Basic Elements of Stone Landscaping

Stone landscaping has always been one of the essentials in having a beautiful exterior home look and can add a striking interest in any area, be it backyard or front yard. From its wide array of stone products available in the market today which comes in different shapes, colors and sizes, the options for choosing your own unique idea of stone landscaping can be limitless. The rocks you will be using in your landscape can definitely set the mood and tone your entire landscape area. For instance, if you want to add warmth to your garden, you may try using stones such as river rocks or tawny beach pebbles. If however, you might want your landscape area to be as minimal as possible, black lava rocks can be of great help. It is important to choose the right kind of stone which appeals to you the most and would fit the look of your entire landscape area.
 

And if you are planning to setup your own garden and outdoor space landscape, now is the right time to start. Having a landscape at home can help enhance your house’s curb appeal, especially if you are using different stone landscaping ideas which can definitely create an outdoor oasis in your yard, making it look truly unique.
 

Stone landscaping is a natural and versatile way to improve the look of your exterior home. Thanks to the plethora of stone products available, stone is a popular choice for many backyard and front yard applications. Learn about the many creative ways you can incorporate stone into your landscape with the following ideas:

Stone Patios

A stone patio surface is one of the most ideal and popular ways to incorporate stone into a backyard. Tile and pavers are crafted from a number of natural stones, including limestone, granite, quartzite and flagstone. Each type of stone is available in a number of colors, textures and patterns for design versatility.

 

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Facts about Travertine: What You Need To Know About Travertine

What is Travertine?

Travertine is a form of natural stone with properties similar to those of natural stone materials from the limestone family, such as slate, granite, marble, limestone, etc. Often found in the form of deposits near or within hot springs or limestone caves, travertine occurs as a result of rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate. It differs from other natural stones from the limestone family by its rock formation, hardness and appearance. It usually features concentric bands or fibrous appearance and comes in white, cream-colored, tan and rusty varieties. Perhaps its most distinctive characteristic is the pitted holes that occur on the stone’s surface. These can be attributed to the carbon dioxide gas which usually escapes from the rock formation, leaving holes in the stone. 

Uses of Travertine

This natural stone has been used for thousands of years in art and architecture, and it continues to be extremely popular today in a wide range of applications in the building and construction industry. The Romans mined deposits of this stone and took advantage of its many positive characteristics to build remarkable temples, aqueducts, bath complexes and amphitheatres like the world’s most famous stadium Colosseum. It was also widely used for monuments, sculptures and other forms of art. Even today, travertine remains one of the most frequently utilized natural stones in modern architecture. It is very versatile and can be used practically anywhere to transform any area – both outdoors and indoors. Here’s an overview of the most common uses of travertine in the US: 

Popular indoor applications for travertine: 
- Floors 
- Walls 
- Stairs 
- Steps 
- Bathrooms 
- Showers 
- Countertops 
- Counters 
- Backsplashes 
- Travertine sinks 
- Fireplaces 
- Medallions 
- Vessels 
- Indoor split face walls 

Popular outdoor applications for travertine: 
- Patios 
- Pool steps 
- Pool decks 
- Driveways 
- Pathways 
- Walk-ways 
- Outside stairs 
- House walls 
- Outdoor fireplaces 

Travertine Tiles

Travertine is one of the most popular and sought after tile materials, providing a touch of class and easy care to the home. It is available in many different styles and finishes, including tumbled, polished, chiseled, honed and filled finishes, as well as many different sizes, shapes and designs. The most common sizes for travertine tile are: 4x4", 6x6", 12x12", 18x18", and trim pieces. A standard travertine tile is 0.5" inches thick.

Travertine tiles have many applications, and their wide range of decorative options mean that they can be used virtually anywhere in the home. These tiles are popular for walk-in showers, tub surrounds, backsplashes, foyers and hallways, bathrooms, main living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, courtyards, driveways, patios, decking areas and pool surrounds where they are used to enhance the beauty and usefulness of the area. Their unmatched popularity can be attributed to travertine’s many advantages, which include: 

