Shell Stone Pavers: Important Factors to Consider

Without naming specific manufacturers or installers, caution is advised when selecting a contractor for the increasingly popular shell stone style pavers commonly used on back patios and pool decks. Based on the volume of online complaints, as well as feedback from several of our own customers who currently have these pavers installed, this is a product we would personally approach with hesitation. The staining shown in the images below is originating from the paver base or bedding material beneath the surface, migrating upward through the stone. Even if you are successful in removing these stains they are just going to come right back unless the unsuitable base or bedding materials are removed and replaced with compatible bedding.

Sometimes the stains wont show up until after they have been sealed. Shell stone pavers clean up nicely but, due to the fact there are dedicated ongoing bash posts on the shell stone pavers I’ve always declined sealing them because it’s not worth the headache. The image below is from a customer that had their shell stone pavers professionally sealed (by others) only to find these brown rusty spots emerge shortly after. Other customers that had their shell stone sealed (by others) ended up having the sealer removed (stripped off) due to non-uniformity of color.