The Beauty of Stonework Lies in the Joints: Why Your Paving’s Grout Matters More Than You Think

During one of the professional stonework training sessions, we spent a day focusing on natural stone paving and various jointing materials. (I attend these sessions regularly whenever they are available, as they always spark new ideas and deepen my understanding of materials, landscaping, and details that make outdoor spaces truly beautiful.)

This time, it was the joints between the stones that caught my eye.

What a Simple Joint Can Do for Natural Stone

In the training demonstration, we learned about several grouts, but for the natural stone pavings with wide joints, an epoxy-based jointing material worked best. The stones were full of subtle color variations—warm browns, greys, soft pinks—and the way they rose slightly above the surface created a wonderfully rustic, natural feel.

But what made the paving sing was the wider joint.

Most home gardeners aim for very narrow joints, thinking they create a neat, high-quality finish. But here, the wider jointing lines gave the paving character and highlighted the stones’ texture and natural shapes. Instead of looking messy or unfinished, the result was cohesive, charming, and beautifully rustic.

A reminder: this look still requires a good-quality jointing material and a frost-proof base. But when done right, it’s stunning.

Why a Wide Joint Works (Even If It Feels Counterintuitive)

Here are the key takeaways from the demonstration:

1. Wider joints celebrate the stone
They lift out the natural colors, textures, and gentle variations that make local stone so appealing.

2. They instantly add rustic charm
Perfect for natural, cottage-style, woodland-edge, or relaxed garden designs.

3. You may need fewer stones
Because the joints are intentionally wider, you can achieve the same paved area with less stone material.

When This Style Fits Your Garden

If you love a natural or rustic look, this kind of stone paving might be a perfect match.

You can even:

• Use local natural stone for the most harmonious colouring and result
• Skip the pressure of precision—wider joints mean easier installation
• Create a look that blends into the landscape rather than sitting on top of it

A relaxed stonework style pairs beautifully with nearby planting beds, ornamental grasses, and gardens designed to feel nature-inspired.

A Thought From My Instagram Community

After sharing a sneak peek from the training, one of my followers wrote:

“I never thought of this. I love how you point out the big impact of a small detail.”

That comment stayed with me—because so often, it’s these tiny decisions that transform a garden from ordinary into something unforgettable.

Color Palette Inspiration

Choosing local stone is one of the easiest ways to ensure your paving harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding landscape. Its natural tones echo the climate, soil, and nearby materials, tying the whole garden together effortlessly.

P.S.

Most gardeners don’t spend much time thinking about jointing materials when planning a terrace or pathway—but they absolutely should. The width, material, and color of the joints influence the final look just as much as the stone itself. And as I was reminded during this training, the smallest details are often the ones with the biggest impact.