5 Superior Stones For Your Exterior Hardscaping
Outdoor living spaces that lack hardscaping frequently portray an unfinished look. Hardscaping such as walls, statuary, water features, fire pits, and pathways all lend definition and character to your outdoor living space. Using stone in hardscaping applications provides a solid, classic appeal that works well with any yard and garden design. Following are just five of the many types of stone used in hardscaping and what they work for best.
Sandstone
As its name implies, sandstone is created from grains of sand combined with other mineral material. Because it can easily be broken up into strong-but-thin pieces, it works well when used as stepping stones and pathways, and it is also used in the formation of walls. Its appearance ranges from white to reddish-brown and all variations in between.
Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite is formed during the natural erosion of solid granite. It can be used as mulch in the yard and garden area, but it also makes a great choice for pathways and patios due to its extremely durable nature and attractive appearance. It comes in a variety of colors from light buff through vivid green, red, gray, black, and brown. With a similar surface texture as asphalt, decomposed granite is sometimes used for driveway material.
Quartz
Durable and luminescent, quartz combines form and function to create a sought-after hardscaping material used in anything from custom-designed statuary to winding garden pathways. Its dense, hard nature means it weathers well in outdoor environments. Quartz offers a range of colors but is most commonly found in yellow, gray, and white -- these colors are said to provide a subtle glow when the sun goes down and the moon and stars are lighting your yard and garden.
Fieldstone
Fieldstones are rounded stones commonly found in fields. They make excellent retaining because their rounded form allows them to fit together well without losing their individual character. They're also great for making fire pits and for use as edging material around raised garden beds.
Marble
Mable makes excellent birdbaths, fountains, and, of course, the classic garden statuary for which it is renowned. However, because marble is expensive, small, relatively light statuary may serve as a temptation to thieves and pranksters, so consider having it anchored to the ground in an unobtrusive way in order to prevent unpleasant surprise.
Please feel free to contact your local stone supplier, such as http://harristone.com/, for more information on available hardscaping options.