- Natural beauty: It is naturally beautiful tile material that has more of a classic, rustic look to it that will fit in with just about any decor. By using this tile material, you can make a beautiful statement in your living and dining spaces as well as other areas in your home, thanks to its timeless and natural character. 
- Durability: Polished and sealed travertine tile is quite durable and reliable. This tile material can last for decades before it needs restoration.
- Variety: Travertine tile comes in many beautiful colors – including walnut, gold, ivory and beige – that can add to the beauty of any room. It also comes in a variety of styles and finishes such as tumbled, matte, polished and brushed, ensuring you have options when it comes to choosing tiles to meet your needs, tastes and preferences. 
- Ease of maintenance: Travertine is easy to clean, once it is fully impregnated with the right penetrating sealer. Applying a silicone-based sealant or any other good sealant makes this tile material both weatherproof and waterproof, preventing water, wine, oil or other liquids from penetrating this stone. 
- Better grip: Travertine tile is less slippery when wet compared to other natural stone materials, and provides a better grip to prevent those nasty slip and fall accidents. 
- Ease of installation: Travertine is also easy to cut, shape and fabricate. With this tile, it is very easy to fill spaces that are small or oddly shaped; and you can use it to cover virtually any type of surface. 
- Environmentally friendly: Travertine is a natural material that is mined from quarries. Unlike other tile materials, it is not produced through a highly energy-intensive production process that causes harmful CO2 emissions. 

Travertine Countertops

This natural stone material is also a popular and highly advantageous option for countertops. Polished and sealed travertine is a durable, heat-resistant material that stands up to the tough wear of an active kitchen. Although it is more high maintenance than other countertop surfaces and must be cleaned every time there is any kind of spillage, travertine is one of the most aesthetically pleasing choices available and brings a warm, inviting feel to any kitchen design style. It is beautiful, elegant; often lending a classic Old World look to the kitchen. There are very few natural stone materials that can surpass the timeless and impressive look of travertine countertops. The stone’s natural variations in colors and textures make each countertop unique, and its "classic" nature means it never goes out of style. If you’re looking for a beautiful and stylish countertop material, then give travertine a look. You cannot go wrong with this stone. 

Travertine Pavers

This natural stone is hands down one of the best paving material for use both indoors and outdoors. It has so many advantages when used in pavers, something that has seen it become one of the most popular options. Firstly, travertine pavers are beautiful and will add a stunning feature to any home. These pavers usually feature natural colorations and patterns running throughout them, similar to the natural patterns found in marble or wood grain, giving the pavers unsurpassed natural beauty. They are available in a variety of colors and finishes, and the material will blend with most settings and the pavers can be arranged in numerous patterns. 

Travertine pavers always lend a sense of timeless beauty. Since these pavers are adjustable to any shape or configuration, they offer a great option for taking the edge off an overly geometric landscape. 

When used outdoors, travertine pavers don’t often require mortar or cement to set, and can be utilized in the construction of a pathway through a garden, a paved walkway around the swimming pool, or a patio.

Because this natural stone material is naturally resistant to both extreme heat and cold, travertine pavers can be used in locations that experience extreme temperatures. The stone is made up of minerals that give it a natural nonskid surface, even when wet. This natural non-slip surface makes these pavers a great choice for coping pavers for use around swimming pools or for indoor spaces such as bathrooms, showers and kitchens. The stone’s ability to remain cool to the touch even in direct sunlight makes travertine pavers a perfect option for outdoor applications. Unlike other paving materials, travertine doesn’t become too hot to walk on without shoes. 

Last, but not least, travertine pavers are quite resilient and will not show signs of wear and tear from moderate use. Their colors also won’t fade and they will retain their luster even after several years. What’s more, travertine doesn’t show efflorescence – a white discoloration that can often be seen in concrete and similar surfaces – and will remain a beautiful and functional surface for many years.

Great Uses for Marble in the Home

Planning on renovating your house? Well you have a variety of alternatives to select from, however the most favored ones in the market are marbles. When consumers think of utilizing marbles for their houses, they envision their houses provided with marble fireplaces or kitchen islands. Let us take a look at why marble is so popular among clients.

Why Marble?

Marble floorings and countertops speak of class and beauty. Anyone entering your house will feel mesmerized by its appeal and will speak volumes about the interior of your house. In addition to this, marble comes with relative price structures and you can select from a number of designs and patterns.

Every marble is different from another, so you might come across various qualities that are unequaled by other products produced by man. Speaking about fireplaces and marble islands for kitchen, these have industries all their own.

You might encounter lots of producers that only deal in fireplaces and islands. These can either be acquired ready made or you can have them made according to your specification.

Marble Fireplace Surround Information

Think about the look of admiration in the eyes of your buddies and loved ones when they see how marble fireplaces can add to the beauty and elegance of the space. Considering that marble is a permeable stone, you might need to get it sealed so that it will last longer. The advantage of sealing marble is that it prevents dust particles and dirt from becoming part of the little cavities present in the stone.

If you are not on a tight budget, you may even think about installing customized crafted marble fireplace surrounds in various designs and patterns. You can take the help of interior decorators given that they might be the right people who know what the present patterns in the market are.

