5 DIY Flagstone Projects

Do you love the beauty of flagstone but not the price tag on hiring a landscaper to build your flagstone project? You can save a small fortune if you build your flagstone hardscape yourself. While no flagstone project is simple or easy, there are some that are better suited for do-it-yourself homeowners than others. Here are five DIY flagstone projects that only require moderate skills but can save your money on your project.

Walkways

With a little planning and preparing, you can build a gorgeous flagstone walkway for your front entrance or garden. The trick is outlining your path first and digging your trench. Then you can position your flagstones like puzzle pieces for a beautiful stone walkway.

Patios

While bigger, patios can be simpler that pathways due to the set shape. Once the area is prepared, start placing stones working from the inside out. Once you get the outside, you may need to cut stones to create the right edge.

Steps

Have a slope that you want to access? Use flagstones to create treads up your slope. This is fairly simple, just requires some hard work digging your steps and placing your treads.

Fire Pit

Flagstones are a perfect surrounding surface for a stone fire pit. Whether you build your fire pit yourself or buy a premade option, you can build the flagstone surround for your seating area.

Seating

You can build a simple, gorgeous stone bench from flagstone. All you need is two similar stones for the base and one long, flat piece for the top.

Flagstone is an easy and forgiving stone product for DIY projects. With a little planning and some time watching instruction videos online, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars by creating flagstone hardscapes yourself.

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

Is Polymer Sand Better for Stabilizing Pavers?

If you are a landscape professional or just a DIY homeowner, you know having the right products can make a big difference. If you are building a paver patio, driveway or walkway, knowing the right sand to use between the pavers can make a substantial difference. Using natural sand is no longer considered the best practice for stabilizing pavers. Instead, polymer dust and sand products offer more advantages than natural sand. Here are some of the benefits.

No Sealer Needed

Polymer sand is less likely to erode or move than natural sand, so no sealer is needed for paver surfaces with polymer used for filler. This can save time and money, making it easier to build your paved surface. With gator dust, all you need to do is sweep away excess and add water to “seal” your paver project.

Better Weed Control

Natural sand can offer a place for weeds to take up root and ruin the look of your paved surface. Polymer products like sand and gator dust provide excellent weed control, stopping almost all plants growth between pavers.

Better Pest Control

Ants love sand, but not when it is made from polymer. Putting polymer sand between your pavers can prevent ant hills and other pests that prefer natural sand and soil for their homes.

Less Erosion

Polymer sands and gator dust stay in place when the rains and winds come. This can stop erosion, ensuring your paved surface lasts longer without shifting or settling issues.

Start your next paver surface project off right. When you visit your local quarry to pick out your pavers, ask about polymer products like polymer sand or gator dust for quality stabilization for your pavers.

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

5 Benefits of Adding Spring Mulch

When spring finally arrives after a long winter, you want to get outside and begin improving your yard. Planting spring flowers or getting your vegetable garden started are on the top of many DIY landscapers spring to-do list, but you don’t want to forget about mulching. Spring is the perfect time to refresh the mulch around your yard to protect your trees, plants and soil. Here are five benefits of spring mulching.

  1. Replace mulch lost during the winter. Winds, precipitation and storms during the winter months can remove mulch from your planting areas. Your ground cover may be sparse and need more mulch for protection.
  2. Mulch helps protect moisture levels. Before the hot weather arrives, you want to insulate your soil. Mulch can help trap moisture in the soil for healthier plants and to reduce erosion.
  3. Mulch can add nutrients to your soil. Biodegradable mulch can breakdown naturally. This adds nutrients to your soil, but also means mulch needs to be replenished as it breaks down and is lost.
  4. Reduce weed growth. Before weeds have a chance to overtake your landscaping and flower gardens, restore an appropriate layer of mulch. This helps deter weed growth and protects the aesthetics and health of your gardens.
  5. Improve the appearance of your landscaping. One of the immediate benefits of spring mulching is the way it looks. Fresh mulch can create a tidy, clean appearance for your yard.

Make sure to add spring mulching to your to-do list. Visit a quality landscape supplier to find the right mulch products – many can even deliver your mulch in bulk for convenience and a cost-effective option.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Create Stunning Pillars with Stone Veneer

Do you love the look and elegant style of stone pillars or columns? These classic features are a beautiful way to adorn your gate entrances and other areas around your home. Unfortunately, creating solid stone pillars can be expensive, difficult and time consuming. Another option is using thin natural stone veneer to create the look of solid stone pillars quicker and with less expense.

What is Stone Veneer?

