Download the Build It Right™ Project Guide

The materials people see, walk on, and experience every day.

Surface

Build It Right™ Stage 2

Once the base is prepared correctly, the project starts to come to life. This is the Surface stage, Patio stone, Pavers, Decorative rock, Stone veneer, and Outdoor flooring or turf.

These materials define the character of your project. But choosing the right surface isn’t just about appearance. It’s about durability, climate, traffic, and how the space will be used. When the base is built right, surface materials perform better, install easier, and last longer. This is where design meets performance.

Choosing the Right Surface

Different materials serve different purposes. A pathway experiences different stress than a patio. A veneer wall behaves differently than a decorative ground cover. The goal is to choose a material that matches how the space will be used and the style you want to create with the climate and environment and long-term durability. When these factors align, the project feels natural, stable, and intentional.

The Science Behind Surface Materials

Surface materials must work together with the base to handle:
  • weight distribution
  • drainage
  • expansion and contraction
  • daily wear and weather exposure
In the Mountain West, projects must account for:
  • freeze-thaw cycles
  • strong sunlight
  • seasonal moisture changes
The right surface materials help manage these forces while maintaining the look and function of the space. Natural stone, pavers, and aggregates all behave slightly differently. Understanding those differences helps you select materials that will perform well for years.

Common Surface Applications

Patios

Patios create gathering spaces for relaxing, dining, and entertaining. Popular patio materials include natural stone slabs, pavers, & large-format stepping stones.

A well-designed patio becomes the anchor of an outdoor space.

Walkways & Pathways

Walkways connect spaces and guide movement through the landscape. Common walkway materials include pavers, stepping stones, and decorative ground cover. The key is balancing stability with natural movement.

Decorative Ground Cover

Walkways connect spaces and guide movement through the landscape. Common walkway materials include pavers, stepping stones, and decorative ground cover. The key is balancing stability with natural movement.

Stone Veneer

Stone veneer brings natural texture and warmth to vertical surfaces. Common applications include exterior walls, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and entry features. Veneer allows stone to become a defining design element in both interior and exterior spaces.

Explore Surface Materials

The surface stage is where material selection really begins. Browse materials to find the right look, durability, and application for your project.

Patio Stone

Large-format slabs that create strong, natural gathering spaces.

Pavers

Precision-cut materials designed for consistent installation and pattern flexibility.

Decorative Rock

Low-maintenance ground cover that supports xeriscape landscapes.

Stone Veneer

Natural stone texture that transforms walls, fireplaces, and architectural features.

Outdoor Surfaces

Stone and specialty materials designed for exterior living spaces.

Tools & Installation Support

Surface materials install best when the right tools and installation products are used.

American Stone carries:

  • masonry installation tools
  • adhesives and mortars
  • joint materials
  • sealers and finishing products

Whether you're installing patio slabs, setting veneer, or finishing a decorative rock landscape, using the right tools ensures the job goes smoothly.

If you’re unsure which products you’ll need, our team is always happy to help you plan the installation.

Plan Your Project

The Build It Right™ Project Guide helps you walk through each stage of your project, starting with base preparation. Download the planner to calculate materials and map out your project before you begin.

Download the Build It Right™ Project Guide

Once the main surface is installed, the project is ready for the elements that bring personality and life to the space. Fire pits, fountains, seating areas, and design accents transform a finished surface into a place people want to spend time.

Next Stage: Features