While it's common to place outdoor furniture directly on a stone patio, it's generally not the best practice for the long-term health of your furniture or your patio surface. A stone patio might seem like a durable, stable base, but direct contact can lead to several issues.
For your furniture, a stone surface can be abrasive. Over time, as the furniture is moved or shifts slightly, this can scratch and wear down the legs and feet, especially on wooden or metal pieces. Furthermore, stone patios can trap moisture against the furniture's base, potentially accelerating rust on metal frames or causing wood to rot.
The stone patio itself is also at risk. Heavy furniture can scratch or chip the stone's surface, particularly softer stones like slate or limestone. Metal furniture legs can also leave unsightly rust stains that are difficult to remove.
The simple solution is to use a protective barrier. Consider using furniture pads, glides, or cups under each leg. For a larger coverage area, outdoor rugs designed for patios are an excellent option. These simple additions will protect your investment in both your furniture and your beautiful stone patio, ensuring both last for many seasons to come.