5 Factors to Consider for Retaining Walls

August 30th, 2018 Posted in Stone Retaining Walls
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Retaining walls can add support, beauty and function to your landscaping, making them a popular hardscaping project. However, this is a project that needs some planning and preparation before you jump in. Before you head to the landscaping supply store for materials, here are some factors to consider for your new retaining wall.

  1. Weight. If your retaining will be used for functional support for a slope or hill, you need to determine the weight and pressure that will be against the wall.
  2. Foundation. All retaining walls need a solid, level foundation for the best results. A leveled area with compacted sub-base or gravel should be used in the foundation, with stable, heavy materials used at the bottom of the wall.
  3. Materials. Retaining walls can be made from wood, concrete or dry-laid stone. Natural stone or pavers are the most popular, offering strength, durability and beauty for the project.
  4. Drainage. Many retaining walls fail due to water pressure caused from inefficient drainage. Gravel fill in the foundation or piping to allow water behind the wall to drain can prevent drainage failure issues down the road for your retaining wall.
  5. Slope of wall. If building a retaining wall for soil or erosion support, sloping the wall back into the hillside can garner better results, referred to as a batter or cant.

Creating a plan for your retaining wall can reduce the chance of premature failure. Decide the dimensions, materials and design before you make your trip to the landscape supplier in your area. This will save you time and ensure you get everything you need for supplies before you begin building your new retaining wall.

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

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Upgrade Your Outdoor Space with a Flagstone Fireplace

August 30th, 2018 Posted in Flagstone
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What is missing from your outdoor patio? If you love relaxing and entertaining outdoors, you most likely spend most summer and fall nights on your patio. One element that can add beauty, light and warmth to your outdoor space is a fireplace. Make it even more special by designing it from stunning flagstone for a classic, elegant style.

Choosing Your Design

For outdoor fireplaces, you can choose from two basic designs: mantel or fire pit. Both can be created from stylish flagstone, but have different advantages.

  • Mantel fireplace. An outdoor mantel fireplace creates a regal appearance to your patio, making your outdoor space into a second living room under the sky. This is best for adding light and warmth, with limited space to “gather” around the fire.
  • Fire pit. For a more casual style, a fire pit can be a better choice. Seating can be placed around the fire pit, great for a “camping” atmosphere with friends and family on your back patio. You can get closer to the heat and even roast foods over the flames for late night treats.

On top of the type of fireplace design, you want to make sure your new fire feature is safe. Flagstone is a perfect material for the fireplace and surrounding paving to prevent sparks from igniting. You can even create flagstone benches or chairs that will withstand the heat and flames with natural fire resistance.

If fire is what is missing from your outdoor space, consider adding a fantastic flagstone fireplace. It can add beauty and function for evenings outside, with the durability of flagstone to last for decades to come.

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

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3 Ways to Use Sand in Your Backyard

August 10th, 2018 Posted in Sand
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There are many gravel materials that are used in landscaping projects, including sand. Fine sand is an essential ingredient for creating some hardscapes, protecting water features and xeriscaping. Here are three ways that sand can be used in your backyard in your landscaping endeavors.

  1. Stone paving. If you are using flagstones, field stones or pavers to create a patio or walkway, sand can be an excellent filler for finishing your project. Sand can be used instead of mortar to fill the cracks between pavers for stabilization. Just pour sand over the pavers and sweep into the cracks.
  2. Sand boxes. Kids love to play in sand. If you have little ones at your home, you can create your own sand box where they can dig and play in the flowing mounds. But, keep in mind animals love sand, too. If you have cats in your backyard, they may have other ideas for your sand box. Build a cover to protect the sand from animals when not in use.
  3. Low-water gardens. Want a, low-water garden for your backyard? Use sand or a sand/loam mixture to make a low-water garden for cactus and other drought-resistant plants. These gardens can be beautiful and require little water or maintenance.

There are other uses for sand, such as a mix for concrete or to protect pool liners from weed growth. Sand can even be added to paint to create a non-slip surface. It is a good item to have on hand for many different landscape projects. Sand can be found at your local landscape supply store to complete any of these projects.

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

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4 Reasons to Use Stone Veneer

August 10th, 2018 Posted in Natural Stone
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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

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Stylize Your Yard with Low-Maintenance Patio Pavers

August 10th, 2018 Posted in Pavers
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If you are considering building a new patio or extending the outdoor living space in your yard, a paver patio is a low-maintenance option. Not only do stone or formed pavers look fabulous, they are easy to maintain. Here are some ideas for your new paver patio and tips on maintenance.

Types of Patio Pavers

There are many paver types to choose from for your new patio. You can create a natural look or a modern, contemporary style, all with the same low-maintenance attributes. Some options you can choose from include:

  • Field stones. Cut field stones can be wonderful for creating a natural stone patio.
  • Flagstones. Flagstones can be irregular in shape and are a gorgeous stone for patios and walkways since they are naturally flat.
  • Concrete pavers. For a uniform, modern look, concrete pavers are an excellent choice, coming in many shapes and colors for intricate designs.

Maintaining Paver Patios

Not only will a paver patio look great and add value to your home, they are easy to maintain. Pavers can last for many years and only require cleaning. Most pavers can be easily cleaned with just a broom and water. Plus, if repairs are needed down the road, you can replace individual pavers instead of replacing the entire patio.

If you are ready to begin building your new paver patio, visit your local quarry or landscape supply store. There are many options to choose from to build your new patio and most quality suppliers can deliver your pavers to your home. Once in place, your patio will provide a wonderful outdoor space that will be easy to care for and look beautiful for many years.

