There are a variety of features you might consider within your landscape for different reasons, and the use of various walls is a common approach here. You have several quality materials available to choose from if you’ve decided to create a wall as part of your landscape, and the use of stone is one of the top candidates.
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re here to assist clients around Salt Lake City with all their landscaping product needs, including hardscape elements ranging from gravel and rock to flagstone, boulders and more. Why is stone often utilized for various wall needs within your garden or landscape, and what are some simple tips for building a stone garden wall of any kind? Here are some basics.
Why Stone is a Popular Landscape Wall Material
There are several specific reasons why stone is so often used in landscaping projects. Some of the primary advantages include:
- Durability: Stone is one of the most durable materials you can use for any outdoor purpose, and this includes walls. They’re able to withstand even harsh weather conditions or other impacts that might cause other materials to deteriorate.
- Flexibility: While some may think stone is rigid and inflexible, this isn’t actually the case. In fact, it can often be much more flexible than other materials, allowing for easier construction and repair if needed.
- Naturally beautiful: Stone is a natural material that adds an elegant and timeless beauty to any landscape. It’s also available in a variety of colors and textures, making it easy to find the perfect match for your specific landscape design.
- Low maintenance: Stone walls don’t require much maintenance, other than occasional cleaning or minor repairs. This makes them a great long-term investment for any landscape.
So how should you go about sourcing materials and building a stone wall within your landscape? Our next several sections will go over some tips.
Choosing Stone Type
Firstly, it’s important to remember that there are many different types of stone available for your wall. Some of the most popular include:
- Flagstone: A flat, layered stone that can be stacked or laid tightly together to create a sturdy wall.
- Fieldstone: These are rougher stones that have natural shapes and colors, giving your wall a more rustic look.
- Cut Stone: This type is cut into rectangular pieces, making it easier to stack and arrange in a more formal pattern.
Consider the desired look, budget, and structural needs when choosing your stone type.
Consider Porosity
As you’re considering your stone type and also looking at different options, one factor to keep in mind is porosity. This refers to how porous the stone material is – if it’s highly porous, it may be more susceptible to moisture damage or other issues.
If you live in a climate with lots of rain or snow, you’ll want to consider this factor when selecting your stone type and also taking care of your wall once constructed. It may be necessary to seal the stone or apply other protective measures, depending on the specific type you choose.
Preparation Tips
- Measure and mark out your wall area before buying materials.
- Excavate the area to a depth that’s at least as deep as your planned wall height, plus six inches for gravel.
- Tamp down the soil within this area to create a firm base for your wall.
- Create a gravel layer within the excavated area, making sure it’s level and compacted.
- Plan out the placement of your stones before beginning construction.
Building Your Stone Wall
Now comes the fun part – building your stone wall! Follow these simple tips:
- Use mortar or adhesive between each stone to create a sturdy wall.
- Alternate the direction of the stones to add stability.
- Fill in any gaps between stones with smaller rocks, gravel or soil for added support.
- Use a level and check often to ensure your wall is straight and even.
Stone is an excellent choice for building a garden or landscape wall, thanks to its durability, flexibility, natural beauty and low maintenance needs. By considering the right stone type, porosity and properly preparing your area, you can create a stunning addition to your landscape that will last for years to come.
And remember, at BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re here to help with all your landscaping material needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services for clients around SLC or nearby areas!
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we offer various cobblestone options that can easily be delivered to your location and installed with ease. We also provide tips and guidelines for proper installation and maintenance of your chosen cobblestone product. Contact us today to learn more about these or any of our other landscaping products – we’re here to help with any landscaping project around SLC!