The Top 3 Stones to Use for Landscaping

Stone is the perfect material to build your hardscapes in your landscaping. Stone blends naturally into your setting while providing a durable surface. The type of stone you use depends on the project you are doing and your desired result. Here are three of the stones popular for using in landscaping projects and their best attributes.

  1. Fieldstone. Fieldstones were created by glaciers and are irregular in shape. Many have been above ground, giving them round, smooth edges from exposure. Fieldstones can be used “as-is” to build retaining walls, seating walls, fences and other structures. They can also be cut to make a flat surface. Their irregular shape offers a natural outline for pavers around ponds or to create a garden path.
  2. Flagstone. Flagstone are quarried sedimentary rocks that are cut into slabs. The flat surface of flagstone and semi-uniform shapes makes them a natural choice for patios and pool decks. While they can also be used to build retaining walls and other structures, you will often see them uses as natural flooring.
  3. River rock. Another popular option for landscaping is river rocks and boulders. These are natural rocks, usually round in shape from exposure to water. These are beautiful options for edging or focal points. Boulders can make a natural divider or fence for lawn edges or even used as furniture.

Using stone in your landscaping adds texture and dimension. While there are many man-made pavers that are functional for building hardscapes, nothing man-made has the same durability and beauty of natural stone. Visit your local quarry or stone supplier to learn more about the options available to enhance your landscaping with natural stone.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617

What Is Ashlar Stone?

If you are researching using natural stone for your next home improvement project, you will come across ashlar stone products as options in come top-end quarries. This can be confusing, as you may see different types of ashlar, like fieldstone ashlar and flagstone ashlar. To help eliminate any confusion, here are some basics on this type of stone product and how it can be used to enhance the beauty of your home.

Ashlar is Not a Stone

The first thing to understand that ashlar is not a type of stone, but a masonry term used when referring to stone cuts. Ashlar is stone that has been carefully cut or shaped, usually into rectangles of different shapes and sizes. It has been used for centuries and offers a stunning appearance for many types of natural stone surfaces, which is why you will find different types of ashlar made from varying kinds of natural stone.

Uses for Ashlar

Ashlar is versatile, and the different squares and rectangles can be configured together to create a unique pattern or no pattern at all. Ashlar is popular for stone surfaces like fireplaces, siding and other flat surfaces. While ashlar cuts can be blocks to build masonry, they can also be thin to cover surfaces, a more economical option for a stone look without building from stone.

There are many options and uses for ashlar cut stone that can create beautiful and unique surfaces for your home. However, you want to find a quality quarry that has the skills and supply available for a varied choice in the pieces you use. Talk to your contractor or landscaper about using ashlar stone for your next project for a classic style that will last for decades.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

5 Reasons to Use a Stone Fabricator

If you love natural stone and want to use it for creating unique surfaces in your home, a stone fabricator can give you more options for your projects. While many pieces of natural stone are pre-cut, there are large slabs that can be molded and cut into different shapes and sizes to meet your needs. To design a spectacular kitchen, bathroom, fireplace or outdoor living space, using a stone fabricator can have these five advantages:

  1. Unique cuts. Pre-cut natural stone is fine for pavers and certain projects, but items like countertops and mantels may need specific dimensions which a stone fabricator can create.
  2. One slab. Lots of homes have natural stone surfaces made from several pieces of stone, but one large slab of stone for a table or bar is an impressive centerpiece.
  3. Customized pieces. Instead of trying to make your design fit the stone, you can have pieces fabricated to compliment your design.
  4. Exposing the best elements. A quality stone fabricator knows how to bring out the best elements of the stone for an exquisite surface.
  5. More options. When you buy pre-cut natural stone, you are limited on how you can use your pieces. With stone fabrication, you get to choose from a variety of different slabs and have the stone cut any way you want to fit your needs, whether it is small custom coasters or a giant top for your bar.

If you want to have natural stone that is customized to your style and needs, find a quality stone fabricator in your area. You will have more options and the ability to create fantastic surfaces for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617

Creative Ways to Use Boulders in Your Landscaping

Boulders are nature’s building blocks, coming in all shapes and sizes, with variances in color. From small boulders that are easily moved to large boulders that weigh hundreds of pounds, each is unique and can make a wonderful addition to your landscaping design. Here are some creative ways to use boulders in your home’s landscaping to add interest and function.

