Natural stone is a coveted building material for the character it brings to landscape features, such as patios, and its longevity. It’s no wonder it is a top choice for many homeowners. If you are curious about the many uses for natural stone, here is how landscaping companies incorporate natural stone into a landscape design in West Bloomfield Township, MI.
Related: Picking Paving Stones That Offer Both Style and Durability in Rochester Hills and Macomb, MI, Areas
Why Choose Natural Stone
Stone is durable and gorgeous, and it will remain that way with a little care. Stone used on patios and around pools or hot tubs should be treated with a high quality sealant for color retention, and to help the stone withstand the effects of pool chemicals, salt (if you have a salt-water pool), food and beverage stains, and deicing salts.
For best results, it’s often suggested that you choose lighter-colored stone for patios and pool surrounds. Dark stone can become very hot to the touch as it absorbs the sun’s heat.
Patios and Walkways
Patios and walkways tend to be the most common ways to use natural stone in the landscape. Since the patio is the heart of outdoor living and the front entry walkway is your welcome sign to the world, you want materials on the patio that will be pleasing to view, easy to care for, and, of course, durable and long-lasting.
Since you can get natural stone either cut or uncut, there are many different looks you can achieve: from rustic (using uncut flagstone) to luxury-spa chic (using cut limestone). Landscaping companies can even achieve more exotic looks like a Mediterranean-inspired patio using travertine.
Pool Surrounds
Pool decks are another popular option for incorporating natural stone and introducing personality to your landscape design. Top choices for pool surrounds include travertine (which would give your pool a luxury feel), granite, limestone, sandstone, or for a more rustic look, textured flagstone or bluestone.
Retaining Walls and Other Vertical Elements
All over the world, walls built many thousands of years ago are still standing and in use today. Stone remains the premier material for retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces or fire pits, pillars and water features (where it serves to provide both structure and beauty). Or it can be used as a veneer to face grill stations, the home’s foundation, and any other vertical element built with a concrete block core. In fact, facing the home’s foundation (if it is exposed concrete) with natural stone helps tie in the home with your outdoor living spaces in a truly elegant way.
New Driveways
Roman roads built 2,000 years ago are still in use in Europe. You can achieve a similarly timeless look in your driveway, but it may be more advisable to opt for the look of natural stone rather than the real thing. Concrete driveway pavers on the market today are thick enough to handle heavy vehicular loads, can withstand the freeze-thaw cycle of Bloomfield Township, MI, winters, and are proven to work well with driveway heating systems that can minimize snow and ice buildup. A professionally installed heating system will eliminate the need for plowing or shoveling, and leave you with an eye-catching driveway.
Related: 5 Ways Masonry Contractors Utilize Natural Stone in Sterling Heights, MI
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