When you consider adding stone masonry to your landscape, there are many variables to consider. Where would masonry accent your natural landscape the best? Would a retaining wall help add value to your property? One of the most important things is ask, however, is what are the best types of stone used in outdoor masonry projects. Different types of stones have different benefits and drawbacks. The right stone depends on what style of masonry you would like and what type of natural wear and tear you expect. There are a variety of different stone types that may suit your needs.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most popular types of stones our clients request in the Cape Cod area. We’ve used these stones in a variety of different projects to help our clients achieve the look that fits their backyard. Regardless of what stone type our clients choose, outdoor masonry projects add beauty and value to their backyard.
Limestone
Limestone is a classic choice for outdoor masonry. This type of stone usually comes in shades of white and gray. However, some types of limestone can also have tannish colors. They work wonderfully for decorative stone masonry. Masonry workers can cut pieces of limestone into irregular and natural-looking shapes. If used in a retaining wall, limestone is often paired with concrete to provide structural integrity.
Granite
Granite is one of the more durable stones used in outdoor stone masonry. Depending on where your granite comes from, the colors can range from white to pink. This solid type of stone gets gathered in large chunks that are already perfect for use in retaining walls. As granite ages, it weathers into a classic look that reminds many of classical architecture.
Granite is also a popular choice for indoor masonry such as countertops. It can be a great way to tie your indoor decor with your outdoor decor. Using a similar type of granite in your outdoor masonry to that found in your house will add a polished feel to your whole home.
Sandstone
Sandstone is an extremely popular type of stone for homes built in a mission style. However, even classic Colonial-style homes can find sandstone to be a wonderful accent. Naturally found in colors ranging from white to tan, sandstone is most well known for its feel. This makes it a good choice for stone masonry that needs to be both practical and pleasant to the touch. For example, sandstone stepping stones near an outdoor kitchen are a popular choice.
As with limestone, sandstone used in retaining walls is often backed with concrete. This helps the wall retain its strength while allowing the sandstone to give the wall a natural feel.
Found Stone
Many homeowners are excited to take part in one of the latest stone masonry trends: incorporating stones found during their travels into their landscaping. This can be anything from a fieldstone brought back from Ireland to beautiful river rocks from your favorite local spot. Including the types of stone picked up from a lifetime’s worth of travel is the perfect personal touch to your home.
Not only do these stones add to the natural beauty of your landscape, but they tell a story. When a guest compliments your outdoor masonry, you’ll be able to tell the story of how you handpicked some of the stones and where they came from. It’s a practical way to incorporate vacation memories into your everyday life.
Manufactured Stone
One type of stone that is always popular is man-made stone. As technology advances, man-made stone becomes higher in quality. These stones can look just as natural as stones pulled from a quarry. By using manufactured stone, you open up a world of styles, sizes, and colors. It can also help lower the overall cost of your outdoor masonry.
Let’s Discuss Types Of Stone Used In Outdoor Masonry
Above all, remember that you are not limited to using one type of stone in your outdoor masonry projects. Incorporating different types of stones in different colors can help bring a piece to life. In nature, rocks of all shapes and sizes can develop in natural formations together. By using that same principle, you can add beautiful and practical stone landscaping to your yard. Not only will this increase the value of your property, but projects such as retaining walls can help prevent potential water damage during severe weather. Regardless of what type of stone you choose for your masonry projects, it is an investment in the future of your landscape. At Gade Masonry & Landscaping, we would love to chat about the best types of stone used in outdoor masonry projects and get started on designing a beautiful addition to your property.