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

5 Steps to Planning Your Natural Stone Project

Whether you are building a stone patio, walkway or retaining wall, there is planning involved to ensure your project goes smoothly. Taking the time to prepare can save trips to the landscape supply store and help you make sure you complete your project correctly the first time. Here are five steps to plan your natural stone project to save time and money.

Choose the Type of Stone

There are many options in natural stone. Flagstone, fieldstone, ashlar and travertine are some of the options available. Plus, each type can come in a variety of colors. Flagstone and travertine are popular for patios and walkways; fieldstone and river rock are great for natural retaining walls or fire pits. Know what you want to use before you head to the supply store.

Choose the Cut

There are many different types of cuts of stone. You can choose cobblestones or rubble cuts for building pits or walls, or thin, flat cuts for paved surfaces. Research what will work best for your project.

Will You Need Mortar or Sand?

Most stone projects will require mortar or sand to fill between the stone slabs. Add this to your shopping list and determine how much you will need for your project.

Do You Need Any Tools?

There are not many tools needed for most stone projects, but you may need a shovel to dig out your surface area or a trowel for applying mortar.

Will You Need Framing Materials?

Some patios, pits or walkways may need wood framing boards that are pressure treated to create the borders. You will need to cut these to size.

The old adage, “measure twice, cut once” also applies to stone projects. Take the time to plan your project to limit trips back and forth to the supply store, getting all the items you will need at one time. This will save you time and minimize the cost for an efficient DIY project.

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

Natural Stone Options for Your Slopes

Do you have a slope in your yard that is hard to plant or adorn with landscaping features? Slopes can be challenging when it comes to landscape design, but there are some creative natural stone features that can add an interesting flair to your yard. Here are some ways to incorporate slopes into your landscape design with natural stone.

Tiered Waterfalls

Slopes are the perfect formation for creating a waterfall in your yard. The natural slope gives you the gravity you need to build a flowing waterfall. A waterfall can begin anywhere on your slope with tiers of natural stone as it cascades down to your yard. This creates a natural look, adding the relaxing sound and glittering effects of moving water with the backdrop of beautiful stone.

Slope Staircase

Natural stone is excellent for building an in-ground staircase on your slope. Slabs of flagstone can be used to make treads that are staggered up your slope. Not only does a natural stone staircase make your slope easier to climb, it is a stunning feature to add to your landscape design.

Tiered Gardens

Another option for your slope is creating tiered gardens for planting flowers and vegetables. Small natural stone retaining walls allow you to make flat tiers for planting. Use two or three retaining walls to build tiers that allow you to finally utilize your slope for planting without worrying about erosion. You can also build a natural stone staircase to make it simple to access your tiered gardens.

Natural stone can help you make the most of your sloped areas. Visit a local quarry to explore the different stone options for building interesting features on your slopes.

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

Why to Choose Natural Stone Veneer Over Faux Stone Siding

Natural stone for siding, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and many other applications is popular, but real stonework can be expensive. An alternative is using stone veneer, a thin covering that creates the appearance of a stone structure. There are many options and styles of stone veneers to create almost any look, both with natural stone and faux stone siding. While faux or manufactured stone veneer is less expensive, it is worth the investment to choose natural stone product when using veneer.

Advantages of Natural Stone Veneer Vs. Faux

Both natural and manufactured stone veneer can be beautiful and have the appearance of masonry or stone surfaces. However, the differences are similar to why natural stone is preferred to concrete or manufactured pavers. While faux stone siding may look similar, it does not have the attributes that is loved about natural stone. Some of the advantages of natural stone veneer include:

  • Unique stones and patterns
  • Durability of real stone – some faux products are prone to disintegration
  • The look can closer match other natural stone features
  • More options and styles available

Real stone veneer was not available decades ago – it is only with advanced cutting tools that creating thin natural stone veneer is possible. Most people cannot tell the difference between natural stone veneer and real stone structures, creating a valuable look that will last.

If you are considering stone veneer for your home, talk to a quarry that carries natural stone veneer. Often the prices are comparable to higher-end manufactured stone veneer, yet the product has higher value and durability, making it a better choice for many home improvement projects.

