Stonework
can add a striking quality to your landscape. However, not all stones are
alike. When planning your next landscape design, take into consideration some
of the ways you can use stone. Do you want to lay down a paved walking path? Line
your flowerbeds and shrubbery? Retaining wall? Depending on the job you want to
do, some stone products are better suited than others. Keeping that in mind,
here are some tips on what to look for when searching for high quality stone
products for your yard.
First
of all,decide on your project. The way you plan to use stone will restrict the
varieties you can use. For instance, tri-colored slate may work well as pathway
tiling, but it is a poor retaining wall material, for which ledgestone is a better
choice. Perhaps you wish to create a creek bed. What are the common river
stones in your area, and which of those are easiest to work with? Bear in mind
these kinds ofquestions when selecting your materials.
Another
decisionyou need to make is whether to use natural or cultured stone. Cultured
stone, as the name implies, is a man-made concrete composite. While perhaps not
the most aesthetically pleasing, cultured stone does have many convenient
architectural qualities, making it anexcellent building material. Natural stone
on the other hand gives a more “authentic” look, but is more difficult to work
with. There is no fixed rule for selecting natural over cultured stone products,
or vice versa; it’s all dependent upon the kind of look you wish to achieve
with your stone landscape.
The
most important advice to follow in choosing the right stone is that you want to
look for products that you like. Ultimately,
your stonework choice comes down to aesthetics. What kinds of colorslook best
in your environment? Obviously, different colors achieve different effects. For
example, lighter-shade steppingstones on your footpath will stand out more on
top of a dark mulch bed than on a gravel driveway. Another consideration you
should take into account is whether the stonework complements the surroundings.
Does your rock wall match the patio? Do these differently shaded flagstones
work together? Again, these are matters of taste, and no one knows your tastes
better than you.
Don’t make your stone selection
uninformed. Consult with a landscaping supplier to learn more about specific
varieties and their optimal uses. If you are in need of stone products in
Capitola, click this link
for more information.