Landscaping boulders may seem like simple decor, but their hidden environmental benefits can transform your outdoor space in unexpected ways. These natural stones can provide a range of environmental benefits that might surprise you, from preventing soil erosion to creating microhabitats. Here, we explore seven ways landscaping boulders can benefit your property’s environment. 

1. Erosion Control 

Landscaping boulders act as natural barriers that help reduce soil erosion. By slowing down water runoff, they prevent the loss of topsoil and protect plant roots from exposure. This is especially beneficial in areas prone to heavy rainfall or steep slopes. 

2. Water Conservation 

Boulders can also aid in water conservation by reducing the need for irrigation. They help retain moisture in the soil, minimizing evaporation and keeping plants hydrated for longer periods. This is particularly advantageous in drought-prone areas and for plants that require high humidity. 

3. Natural Habitat Creation 

Boulders provide shelter for various small creatures, such as insects, amphibians, and rodents. While these animals may seem like pests, they play essential roles in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. For example, insects help with pollination and breaking down organic matter, amphibians control insect populations, and rodents (like voles) can aerate the soil. By supporting these creatures, boulders enhance local biodiversity and contribute to a balanced and thriving garden ecosystem. 

4. Temperature Regulation 

Large boulders absorb and release heat, creating microclimates in your garden. During the day, they store solar energy, which they gradually release at night, helping to moderate temperature fluctuations and protect sensitive plants. 

5. Carbon Sequestration 

Certain boulders, particularly those made from silicate rocks like basalt and olivine, can sequester carbon through natural weathering. When these rocks break down, they react with CO2 in the atmosphere, forming stable carbonate minerals that trap carbon. Basalt has been shown to capture significant amounts of CO2 and improve soil health by releasing nutrients like magnesium and calcium. This process contributes to reducing greenhouse gas levels over time, making boulders not just decorative but also environmentally beneficial. 

6. Reduced Chemical Use  

Boulders can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers by naturally supporting soil health. As boulders weather, they slowly release minerals into the surrounding soil, which are essential nutrients for plant growth (just be sure your plants are happy with the resulting pH). Boulders also resist nutrient loss by minimizing erosion, as stated above. 

7. Sustainable Aesthetics  

Beyond environmental impact, boulders contribute to a long-lasting and low-maintenance landscape. Unlike plants that require regular upkeep, boulders provide a stable and enduring feature, reducing the need for frequent landscape interventions and preserving natural resources. 

Order Beautiful, Eco-Friendly Boulders Today 

Ready to enhance your landscape with the environmental benefits of boulders? Grand River Natural Stone offers a wide selection of landscaping boulders to suit any garden design. Contact us today to arrange a boulder pickup at one of our Ontario locations, and be sure to sign up for more free landscaping tips by ticking the box at the bottom of the form!

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What’s the Purpose of a Retaining Wall?  

The primary purpose of a retaining wall is to counteract the forces of gravity and stabilize sloped landscapes, preventing soil erosion and providing support for vertical grade changes. By doing so, it holds back soil and rocks, effectively turning a hill or slope into a flat surface. Beyond this functional aspect, retaining walls can also serve aesthetic purposes, acting as a design element in landscaping, defining spaces, or providing terraced garden areas. They can enhance the overall appearance of outdoor spaces, making them both practical and decorative. 

How Do I Know I Need a Retaining Wall? 

Steep slopes on your property can benefit from retaining walls since they minimize erosion. If you often notice pools of water accumulating after rainfall, a retaining wall can help direct this runoff and protect your landscape. 

For those looking to elevate their garden’s aesthetics, retaining walls can be a design choice, creating terraces or emphasizing certain areas. They also serve as crucial defences, shielding structures from encroaching soil. 

What Materials Are Commonly Used for Retaining Walls? 

