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