
Natural stone has become a favourite choice for homeowners wanting something that blends beauty with durability. Whether it’s crazy paving for a garden path, limestone tiles around the pool, or stone wall cladding to frame an outdoor kitchen, these finishes create a space that feels considered, grounded, and timeless.
At RMS Traders, we’ve seen how using stone like bluestone pavers, travertine tiles, or granite pool coping can lift a space and add long-term value to a home. It’s not about trends, it’s about using natural materials that age gracefully and serve both function and design.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of natural stone you can use to elevate the value and feel of your backyard.
What Should I Do to Make My Backyard Look More Expensive?
To make your backyard look more expensive, focus on using high-quality, timeless materials and creating a well-designed layout with defined zones for entertaining, relaxing, and greenery.
Swap out tired concrete or mismatched tiles for natural stone pavers like bluestone, travertine, or limestone, which instantly elevate the space with their texture and durability.
Incorporate elements like stone wall cladding, stepping stones, or a granite pool coping if you have a pool, to add architectural interest. Layer in low-maintenance landscaping with neatly edged garden beds, outdoor lighting, and stylish furniture to tie everything together.
The key is a cohesive design that looks polished, functional, and easy to care for, that’s what gives a backyard a high-end feel.
Does Building a Pool Increase My Home’s Value? Here’s What to Know
Yes, building a pool can elevate your house price in Australia, but only if it’s well-designed, safe, and adds real lifestyle value.
Buyers in warmer states like Queensland, New South Wales, and parts of Victoria often see pools as a premium feature, especially in family-friendly suburbs. However, not all pools are equal. The finish, materials, and overall integration with the landscape can make or break how much value it adds.
A poorly placed or cheaply finished pool may not deliver a strong return. But a well-executed pool area that feels like an outdoor retreat? That’s a real selling point.
What stone should I use around the pool?
When choosing stone for around the pool, you want materials that are:
- Slip-resistant
- Cool underfoot
- Durable in wet conditions
- Aesthetically timeless
Here are your best options:
Travertine pool tiles
Why Travertine pool tiles work: Naturally porous, so it’s non-slip even when wet. It also stays cool underfoot on hot days.
Look: Elegant and light-toned blends beautifully with contemporary or coastal designs.
Recommended for: Travertine pool tiles, travertine pavers, and even travertine crazy paving for a more organic look.
Limestone
Why it works: Soft, natural texture with good grip. It holds up well in wet areas and suits both traditional and modern homes.
Look: Comes in soft greys, beiges, and creams. Great for creating a seamless look from indoors to outdoors.
Recommended for: Limestone pool pavers, coping, and surrounds.
Granite
Why it works: Super durable and hard-wearing, ideal for high-traffic pool areas. It has a textured surface that provides grip.
Look: Sleek and modern, available in darker shades for bold, contemporary outdoor designs.
Recommended for: Granite pool coping and edging.
Bluestone
Why it works: Tough and long-lasting. With the right finish (like sawn or flamed), it’s safe for wet areas.
Look: Deep grey tones, perfect for modern and urban outdoor spaces.
Recommended for: Bluestone coping, crazy paving, and stepping stones around the pool area.
If you build a pool with poor paving or outdated finishes, it can actually turn off buyers. But with natural stone that enhances the landscaping and complements your home’s style, you’ll not only enjoy the space more you’ll likely see it reflected in your property’s value.
Create a Statement Pathway with Stepping Stones
A well-designed garden path does more than guide you from point A to B, it sets the tone for your entire backyard. Natural stepping stones are an excellent way to create a functional and eye-catching feature that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re connecting your patio to a garden, leading guests to a seating area, or creating a winding trail through lush greenery, stepping stones offer endless design potential. Their irregular shapes and earthy textures bring a relaxed, organic feel to outdoor spaces. For a more refined and modern look, bluestone stepping stones are a popular choice. Known for their durability and striking blue-grey tones, bluestone adds elegance while standing up to foot traffic and changing weather.
Lay them directly onto grass, gravel, or compacted soil for a natural, low-maintenance path that enhances both the form and function of your backyard. By incorporating natural stepping stones, you create movement, structure, and visual interest, all while increasing the appeal and value of your outdoor space.
