When you live in a northern climate, your outdoor surfaces need to do more than look good — they need to perform. Between freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, ice, and shifting temperatures, your driveway or stone walkway faces serious wear and tear each year.
The good news? With the right materials and installation techniques, stone driveways and walkways can not only withstand the elements but look incredible doing it. At Ferrell Builders’ Supply, we’re proud to carry a range of stone and paver products that deliver both beauty and durability — perfect for Canadian winters.
1. Built to Withstand Freeze-Thaw Cycles
In cold climates, water seeps into tiny pores in the surface, freezes, expands, and can cause cracking. Quality stone pavers and bricks are dense, durable, and designed to handle these cycles — ensuring your walkway or driveway stays smooth and stable year after year.
2. Long-Lasting Durability
Unlike asphalt or poured concrete, natural stone and interlocking pavers can handle repeated freeze-thaw movement and heavy loads without breaking down. They’re ideal for high-traffic driveways, walkways, and patios in Canadian weather.
3. Timeless Curb Appeal
Beyond strength, stone adds unmatched beauty to your property. Whether you choose natural limestone, textured concrete pavers, or multi-tone brick, the result is a custom look that boosts curb appeal — and resale value.
4. Low Maintenance
Once installed properly, stone and paver surfaces require minimal upkeep. You can easily replace a damaged paver or refresh sanded joints without tearing up your whole driveway.
Cold Weather Installation Tips: How to Make It Last
If you’re installing or upgrading your stone driveway or path this season, follow these best practices to make sure it holds up for decades:
Start with a solid base:
Proper excavation and a compacted gravel base are crucial for drainage and stability. A poor foundation is the number one reason pavers shift or crack in winter.
Ensure proper drainage:
Water should always drain away from your stone surface. Sloped installations prevent pooling water — and the freeze-thaw damage that comes with it.
Use quality jointing materials:
Polymeric sand helps keep joints tight, reduces weed growth, and prevents water from seeping between pavers.
Choose frost-resistant materials:
Look for freeze-thaw rated stone or pavers. Many of Ferrell’s products, like limestone, granite, and concrete interlocking pavers, are manufactured to exceed CSA and ASTM standards for durability.
Winter care matters:
Avoid using harsh salts and metal shovels that can scratch or pit stone. Instead, opt for sand or eco-friendly ice melters to keep surfaces safe and intact.
Ferrell Builders’ Supply carries a wide selection of premium stone pavers, natural stone, and landscaping materials designed for the demands of northern climates. Explore our selection online to find the perfect match for your next project:
? Shop Stone and Pavers
And if you’re not sure where to start, our experienced team is always here to help.
? Get in Touch with Us to talk to one of our experts today.
When you live in a northern climate, your outdoor surfaces need to do more than look good — they need to perform. Between freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, ice, and shifting temperatures, your driveway or stone walkway faces serious wear and tear each year.
The good news? With the right materials and installation techniques, stone driveways and walkways can not only withstand the elements but look incredible doing it. At Ferrell Builders’ Supply, we’re proud to carry a range of stone and paver products that deliver both beauty and durability — perfect for Canadian winters.
1. Built to Withstand Freeze-Thaw Cycles
In cold climates, water seeps into tiny pores in the surface, freezes, expands, and can cause cracking. Quality stone pavers and bricks are dense, durable, and designed to handle these cycles — ensuring your walkway or driveway stays smooth and stable year after year.
2. Long-Lasting Durability
Unlike asphalt or poured concrete, natural stone and interlocking pavers can handle repeated freeze-thaw movement and heavy loads without breaking down. They’re ideal for high-traffic driveways, walkways, and patios in Canadian weather.
3. Timeless Curb Appeal
Beyond strength, stone adds unmatched beauty to your property. Whether you choose natural limestone, textured concrete pavers, or multi-tone brick, the result is a custom look that boosts curb appeal — and resale value.
4. Low Maintenance
Once installed properly, stone and paver surfaces require minimal upkeep. You can easily replace a damaged paver or refresh sanded joints without tearing up your whole driveway.
Cold Weather Installation Tips: How to Make It Last
If you’re installing or upgrading your stone driveway or path this season, follow these best practices to make sure it holds up for decades:
Start with a solid base:
Proper excavation and a compacted gravel base are crucial for drainage and stability. A poor foundation is the number one reason pavers shift or crack in winter.
Ensure proper drainage:
Water should always drain away from your stone surface. Sloped installations prevent pooling water — and the freeze-thaw damage that comes with it.
Use quality jointing materials:
Polymeric sand helps keep joints tight, reduces weed growth, and prevents water from seeping between pavers.
Choose frost-resistant materials:
Look for freeze-thaw rated stone or pavers. Many of Ferrell’s products, like limestone, granite, and concrete interlocking pavers, are manufactured to exceed CSA and ASTM standards for durability.
Winter care matters:
Avoid using harsh salts and metal shovels that can scratch or pit stone. Instead, opt for sand or eco-friendly ice melters to keep surfaces safe and intact.
Ferrell Builders’ Supply carries a wide selection of premium stone pavers, natural stone, and landscaping materials designed for the demands of northern climates. Explore our selection online to find the perfect match for your next project:
? Shop Stone and Pavers
And if you’re not sure where to start, our experienced team is always here to help.
? Get in Touch with Us to talk to one of our experts today.