How Do I Choose the Best Limestone Bricks?

When you are choosing limestone bricks, the right ones can depend on whether you are building indoors or out. Polished pavers are generally more water-resistant than unpolished ones are. You may also be able to find limestone pavers with sealant, and this can help protect the bricks as well. Small ones that resemble tile could be ideal for creating a backsplash, while larger ones might be better choices for a fireplace or retaining wall. Limestone might be tan, gray, or a combination of these colors, so you may want to compare different shades before making a selection.

You should generally buy limestone bricks that are somewhat weather-resistant when building outdoors. One way to do this is by looking at the surface of the bricks to see how smooth they are. This is because some brick makers polish the limestone, while others leave the rocks unfinished. Generally speaking, the smoother the bricks are, the more water resistance they tend to have. If only unfinished stones are available, it can be a good idea to check for "pores" along the top surface, as ones that have many pores may absorb more water than those with fewer ones will.

Perhaps you prefer more rustic-looking limestone bricks, and wish to avoid stones that are polished. In this instance, you may be able to find ones that have a waterproof sealer added to them. These limestone pavers normally have a somewhat shiny appearance, yet feel rougher than polished bricks do. It can be a good idea to talk to the manufacturer so you can find out if there is a selection of sealed bricks for you to choose from.

Limestone bricks come in a multitude of sizes, so the ones you select can depend on what you plan to build with them. Very small ones that are around 1 inch (2.54 cm) square could be a good choice to use behind kitchen or bathroom counters. Many of these small tiles also have designs engraved on them, which can allow you to create a custom look. Ones that are around 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide and 8 inches (20.32 cm) could be better for building a patio or garden retaining wall.

Most limestone bricks are tan-colored, but some could also be gray. These stones could also be mostly tan with a few gray streaks or marble-colored. It can be a good idea to buy the entire amount you need at one time so you can make sure the coloring matches throughout your entire project.