Several materials can be used for retaining walls, each offering unique benefits. The most common ones include: 

• Natural Stone: This offers a timeless aesthetic, with types like armour stone, and flagstone being popular choices. 
• Concrete Blocks: These are strong, durable, and can be designed to look like natural stone. 
• Timber: Though not as long-lasting as stone or concrete, wood offers a rustic appearance but may require replacement over time due to decay. 
• Brick: While less common, bricks can provide a classic look and substantial strength. 

How Tall Should My Retaining Wall Be? 

The height of a retaining wall is primarily determined by the materials used and local building codes. Generally, gravity walls (those that rely on their weight) can be up to 3-4 feet tall. Taller walls, especially those over 4 feet, typically require additional reinforcement and should be designed by professionals. Always check local regulations when planning a retaining wall. 

What Are the General Steps for Building a Retaining Wall? 

1. Site Assessment: Start by assessing the site, noting the slope, type of soil, and any water drainage issues. 
2. Design & Planning: Decide on the height, length, materials, and layout of the wall. If it’s a larger wall, consider consulting a professional. 
3. Digging the Trench: Dig a trench that’s deep and wide enough to accommodate the base material and the first row of your wall material. 
4. Laying the Base: Fill the trench with a layer of base material (like gravel) and compact it. This provides a solid foundation. 
5. Building the Wall: Starting from the lowest point, lay the first row of materials, ensuring they’re level. Continue stacking, making sure to offset the seams for added stability. 
6. Install Drainage: Place a drainage pipe behind the wall, covering it with gravel. This prevents water buildup, which can damage the wall. 
7. Backfilling: As you build the wall, backfill it with gravel to support and stabilize it. 
8. Finishing Touches: Once the desired height is achieved, cap the wall if necessary and landscape around it. 

Do I Need Drainage for My Retaining Wall? 

Absolutely. Drainage is crucial for the longevity of a retaining wall. Without proper drainage, water can accumulate behind the wall, increasing pressure and potentially causing the wall to fail. Installing gravel and drainage pipes behind the wall helps direct water away, reducing the risk of damage. 

How Do I Ensure My Retaining Wall is Stable? 

Stability is achieved through a proper foundation, correct design, and the right materials. Typically, a trench is dug and filled with a base material like gravel. The wall should lean slightly into the soil it’s retaining (this is called a ‘batter’). Using geogrids, which are mesh-like materials, can also reinforce the wall. 

Can I Build a Retaining Wall Myself? 

While small, decorative retaining walls are a relatively accessible DIY project, larger wall projects, especially those over 3-4 feet, should involve professionals. This ensures the wall is structurally sound, adheres to local codes, and has proper drainage. 

What Can I Plant Near My Retaining Wall? 

Planting near a retaining wall can enhance its aesthetic and help with drainage. Opt for plants with deep roots for erosion control, like shrubs and certain perennials. Avoid trees or plants with expansive root systems, as they can compromise the wall’s integrity. 

How Do I Choose the Right Retaining Wall Material for My Project? 

When selecting materials for a retaining wall, consider factors like durability, aesthetics, and cost. Natural stone is resilient and offers a timeless appeal, while concrete blocks provide strength and can be cost-effective. Wood, although organic and rustic-looking, may decay over time. It’s essential to research various options and perhaps consult with local professionals or suppliers to ensure the chosen material aligns with the project’s purpose, desired look, and local conditions. 

What Is the Best Type of Stone for Retaining Walls? 

When considering natural stones for retaining walls, think of practicality without compromising on appearance. Armour stone is renowned for its robustness and can withstand harsh conditions. Flagstone, being flat, is easy to work with and creates a sleek, even finish. Remember, the right stone makes all the difference in the wall’s longevity and visual appeal. 

How Long Can I Expect My Retaining Wall to Last?   

The lifespan of a retaining wall depends on the installation, materials used, and maintenance. Concrete and stone walls can last for decades, often 50-100 years, with proper care. Timber walls have a shorter lifespan, typically between 10-20 years, due to potential decay. 