Why Kitchen Islands Are In Demand

Planning on installing a kitchen island? In today's age, a kitchen is not only a place to cook, but likewise a place to get together with family and friends. This is the factor, which you may discover lots of houses that have kitchen islands right at the heart of their kitchen.

You might consider going in for marble islands since they are convenient and add an elegant focus to your kitchen. In addition to this, they are available in various sizes. If you have a small kitchen, you may wish to include an additional sink to the island in order to speed up your cleaning process.

A number of the marble islands include shelves that can be made use of to store little kitchen home appliances and antiques. Round shaped islands can help prevent injuries and are safe for kids. Make sure that there is proper light falling onto the kitchen islands. When utilized properly, these islands can help in enhancing your efficiency and also add a sense of pride for your kitchen.

Lastly we can state that marble is the very best stone utilized for home designs and furnishings. Marble is particularly resistant to heat and do not scratch or break easily. You might want to take correct care of these products because they can fetch you a better rate, if you intend on offering your house in the near future.

A Outdoor Stone Fireplace Is a Elegant Gathering Place

Adding a stone fireplace to your backyard space supplies heat and beauty. While bonfires and chimneas are outstanding starters, genuine stone fireplaces are more stylish, long lasting and they will likely increase the value of your house. Including an actual stone fireplace to your patio will just make it inviting. In addition, a real fireplace is more secure and longer long lasting than chimneas or fire pits.

How can you obtain the elegance and richness of a stone fireplace at an affordable cost? The response is thin veneer. Real stone veneer can be put as a facing on fire worthy bricks or fire stones and nobody will think you did not build the entire fireplace with solid stones. Why? Well, just since thin stone veneers are made with actual stones. They are not cultured stones. This means they are more fire resistant, they withstand chipping and fading. As well as if they do get broken, the color is solid right through the stone because they are real stones.

Why Add a Fireplace to Your Outdoors?

Fireplaces can extend the periods. With a comfy fireplace you and your family and friends can invest cool spring evenings and late fall nights by a comfortable fire exterior. Just picture drinking hot tea or cocoa, roasting marshmallows and consuming smores by a genuine stone fireplace in your outdoor living space. You'll seem like you are inside your home, all warm and warm, yet you can enjoy the smells and sounds of the stunning outdoor evenings with your loved ones. Winter season days can also be pleasurable to spend by your outdoor stone fireplace if you stay in milder climates.

Cool summer season nights can make wonderful supper celebrations. A stone fireplace can set the tone for the entire night. Turn on some enjoyable music and let the crackling of the fire draw your guests together. Or sit out in the quiet on your own or with your loved ones and take pleasure in a peaceful night only interrupted by the gentle crackle of an actual fireplace.

Unlike fire pits or chimneas, stone fireplaces can be more secure for friends and family to be around. Fire pits can be dangerous to kids while chimneas can be easily overturned. Fortunately, a well built fireplace with an iron screen can secure your family from sparks and while the stone walls can secure people from getting burned if they accidently lean against it.

How To Use Veneer

Natural thin stone veneer is made use of exactly like fake stones. Merely build a fireplace with low-cost fire bricks or fire stones according to the producer's directions. Then set up the stone veneer on the outside of the structure. Nobody will be able to tell if you made use of 1 and 1/2 inch veneer or 10 inch stones. Your trick will be safe and your pocket book will be fatter.

Stone veneer is available in a wide variety of styles from square cuts, round cuts, as well as natural looking stones. They cost a lot less to buy and are much easier to install than actual fireplace stones. You can pick form a variety of colors and textures too. They appear like genuine stones because they are real stones quarried from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Arizona pits.

Stone veneer is delivered in easy to deal with corrugated plastic boxes. They are just as easy to set up and keep as fake veneers. Just prepare the surface, use the mortar, then apply the stone and mortar in between.

Including A Stone Fireplace

If you currently have a fireplace in your backyard or patio or even if you've been considering installing one, a natural thin stone veneer is the way to go. You will not need to change an old fireplace, merely "thin stone veneer it" instead.

But above all else, among the greatest advantages is that you will have less work and less expense when you build a new fireplace using this stone. A natural stone fireplace will include beauty, security and a sense of class to your patio or backyard. Minimize your expenses today by using natural thin stone veneer when you build your stone fireplace.

Choosing Stone San Diego for Kitchen Countertops

Searching for the perfect San Diego stone surface for kitchen countertops doesn't have to be difficult. Davis Stone can offer you a wide range of countertop materials in natural stone and engineered stone,  We are one of the largest stone fabricators in San Diego and we \do stone installation too. Here are some pointers about the most popular countertop materials.

By: Alicia Garceau

HGTV

 

​Tempting though it is to choose a countertop based on looks alone, a material's durability, maintenance and, of course, cost are also important factors to consider when making a selection for a kitchen remodel.