  • Driveway perimeter. Tired of people accidentally driving on your lawn? Large boulders are the perfect perimeter for your driveway to keep vehicles off your lawn. Unlike a fence that will be damaged if it is hit by a vehicle, boulders will stay intact and withstand a bumper hitting them every so often.
  • Garden edging. Small boulders make a great edging for garden areas and borders for your lawn. You can use similar sized boulders or add in different sizes for depth.
  • Creek beds. The most beautiful drainage option is the dry creek bed that offers a natural option to reduce water on your property. Boulders of various sizes can be used to enhance the effect of a natural creek flowing through your yard.
  • Giant boulders are a great option for patio furniture. They can be used as end tables, planters and even chairs. Boulders are wonderful for seating around the fire pit, with no worries of sparks ruining your natural furniture.

There are many ways to incorporate boulders into your landscaping in interesting and unique ways. Boulder come in many options and can vary in color and will last a lifetime. To find the best options, visit a quality quarry that offers many sizes and shapes of boulders for your use.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

How to Turn Your Yard into a Work of Art with Natural Stone

Your outdoor space is your place to relax, entertain and enjoy the sun. You want a place that is inviting and represents your personal style, while adding beauty and value to your home. Natural stone can be used in many ways in your outdoor living space. Not only is stone gorgeous and durable, it can create an artful space that you can enjoy for many years to come. Here are some ways to add natural stone to enhance the beauty of your yard and living space.

  • Flagstone patio. The depth and uniqueness of flagstone can make your patio come to life. You can choose irregularly shaped stone that fits together like a puzzle for a stunning paved patio, or uniform pieces for a modern look.
  • Boulder edging. Boulders are a wonderful way to separate or edge areas. Use large boulders around your patio or garden to create barriers between areas, while adding natural beauty to your yard.
  • Natural stone fire pit or fireplace. An outdoor fire source is a wonderful addition to your outdoor space for evening entertainment. Natural stone is perfect to make your fire pit or fireplace the centerpiece of your patio.
  • Natural stone steps. Slabs of natural stone are perfect for outdoor stair treads, whether you are adding a few steps into a sunken patio or up a hill on your property. Flagstone or ashlar are good choices for creating natural stone steps.

There are many ways to make your yard and patio a work of art with natural stone. Visit your local quarry to checkout the different natural stone options for your next outdoor project.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

What Is Stone Ashlar?

If you are researching different types of natural stone available for paving, you may see the term “ashlar” used for certain stone pavers. Ashlar is not a type of stone, but a type of stonework or masonry. This means the stones have been cut into squares or rectangles to create right angles on all sides. This allows for easier paving and smaller gaps between stones for a smoother surface.

While most people would prefer the look of natural stone for their paved areas, manufactured pavers offer uniform pieces that are easier to use. Many natural stone pavers of flagstone or fieldstone come in irregular shapes. Some people prefer the natural-shaped stones that give a unique and varied appearance to their patio or other paved surface. However, for those that want a smooth surface with small joints between the pavers, square or rectangle pavers are a better option.

With natural stone ashlar pavers, you can still have the beauty and durability of natural stone with the convenience of a manufactured paver. Some quality quarries offer fieldstone or flagstone ashlar that are cut precisely into squares or rectangles for right angles when paving. You get the best of both worlds; a natural stone that will give you the flat surface you desire.

When buying natural stone ashlar, you want to find stone that has been expertly formed and cut for the right size and thickness. It is important to remember that since it is natural stone, there can be some variances in the surface. However, this is what gives stone its unique quality and appearance, making it more valuable and attractive for your paving project.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

Why Is a Quality Stone Fabricator Important?

Using natural stone in your home improvements can add beauty and value to your home. However, when you are creating a customized style, you want the best attributes of the stone to show. A stone fabricator not only can cut and form stone to your specifications, they can also use the best elements of the stone to enhance your home.

Each natural stone is unique, which is one of the reasons that it is so popular to use in home improvement. Whether you building a new fireplace inside your home or creating a stunning patio in your outdoor living space, natural stone can be cut and formed for a perfect fit. A stone fabricator can use special techniques to create the shape and sizes you need to complete your project. This can be used for:

  • Customized countertops
  • Pool coping
  • Fireplace mantels
  • Stair treads
  • Patios
  • Fire pit tops

On top of shaping your stone, fabricators also understand how to bring out the best elements in the stone for your project. They can work with the grains and different aspects of the stone to ensure you get the right colors and patterns that will enhance the beauty of the stone. Having the expertise of a stone fabricator ensures you get the most out of the stone you buy and that it will look its best once it is shaped and formed for your project.

