For a pathway (sidewalk) or a flat surface like a patio, you can use randomly shaped stones or cut stones depending on whether you want to give your project a natural look or a more contemporary feel. Different finishes are offered such as flamed, natural, bush-hammered, sandblasted or honed.
Whether you're undertaking the job yourself or prefer to enlist a professional, selecting the right stone is an important step in completing a project. Choosing a quality stone will ensure that your project ages gracefully.
A number of aspects should be considered when purchasing stone, beginning with the colour. Select the one that blends in best with your surroundings and matches the colours of your home and its trimmings (shutters, window frames, etc.). Once you've settled on a colour, you can pick out a shape and finish.
What's important to bear in mind with these stones is that although they are more costly than random stones, they require less labour to install.
They come in square or rectangular shapes of different sizes that generally form a pattern, which makes them easier to work with.
A natural finish showcases the stone at its best.
Other types of finish (flamed, bush-hammered, sandblasted, honed, acid washed) are used to provide a calibrated, consistent thickness, which helps facilitate installation of the stones. These types of finishes represent the best option in the case of stones that don't offer a natural finish.
The thickness of the stone is determined based on the foundation. The more stable and compact the ground is, the thinner the stone can be (as thin as 1-1½ inches). If the soil is loose or was recently tilled (within the last two years), a thicker stone will be required. Our stones are carefully classified by thickness to simplify installation later on.
Once you've picked out the material and we've familiarized ourselves with the work area, we can estimate the quantities required and prepare a quote for your project. Come meet our experts on site !
