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Stone features can enhance your enjoyment spent outdoors. With the late-summer season comes the urge to find time by the pool and grilling on the patio with friends and family. Your pool and patio areas can be more exciting with added luxuries that don’t have to be found only at resorts. In fact, more people are learning to incorporate resort luxuries into their own outdoor spaces.

Here are some ideas for adding stone features that can make your outdoor space more enjoyable.

Expand your patio for more entertainment

Get ready for entertaining outside. If you have a small concrete patio space, you have limitations and your area might not be that appealing. You’ll be hip when you replace the concrete pad with a new surface of flagstone. This is the perfect surface material to bring beauty and function to your space. The various colors and patterns provide options that are appealing. Our Sequatchie Gray and Smokey Mountain flagstones are two popular varieties we offer. The luxury of a flagstone patio area can give you renewed energy to decorate with tables and chairs that are perfect for entertaining.

Build a beautiful waterfall

There is something exotic about having a waterfall in your backyard! You can incorporate a gorgeous stone veneer feature with your existing pool or design a pond with a waterfall in your garden. There are an amazing number of stone veneer products to choose from that will make your waterfall unique. Some of our favorite stone veneers for waterfalls are Thick Veneer Fieldstone or Riverrock.

Create a walkway to your patio

Sometimes you might prefer that your guests use a side entrance compared to going through your home when you entertain in the backyard. Entice your guests toward the side entrance with a beautiful walkway of flagstone or stepping stones. Mix in some gravel between the flagstone or create an edging with stacked drystone to add more detail. If you have a slope, think of the beauty that our Bluestone Cut Pattern would look with bluestone steppers for an elegant entrance. Your walkway doesn’t have to be a straight route. Planting shrubs and flowers along an indirect route provides interest that helps guests enjoy the walk.

Add in a cozy fireplace or fire pit

Imagine your family and friends hanging out together by a warm fireplace or fire pit in your backyard. At Fieldstone Center, we have premade fire pit kits that are easy to install. If you prefer, choose from our variety of stone veneer products to build a unique fire pit or fireplace that will soon be a favorite area for entertaining. Some stone veneer products that would look great in a fireplace are Ashlar Square Fieldstone and Elberton Granite Rubble.

Finding time to use your outdoor space is easier when you have luxuries that create a paradise in your backyard. Fieldstone Center is available to assist you with selecting the best stone products for your new project. Contact us at 770-385-7708 for more information and assistance.

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If you want to extend your living area to the outdoors, choose stone for its versatility to create the outdoor space of your dreams. Stone is a beautiful choice that can add luxury for entertaining or increase the charm of a rustic retreat. It can also help increase your property value.

Ideas for transforming your outdoor space:

Customized walkways

Create ambience immediately with a customized stone walkway that leads you and your guests to your paradise. When you replace the concrete, you have many beautiful options such as laying flagstone. Lay the flagstone down in a regular pattern for a sophisticated setting or mix the flagstone with aggregates for a rustic appearance.

Raised garden beds

Go vertical with your garden when you stack drystone to raise your garden beds. By using varying heights and textures of stone to show off your beds you can add amazing visual appeal. Use larger stone products to make your space appear larger and smaller aggregates to draw attention to the details. Place stones uniformly for a structured look or randomly for a more casual look.

Outdoor kitchen

The outdoor kitchen has become a central gathering place for many backyards. Think beyond the standard grill when you add all the essentials – oven, fridge, sink, wet bar, etc. – for your outdoor convenience. Stone veneer is a great product for building your outdoor kitchen and will impress everyone.

Fire pit

Imagine having a relaxing fire pit area to head to once the grilling is done and the evening sets in. Design a fire pit with pavers or stacked stone. For the full luxury experience, expand the stone area to include a paved area and built-in seating.