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

Add a Stone Focal Feature to Your Landscape Design

Every landscape design should have a focal feature that draws the eye – it can be something fully functional or just for aesthetics, but it should draw attention. Stone is a perfect material for building a stunning focal feature that will blend with the natural atmosphere and last for many years. Here are some ideas for stone features that can become the focal point of your landscape design.

Stone Waterfall or Water Wall

Flowing water over natural stone is a gorgeous addition to any yard, providing beauty and relaxing sound as a focal feature. A tumbling waterfall over rocks or a solid stone water wall can enhance your landscape design and add an elegant touch.

Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit

A flagstone or fieldstone fireplace or fire pit are a wonderful way to warm and light up cool nights, but also can be the centerpiece of your outdoor space.

Retaining or Sitting Walls

Stone is perfect for creating retaining walls to secure slopes or shape your yard, both functional and a wonderful focal feature. Sitting walls made from natural stone are also functional and add a lovely look to any outdoor living area.

Dry Creek Beds

Drainage for your yard can also be a focal feature. Dry creek beds made with varying sizes of stones can provide adequate drainage for your property and create an interesting style for your yard.

Find ways to improve the beauty of your yard and landscape design with a natural stone focal feature. Visit a local quarry to view varieties of natural stone to give you ideas for your next project to enhance your property with style and function.

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

Add Timeless Beauty to Your Yard with Natural Stone

Natural stone features for outdoor spaces is not a passing phase. Compared to concrete or other man-made surfaces, natural stone offers a timeless beauty and value that cannot be matched. Whether you prefer the stunning look of flagstone or want the rugged, country style of fieldstone, natural stone can transform your yard and improve the overall design with elements that will last.

Perfect Patios

When you use natural stone for paving your patio, you do not need to worry about cracking cement or drainage issues. Natural stone of all types is more durable and can shift with the soil, offering a long-lasting patio surface that is simple to maintain. A quick sweep or rinsing is all that is needed to keep it looking beautiful and your patio will be unique as the stone that creates it.

Walkways

Welcome guests to your front door or to walk through your gardens with stunning natural stone pathways. Flagstone or natural pavers are ornamental and functional for walkways, while offering the durability and easy maintenance of stone.

Retaining Wall, Fire Pits and Water Features

Natural stone can help enhance almost any feature in your landscaping. From preventing erosion with a natural stone retaining wall to adding pizazz to your landscaping with a fire pit or waterfall, natural stone can help you create a variety of interesting and useful features in your yard.

Natural stone comes in many varieties for creating gorgeous paved spaces and other features in your outdoor living areas and yard. Visit your local quarry to investigate the many different styles, types, colors and shapes of natural stone for your next outdoor project.

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

Add Beauty and Function with a Stone Sitting Wall

Do you love spending time on your back patio or yard? If your outdoor space is one of the favorite “rooms” of your home, make it even more inviting with a stone sitting wall. Natural stone can add elegance to your outdoor living space, and a sitting wall is beautiful as well as functional. Here are some benefits of creating a stone sitting wall around your back patio.

  • More seating. One of the obvious benefits of a sitting wall is more places for people to sit. A patio can get crowded adding too many chairs or additional furniture. A sitting wall does not take space away from your patio but can be placed on the edge for added seating.
  • Gorgeous edging. Using flagstone or fieldstone to build your sitting wall can create a gorgeous edging to your patio and separate spaces in your outdoor area. Sitting walls use a low retaining wall with a sitting platform to encase your patio and improve the design of your space. This can be a great divider between areas, like your outdoor kitchen and dining space.
  • Year-round outdoor furniture. When your patio table and chairs are put away for the winter, your sitting wall will still be available for seating. Enjoy sustainable furniture that will last for decades, adding beauty and value to your home all the seasons of the year.

There are many different natural stone options for building a sitting wall on your back patio. Visit your local quarry and view all the different colors, shapes and sizes of stone that can be used to add more elegance and seating area to your outdoor living space.

