I know you can order a "pizza box" from a distributor to test colors and sizes in your real space. Eldorado Stone has 2 stones which I believe are nice --- Veneto Fieldledge and there is one other that I can't remember the name right now (sorry). Have you looked at 2" veneer? I always thought that real stone (cut to 2" depth) was much more expensive. I was surprised to compare 2 builder quotes --- one of whom had Eldorado Stone and the other had natural stone veneer. The thin stone veneer was less expensive in the quote, so I went to the stone yard to compare (they had both kinds luckily). I preferred the "natural" stone and the stone guy told me it is a less expensive choice as well. Anyway, had it not accidentally been quoted with "real" stone, I would have pursued the Eldorado because I assumed it was a cost savings choice. Good luck with your choice, we always like pictures :-)

I am in NE Phoenix/Scottsale, AZ area. The travertine is 12x12 bullnose around the edge of the pool and the rest is 6x12 tumbled pavers. We haven't been on it too much when it is wet, but it hasn't been slippery. I think being tumbled makes it not slippery. The whole process took about 45 days, maybe just slightly more to build the pool. They started Sept 13th and the pebble sheen was installed on Oct 31st. I was impressed with the speed the pool was built. They moved fast and even worked all day on Saturdays. I actually caused about a week delay because I could not decide on the waterline tile. My builder actually had to go to the tile store and pick up a sample of the tile I chose since he didn't have a sample. You can't see it in the picture, but it has some gold/brown it which causes it to slightly sparkle in the sun. I don't remember the stone color, but it was in the gold tone range. Some of the choices had more grays in it. It is individual linear stones and the top is flagstone. My pool builder said the pool probably had some algae in it which is why it was greener than any start up pool he had seen. And it got greener after the first day of fill. It had been in the mid-90's when the pool got filled, so it was hot to have it without chemicals in it.

The problem with this house is not the exterior finishes; it is the out-of-place, unfinished look of the low flat roof especially with the bright white edge trim on red brick. You need to get a sloped roof on it or put up a well designed perimeter railing with a darker metal edge trim. There should be no problem with adding the railing to the existing roofing if it is a single-ply membrane. Having the posts there beforehand would not have made it any easier but you might have to open up the ceiling below. Find an architect who knows how to wrap the posts so the flashing is not showing. Here is a link that might be useful: woodway railings

I wouldn't do stone on the garage. I also wouldn't bring another material into the mix.