Columns and retaining walls

Increase the glamour of your space when you dress it up with stone veneer columns. Add the feeling of a private room when you build a retaining wall enclosure. Or choose to partially enclose the area. A wall along the back gives the appearance of privacy because it sets the area apart.

When you transform your outdoor space using stone, you have a wide selection to choose from. Stone products offer abundant color palates and unlimited pattern options to create the look and feel you want. Contact Fieldstone Center at 770-385-7708 for assistance in selecting the right stone to use in your space.

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Curb appeal is an important factor in valuing your property. It’s what people first see when they come to visit you or drive past your property. To make an amazing first impression, add stone features. Stone is low maintenance and provides long lasting beauty.

4 Ways to Use Stone to Improve Curb Appeal

Line your driveway with stones

When guests come to visit, they most likely will pull into your driveway. Line your driveway with granite cobblestone or aggregates for a sculptured appearance that is sure to impress! Granite cobblestones are well known for their beauty and durability, and they are commonly used as pavement material. You can also alternate areas of your driveway with cobblestones and aggregates to create a pattern. Whether you mix the stone to create a dramatic first impression or blend them for a smooth transition, it will show you pay attention to the details.

Customize your walkway

The walkway to your front entrance can look amazing when you replace it with natural flagstone. It’s a great alternative to the concrete sidewalk that leads up to your front door. Flagstone has an abundant color palate and unlimited pattern options, including cut or irregular patterns to complement your home’s style. If you have elevation differences, add in a few bluestone steppers for a sophisticated look.

Apply stone on the façade

Your guests will be looking at your home and what it’s built with. Having stone on the façade is one of the most luxurious materials to create a great impression. Using thin stone veneer can make applying stone economical while enhancing your home’s architectural features. The best benefit: you’ll get the beauty of stone features that no other material can compare to!

Transform difficult areas with aggregates

A perfectly manicured lawn can be difficult to achieve and expensive to maintain. By using aggregates as groundcover to fill in areas where grass and plants are difficult to grow, you can transform these areas to a point of interest with a fountain, statue, bench or seating area. Further minimize your maintenance by placing aggregates around your trees, shrubs and flower beds in lieu of mulch. Decorative gravel comes in many varieties of size, shapes and color blends for long-lasting beauty.

Stone is the perfect material to create an amazing curb appeal that also can increase the value of your home. For assistance on selecting the right stone for your purpose, contact Fieldstone Center at 770-385-7708. They can help you choose from a wide selection of quality stone.

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If you are looking to add upgrades to your landscape, whether for your own personal wants or to prepare to sell your home, consider hardscaping improvements. To maximize your investment, think of hardscaping as a way to improve your property so that it is more “green” and low maintenance. The key is to blend the living environment with hardscaping elements so that they benefit wildlife and provide healthy outdoor spaces.

4 ways to add hardscaping to your landscape

Walkways

Add a gravel or paved walkway through your garden. This allows you to enjoy the garden with a material that is low-impact. When choosing gravel or natural stone as the material for your walkway, you can avoid the harsh chemicals that are found in asphalt and use a more environmentally-friendly surface compared to concrete. Plus, gravel and natural stone have naturally high permeability rates so water can flow through them instead of as run-off, helping to minimize erosion.

Patios

Get rid of the concrete pad and install a patio with flagstone that is low maintenance and gorgeous. This is a luxury that is hot in today’s marketplace. Flagstone is natural so it works well in blending your outdoor area with the surrounding environment. And if you convert a place where grass is hard to grow for your new patio, you can further maximize your outdoor space with a low-input material that reduces your maintenance. You’ll have more time to relax and less time needing to mow, weed, seed, or otherwise waste your energy maintaining the area.

Retaining Walls

Stone retaining walls are some of the best ways to help conserve water and minimize soil erosion in your landscape. By adding a drywall stone wall to a sloping area, you can better control erosion while using a material that is hard and durable. Plant some low maintenance groundcover behind the wall and you’ll have a feature that can be appreciated for years.