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

5 Ways to Use Natural Stone Veneer

Do you love the look of natural stone, but building with natural stone is too expensive? You can have the best of both worlds, lowers costs and beautiful style, with natural stone veneer. This product is created from natural stone and is cut into thin sheets that can make it look like a solid stone structure. Here are five ways to use natural stone veneer around your home to add beauty and value.

  1. Siding. Stone veneer is perfect for adding a stone entry around your front door or partial stone for around the circumstance of the exterior. It can be added at any point, changing and updating the entire appearance of an older home.
  2. Fireplaces. Have an old brick mantle you wish was natural stone? Stone veneers can replace the exterior of your fireplace for a natural style.
  3. Outdoor kitchens. Many homeowners are adding outdoor kitchens to expand their outdoor living space and entertaining options. Blend your outdoor kitchen in with your natural stone patio with stone veneer for the cabinetry.
  4. Entrance pillars. Want natural stone entrance pillars at the entrance of your driveway without the expense? Cover concrete, brick or wooden pillars with stone veneer to create the look you desire at a lower cost.
  5. Natural interiors. Stone veneer can create a natural look for bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens inside your home, giving it an upscale appearance.

Almost any surface can be covered with natural stone veneer for a gorgeous new look. Talk to your local quarry that offer stone veneer to learn more about the options available for your next home improvement project.

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

4 Reasons to Use Stone Veneer

If you are planning a natural stone project for your home or outdoor space, consider the benefits of using stone veneer. Thin, natural stone veneers offers many of the same advantages of natural stone, but without many of the disadvantages. Stone veneers are becoming a popular option to get a beautiful, durable surface without the need for complete natural stones. Here are four reasons to use stone veneer in your next project.

  1. Beauty. The reason natural stone is so popular for patios, fireplaces and siding is the uncompromised beauty. Each stone is unique, giving you a customized beauty for any project you undertake.
  2. Lightweight. While natural stone is beautiful, it can be a pain to transport and put into place due to the weight. Stone veneers are lightweight in comparison, saving money on transport costs and making it easier to build your hardscape without the heavy lifting.
  3. Cost-effective. Natural stone adds value and beauty, but it can be very expensive. Stone veneers offer the same look, without the high cost. Stone veneers can save money while still creating the look you desire for your home.
  4. Durable. Even though stone veneers are thinner, they are still durable. Natural stone is scratch resistant and can last for decades, even in veneer form. You get the style and durability you want, only with less cost and strain than complete natural stones.

Using stone veneers can help you stretch your project budget while still getting the uncompromising benefits of natural stone. Visit your local quarry that offers thin stone veneers to learn more about how these beautiful stones can be used for your next stone hardscape project.

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

When to Use Landscape Stones and Rocks

You have many choices when you are building hardscapes to add to your landscape design. Cement, brick and pavers can be used to create many hard surfaces and structures. However, using natural stone and rock has its advantages over man-made materials when it comes to durability and beauty. When creating your outdoor space, here are some good areas to use landscape stones and rocks.

Retaining Walls

Modular blocks may look uniform for retaining walls, but if you prefer a natural appearance, stone is the best option. Fieldstone, flagstone and ashlar can be cut to create stunning retailing walls. The natural uniqueness of stone can build a wall that looks like no other, giving a beauty that cannot be duplicated.

Paving

If you are building a patio or pool deck, flat natural stones like flagstones or cut fieldstones are excellent for paving. They offer a solid, durable surface for your outdoor living spaces. Natural stone is a wonderful choice for paving garden paths or edging ponds.

Edging

Rocks and stones make a great edging material for your landscaping. Lines and linear direction are important elements in landscape design; small landscape stones can edge your gardens or paths to create the lines you need for a well-blended design in your landscaping.

Fire Pits, Fireplaces and Outdoor Kitchens

Focal and functional features like fire pit and fireplaces are perfect for natural stone. They withstand heat and blend your fire features into a natural setting. Outdoor kitchens are another area where a natural stone floor or stone veneer for cabinetry can be used to enhance the beauty of your outdoor living area.

Natural stone can be more expensive than man-made pavers, but the benefits can be worth the extra investment. Check out the natural stone options for your landscaping project at your local quarry.

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