Natural stone and wood bring a certain warmth and texture that make a space feel complete. Here in Southern Ontario, we know those materials face a tough environment. Freeze and thaw cycles, seasonal moisture, and high summer UV all leave their mark. Protecting and finishing them isn’t just about keeping them looking good today, it’s about giving them the right start so they can age gracefully and serve you well for decades.
Wood Finishing in Outdoor Applications
Wood features like pergolas, decks, and siding add real warmth to a landscape, but they’re constantly working against the elements. Sunlight fades colour, moisture can lead to swelling or rot, and freezing temperatures turn small cracks into bigger problems. Even naturally durable woods like cedar or hardwoods need care to stay in good shape.
Each structure has its own needs, what works for heavy beams won’t always suit fence boards or scalloped siding. The right finish, applied at the right time, helps wood last longer, look better, and keep doing its job year after year.
Common Wood Types in Southern Ontario Construction: Softwood vs Hardwood
Softwoods Used In Construction
Softwoods like cedar, pine, spruce, and douglas fir are familiar choices for outdoor projects. They’re versatile, easy to work with, and in the case of cedar, naturally more resistant to rot and insects. They can, however, dent more easily and generally need more frequent refinishing.
Hardwoods Used In construction
Hardwoods such as white oak, maple, ipe, and birch bring density, longevity, and a rich visual appeal. They can go longer between finishes but are heavier, harder to work with, and come at a higher cost.
Types of Finishes and Maintenance Schedules
Permeable (Penetrating) Finishes
Oils and stains soak into the fibres, highlighting the grain and keeping a natural look. They’re easy to freshen up without sanding but will need reapplying more often in our climate.
Surface Finishes
Paints, varnishes, and other coatings form a barrier on top of the wood. They can provide longer stretches between maintenance but may peel or crack if neglected.
Refinishing Guidelines
Maintenance depends on exposure and use. Decks and fences often need reapplication every few years, while doors, windows, and siding can last longer if they’re inspected and touched up regularly.
Leaving Wood Unfinished
In certain bespoke landscapes, the most refined choice is to let premium wood age naturally. LandArt often recommends leaving wood untreated when its inherent qualities are best celebrated without added coatings. Examples include:
- Woods That Patina Gracefully – Ipe, teak, and thermally modified ash can develop a sophisticated silver-grey patina over time. This weathered look pairs beautifully with stone and greenery, and it reduces the need for regular refinishing.
- Species That Resist Coatings – Some dense hardwoods reject penetrating oils or stains, meaning finishes won’t absorb evenly or may wear inconsistently. In these cases, the wood’s performance and beauty are best preserved naturally.
- Applications That Benefit from Low Maintenance – For certain design visions, especially large-scale decking or architectural elements, a natural weathered finish provides a consistent, low-maintenance aesthetic that ages in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Leaving wood unfinished is a design statement, one that embraces authenticity, celebrates natural texture, and allows the material to tell its own story over decades.
Stone Finishing in Outdoor Applications
Outdoor stonework puts up with a lot: rain, snow, UV rays, muddy boots, and more. Even the toughest materials, like granite or slate, have tiny pores that soak up water and stains. Over time, that can lead to fading, cracking, or surfaces that are just harder to clean.
Sealing isn’t just for looks, it’s what keeps your stone protected and low-maintenance for the long haul. With the right schedule, your patio, path, or wall will stay sharp, resist wear, and handle whatever the weather throws at it.
Premium Stone Selections in Southern Ontario: Natural vs. Manufactured
Natural Stone Selections
Marble, limestone, and sandstone have long been the benchmark for luxury landscapes in Southern Ontario. Each offers its own unique palette, texture, and character, formed over millions of years. These stones bring depth and authenticity to outdoor spaces, whether showcased in grand entryways, intricate garden paths, or statement retaining walls. Their organic variation ensures no two projects are ever alike, lending an unmistakable sense of prestige and permanence.
Refined Manufactured Options
Dekton, high-density concrete products, and select varieties of exposed aggregate provide remarkable design flexibility with consistent patterns and colours. They are engineered for precision and can complement or contrast with natural stone in sophisticated ways. Often chosen for their sleek modern aesthetic and ability to achieve exact specifications, these materials excel in contemporary, architect-driven landscapes where clean lines and uniformity are paramount.
Resealing Guidelines
- Clean thoroughly before sealing to avoid trapping dirt or marks.
- Test in a small, discreet area before committing to the whole surface.
- Apply evenly and wipe away excess immediately.
- Perform a yearly water-drop test; if water soaks in quickly, it’s time to reseal.
When To Leave Stone Unfinished
In certain high-end landscapes, the most luxurious finish is no finish at all. At LandArt we often recommend leaving stone untreated so natural qualities of the material can be appreciated. Examples include:
- Stones That Develop a Beautiful Patina – Materials such as limestone and sandstone can age gracefully, taking on subtle colour shifts and surface character over time. This natural evolution tells a story and enhances the sense of timelessness in a space.
- Stones That Naturally Resist Sealants – Some stones are so dense or chemically unique that they repel sealants, making treatment ineffective. In these cases, their inherent durability and character shine through best when left in their original state.
- Synthetic Surfaces That Require No Sealing – Advanced materials like Dekton are engineered to resist moisture, staining, and weathering without additional protection, making them ideal for a pristine, low-maintenance presentation.
Leaving stone unfinished is not about doing less, it’s about making an intentional design choice that honours the authenticity, texture, and inherent beauty of the materials.
LandArt’s Approach
At LandArt, we believe the best results often come from leaving wood and stone unfinished so they can age naturally. Quality materials are chosen for their ability to withstand Southern Ontario’s climate and develop a patina that enhances their character over time.
With the right selection and placement, these surfaces can perform for decades with minimal maintenance. The changes that come from weather and use are part of the design, creating spaces that remain authentic, functional, and visually appealing year after year.
Our role is to choose the right materials from the start and guide you in caring for them so your landscape matures with beauty and integrity.