Garden Features

Incorporating in stone water fountains or ponds can help attract wildlife while also filling in areas that minimize your maintenance. Interspersing stone garden features in your landscape can help reduce the need to buy plants and other landscaping products, and they are durable and long-lasting. Consider constructing a pond that is surrounded by various sizes of boulders or riverrock, or design a water fountain with thin stone veneer.

It’s important to blend your hardscaping in with your natural landscape to maximize value in your home. People want to see something that is appealing besides being “green”. Too much greenery can be intimidating to a person who doesn’t want to spend all their time in the garden, while too much “hardscaping” can be overly intimidating to someone who wants to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

Fieldstone Center, Inc. has stone products for all your landscaping needs. Contact us at 770-385-7708. We can help you decide on the best upgrades to add to your landscape with the right stone for an amazing result!

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4 Ideas for Using Stone to Transform Your Home

Revamp your backyard space.

Relaxing and entertaining outside is better with a stone patio and luxuries such as an outdoor kitchen and fireplace. It helps you to extend your living space on chilly, spring nights. And the beauty of stone can blend well with your outdoor landscaping to create the atmosphere you desire. Flagstone comes in a variety of colors and patterns for installing a patio and it can be matched with thin stone veneer to build an outdoor kitchen, bar, fireplace or fire pit.

Upgrade your garden paradise.

Use natural flagstone or gravel to create a walkway through your garden. Add in the soft sounds of a waterfall surrounded by the visual appeal of riverrocks or drystack stones. Or incorporate a stone wall to separate elevation changes along with some gorgeous bluestone steps. A surprise diversion provides the ultimate peacefulness from the busy life when you create a side path to a quiet, paved sitting area.

Add curb appeal.

It’s amazing how different your exterior can look with beautiful, thin stone veneer features on the façade. Use stone veneer in columns, as a short decorative wall, as a trim, or on the foundation. Installing it at the front entrance is a great way to upgrade your home’s look while acting as a focal point for the rest of your homes exterior. Stone veneer will give a sophisticated appearance that would be perfect for a first impression when visitors arrive.

Create indoor luxury.

Natural stone continues to be a favorite interior decorating material. One way to use it is as an accent wall. You can change the whole look of a family room, kitchen, or bedroom when you add stone to one wall. It will give an earthy feature that is a great conversation piece. Or if you don’t want to use a whole kitchen wall for a stone accent, add it as a backsplash. Thin stone veneer is easy to apply on walls and even easier to clean. Just wipe down the surface.

When you are ready to choose the perfect stone to transform your home, let Fieldstone Center assist you. We have a large variety of stone products for all your interior and exterior decorating needs. Call us at (770) 385-7708 and tell us about your project.

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Stone can bring added value to your home. Whether it is time to sell or a personal luxury you want to add, stone is an upgrade that enhances the visual appeal while reducing the maintenance. But what is the best stone for your home?

4 Things to Look for when Choosing a Stone

Look for quality.

You want the best for what is available in your budget. The material will last a lifetime, so it’s worth the investment. Granite is the most luxurious and the most expensive. And it only takes a small amount of stone to signal quality and longevity. A custom limestone surround on a fireplace can speak volumes with the right quality.

Know about maintenance.

With proper maintenance, stone surfaces will last for generations. Stones in general are low maintenance but there are differences in the amount of maintenance with each type. Quartzite is hard to scratch and even harder to stain whereas the softer and more absorbent Limestone is more prone to scratches and stains. And most stones like Limestone need to be treated with a sealing agent periodically to protect its surfaces.

Choose patterns and colors that blend in with your home’s style.

First, think about the shape you want. Then consider your color and size. When decorating, adding in lighter colors can help brighten and open your space. Darker colors can make your space look smaller and more intimate. As for the size of the stone, smaller stones and pebble textures look better when you are working in a small area. You have more flexibility with using larger or a variety of stones in a larger area. Consistency in color should also be noted. For example, Fieldstone Center has a large variety of flagstone. Slate is an option with lovely jewel tones while sandstone might not be as wild but the tones are consistent.