Find a Good Fit

Homeowners have to assess the way they live before settling on a countertop surface, says Jeff Cannata, past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and president of Designer's Showcase Kitchens & Baths Inc. in Carol Stream, Ill. "If they have three kids and they're making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the countertops every day, they might not want to go with that white granite."

Countertop Choices

The good news is if homeowners have their hearts set on a certain look, but the material just doesn't match with their lifestyle, odds are there's another material that does.

Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges, and no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is available in two finishes. A polished finish results in a shiny look and often darkens the appearance of the stone, while honing is soft and matte. Costs for granite depend on many variables, including color, finish and origin of the stone.

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Well Known Uses of Travertine Tile San Diego

BuildDirect.com

​As old an option it is for a sturdy and reliable building material, travertine tile San Diego remains a highly diverse natural stone, suitable for all kinds of applications. Travertine was used in the ancient world, but can also be found as a major component of many modern buildings such as the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and the UCLA Medical Center. Travertine tile is used as floor tile in both residential and commercial settings, as well as a decorative option for wall cladding and backsplashes. Travertine tile has both indoor and outdoor uses, being a durable stone, and can be both functional and aesthetically striking. A featured design element of which anyone would find to be a source of pride, the popularity of travertine seems to be undiminished. In fact, it is getting even more popular!

Processing Travertine Tile San Diego

Travertine is removed from the earth in large blocks before it is cut into what can be recognized as travertine tile. It may be cut in any of the following ways:

• Cross-cut - The travertine is cut with the grain of the stone bedding and on the same layer as it is formed in the earth. This makes for a more uniform texture and color
• Vein cut - the travertine is cut across several layers of the stone bedding, making for a more mottled, tiger-stripe effect when cut into tiles.

After the travertine is quarried, it is strictly selected for color variances, and further assessed after it is cut for holes and chipped edges. Beyond the selection process, the travertine may be subject to any of the following processes:

• Honed - the surface of the tile is sanded to create a matte finish
• Tumbled - the travertine is literally tumbled with gravel and bearings, giving it a rough-hewn, aged appearance.
• Brushed - a wire brush is used to give the surface of the travertine tile a worn, textured surface
• Filled - The pores in the travertine tile are filled with colored resin or cement to produce a pristine, solid surface.
• Polished - the travertine is sanded and polished, producing a shiny look

Most common indoor travertine usage in the US:

• Floors and Walls
• Stairs & Steps
• Bathroom & Showers
• Countertops & Backsplashes
• Travertine Sinks & Vessels
• Medallions
• Fireplaces
• Indoor Split Face Walls

Read more at BuildDirect.com

Natural Stone Installation San Diego - Things to Consider

​We have seen a large increase in the number of individuals having natural stone, marble, granite, limestone, sandstone or slate installed into their homes either as work surfaces or as flooring. No man made product can match the charm of well done natural stone installation San Diego with its myriad of colors and patterns which are unique to your individual stone.

In the past the majority of our work was in restoring old marble, granite or limestone however increasingly we are getting called out to deal with brand new tiles which have some established issues.

With this increased interest in going back to natural stone there has come an avalanche of products to clean, shine and seal the stones. Importers, tile sellers, builders and chemical firms have all got on the band wagon and see huge earnings in natural stone. Regrettably it would seem that really few of these business have any understanding of the products they are offering or fitting or recommending clients to purchase.

A few of these problems are;

• Tiles being laid so that there is substantial per page in between them
• Grouting spaces being too big
•  Tiles smeared with grout after sealing
•  Incorrect sealant being used
• Acrylic sealants being applied
• Polish or wax being applied to the surface
• Marble and limestone being made use of in kitchen areas
•  Slate being used in showers
•  Not sealing the stone
•  Applying a seal then assuming that it is now secured from all possible  sources of damage
•  Discoloring of the tiles since sealant is left on the surface
•  Use of acidic cleaners in the contractors clean
• Poor or non existent care and upkeep program supplied to the customer

How do you ensure you are not left with a huge costs after the builders have vacated?

•  Buy your tiles from a provider that offers good guidance and has a natural stone installation service,.

Research the subject prior to purchase so that you can ask pertinent concerns. If you get suspect or glib responses stroll away and shop elsewhere.

• Do not simply go for the least expensive, they may end up being more costly in the long run.
• If possible retain a portion of the money till the job is completed to your fulfillment. That way if there is a problem you can insist on it being remedied.

Your most significant defense is to get acquainted with the features and types of natural stone and its care and upkeep before setting out to acquire your preferred stone type. You can do this by carrying out the suitable search online.