Hello everyone,
we are currently considering which paving stones to use for our garden and terraces. We have already used L-shaped stones (Lithonplus) in some areas to manage height differences with the neighbor.
We also have:
Since we want to design the main entrance path with some curves, we thought of the "Arena" paving stones. They look a bit more natural and don’t give such a “too concrete-like” impression. For retaining walls, we like the "Diephaus Siola (sandstone)" stones. These would be suitable for the light wells and the indoor garage driveway. Curves might be a bit more challenging.
Our landscape gardener mentioned that Arena might not be the best choice for the terrace and driveway. As an alternative, the Tegula paving stones with broken edges could work. We could then use the Arena stones for the edges or border strips (with PAve-Edge even without visible edging). Otherwise, we shouldn’t mix too many types. Also, the coarse/rough/broken look of Arena would not pair well with equally rough wall stones (such as Diephaus Siola); one surface should be smoother.
Anyway, my questions, in case someone has used Arena paving stones:
I have a photo where Arena and (probably) Tegula are mixed. It doesn’t look bad or confusing. However, in my case, the terrace would also be added.
we are currently considering which paving stones to use for our garden and terraces. We have already used L-shaped stones (Lithonplus) in some areas to manage height differences with the neighbor.
We also have:
- Two light wells (basement windows)
- Indoor garage: driveway (basement), where one side needs some retaining
- Double outdoor garage with driveway (already retained on the neighbor’s side with L-shaped stones)
Since we want to design the main entrance path with some curves, we thought of the "Arena" paving stones. They look a bit more natural and don’t give such a “too concrete-like” impression. For retaining walls, we like the "Diephaus Siola (sandstone)" stones. These would be suitable for the light wells and the indoor garage driveway. Curves might be a bit more challenging.
Our landscape gardener mentioned that Arena might not be the best choice for the terrace and driveway. As an alternative, the Tegula paving stones with broken edges could work. We could then use the Arena stones for the edges or border strips (with PAve-Edge even without visible edging). Otherwise, we shouldn’t mix too many types. Also, the coarse/rough/broken look of Arena would not pair well with equally rough wall stones (such as Diephaus Siola); one surface should be smoother.
Anyway, my questions, in case someone has used Arena paving stones:
- Would Arena be unsuitable for driveway or terrace use? For example, shoveling snow (garage) or walking barefoot (terrace)
- Are the joints easy to maintain? Dirt, weeds? (Though joints with greenery might look nice, probably not ideal near cars)
- Would the gravel in the joints wash out or disappear over time?
- Future repairs, maintenance, or after-installation work (for example, cables or pipes under the stones) should not be a problem, as long as the joints are not fixed with solid concrete.
I have a photo where Arena and (probably) Tegula are mixed. It doesn’t look bad or confusing. However, in my case, the terrace would also be added.
Hi,
I would be cautious about using arena (crushed stone) for the driveway. The surface is quite rustic and uneven, which can make snow shoveling a real test of patience. Also, the stress from vehicles isn’t insignificant—joints can loosen or wash out over time, especially if a hard joint mortar isn’t used.
For the terrace, it’s a matter of personal taste. Visually, the stone really looks impressive, but it’s not necessarily comfortable to walk on barefoot because the surface isn’t completely smooth. For a more comfortable feel, a finer surface would be better.
Regarding the combination with wall bricks: if both have a rough texture, it can quickly become overwhelming. A clear contrast (for example, a rough wall with a smooth surface or vice versa) usually looks more harmonious. When mixing different types of paving stones, it’s best to be cautious—too many materials can make the overall design appear chaotic.
Jointing material should be permeable to water but still stable enough to avoid being washed out. Open joints require regular maintenance; otherwise, weeds will quickly grow through.
And yes, as long as no rigid joint mortar is used, it’s usually possible to replace or adjust stones later without much hassle.
Best regards!
I would be cautious about using arena (crushed stone) for the driveway. The surface is quite rustic and uneven, which can make snow shoveling a real test of patience. Also, the stress from vehicles isn’t insignificant—joints can loosen or wash out over time, especially if a hard joint mortar isn’t used.
For the terrace, it’s a matter of personal taste. Visually, the stone really looks impressive, but it’s not necessarily comfortable to walk on barefoot because the surface isn’t completely smooth. For a more comfortable feel, a finer surface would be better.
Regarding the combination with wall bricks: if both have a rough texture, it can quickly become overwhelming. A clear contrast (for example, a rough wall with a smooth surface or vice versa) usually looks more harmonious. When mixing different types of paving stones, it’s best to be cautious—too many materials can make the overall design appear chaotic.
Jointing material should be permeable to water but still stable enough to avoid being washed out. Open joints require regular maintenance; otherwise, weeds will quickly grow through.
And yes, as long as no rigid joint mortar is used, it’s usually possible to replace or adjust stones later without much hassle.
Best regards!
O
os24laenger2 May 2025 11:00We have had Arena paving for over 10 years in the driveway (17% slope), carport, and pathways to the house. Everything is still exactly as it was on day one. Shoveling snow has not been a problem for us so far, but the wide joints do allow quite a bit of weeds to grow over time. I wouldn’t recommend it for the terrace because gravel can easily jump up between the joints, and individual stones behave like Lego pieces and can hurt your feet, so it’s better to choose something solid there. For our new house, we decided to use Arena again.
O
os24laenger5 May 2025 14:32We have Tegula on the terrace with Arena directly next to it. Our Arena is gray, with part of it black and the terrace in sandstone colors, but over time everything will turn gray anyway.
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