Building a Retaining Wall? Here’s Why You Should Choose Grand River Natural Stone  

Builders, landscapers, and homeowners from across Southwestern Ontario trust us for quality, variety, and value. Our competitive pricing, unparalleled product range, and commitment to customer service make us industry leaders. 

Building a retaining wall is an investment in both form and function. With Grand River Natural Stone, you get the assurance of quality, variety, and unmatched customer service. Contact us today to get your project started! 

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1. Polymeric Sand: A Tried & True Classic 

Sand is a classic joint filler, highly regarded for its ease of use and affordability. Polymeric sand, specifically, is perfect for filling gaps as it hardens and resists erosion and weed growth. However, keep in mind that it may need periodic refills due to weather-induced displacement. 

2. Drainage Stone or Gravel: Perfect for Permeable Designs  

Drainage stone and gravel are ideal options for permeable patios or driveways. Their compact size allows for easy filling, and they won’t detract from a natural look. Plus, these aggregates help maintain adequate drainage while preventing weed growth. 

3. Decorative Pebbles: Ideal for Large Gaps in Walkways 

For larger paving stone gaps, such as those in walkways with a more “steppingstone” look, small decorative rocks or pebbles are a stylish option. Pebbles or small stones not only fill the gaps efficiently, but they can also enhance the overall aesthetic of your project.  

4. Mulch: An Organic Option for Flagstone Pavers 

If you’re dealing with flagstone pavers, particularly as broadly spaced stepping stones in a garden, consider mulch for gap filling. Besides offering a unique, earthy look, these materials help retain soil moisture and can help suppress weeds. 

How to Choose the Right Patio Joint Filler 

Choosing the right filler for your paving stone gaps depends on the type of pavers used, the size of the gaps, and the desired aesthetic effect. So, whether it’s polymeric sand, gravel, or mulch, select a solution that suits your patio design and landscaping needs.  

Remember, maintaining a well-kept patio involves more than filling gaps. Regular cleaning, sealing, and inspecting your pavers for wear and tear are also vital for a long-lasting, beautiful outdoor space. 

Find the Right Filler for Your Patio at Grand River Natural Stone 

Ready to refresh your patio? Explore Grand River Natural Stone’s wide range of paving stone and gap filler solutions. Contact us today, and let’s create the outdoor space you’ve always dreamed of! 

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The post Filling in the Gaps: Transform Your Patio with These Paver Joint Fillers appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Even the smallest property can create interest in their landscaping theme by introducing walking paths. Walking paths can be installed using a long list of pathway material options laid out as paths leading to specific areas of the garden, or to simply add interest and texture. Here we look at the four best materials for walking paths based on the types of garden paths and walkways you wish to create. 

1. Mulch: The Best Pathway Material Options for a Casual Look 

Different walkways call for different types of materials. If you want to create a more casual look mulch is an excellent option for pathways. It is soft underfoot, adds texture, and also helps keep weeds at bay. Mulch is very casual, making it ideal for less formal gardens. It is also a natural material making it ideal if you don’t want to use man-made materials in your garden.  

You can also choose from different colours to complement hardscaping features in your outdoor space. Although mulch is more affordable than other materials, it also requires more maintenance. You will have to replenish your mulch pathways at least once a year, or more often if the pathway sees a lot of traffic. 

2. Gravel Walkway Materials: The Best Option for “Work” Paths 

Gravel is affordable and easy to install. It is ideal for the paths in your garden used for maintenance as it will stand up to the weight of a loaded wheelbarrow. Although it is very functional, it also won’t take away from even the most formal of gardens when combined with a nice stone border. Just make sure it leads to and from a shed or garage, as opposed to the main entrance to your home as you don’t want to trail in the pebbles from your shoes. The experts at Grand River Natural Stone can help you choose the right gravel for your space. Speak to one of our experts today. 