Consider the function.

While your main consideration might be how it looks, you want to choose a stone that fits your purpose. Heavy, slippery, absorbency – these are some characteristics to evaluate when considering a stone. For example, when adding stone for a decorative wall, thin stone veneer is a popular choice because it is lighter and easier to apply. As for flooring, flagstone works well with radiant heat, but if it is a high traffic area in your home you may want a slate flagstone that better resists staining compared to a sandstone flagstone. In addition, Quartzite is very hard but will be too slippery in areas such as a bathroom.

With so many types of stone to choose from, you have options. Fieldstone Center can help direct you to the best stone for your home project. For assistance, contact us at (770) 385-7708.

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How do you determine what type of landscaping stone to select with so many different types available? Each type has its differences. There are many factors to consider such as size, shape, weight, color, etc. Understanding the differences can help you decide which landscaping stone to use in your design. The two most common types are aggregates and flagstone.

Aggregates

If you love gravel and other small rocks in your garden, aggregates are a good place to start looking. This group of landscaping stone includes rounded aggregates, sand, crushed granite and boulders. They are great for solving drainage issues and adding texture to a garden. They are also generally inexpensive and easy to install. The rounded aggregates can range in sizes from pea gravel to beach pebbles and to river rocks. And if you want to add some size, opt for larger boulders.

Pea Gravel

These small, rounded rocks are about the size of a pea with 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch being common sizes. Their color can range from white to tan and to brown. Lay down pea gravel for pathways, in place of mulch for garden beds and in the crevices between flagstone for your walkway or patio.

Beach Pebbles

Another small, rounded rock that is slightly larger than pea gravel, beach pebbles are usually more uniform in color for a sophisticated option in a decorative garden. Line them along garden beds or patios. They are ideal for contemporary or Zen-like gardens.

Crushed Granite

Also good for covering and filling in spaces, crushed granite is small but not as smooth as pea gravel. Use it along pathways or in place of mulch for garden beds. It works well if you want a more refined and contemporary.

River Rocks

River rocks are larger aggregates, typically 1 inch on up in size. Use them for edging or pile them to create a structure such a retaining wall, fountain or dry creek bed. Depending on the look you want to achieve, you can use similar or different sized river rocks for your structure.

Boulders

Large rocks that are found in fields or quarried, boulders come in any number of sizes. Use smaller boulders as an accent or border to a garden bed or water feature. Place large boulders near a property edge for a visual division or use a few for a statement piece to add natural variety to your garden.

Flagstone

A familiar landscaping stone, flagstone is widely used in a variety of landscaping projects. It is versatile for decorative and functional purposes. It is cut flat and available in a number of diameters to suit your intended use. Frequently, it is used for stepping stones, walkways and patios. It is available in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes depending on the rock. Flagstone encompasses a wide range of rocks that include limestone and sandstone.

Limestone

Known for its earthy appearance, limestone gives softness to an area where you want to add subtleness in your design. It is a sedimentary rock that includes shells and corals, giving it a unique and rustic appearance. The color range is limited but the stone can be sanded smooth to provide a very soothing look. Limestone works well for patios and walkways.

Sandstone

Sandstone is noted for its loose grains and rough texture. It has an amazing range of colors, including multicolored stone. Bluestone is a specific type that is well known for outdoor hardscaping. Use if for patios or add bluestone steppers for an elegant entrance.

When you want to choose the stone that is perfect for your landscape, contact Fieldstone Center. We have a wide selection of aggregates, flagstone and other stone in a variety of styles, patterns, colors, and sizes available. Contact us at 770.385.7708 for more information.

