What is the Difference Between Fieldstone and Flagstone?

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Fieldstone
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If you are planning a natural stone project for your home or yard, you may have been looking at the different stones available for your project. Two of the most common stones used are fieldstones and flagstones, both widely available through quality landscape supply stores. So what is the difference between these two varieties? While both can be used to create unique and beautiful structures, each has its own merits and the difference lies in how they are cultivated. 

Fieldstones

As their name suggests, fieldstones are retrieved from fields and other areas, occurring naturally in many regions. These are individual stones in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Fieldstones are valued for the unique and intriguing aesthetic appeal they can lend to fireplaces, retaining walls and other structures. However, they can be used in many other natural stone structures, as well as used as decoration in gardens and in landscaped yards. 

Flagstones

Unlike fieldstones, flagstones are usually harvested from rock quarries from the layers of sedimentary rock. These stones are usually flat and cut into slabs of similar color, making them perfect for project requiring a level surface. Many beautiful patios, sidewalks and even flooring are made from flagstone. The slab formation of flagstones makes them great for any linear project. 

In some projects, a combination of both types of stones may be used to add different textures and colors. An outdoor fireplace may have fieldstones mortared for the mantle, yet use flagstones for the base and fire pit. 

Fieldstones and flagstones can come from many different regions, but some of the most beautiful varieties are from Tennessee. For your next project using natural stone, talk to your local landscape supplier about ordering either flagstone or fieldstone from Tennessee to add the highest level of quality and beauty to your finished project.

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

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Choosing the Right Sand for Your Landscaping Project

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Landscape Materials Suppliers
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For many landscaping projects, sand can be a useful and affordable filler that is safe and natural for all environments. Whether you are building a sandbox for your kids to play in or are mixing concrete for a larger project, you want to find high-quality sand to use.  There is a difference in the sand that is available for sale in landscape supply stores, so knowing which grade or type to buy can help improve the quality of your finished project. 

River or White Sand?

The two main types of sand that are of the highest quality are river or white sand. Both are natural alternative to manufactured sand that can be carcinogenic, making it unsafe for using around your home and children. Sand is used as a filler for paving stones, in mortar, as a landscape filler and is mixed in certain soils to create a drier soil for certain plants. 

River and white sand can be bought in bulk from quality landscape supply stores, a more affordable option to buying bagged sand from some retailers of garden supplies. River sand is generally used for concrete and mortar mixing, but also is great for sandboxes, soil applications and as landscape filler. White sand is a premium, fine sand that is preferred for sandboxes, yet is still affordable when bought in bulk. 

Before beginning any landscape project that will require sand, find a local supplier that offers quality, natural sand for bulk purchases. It will enhance the result of your project and ensure that you are not adding carcinogens to your property in the form of manufactured sand.

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

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Adding a Staircase to Your Hill or Slope

May 1st, 2015 Posted in Fieldstone
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If you have a slope or hill on your property, adding a staircase can create a safe, functional way to navigate the hill. An excellent choice for creating a staircase on a hill is using natural stone for the treads. Natural stone such as fieldstone can be cut to create perfect stairway treads that are beautiful and complement your landscaping. 

Benefits of Using Fieldstone Treads for Hillside Staircases

While you can build a staircase for your hillside using a wide variety of materials, there are benefits to choosing fieldstone treads. First of all, they are a beautiful addition to your yard, lending a natural appeal compared to cement or formed blocks. Some of the other benefits of using fieldstone treads include:

  • Simplicity. Fieldstone treads are heavy and do not need any mortar to keep them in place. These means you can simply put them in place without any support.
  • Durability. Fieldstone is durable and will last for decades without showing wear, unlike many other materials. This stone has been around for centuries and can withstand heavy traffic, day after day, for many years.
  • Unique variety. With natural stone, you will always have a unique staircase. Each piece of stone has its own color patterns and beauty. Quality stone suppliers offer a variety of fieldstone treads, cut to different sizes to meet your needs.

Give your hillside an accessible staircase this spring or summer with the use of fieldstone treads. Talk to your local landscape supplier about what types of fieldstone treads they have available to get you started on your new staircase. In as little as one day, you can have your new stairs in place, adding beauty and functionality to your hillside or slope.

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

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Choosing the Best Grass for Your New Sod

May 1st, 2015 Posted in Sod
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If you have decided this is the summer that you will finally have that beautiful green lawn you have always wanted, you have probably decided to lay sod. Spring is the perfect time to lay sod so the roots have a chance to take hold before the warmer summer weather. However, just laying sod is not enough to guarantee a beautiful lawn; you also need the right type of grass to suite your property and lifestyle. Here are three popular choices and their pros and cons:

Meyer Zoysia

If you are looking for the deep green lawn reminiscent of the professional golf courses, Meyer Zoysia is a good variety to choose. This grass is often used in professional applications due to its dense, thick turf and slow growing attributes. It does well in sun and partial shade, making it a great all-around grass.

Bermuda

If you have a sunny yard with very little shade, Bermuda grass is an excellent choice. Bermuda performs best in direct sun and provides a dense, green lawn that can handle heavy traffic. This is a great grass for those who have pets or kids that will be playing on the lawn. It does grow in clay soil but does best in sandy soils. This is a higher maintenance grass, but does not need much irrigation.

Fescue

If you live in an area where you can have green grass all year round, Fescue may be the right choice for your home. If you have shady areas, Fescue is tolerant of both sun and shade. Because it is green all year, it will need more maintenance, with watering needed for areas in direct sun.

Talk to your local landscape supplier about these and other grass options for your new sod to choose the best option for your specific home and region.

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

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