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3. Rocks for Walking Paths in Natural Schemes 

Of course, when it comes to garden pathway materials, the classic go-to has always been rocks. Rock works for all different kinds of pathways whether you want something formal, contemporary or edgy. The rock complements the landscaping scheme you’ve adopted, very naturally creating a lovely feature.  

The rounded texture is very calming, ideal for Zen garden themes. You can change the textured effect based on the size of rocks you choose to create different moods. Rocks also come in many tones and colours allowing you to use paths as a complementary hardscaping detail for your garden. 

4. Stone Pathway Materials for a “Tailored” Look 

If you want to create a more tailored look using garden pathway materials, stone pathway materials work best. There are many options in this category including various styles, colours and textures. You can combine different tones to create interesting, customized patterns, or go with a single type of stone for a more subtle look. Patio stones are rugged and long-lasting, yet can be used to create a very formal, elegant look. They are the first choice when creating tailored, stylish outdoor spaces. Stone pathway materials are functional and blend in with other hardscape materials including wood, and of course the plants in your garden beds. 

With these ideas as a base, you can consider the best materials for walking paths to suit your garden and needs. Speak to our team for advice on planning your garden walkways today. 

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Could your landscaping use a bit of a refresh? Consider adding trendy products or materials. There’s a reason that these landscaping products become trends. They don’t just add beauty, they also add function, reduce your landscape’s maintenance, and add more benefits. Explore the best landscaping trends below.

Rock Gardens

Rock gardens are becoming more popular as people look for landscape features that are interesting and beautiful, but don’t need water or maintenance. Plus, rock gardens look great in fall and spring, when the rest of your yard won’t be quite as lovely as it is in the summer. Trending materials for rock gardens include:

• Canyon rock: These large, natural slabs of stone add a very authentic feel to rock gardens and make great centerpieces.
• Turquoise boulder: Looking to add some colour to your rock garden? These blue-green rocks make quite the statement.
• Northern granite river rock: All rock gardens need aggregate to lay down as a background, like mulch. This mix of textured stones is ideal as it looks just like a riverbed bottom.

Undermount LED Lighting

Undermount LED lighting is a trending product for landscaping this year. The lights themselves don’t float, but they make your landscape features look like they do. You just embed the light beneath the feature. That might mean beneath your natural stone steps, in pool coping, or under waterfalls. The look is very sophisticated, and it increases safety on your property.

High-Quality Natural Stones

Landscaping trends are focusing on quality so that you get the longevity out of the landscaping features that you expect. There are high-quality natural stones that have become very popular because of this emphasis. This includes:

• Muskoka granite flagstone: Flagstone should be large, vibrant pieces that will make for unusual pathways and patios. Muskoka is dark with lines of vibrant red, making for a very unique look.
• Wiarton natural top coping: Quality pool coping needs to last as long as the pool. Wiarton’s line of products are just the thing, and they are available in a range of lovely colours.
• Banas fossil: For something truly unique, try this natural, square-cut stone that looks like it has plant fossils embedded in it.

Want to refresh your landscape with the latest trends? At Grand River Natural Stone, our team will be there for you from start to finish. To learn more, contact us today.

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Outdoor Kitchen Items

This year, new products for the outdoor kitchen are also trending. People are looking for new ways to cook in their outdoor kitchen, and ways to better integrate bar features, and the trends reflect that. Consider:

• Outdoor wine coolers
• Smokers
• Stone ovens
• Outdoor ice makers

Having a trendy landscape for 2021 starts with the materials you use. Get a head start by looking at materials at one of Grand River Natural Stone’s 4 locations. We have quality, trending materials you’ll be happy to include in your yard. Visit us today.

The post Landscaping Trends: Products and Materials to Watch For appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

The world is full of vibrant, unique and natural rocks. Discover how you can have them all in your garden with landscape rockery.

Exploring Different Types of River Rock for Landscaping Your Garden

Landscaping rocks can play many roles in your garden, from river beds and garden borders to pond edging and rock gardens. Depending on the unique garden atmosphere you are trying to cultivate, some rocks you may never have considered might just be the perfect complement to your space.

