Is All Sand the Same?

If you love to tackle do-it-yourself landscaping projects, you know getting the right materials is vital to obtaining the best results. The wrong grass type for your lawn can make it impossible to get the lush lawn you prefer or the incorrect fertilizer can do more harm than good. When a project calls for sand, the same is true. There are different types of sand that are best for certain applications. Knowing the difference can ensure you get the results you desire for your next project that calls for using sand.

Paving Stones

For sand to fill in around and under paving stone, you want a fine dust that will settle and compact quickly. A good choice for this project is granite dust that is easy to sweep into those cracks and will stay in place.

Leveling Lawns

When adding sand to level lawns in grass types that work best in a sandy soil, choose river sand.  Bermuda and Zoysia grasses are two lawns that require sand for the best results when leveling. Make sure to choose a well-screened river sand that will not add large chunks of gravel to your lawn.

Drainage for Soil

If adding sand to improve the drainage in your soil, river sand is best. 

Masonry Work

When adding sand for mortar when performing masonry work, a grittier white sand is a good choice. 

Sand Boxes for Play Areas

For a thick sand box for the kids, use white sand. This is also good for leveling property or landscaping areas.

Knowing the right type of sand to use is important since the consistency varies with the source. Talk to your landscape supplier before ordering sand for your project to ensure you get the right type for your project.

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

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

Do I Need to Seal My Pavers?

Paving stones are a beautiful option for patios, driveways and walkways, adding a natural element to your outdoor areas. While natural stone pavers have many benefits, they still need protection to get the most from your investment. Sealant can add protection to your paved areas and prevent issues down the road. Here are some benefits of adding a quality sealant to your pavers after the project is completed.

  • Fade resistance. Natural stone pavers do offer some natural fade resistance, but they can still become dull after time. Sealant adds a protective gloss than enhances the natural color and intensity of the stone while preventing fading.
  • Maintenance. Improve the ease of maintaining your pavers with sealant that prevents stains. Oil and other substances like sap can absorb into stone; sealants put a protective barrier on the surface for easy removal of staining substances.
  • Water protection. Water can erode the sand between pavers and cause unlevel areas to occur. Sealant can dissipate water and allow it to run off instead of seeping between your pavers to cause erosion below.

When choosing a sealant for your pavers, you want one that is easy and quick to apply that will give you the results you prefer. Look for a sealant that can be applied when the pavers are still damp and offers a one-day application process. Water-based sealant offers environment-friendly benefits, reducing the chance of toxins in your soil and other harmful effects.

When planning your next paving project, talk to your local landscape supplier about the appropriate sealant for your pavers. This extra layer of protection can add beauty while preventing damage to your investment.

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