When it comes to hardscaping, natural is sometimes best. There is something raw and beautiful about the untouched, unpolished stone that nothing manmade can quite capture. Many ancient monuments, including those in Egypt and Greece, are made of natural stone–a testament to the material’s strength and durability. Though we doubt anyone in Lawrenceville is looking to build the Pyramid of Giza, there are plenty of other uses for natural stone.
Natural Stone Is a Versatile Building Material
The advantages of using raw sandstone, quartz, and limestone in your garden are numerous. These materials are tough as nails and perfect for capturing a rough-hewn aesthetic. They’re also versatile. Some of the most common uses of natural stone include:
Paths and Borders:
Who doesn’t love the look of a cobblestone path? Well, with natural stone from Riverbend Rock and Mulch, you can bring the charm of an 1800s street into your garden. Constructed from things like granite, these pathways help guide visitors through your yard. They’re also naturally slip-proof, making them perfect for icy areas and poolside decoration. For a modern look, place the blocks closer together and cut them into square blocks. If you prefer something more rustic, put a few inches between the pavers and allow grass to fill the gaps.
Water Features:
Things like ponds and homemade fountains bring a sense of calm into any yard. They also attract local wildlife. While you can opt for a pre-made one from your local landscape supply store, there’s a lot to be said for the DIY route. Though river rock is the most common choice for stone fountains and ponds, flagstone is the best choice for edging and waterfalls. Need some inspiration? Check out the below images!
Patios:
An outdoor extension of your home, patios are synonymous with summertime fun and entertainment. And, if you want yours to stick around a while, you’ll want to build it from natural stone. Weather-resistant and sturdy, they’re sure to outlast decks built from wood or concrete. Want extra counter space or a stone bench? We can supply you with the material for those things as well.
Staircases:
Concrete steps add as much to your curb appeal as overgrown grass. They’re also prone to cracking and can become slick in the winter months. Natural steps, meanwhile, catch the eye. They’re slip-proof and ideal for those with mobility issues. Though most often seen on hillsides, natural stone stairs are a great choice for garden, entry, and poolside steps.
Fireplaces:
Fireplaces constructed from natural stone are a lot more durable than those fashioned from brick or wood. This is because natural stone is naturally heat retentive and crack resistant. While looks are a big part of what drives fireplace design, each natural stone offers its own set of advantages. For more information on what stone best suits your needs, talk to one of our hardscaping experts.
Dry Bridges or Stream Beds:
Wish your property had a babbling brook? Not in the mood to get things trenched and lined? Consider laying down some natural stone in a dry stream bed. Since granite and limestone aren’t porous, water will naturally pool on them during the rainy season, creating an affordable water feature. For homeowners with muddy yards, meanwhile, a natural stone bridge is a great way to avoid wet feet.
Custom Planters:
Looking for a unique place to put that flower bush or palm tree? Consider purchasing a large stone and drilling out its center. You can then fill the resulting hole with dirt and fertilizer for an eye-catching bit of greenery. The thick rock will prevent unwanted weeds and debris.
Retaining Walls:
While living on a hill has its advantages–including beautiful views–it’s not all Roman and Irish charm. Hills, especially in rain-heavy areas, are prone to erosion. A natural stone retaining wall is a beautiful and elegant solution to that problem. If you want to try building one yourself, there are plenty of DIY articles out there.
How deep you dig and how you set the wall up depends on both your weather and soil type. Here in Missouri, you’ll need to dig at least four feet down to ensure stability. Since mortar cracks in colder weather, you’ll want to skip the mortar in favor of simple stacking.
If laid correctly, a natural stone retaining wall can last for decades.
Outdoor Kitchens:
You’ve seen outdoor kitchens in plenty of home design magazines. Their quality ranges from a single-burner countertop to a custom-built BBQ grill. These extensions of your dining and cooking spaces are a boom to your house value. They also stop your kitchen from getting steamy in the summertime. As a resident of the Kansas City area, we recommend you opt for granite over other materials. It’s easy to clean and completely unaffected by rain or snow. You can browse our assortment of granite products here.
Buy Your Natural Stone from Kansas City’s Go-To Stone Supplier
Riverbend Rock and Mulch is one of the largest suppliers of natural stone in Buckner, Odessa, Independence, and the surrounding areas. We stock everything from dark granite to bright limestone and classic sandstone. These come in everything from carved pavers to thin slabs and rough-hewn boulders.
By focusing on affordability and customer service, we ensure that everyone in our hometown has access to beautiful landscaping materials. To browse our selection of natural stones, visit our online catalog. Not sure what you’re looking for? Our hardscape experts can help you design everything from eye-catching fireplaces to fountains and retaining walls. During this process, they’ll also provide you with a no-obligation materials quote.
If you’re someone who doesn’t work well on pixels, stop by our landscape supply yard in Independence. One of our natural stone experts will be more than happy to help! For stock levels on a particular variety of granite or limestone reach out to us at (816) 257-ROCK.