Most Luxurious Stones for Stepping Stones
If you’re aiming to give your backyard a touch of luxury, these natural stones don’t just look beautiful, they add real character and lasting value to your outdoor space.
Bluestone Stepping Stones
Why it’s luxurious: Deep blue-grey tones, fine texture, and natural elegance.
Popular in: Modern and upscale gardens, especially in Australia and the U.S.
Bonus: Very durable and slip-resistant.
Granite Stepping Stones
Why it’s luxurious: Dense, polished surface with a timeless appeal.
Popular in: Contemporary and minimalist designs.
Bonus: Comes in a variety of colours like black, grey, and pink.
Travertine Stepping Stones
Why it’s luxurious: Soft, creamy tones and a naturally pitted texture that’s smooth underfoot.
Popular in: Mediterranean-inspired gardens and poolside areas.
Bonus: Stays cool underfoot and looks high-end when honed or tumbled.
Marble Stepping Stone
Why it’s luxurious: Veining, shine, and prestige are a statement material.
Popular in: Formal gardens and elegant courtyard paths.
Bonus: Works best in dry climates or low-traffic areas.
Limestone (Premium Varieties)
Why it’s luxurious: Soft texture, muted elegance, and versatility.
Popular in: Coastal, classic, or minimalist landscapes.
Bonus: Looks seamless when paired with matching outdoor tiles or cladding.
Sandstone (High-Grade)
Why it’s luxurious: Warm tones and natural variation.
Popular in: Heritage-style or rustic luxe settings.
Bonus: Adds character and depth to pathways.
Design Functional Entertaining Areas in Your Backyard to Boost Its Value
If you want to make your backyard more inviting and valuable, creating a great entertaining space is a smart move. Using beautiful, natural stones like bluestone, travertine, or granite can really make a difference; they look amazing and stand up well to the elements.
These stones give your outdoor dining or lounge area a touch of luxury without feeling over the top. Plus, they’re super durable, so you won’t have to worry about wear and tear.
The result?
A backyard that’s perfect for relaxing with friends and family, and one that adds serious charm (and value) to your home.
Define Garden Zones with Stone Edging
Stone edging is a simple yet effective way to bring structure and style to your backyard. By using natural stone to outline garden beds, lawns, or pathways, you can clearly define different zones while adding a refined, finished look to the space. Whether you’re separating a veggie patch from a lawn or framing a flower bed, stone edging helps keep everything neat and visually balanced.
Materials like bluestone, granite, or sandstone work beautifully for edging, they’re durable, easy to maintain, and blend seamlessly with other natural elements in your garden. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in how polished and well-designed your outdoor space feels.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Stairs and Pathways
Outdoor stairs and pathways do more than just connect different parts of your backyard, they set the tone for how the space flows and feels. Upgrading these features with natural stone adds instant charm and a sense of permanence to your landscape design.
Stones like bluestone, granite, or travertine are ideal choices. They’re incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and offer a premium finish that blends beautifully with the natural environment. Whether you’re creating a curved garden path or updating an old set of steps, natural stone gives the entire space a more considered, high-end look. Well-designed pathways and stairs not only make your backyard more functional, they elevate the overall style and help boost the value of your home.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Stairs and Pathways
Outdoor stairs and pathways do more than just connect different parts of your backyard, they set the tone for how the space flows and feels. Upgrading these features with natural stone adds instant charm and a sense of permanence to your landscape design. Stones like bluestone, granite, or travertine are ideal choices. They’re incredibly durable, weather-resistant, and offer a premium finish that blends beautifully with the natural environment.
Whether you’re creating a curved garden path or updating an old set of steps, natural stone gives the entire space a more considered, high-end look. Well-designed pathways and stairs not only make your backyard more functional, they elevate the overall style and help boost the value of your home.
Summary:
Natural stone is one of the most effective ways to enhance the beauty, functionality, and value of your backyard. From luxurious pool surrounds and stylish entertaining areas to elegant stepping stones, edging, and outdoor furniture, stone brings timeless appeal and lasting durability to any outdoor space.
This blog explores how materials like bluestone, travertine, granite, and limestone can be used creatively across your landscape to define zones, improve flow, and create a polished, high-end finish that boosts both visual impact and property value.