Veneer has similar benefits of durability, beauty and easy maintenance as natural stone. Many homes and features you see with natural stone are not made with solid stone pieces. Stone veneer is a thin stone covering that can be used as siding to create the look of natural stone masonry. There are manufactured varieties, but you can purchase veneer that is made from natural stone to create the look of authentic stone without the high price tag.

Building Pillars with Stone Veneer

With natural stone veneer, you can disguise any material used to make your columns or pillars. The pillars can be made from wood or concrete, then covered with the thin stone veneer to create the appearance of a solid stone structure. Since the stone veneer is cut thin, you get the appearance of a complete stone without the weight or cost. Mortar can be used to attach the thin pieces to the outside of your pillars, creating the style you desire without the hassle or expense of building the entire structure from stone.

Stone pillars can add a stylish, classic element for porches, fence gates and as bollards for driveways. Visit your local quarry that offers thin stone veneer products to find the right stones and colors to create stunning pillars for your home.

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

The Best Gravel for Your Landscaping Project

Gravel is used for many landscaping projects, from surfacing walkways and driveways to drainage for paving patios and creek beds. There are numerous options in gravel, with different types of stone, color, size and shape. Finding the right gravel can ensure you get the best performance and appearance. Here are some typical projects that require gravel and the best types to choose for superior results.

Dry Creek Beds

Dry creek beds are a beautiful and functional drainage solution. While larger rocks are needed for the edges of a dry creek bed, you will want smaller rocks and gravel for the “bed” of your creek. Choose river rock 4-10 for the right-sized gravel to allow drainage.

Walkways

For walkways, you want an attractive, small gravel that will stay in place. Pea gravel in various forms is a good choice. Some popular options include Chattahoochee and Indian pea gravel. Chattahoochee tends to be duller in color, but functional. Indian pea gravel offers more color for a livelier appearance.

Driveways

Building a gravel driveway requires different types of gravel and soil. For the top layer and surface, angular shaped gravel about ½” in size can be an excellent choice. The shape helps it stay in place for high traffic areas.

Decorative Landscaping

If you are using gravel for mulch or weed control in your flower gardens, between pavers or as decorative filler, pea gravels and egg rock can work perfectly. There are many different colors and sizes available at your local landscape supply stores.

Choosing the right gravel for your landscaping project is important. Your local landscape supplier or quarry can help you find the best gravel to ensure you get long-lasting, beautiful results.

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

Benefits of Buying Bulk Landscape Supplies

Are you in the habit of buying landscape supplies in bags or boxes from your local big-box home improvement center? While this may seem simple enough, you may be missing out on the benefits of buying bulk. There are several reasons to ditch the trip to the box store and contact your local landscape supplier for bulk products. Consider these benefits of buying bulk landscape supplies for your next project.

More Options

Whether you are looking for mulch or gravel, a bulk landscape supply store can give you many more options than your typical home improvement center. This is their specialty, helping you find the best product for your project, not just the one that is most commonly used. You can find several different types of each product and unique options not found in most box home improvement centers.

Better Prices

When you buy in bulk, you tend to get better pricing. You are not paying for packaging, just the actual product. This is especially important for larger projects. If you are landscaping your yard and need soil, gravel, mulch and other landscape supplies, consider the cost savings of buying bulk. Not only is it cheaper by volume, you can get the exact amount you need for your project without buying excess.

Delivery Options

Don’t break your back hauling bags of rocks, gravel and soil, or loading paver stones. Many bulk landscape supply stores offer delivery right to your home. This saves you time and stress on your body, and can reduce damage or wear on your vehicles.

For your next landscaping project, get the right products at a better price by buying bulk landscape supplies. Visit your local landscape supplier that offers bulk products to checkout their selection, pricing and delivery options.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Enjoy the Uniqueness of Travertine Cladding

Are you in love with the beauty of natural stone? While you will see many patios and even indoor flooring created with natural stone, below your feet is not the only place to put stone. One of the most popular options in stone products is travertine, which can be quarried into pavers, flagstone or tiles. While travertine will be found as a paving material, its beauty can go to bigger heights when used as wall cladding for your home.

What is Travertine?

Travertine is a limestone that has beautiful porous veins similar to marble. Like marble, it is often quarried in Italy, with many more quarries in Turkey. Travertine has an elegant style that is often deemed luxurious due to the higher cost of the stone. While it can stain, the new options in sealing can protect the stone, giving it more versatility in uses.

Indoor or Outdoor Wall Cladding

If you want to give your home a unique and stunning look, consider using travertine wall cladding. This can be a gorgeous style for your entry way, using travertine cladding as siding around your front door. Another option is bringing it indoors. Travertine can add natural beauty to your kitchen, bathroom or sunroom as indoor wall cladding. When sealed, it can retain its beauty and be protected from staining, helping it last for decades.