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

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Spring Prep for Flower Beds

July 17th, 2018 Posted in Spring Gardening Tips
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Are you excited to see the beautiful blooms in your flowers beds this spring and summer? Get your flower beds ready now with some preparation. Using the right prep can ensure you get long-lasting, colorful flowers with more blooms. Here are some prep tips to get the best flower bed results.

Preparing the Soil

You want to add new soil every year to give your flowers improved nutrients. You want a soil mix that is made for flowers. This is usually labeled as a flower soil mix at your local landscape supply store. A good flower mix has organic materials like compost, mulch and other nutrients. If you have an existing flower bed, you can till in a few inches of new flower mix to enhance your soil. For new flower beds, you can use straight flower mix to fill raised beds.

After you get your flower mix, you may want to add fertilizer. Flowers love phosphorous fertilizer, which is the second number listed on most fertilizer bags. You can add fertilizer to your soil before you plant and every six weeks after you plant your flower bed (this can differ with certain types of flowers).

Before it is time to plant is also a good time to update the edge or walls of your flower beds. Adding new landscape timbers or updating to stone walls can improve the appearance of your beds.

A trip to your landscape supply store can help you get everything you need to prepare your flower beds. Make sure to also get some extra mulch to cleanup your landscaped areas once everything is planted. With a little prep, you can have gorgeous flower beds that you can enjoy all spring and summer.

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

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When to Use Landscape Stones and Rocks

July 17th, 2018 Posted in Natural Stone
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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

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The Top 3 Stones to Use for Landscaping

July 17th, 2018 Posted in Natural Stone
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Stone is the perfect material to build your hardscapes in your landscaping. Stone blends naturally into your setting while providing a durable surface. The type of stone you use depends on the project you are doing and your desired result. Here are three of the stones popular for using in landscaping projects and their best attributes.

  1. Fieldstone. Fieldstones were created by glaciers and are irregular in shape. Many have been above ground, giving them round, smooth edges from exposure. Fieldstones can be used “as-is” to build retaining walls, seating walls, fences and other structures. They can also be cut to make a flat surface. Their irregular shape offers a natural outline for pavers around ponds or to create a garden path.
  2. Flagstone. Flagstone are quarried sedimentary rocks that are cut into slabs. The flat surface of flagstone and semi-uniform shapes makes them a natural choice for patios and pool decks. While they can also be used to build retaining walls and other structures, you will often see them uses as natural flooring.
  3. River rock. Another popular option for landscaping is river rocks and boulders. These are natural rocks, usually round in shape from exposure to water. These are beautiful options for edging or focal points. Boulders can make a natural divider or fence for lawn edges or even used as furniture.

Using stone in your landscaping adds texture and dimension. While there are many man-made pavers that are functional for building hardscapes, nothing man-made has the same durability and beauty of natural stone. Visit your local quarry or stone supplier to learn more about the options available to enhance your landscaping with natural stone.

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

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Why Is Quality Top Soil for Gardening Important?

June 1st, 2018 Posted in Topsoil
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If you are trying to create a healthy garden, flowers, vegetable or both, one of the basic rules is having good soil for your plants. Adding top soil to your existing planting areas is important, but you may wonder if there is really a difference between top soils you can purchase. Any veteran gardener will tell you that the quality of top soil you add is a vital component of success. Here are a few tips to ensure the top soil you buy for your garden is good quality for the best results.

Make Sure It Looks Clean

Good top soil should be free from sticks, rocks and other contaminants. A quality top soil will be filtered and run through a screening process to remove debris that is not helpful to the soil.

Ask About PH Balance

A knowledgeable landscape supplier will be able to tell you the PH balance of their top soil. You want a blend that will be a good base for your flowers and produce. You can add fertilizer to enrich it, but it should be a well-balanced soil to begin with.

Buy Top Soil from a Bulk Supplier

While you can find bags of top soil at many stores, it is not necessarily the best way to purchase good soil for your gardens. You often cannot see the soil and have no idea whether it looks clean or healthy. Buy from a bulk supplier – even if they do offer bags. A quality supplier cleans and creates their own top soil and you can be assured of the consistency. Ask about bulk delivery or buy it in bags for easy transporting.

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

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What Is Ashlar Stone?

June 1st, 2018 Posted in Natural Stone
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If you are researching using natural stone for your next home improvement project, you will come across ashlar stone products as options in come top-end quarries. This can be confusing, as you may see different types of ashlar, like fieldstone ashlar and flagstone ashlar. To help eliminate any confusion, here are some basics on this type of stone product and how it can be used to enhance the beauty of your home.

Ashlar is Not a Stone

The first thing to understand that ashlar is not a type of stone, but a masonry term used when referring to stone cuts. Ashlar is stone that has been carefully cut or shaped, usually into rectangles of different shapes and sizes. It has been used for centuries and offers a stunning appearance for many types of natural stone surfaces, which is why you will find different types of ashlar made from varying kinds of natural stone.

Uses for Ashlar

Ashlar is versatile, and the different squares and rectangles can be configured together to create a unique pattern or no pattern at all. Ashlar is popular for stone surfaces like fireplaces, siding and other flat surfaces. While ashlar cuts can be blocks to build masonry, they can also be thin to cover surfaces, a more economical option for a stone look without building from stone.

There are many options and uses for ashlar cut stone that can create beautiful and unique surfaces for your home. However, you want to find a quality quarry that has the skills and supply available for a varied choice in the pieces you use. Talk to your contractor or landscaper about using ashlar stone for your next project for a classic style that will last for decades.

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

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