Patios, Pathways, and Walls: Stonescaping Basics Every Pro Should Know
Stonescaping helps connect the structure of a landscape with its drainage, ensuring both function and beauty. Choose assemblies suited to your soil, load, and access needs -- and if your area faces freeze-thaw cycles, opt for a denser base and salt-resistant materials to prevent damage.
If you're sourcing stonescaping labor and materials, there are likely two main reasons you're here: to ensure you're making the right choice and to find people who can do the work both efficiently and to specification.
Naturally, we recommend sourcing from Paramount Stone to keep your schedule intact. After all, as the paramount source for stonescaping in Stamford, CT, there's no better choice for quality installations.
However, if you're still unsure what stonecaping is, we should probably clarify:
- The scope of stonescaping
- What stonescaping adds to your grounds
- What it entails
- What professional stonescaping advice we offer
- How to overcome common stonescaping challenges
So, with that in mind...
What is Stonescaping?
In recent years, we have seen a dramatic uptick in the amount of stone construction we're seeing. This trend includes stonescaping, a style centered on developing exterior "hardscape" (non-natural features) out of natural stone or concrete.
These features require preparation. One cannot simply place the stone directly on the ground, as a stone patio installation, for example, requires a layered base and good drainage to prevent long-term issues.
Using stonescaping as the top layer of a drainage system also makes it a great option, replacing mulch or similar materials in many places.
What Are the Disadvantages of Stone Pavers?
Paramount Stone understands that pavers have been a favorite for pathway stone design for quite some time. However, outdoor stone design options do not always require the use of large blocks.
These large objects can often fall victim to regular freeze-thaw cycles, causing the stone to break apart slowly. Over time, this can loosen or even dislodge the stones, causing them to shift into unwelcome positions.
Also, if you then place outdoor furniture or installations on these pavers, they will often start to tip, creating an uneven surface and potentially a trip hazard. Even with good bedding, this is possible due to the softness of many soils.
Long-Lasting Patio Build Fundamentals
Patio and wall stonescaping basics largely overlap, in that they both require sensible choices when it comes to:
- soils and bedding choices
- compaction
- drainage
- stone choice
- sloping
Ensure that you choose a dense-graded or open-graded soil base that matches the drainage of the rest of your grounds. Then, if you need to compact it further, try to match the surrounding area's density to avoid water flow in one direction or another.
If you have questions about the stone you should use, our experts are on callto help you understand the nuances of each option. We can supply what you need, whether that's a:
- bluestone
- granite
- limestone
- other bagged material
Generally, we recommend Bluestone for patios and other locations where a little more grip is needed. However, you may have your own views on which works best for you, and we want to help empower you to achieve the best result possible. If there's anything you need help with during the stonescaping process, ask.
Material Sourcing in Stamford and Westchester
In 2024, almost 900 million tons of construction sand and gravel were produced and shipped nationwide. However, it is much more important to know whether it is in your area, as that means you can get it on-site that much faster.
If you want to be sure that what you are sourcing is affordable, however, you may need to use one of several key strategies, including:
- Knowing how much you want ahead of time.
- Comparing multiple sources of material.
- Speaking with your supplier for their expertise.
- Scheduling deliveries to be at a time that benefits you.
Alternatively, if you do not need as much, you may want to consider shipping it yourself. You can purchase from our site and then move it using whichever method works best for you.
Stonescaping FAQ
How Do I Cover Soil With Stones?
Ensure that you first remove all organic elements from the soil, such as weeds or mulch. Then, install a nonwoven fabric to keep the under-soil apart from what you are going to place on top of it.
After this, add two to three inches of washed, decorative stone of the desired size, allowing for easy traversal.
It is also usually a good idea to install a perimeter restraint to keep these stones in place, thereby avoiding the possibility of "weathering" the soil along their edges.
In short: Fabric, stone, edging, and then maintenance.
Is It Cheaper to Build a Deck or a Stone Patio?
While upfront materials can differ significantly, it is essential to note that a patio will not need many of the elements that you would require with a deck, such as:
- framing
- fastening
- coatings
- inspection for rot
Additionally, permitting may be required for a wooden deck, while labor costs to build it typically include carpentry requirements. You will need to get pieces cut to size and then carefully installed so as not to pull or push other elements.
If you have a bluestone patio, you may also have an easier time obtaining a permit.
How Does One Make a Gravel Garden?
Excavate a layer of topsoil and install a textile that allows for drainage. Then, place 3-5 inches of clean gravel as a layer of mulch.
After this, install drought-resistant plants that can survive in the gravel area with minimal soil.
Start Your Stonescaping Project
You can order many of the pieces you need to start your stonescaping efforts from us here at Paramount Stone. So, get planning, and then book a delivery of everything you need to upgrade your landscaping in one fell swoop.
If you have a custom job requirement, we can fabricate a custom stone mix for you and ship it to you as soon as possible. So, check out our stock or contact us and discover something for your grounds that suits your needs today.