Check out some of the different options available with photos below to see which types stand out to you.

Landscaping Rockery Options

Looking for some alternative rocks to showcase in your garden but not sure which types of rocks would look best? Here we’ll take a closer look at some interesting rocks from all over the world that can truly diversify the look of your garden. Give our team at Grand River Natural Stone a call today to learn more.

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Mexican Beach Pebbles

These small stones are from Mexico and look stunning just about anywhere. Mexican Beach Pebbles are perfect for the bottom of your garden river bed, or in a decorative rock garden itself. Each stone is smooth and round. Together they create a soft gray look for your riverbed.

Mossy Rock

These limestone boulders come in many sizes and are home to a vibrant green moss. Together, the rough stone and plush moss make any garden space look more natural and older. Mature gardens are a luxury and when you add some of these mossy rocks you’ll see why.

Petrified Wood

Petrified wood is a naturally unique rock that is actually fossilized organic matter. It maintains the interesting texture from the original wood, plus its life as a rock has given it even more texture and color. You can find a wide variety of petrified wood including rustic reds and dark black pieces.

Granite Boulders

Granite in your garden serves a different role than the granite in your kitchen. It lasts longer and looks rougher than counter-top granite. These large granite boulders will look right at home in natural, wild garden spaces and at the edge of ponds.

Turquoise Boulders

Have you ever seen stones in a more surprising shade? Turquoise boulders bring something special to your garden, especially if you’re trying to create a tropical or Asian-inspired look. The light green reminds us of sophisticated jade and it will look just a luxurious in your yard.

Lace Rock

Lace rock has many small holes, like its namesake. You may have seen this natural volcanic rock in a pet store. This is a dynamic choice of rock to place in your pond or large specimens of lace rock can make a standout centerpiece in your rock garden.

Natural Rockery from Grand River Natural Stone

Didn’t see the exact rockery your garden needs? Grand River Natural Stone carries a huge range of rock options and our thoughtful staff would love to help you choose the right one for your green space. Contact us to learn more about natural garden rocks.

The post Different Types of Landscaping Rockery for Your Garden appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

From large buildings and bridges to backyard stone pathways and retaining walls, natural stone has been used for its versatility and reliability.

Plus, natural stone outperforms other materials time and again.

Why? Well, natural stone has a low environmental impact, it’s extremely durable with little maintenance, and it has a timeless beauty and grandeur.

1. Low Environmental Impact

Natural stone is made from nature, by nature. This means it requires no chemicals, pollutants, and releases no hazardous gases like other building materials do.

Plus, no energy is needed to manufacture stone—only quarrying and processing.

Natural stone is as “green” as it gets.

2. Easy Maintenance

Stone requires very little maintenance and care to keep it beautiful.

While other building materials need to be regularly painted, stained or sealed, natural stone doesn’t. It creates its own natural patina, which naturally enhances its beauty over time.

You, like your clients, want to spend time enjoying your home’s landscaping. Not maintaining it. That’s why natural stone is so great.

Typically, regular sweeping is all that’s needed to keep your natural stone beautiful for years to come.

3. Strong and Durable

Natural stone is one of the most popular building materials for its durability and resistance to damage. Plus, it’s a long-lasting material that you most likely will never have to replace.

What else makes stone the strongest and most durable choice?

• It doesn’t rot
• It is resistant to pests
• Fireproof
• Less susceptible to frost damage
• Small chips and damage are difficult to spot

4. Timeless and Versitile

Natural stone retains its natural beauty and has a much longer lifespan than its building counterparts (concrete, brick, etc).

Stone never goes out of style and can look just as stunning after 100 years, as the day it was installed.

Plus, since it’s a natural material, it blends seamlessly with outdoor surroundings and its colours and textures vary naturally. Stone can be resurfaced in many ways to match any style and ambiance, and it can be cut into any shape or size for any application.

