As a skier, Astrid Øyre Slind needs to focus all her attention on her sport during the winter. How great is it, then, to know that the slate slabs she has laid in her garden are frost-resistant, maintenance-free, and everlasting? Astrid wanted natural materials and thought the light Oppdal slate was a perfect match with wood and corten steel. She laid the stepping stones herself to create a patio/pathway around the house and was surprised at how easy it was to have the slate slabs delivered and how smoothly the installation and customization went. Even as a perfectionist, she was positively surprised by her own final result!
Natural materials and solid solutions for the garden.
In the summer, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start outdoor projects! I wanted to use natural materials for the patio, and the choice fell on wood for the decking and corten steel as a frame for the structure. Being from Oppdal, it was obvious that slate had to be included – it’s the stone of choice! Luckily, I didn’t have to carry the slate myself, which would have been quite the workout. The crane delivery and installation went smoothly, and I even managed to split the slabs lengthwise using the hewing method.
I’m relieved I didn’t have to cover an entire football field with slate – but this amount went surprisingly well. The result looks great, and as a perfectionist, it’s not always guaranteed that I’m satisfied with my own work, but this time, it really turned out beautifully!
The slate gives a natural and light appearance that complements the other materials I’ve chosen. Plus, it drains well, which is especially important since it’s placed right next to the house. The lawn is slightly higher than the area to be paved, and if we had chosen wood, it would have blocked the light from entering the basement. So, I had to find a solution that both looked good and was practical.
Another advantage of slate is its durability. Once it’s laid, it can last over 100 years, unlike wood that often needs to be replaced regularly. Slate can handle everything – whether I want to set up a trampoline or ski over it. I’m really happy with the result – it turned out great! The slate is also frost-resistant, so I don’t have to worry about the patio in the middle of winter when I’m away. It stays just as beautiful!
Check out this video that shows you step by step how to use stepping stones to create a patio just like Astrid did!
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