Improve Your Yard With Rock Landscaping

Need a home improvement project that costs very little, but boosts the curb appeal of your house? Enhance your landscape by forming rock walls using fake rocks. You can find large rocks in the woods for free. There are many sites online that will show you how to design a garden path and create nice-looking flower beds that have rock slabs.

faux-rock-wallThe great thing I love about using rocks to landscape yards is that they require little to no maintenance once you lay them down. They are totally self sufficient once added to your front yard. landscaping rocks come in all shapes and sizes from giant boulders to small gravel and can really add depth and character to your home. Many homes in places where they is not water use rocks in their homes in place of grass.

Place a large drop of cement into the footing and place a large rock into it. Make certain it is not one of the better-looking stones. Save those for the visible layers. Continue putting a small blob of cement, a little more than fist-size, into the footing and laying a stone on top of it until you have completed your first layer. Make sure it’s level by placing a wood pole at either end of the wall. Tie string around either end of the poles so it is taunt. The height of the string should equal the height of the first layer of rock. Set a level on the string to ensure your layer is level. Adjust the stones if need be.

At last, you can start laying pavers in place. When all have been placed, the cutting in process may be started if needed, using a cutoff saw. Paver edge restraint and soldier course should be added to prevent spreading and a layer of joint sand employed, which is to be swept into the cracks. Polymeric sand is suggested, which will harden after it has been added. Although not mandatory, this is a good idea to curtail insects “moving” the joint sand and week growth in the cracks in the patio.

In the Northeastern US, most suggest using at least a 4-6 inch base of crushed stone, and even up to 7 inches is recommended due to harsh winter weather. For landscaping pavers, this means that you’ll need to dig to about 9″ depth, since the pavers are 2 inches in height. Since this is a lot of digging, it may be one of the primary reasons to hire a landscape company.

Stones native to a certain area can be gotten by visit a stone center or public rock quarry. River beds, on the side of highways in or near exposed rock, at the bottom of cliffs are other possible places to get rocks. If you get the stones directly from a forest or other natural setting, make certain that it is lawful to do so. If the rocks lie in a wildlife protected, for instance, you may be prohibited from taking anything from that area. Contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources to determine where it is legal and illegal to get such stones.

Why Should You Consider Buying Butcher Block Countertops?

butcher block countertopsIf you’re looking into changing your countertops, and you’re not quite sure what to change them to, then you may want to consider looking into butcher block material. You will be surprised on how many benefits there are to these countertops and why so many people have opted into switching to them. However, before you make the big switch, make sure to do your research to find out exactly how it will benefit you and whether or not they are worth the investment.

Why Should You Consider Buying Butcher Block Countertops?

One of the main reasons why butcher block is such an exemplary type of countertops is the fact that it can immensely increase the value of your property. They are by far considered to be one of the classiest looking modern countertops, as not only do they look great, but they also last a very long time. In addition to that, they can also be used as a cutting surface because of their great ability to sustain sharp and hard pressures. For instance, butcher block counters that are made with the proper grain pattern can actually be highly accepting to knifing work and with regular maintenance they could even heal themselves if needed. You will also find that butcher block is way less expensive compared to other popular demand countertop materials like marble, and that is because it essentially is just a combination of wood compiled together. Furthermore, they are super easy to maintain and do not get damaged so easily compared to other types of countertops which allows for them to be the most conventional choice for people nowadays. Lastly, they happen to also be quite the environmentally-friendly option when it comes to your counter.

What To Look for in Butcher Block Countertops

Since butcher block can virtually be made out of any type of wood, it is important to find out how sturdy the material is and how long it will last you? One of the best types of wood that you want to get is maple, mainly because it is much harder than other types of wood and it also is made with very clear grain. However, if you’re looking for much-enriched countertops, then you may want to get red oak wood or cherry. Another important factor to look for in the butcher block is the texture, you want to check whether they have been properly polished so that you’re certain they won’t blister and tear up so easily.

When you’re shopping for butcher block, you have to take your time to check the material and how well it has been constructed. Do not rush into buying the first one you see, because you never know, it may not have been the best one in your price range. If you’re not really comfortable in shopping for this type of countertop, consider having a knowledgeable friend with you to make the entire process less confusing. The moment you find the perfect butcher block countertops, you will without a doubt not regret your purchase whatsoever.