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3 Different Stones for Patio Projects

Flagstone

A favorite choice for homeowners, flagstone is noted for its loose grains and rough texture and admired for its color variations and limitless pattern options. It looks good on both small and large surfaces. Select uniform shapes to create a pattern or irregular cuts for a more random appearance. Color options include red, pink, orange, brown, blue, green, gold and gray. It’s easy to use because of its flat cut surface and ideal for high traffic areas because of its non-slip surface. Since water permeates through it instead of running off, it is a good choice near pools and water features.

Granite

Known for its versatility, granite cobblestones add an authentic charm to patios. Granite is nonporous so it resists staining. It requires very little maintenance. Because of its hardness, you can’t beat its durability in landscape design. The downside is it can be quite pricey so it is often more practical for smaller patios or combined with other surface materials. Mix and match black and grey colors and lay the cobblestones in a pattern to create a stunning patio design. Or add a cobblestone walkway with a patio seating area that is surrounded by gravel and plants for a natural look.

Gravel

An easy choice for the do-it-yourselfer, small aggregates such as pea gravel can help transform your patio area to one reminiscent of a cottage garden or courtyard. While aggregates are easy to put down and inexpensive, more maintenance is required over time compared to most stone. This is especially true in high traffic areas where gravel can get dislodged to create a messy look. It is great for drainage but can be difficult to walk on; therefore, consider adding in some stepping stones.

Mixing Materials for Your Patio

Consider the different affects large flagstone will have on a space compared to smaller granite cobblestones or gravel. Mixing and matching two or more types of stone together can increase your possibilities. For example, use flagstone for larger areas of a patio that lead up to a more intimate area set in a pattern of cobblestones for a dramatic effect. Or add aggregates or cobblestones around the edge of a flagstone pool area for variance. Aggregates or groundcover plants can also be used to fill in spaces between flagstone or cobblestones for a relaxing lounge area.

Whether you are designing an intimate gathering place or an expansive area with a pool, choose the best quality natural stone for long-lasting beauty. Fieldstone Center has a wide selection of natural stone for your patio project. Contact us at 770.385.7708 to arrange to see our selection or for more information.

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With flagstones appeal, durability and low maintenance, it’s no wonder it is one of the favorite choices among homeowners.  It is admired for its color variations and limitless pattern options for a number of decorative and functional uses. Here are five reasons why people love it so much:

Texture

It is easy to use because of its flat level surface. The texture provides a natural appearance for any landscape and the non-slip surface is ideal for a walking area.

Color

From a decorative perspective, you can choose from a variety of rich colors such as red, pink, orange, brown, blue, green, gold and gray. Lay the stone as one consecutive color or with a palette of various hues.

Shape

Choose from cut or irregular patterns to create the space you want. Cut flagstones can be laid in a repeating pattern or you can select irregular flagstones laid randomly. They are easy to install. Lay your pavers with a setting bed of  mortar, portland cement and sand for a solid surface or intersperse them with gravel, grass or groundcover for a more casual design.

Low Maintenance

Flagstone needs very little upkeep and because you are working with stone it is very durable. If a stone becomes damaged it is simple to fix. And you get the added benefit of being environmentally-friendly. Lay the stone dry or with plants in between to reduce water run-off. This not only helps keep the water recharging into the ground but also minimizes erosion to other areas of your landscape.

Flexible Designs

Because of the different shapes, multiple sizes and variety of colors, you have a lot of design opportunities to use it in, whether formal or informal. Besides laying pavers for the ground, you can use flagstone in a seating area and for an outdoor fireplace. Mix and match shapes and colors to add character to your space.

Due to the uniqueness of the stone, your space will be your own design with no other one exactly the same. It will be the perfect place to unwind in the spring and summer. And a new flagstone patio or pavers along your walkway will add beauty that will have everyone envious.

The most common types of flagstone are sandstone, slate and limestone. Fieldstone Center has a variety of types to select from. Call us to find out more about our selection or for a quote.

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