5. Great in All Seasons

Unlike other landscaping materials, natural stone is consistent through temperature changes.

Common building materials, such as wood and cement, expand and contract throughout the changing seasons. This can cause major damage and warping. Meanwhile, natural stone remains consistent through even the harshest Canadian climates.

How can you make sure your stone is safe throughout the Canadian winter?

• Remove snow from stone and interlocking pavers before it melts—Once snow melts and water seeps into the cracks in your stone, it will freeze in the cracks causing your stone to expand and warp.
• Seal your natural stone in the fall—Prevent damages before they happen by having your hardscaping sealed in the fall months.
• Be cautious with snow shoveling—Metal show snovels can scratch your natural stone or pavers, and it can even scrape off sealant. Try using a snow blower or plastic snow shovel instead.

Let Us Help With Your Stonework

Grand River Natural Stone has the tools to make your home beautiful throughout the year, so trust us with all of your landscaping needs.

For more information about our services, give us a call or visit us!

The post 5 Reasons Why Stone Outperforms Other Materials appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Replacing worn-out steps (or a slippery slope at the front or side of your house) with attractive stone steps provides a more inviting entry into any outdoor space.

They improve your home’s curb appeal and make walking through the yard easier and safer for older family and friends.

With basic tools and materials, a little patience and the proper application of brawn, you can build a beautiful set of rugged stone steps yourself.

It only requires a small slope on your property.  Experienced DIY’ers can complete a set of steps over the weekend, as long as you make a few decisions and calculations beforehand.

Follow these steps and build your gorgeous new stone steps this weekend.

Figure out the stones you need

To determine the number of stones you need and how big they should be, follow these general guidelines:

• Keep step depth between 12” and 18”.
• Choose stones between 6” and 7” thick for ideal rise.
• Plan to make the bottom step wider than the others. It just looks better.
• Estimate the number of steps first. Divide the total distance your steps must travel, or run (r¹), by an average step depth of 14”. Round to the nearest whole number to get the step estimate (r¹).
• Calculate the average riser height. Divide the total rise (r²) by r¹ to get the average riser height (r²). If r² is less than 5”., increase the run of each tread and recalculate. If r² is greater than 7” in., increase the total run (r¹) by adding an extra step.

Once you have your measurements, you can buy your stones.

At the same time, pick up your A-gravel and bedding sand. You need about 4”-6” of A-gravel and ½” to 1” of bedding sand base per step (we can help you figure out your total order size).

Once you have your stones and bedding sand, you can get to work!

Carve your steps one at a time

Carve out space in your slope for each stone individually.

Lay a base A-gravel at least 4” thick for each stone, and level your base with ½” – 1” of bedding sand before placing the stone down with a very slight forward pitch (so water will run down the steps, not collect at the seams of each step where it can freeze and cause damage).

Some tips for laying your steps:

• Start the first step just before the slope begins.
• Overlap each stone by at least 1”.
• You can use stone chips to shim your steps close to level.
• End your steps just below the top of the slope for a nice, smooth transition.

It’s a surprisingly easy and forgiving project. If you lay a step and your level tells you it’s way off, simply add bedding sand, dig out the base more or even chisel away some of the rock’s surface features.

In a weekend, you’ll have a beautiful new addition to your landscape that friends and family will love.

Pick up your supplies from your nearest Grand River Stone location and get started as soon as you can!

The post How to build stone steps at home appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

Without a good foundation, your paver patio, walkway or driveway will look uneven and unsightly.

With the swings in temperature we get in Ontario through the year, there’s a good chance your stone will settle in the winter if your base isn’t even, compact and, well, good. Whenever this happens, the fault lies with an improperly installed base.

These steps can ensure your base is rock solid.

It’s smart to take time with your base. Be a stickler for the final product, because it’s a huge hassle to redo base work when you notice something uneven down the road.

