The Versatility of Reclaimed Stone Plank Pavers
WHAT IS A PLANK PAVER?
First-generation reclaimed granite curbstone used as pool coping and veneer foundation stones.
Finding the right natural stone for your project has never been this easy.
GRANITE PLANK PAVERS
Plank paver colors vary widely, even within stone material groups. The planks that are spec’d most often are reclaimed New England granite curbstone, in sizes from junior to jumbo. Their color tends to be mostly shades of gray, but like the granites of New England, they can also be many shades of brown and even pink. Some examples of the color variations are shown here in this first generation granite curbstone photo, and these are just a few examples!
Reclaimed granite curbstone planks may be used in their original thicknesses, either with natural edges or sawn edges that yield tighter joints. The newer curbstone is more consistent in size and has smoother split-face surfaces. The weathered and worn surface patinas of the older, first-generation curbstone are what give these rustic stones character, and because the colors vary, they make for a unique end product. The more modern look incorporates the third-generation curbstone which is less worn, has sawn sides, and where weathering occurs primarily above grade streetside. Either of these paving stones can also be used for indoor floors, in addition to outdoor paving.
Rustic surface junior and full size reclaimed first-generation plank pavers add a timeless looks for both interior and exterior applications.
Granite planks are not a New England exclusive. In China, granite paving and veneer planks have been used for centuries. We reclaim these planks as they are removed during modernization efforts. Many of the paving planks have been worn by foot traffic and thus we call these reclaimed plank pavers footworn.
We hear “wow” a lot when we show these to people for the first time. They display a beautiful range of subtle colors from grays to beiges. Their foot worn surfaces cannot be duplicated by machinery. Their edges are regular enough to allow for tight joints and they are usually around 3 inches thick. This is a very unique product. If you want something really different—look no further.
MATERIAL HIGHLIGHTS
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
LIMESTONE PLANK PAVERS
Reclaimed limestone plank pavers are generally less common than the granite variety, but some areas of the world historically made extensive use of limestone as pavers and building stone. Our reclaimed limestone plank pavers were ancient Chinese thresholds, used in anything from residences to factories. Accordingly, the sizes vary from around 3 to 7 feet long, in a wide range of widths, and thicknesses of 2 to 5 inches.
Surface textures range from worn smooth to coarse. The very dark heart of this stone is frequently disguised by weather and wear, and by the limestone chalk that forms naturally as the stone weathers. It’s a special product for distinctly unique applications.
PORPHYRY PLANK PAVERS
Throughout the world, local stone has always taken precedence over stone from far away. This was a mostly logistical consideration, but in many cases, the local stone was totally appropriate.
Reclaimed porphyry plank pavers from China are a classic case in point. The subtle colors of this stone, combined with its pockmarked weathered and worn surfaces, provide another unique reclaimed stone option for paving stones. They tend to be wider than the granite planks, 15 to 30 inches, and 3 to 4 feet long on average with thicknesses of 3 to 5 inches. Many different rectangular sizes are available including squares.
Porphyry is a very hard stone with a grain tighter than granite. It’s been highly regarded as a paving stone for centuries, all over the world.
QUARTZITE PLANK PAVERS
Quartzite stones look a lot like petrified wood. Each stone is unique and they are used most often in informal settings, like garden path stepping stones. That said, they make a pretty stunning patio with looser joints. They come in beautiful earth tone colors including some that are muted green. Lengths generally run 30 to 48 inches and widths vary but are usually around 12 inches, so they’re on the narrow side.
As you can see, plank pavers are incredibly versatile. We thoroughly enjoy sourcing these distinctive plank products as we curate stone from New England to China and many points in-between.