If you want to explore new options for decorating your home, consider travertine for paving and wall cladding. Visit your local quarry to view the many types of travertine to find the colors and types of cuts to create interesting variations for your indoor and outdoor wall cladding, as well as paving and flooring.

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

Different Types of Flagstone

When it comes to building hardscapes, flagstone is a popular option found in many backyards. However, flagstone is not a particular type of rock, it is a method of cutting and quarrying rocks. Flagstone can be made from many different types of sedimentary rock that is naturally layered. The cut pieces of these layers make the flags that are excellent for paving and other projects. Here are some of the popular types of flagstone that are used in many hardscape projects.

Travertine

The weathered, pitted look of travertine is popular for flagstone projects. Travertine is a compacted limestone that comes grays, browns, tans and bluish-grays, valued for its cool surface that is perfect for pool decks and pavement in warm regions.

Slate

The blue, gray, copper and green variations of slate can add variety to paved surfaces and walls. This metamorphic rock is best when sealed to prevent staining.

Bluestone

Like its name, bluestone is a sandstone that tends to be blue or grayish in color. It is a denser form of sandstone that can handle colder temperatures. Bluestone is a non-slip paving stone that must be sealed to preserve the natural color.

Sandstone

The less dense sandstone often found in Arizona or the southwest is porous and better used in dry, warmer regions. The colors range from beige and reds to softer pastels like pink and shades of beige. The surface stays cool but should be sealed to prevent staining.

If you are looking for a paving stone for your walkway, patio, pool deck or entry, there are many different types of flagstone available. Visit your local quarry to see the different flagstone options available to find the best rock type for your project.

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

Why Sand is the Best Option for Backyard Play Areas

Having an area dedicated in your backyard for child play encourages kids to get outside for healthy exercise. Swing sets, slides and other outdoor play equipment are a wonderful gift for children, but you want to ensure it is safe and durable. One of the considerations when building a backyard play area is the ground cover. Here is why sand is the best option to protect your kid’s play area.

Benefits of Sand

Obviously a paved area is not a good idea for swings and climbing equipment. One fall and it could mean a trip to the ER for fractured bones. However, even grass or turf has its drawbacks. Grass requires water to keep it healthy; sprinklers near outdoor play equipment can cause rust and rot, hastening deterioration and making it unsafe. Sand, like the white sand used for sandboxes, offers a few benefits:

  • It is soft and less likely to cause injury if a child falls
  • Kids love playing in sand – it is great for playing with big and small toys
  • It is easy to maintain, requiring no watering or cleaning
  • Insects are less likely to be lurking in sand versus grass or mulch

Sand is a nice option to cover the ground in your child’s play area. It looks neat and is the safest option. You want to choose a quality white sand that is made for play areas and sand boxes. Contact your local landscape supplier – many quality suppliers offer white sand and can deliver it in bulk quantity right to your home to make it quick and easy to build your backyard play area.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Creating a Curved Flagstone Walkway

Flagstone is a stunning natural paving option for walkways. You can create paths that curve around your garden on your own if you know the tricks. A curved flagstone walkway is a great DIY project that can save you hundreds of dollars over hiring a professional. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started on building a gorgeous flagstone walkway with curves.

Outline Your Path

You can use a garden hose to create the outline of your curved walkway. This gives you a chance to try different options to find the look you desire. Make sure it is wide enough to walk on comfortably and avoid going over tree roots – these can cause problems down the road if they reach the surface. Once you choose a design, use spray paint to mark the outline of the walkway and calculate the square footage you will be covering.

Choose Your Flagstone

Flagstone comes in a variety of colors, shapes and thickness. Choose flagstone that is about 3” thick for walkways, reducing the chance it will crack, but thin enough to cut if needed. You will want natural shapes and various sizes to help you build your walkway and enough to fill the square footage needed. Your landscape supplier can help you choose the right stones for your project.

Build Your Walkway

You will need to dig about five inches down to build your walkway, then cover it with landscape fabric. Layer two inches of sand and tamper it down. Start in the middle of the path, putting pieces of flagstone in place like a puzzle. On the edges, trace the line where the stone overlaps the outline to make cuts in the stone to fit inside your pathway outline. Add small pieces between bigger stones to reduce gaps. Sweep fine sand over your flagstone to fill in between the stones.

It does take patience and hard work, but you can build a curved flagstone walkway that will be beautiful and functional. Carefully plan your project and take your time to ensure it turns out like you envision.

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