Work through these steps carefully and take the time to get it right. You will save yourself money and headache in the long run, and your patio, path or driveway will look great.

Excavate your base area

Remove topsoil from your project area.

Don’t just clear a thin layer of soil – it’s important to get down to the clay or subsoil.  When you find the end of the topsoil, you may have to dig deeper into the tougher base.

Calculate the depth required in your excavation by adding the thickness of the paver itself, 1” of bedding sand and the necessary gravel recommended for the type of project you are installing (between 4-12”, generally).

Fill your aggregate layer

There is only one base that is recommended and that is Granular A gravel.

• Walkways, patios and other foot-traffic areas call for about 4-6” of this material.
• Driveways need around 8-12”.

It’s usually a good idea to add a geotextile underlayment. It prevents aggregate from mixing with the soil below and facilitates better drainage over the long term. This is especially important in driveway applications.

When your base is down, grab a rake and make the surface flat and consistent. Your gravel should slope slightly away from the house, to draw surface water away when it rains or when show melts.

Pack it down

Compaction is important to avoid any movement down the road.

Chances are you don’t own a heavy plate tamper, but you can rent one from most tool rental outlets.

To get compaction right, you should run the tamper over your gravel in layers no greater than 4” at a time. The tamper can only compact to a shallow depth, and you don’t want layers of loose gravel between compact layers – again, that leads to uneven stones down the road.

The bedding layer

When your aggregate is compact, add the bedding sand in 1” of thickness across the surface.

Your bedding sand doesn’t require any compaction, as the pavers, when laid, embed in the sand. The sand fills in the gaps between pavers – locking them in place.

When your bedding is down, you can lay the pavers.

It’s a lot of labour, but doing it right means you will likely never experience uneven or settled pavers, and the look you want is the look you get.

Pick up your aggregate, bedding and pavers today and build yourself a new patio over the weekend. It’s going to be a sunny summer, so enjoy it!

The post Base Materials – How to Lay a Solid Base with Good Compaction and Drainage appeared first on Grand River Natural Stone.

If your long weekend landscape upgrade plans include laying a new driveway or installing new patio stones, it’s important to remember that, like most renovation jobs, preparation is everything.

Though the interlock pavers or concrete bricks are the crowning glory, they can’t do the job alone.

You need to build a solid foundation, as the base materials you choose need to provide enough support to prevent settling over time and allow for proper drainage. Once the project’s excavation is complete, the next two steps are:

• Intalling the base, which supports and keeps the top surface level, and
• Installing the setting bed, which aids in final leveling

How much base materials will you need

When it comes to materials, a minimum of 8-12 inches of a well-compacted base and a one-inch sand setting bed are standard, but how much you need will be determined by the soil condition of your property.

Here are some choices and what to keep in mind when making a selection for your project:

Concrete Sand

Concrete sand, typically composed of limestone, granite or trap rock, can be used as a base layer and leveling medium for projects using concrete paving stones. The coarse grain of concrete sand allows it to drain without clumping, and levels very easily.

High Performance Bedding

HPB (High Performance Bedding) is the name given to a material which is pea-sized, angular washed limestone. It provides excellent drainage and requires less effort to compact. It is one of the more favoured bedding choices because it packs well and holds up fantastically.

You can also use…

• Granular A
• Stonedust

Why it’s important to use the proper base materials

A properly prepared, well-compacted base to your patio stones or driveway will save you money in the long run, via lower maintenance and repair costs.

When you take the time to create a solid base, you’ll have a smooth paved surface that will withstand years of use and resist cracking due to freezing and/or thawing.

An added bonus is the beauty and character you’ll bring to your home.

Come into Grand River Natural Stone

Grand River Natural Stone is here to help with your interlocking stone needs.

• If you’re in Kitchener, contact us here.
• In Stoney Creek, contact us here.
• Click here for our London location.
• For Fergus, click here to contact us.

Our team is eager to help you choose the best base material for your project.

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