Many paving stones available on the market today share unique qualities – ranging from great durability and non-slip properties to an array of colors and patterns all across the country. That said, a common variation of pavers comes in the form of stepping stones, which can be used to adorn our homes with a beautiful pathway along the lawn. In tropical states such as Florida, however, summer can be cruel to our feet – so what are the stepping stones that don’t get hot?

Fortunately, there are some materials we can count on to avoid this problem. If you’re willing to build an outdoor project soon, keep reading the article to find out useful information about these products!

You might also like: Are There Pool Pavers That Don’t Get Hot?

Stepping stones that don’t get hot

First of all, it’s important to know the main factor for heat absorption in the hardscape industry – and in the entirety of nature, really. Of course, we’re talking about shades.

As you may know, white shades retain less sun heat than dark shades. That applies to stepping stones as well, so the best course of action is to look for exposed spots in your designated area. If your backyard is surrounded by trees and greenery, dark surfaces won’t be much of a problem – but if your neighborhood is as urban as it gets, lighter stepping stones will probably save the skin of your bare feet.

As such, take a look at the stepping stones that don’t get hot below:

Porcelain

Porcelain pavers are famous for their durability, beauty, and non-porous surface, which are all family-friendly attributes. They don’t need a sealant to properly work – and their top-notch quality is almost indestructible. Add that on top of creative colors, unique shapes, and a 126° surface under the sun, and you have paradise.

Travertine

Overall, a top choice. The luxurious grays, beiges, whites, and reds can pass the heat down to the earth below, creating the dream ambiance for family gatherings, barefoot walks, and fun times. Travertine stands at only 108° on hot summer days.

Limestone

Limestone pavers are natural stones with insulating properties, reflecting light rather than absorbing it, keeping your feet burn-free. Also coming in a variety of tones to match your desired aesthetic, limestone is a timeless option that will probably outlast the house itself.

Exposed aggregate

When used as stepping stones, exposed aggregate is a hard-wearing addition to any house, providing superior traction that prevents slips and falls above all. Additionally, its wide array of styles will make for the most creative designs imaginable – and even though it’s predominantly dark, its matte texture makes up for it.

Can I paint or stain my stepping stones with lighter colors?

In short, yes – but it will probably cause more damage than fruitful results. And when you consider that not all stepping stones can absorb paint, well – it speaks for itself.

You see, painting any kind of pavers, in general, is not a recommended practice because this chemical wears off their porous surface, leading to moisture and cracks getting trapped inside. On the other hand, staining (which is done with a special masonry liquid) is not a favorable solution either, though it mostly avoids overheating.

With that said, professional assistance may come in handy here. You won’t be spending too much money to apply a lighter color to your pavers, by the way, and the results are very temporary, so it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth your time. It will be cheaper than buying a whole new pallet of pavers, at least, but the eventual cost-benefit is something you should consider among all your options.

Useful tips

As hardscape professionals, the tips we can give you include the usual deal: regular maintenance. When it comes down to porous stones in particular – such as concrete and limestone – you must be very mindful of a sealing habit (every six months or so), which is a necessary cost if you wish to extend the lifespan of your project.

By the way, caring for your stepping stones is not hard. If you establish a proper cleaning routine, removing organic residue and stains, your pavers can remain looking as new as on the day you first installed them. Keeping an eye out for sunken stones and cracked surfaces is also pivotal for long-term investment – and you should never hesitate to call for expert help when there’s a problem you can’t fix.

Read our complete guide on pavers restoration here.

We have a wide catalog of pavers just for you

So, what do you think? Ready to take on your dream house?

As a branch of Eagle Stones, our team specializes in paver supply and installation around the county of Sarasota and Manatee, Florida. In case you’re near us, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can get started on your pool deck (or any other project) with a free estimate!

Click here to view our full online catalog – we’ll be waiting for you to reach out!