Don’t choose premanufactured stone when you can have your stone customized for a unique style. Choose a quality stone fabricator to help you make the most of your investment into natural stone for your next home improvement project.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617

Is Natural Stone Worth the Investment?

If you are planning a home improvement project using stone, you probably already know that stone is a premium building component. Unlike manufactured products, natural stone must be quarried from its source, cut into the right sizes and transported at a large expense due to the weight. All this adds to the cost of natural stone, which is why it is so highly valued. You may be tempted to use a manufactured or artificial stone product to save money. Here are a few reasons to invest in real natural stone for your next home improvement project.

  • When you use natural stone, every project is unique. Like large snowflakes, each stone is slightly different from the next. The character that is ingrained into each stone over thousands of years is what makes this element so beautiful and valuable.
  • Nothing lasts or is as durable as natural stone for home improvement projects. Manufactured products may look similar, but they cannot withstand the elements like stone that was created from the elements.
  • Yes, natural stone does cost more than other materials for patios, fireplaces, walkways and other projects. But the value transfers to your home or business. The timeless beauty of stone never goes out of style and can add value to your property.

Whether you are upgrading your outdoor living area or want to enhance your living room with a natural stone fireplace, invest in the beauty and durability of natural stone. Visit your local quarry to view the different natural stone options available. When your project is complete, you will be glad you decided to use this gift from nature.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

Adding Natural Water Features to Your Landscaping

Do you wish you had a babbling brook or a serene waterfall in your backyard? You can with the addition of a natural water feature to your landscaping. Nothing is quite as soothing as the sound of moving water. Plus, water features are a great focus point for your landscaping and add a cooling sparkle to any yard.

Natural Water Feature Ideas

Changing your yard into a natural oasis starts with deciding what type of water feature you want to add. There are a few different options, each giving you a beautiful centerpiece for your landscaping. Consider these ideas:

  • Stone creek. You can create a creek or stream that flows across your yard. This works well for a sloped or hilly yard, but can be accomplished almost anywhere. Natural stones are needed to line the creek bed, with boulders used to accent the edges.
  • Everyone loves a waterfall. You can create a waterfall on a hill or slope, above a pool or spa, or in addition to a garden pond. Natural stone gives the backdrop, with water cascading over the rough edges for a natural appearance.
  • Garden pond. With or without a waterfall, a garden pond can add a serene, beautiful focus point for your landscaping. Add water plants and boulders around the edge for a natural look.

The trick to making a natural-looking water feature is using natural elements to create the illusion. Natural stone is one of the key ingredients to almost any natural water feature you create at your home. Before you begin, visit your local quarry to learn more about the natural stone available for your new water feature.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617

Natural Stone at a Lower Price

If you are considering using natural stone in any home improvement project, you already know that price is a major consideration. Natural stone is beautiful, unique and durable, adding value to your home. However, it is also very heavy, costing more for materials, shipping and labor on most products. While there are manufactured stone products, they are not true stone and do not have them same benefits. Another option is using thin stone that is less expensive, both in initial cost, shipping and labor.

There are a few different stone products that come in a thinner version. You still get the look and durability of natural stone, without the cost. Here are a few options that are available:

  • Stone veneer siding. Want to have a home that has a beautiful stone exterior? Natural stone veneer siding is an affordable option. This beautiful siding can give your home a stunning stone appearance without the cost of using entire stones in construction. It can be added to any home for a complete transformation of your exterior.
  • Thin sawn or stacked veneer. For covering walls, fireplaces or backsplashes, thin sawn veneer is a good option. Thin stone veneers are real stones cut thinly for easier installation and lower cost. You get the same benefits of manufactured products, but you are using natural stone that looks and lasts like a full natural stone product.

Don’t settle for fake stone when you can have the benefits of natural stone at a lower cost. Explore the options available by contacting your local quarry that offers thin natural stone veneer products. Whether you are building a new fireplace, kitchen, outdoor kitchen or residing your home, stone veneer can be the right option at the right price.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
Whitwell, TN 37397
423-930-8249