No matter what project you’re embarking on for your landscape, one of the biggest decisions will involve the right materials. When building a project with masonry, you’re likely shooting for a combination of strong and elegant; and of course, materials suitable for the job. Here are suggestions from a stone and landscape supply: how to find the right materials in Ulster County, NY.
Assess the Construction Site
The first consideration you’ll want to make is how to best fit the project into the general landscape and the aesthetics of the home. Knowing some basics about the geology of your region is helpful as you select the right stones. Take pictures at the site and try to find as many different shades and colors of the rocks that you can. Choosing natural stone or cultured stone products that closely match natural features will help your hardscape blend in beautifully.
Determining Architectural Styles
The way the home looks against the landscape makes a huge impact on the look of your masonry project. As well, consider the approximate year the home was built and its architectural style. Using the architectural design of the home in your masonry project should guide the remainder of the base design.
For example, a traditional home with brick siding would pair well with larger format grey-toned materials such as bluestone or granite, or pavers inspired by these materials. The colors and sizes of the paving materials will beautifully balance the home’s style.
What Kind of Stone?
Materials used in masonry can be divided into three main categories: natural stones, bricks, and pavers. Each has its pros and cons and they can be used in many (but not all) of the same applications. Knowing a little about these three categories will give you the base you need for your design moving forward:
Natural Stones: Natural stones can help turn any masonry project into one that feels timeless, rustic, and elegant. The colors, shapes, and texture of the stones evoke a greater connection to nature in your landscape. Whether locally quarried or imported, you can be assured of a completely unique, character-filled space and incredibly long-lasting solution when you choose natural stones, which have been pressed into their shapes and textures over millions of years. The drawback to natural stone is the amount of time and labor used in the project since fitting irregular shapes together can be time-consuming and complicated.
Bricks: These masonry materials are some of the building materials and it shows, since traditional brick technology has changed very little over the years. Today, you have a choice of clay or concrete brick, with clay being somewhat more durable but concrete offering a broader range of colors, sizes, and finishes. Bricks are the “little black dress” of building materials. They’re easy to mix and match, quick to install, and can pair with virtually any style of home.
Pavers: The most modern and versatile of all the masonry materials, patio pavers keep advancing in their technology. With a wide range of colors, shapes, textures, and styles available, there are certainly pavers that you can apply to your project. Various pavers are suitable for any landscape project. Make sure to ask about permeable pavers which are a more eco-friendly version of concrete pavers, since they allow surface water to return to the aquifer instead of running off or collecting on the paved surface.
Related: HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT ULSTER COUNTY, NY LANDSCAPE SUPPLY FOR YOUR BLUESTONE PROJECT
