Residential Exteriors

A Guide to Stone Building Materials

A Guide to Stone Building Materials 1440 754 South Alabama Brick

As you embark on your next construction project or home renovation, consider incorporating the timeless elegance of natural stone. An essential component of construction and fit for various applications, let this guide to stone building materials introduce you to some possibilities.

Building with stone

An ancient practice, stone building or stonemasonry refers to the art and practice of constructing buildings, structures and sculptures primarily using stone. This craft involves shaping and arranging stone, often with mortar, to create strong and lasting structures, including buildings, homes, bridges and more. It represents a timeless tradition that merges beauty with strength.

Today, commercial and residential construction developments benefit from building with stone. In this guide to stone building materials, we will review the main advantages of stone buildings and popular choices.

Benefits of stonemasonry

For starters, the durability and longevity of expertly crafted stonework are two compelling benefits of stone. Additional appeal and advantages include varied colors, styles, textures, sizes and patterns, making it a versatile building material.

Stone also allows for more building flexibility, it’s weather-resistant and low maintenance.

Types of stone

Popular natural stone options used as building materials have proven their timelessness. These include limestone, sandstone, granite, basalt, and alabaster. South Alabama Brick offers a variety of natural stone selections and collections featuring Arriscraft stone.

Along with natural stone, architects, developers, contractors and homeowners will find other trusted stone building materials, such as cast stone and manufactured stone.

Stone enhances and is ideal for exteriors and interiors, including commercial buildings, homes, driveways, hardscapes, and landscapes.

Summary

Inspired by our guide to stone building materials, it’s the perfect time to connect with your local division of South Alabama Brick Company! For those in the River Region, including Montgomery, Auburn and Phenix City, contact Capital Brick Company for your stone, brick and paver needs.

Do you live further south? Contact Riley-Stuart Supply Company in Mobile, serving South Alabama and the Gulf Coast. Continue reading our blogs for more inspiring ideas about building with stone, pavers and more.

10 Creative Paver Landscaping Ideas

10 Creative Paver Landscaping Ideas 1440 754 South Alabama Brick

As winter approaches, many homeowners look at their outdoor spaces with a fresh perspective. If you are wondering how to enhance yours, these 10 creative paver landscaping ideas can transform your outdoor areas into beautiful and functional landscapes.

Create a patterned pathway.

Varying shapes and colors of concrete and clay pavers can add visual interest to your landscape. Consider laying pavers in intricate patterns such as herringbone or circular designs. This can lead guests through your garden, creating a delightful journey.

Integrate greenery.

Incorporate greenery to soften the hard surfaces of concrete and clay pavers. Planting low-maintenance ground cover plants or colorful flowers between the pavers can create a beautiful contrast and an inviting atmosphere.

Mix and match.

Select various types of pavers to add interesting visuals to your yard. Mix brick pavers with larger concrete pavers for a classic design. Add natural stone with concrete for a balanced, organic feel. Embrace patterns and different textures when you work with Capital Brick to create unique and custom outdoor features.

Combine pavers with outdoor lighting.

Enhancing your paver pathways with outdoor lighting can add both safety and ambiance. Use solar-powered lights or LED strips along the edges of your paver walkways to illuminate the space beautifully in the evenings and at night.

Create borders or designated areas.

Define areas of your yard with a paver border. Use pavers to frame areas of your yard, including flower beds, gardens and sitting areas. Create an organized and clean appearance with paver borders.

Add depth with colors and textures.

Consider various colors and finishes to create depth. For instance, depending on their use, dark tones can make a room feel larger, smaller, wider, narrower, taller or shorter. To simplify, the intensity of the color tone determines the effect, allowing homeowners to choose options to match their mood, from creative to cozy.

Light colors are airy and make a space feel larger, creating inviting comfort.

Build a retaining wall.

One of the creative paver landscaping ideas that often gets overlooked is a retaining wall. But a retaining wall can be an eye-catching feature in your yard and serve a practical purpose. They help prevent soil erosion and manage slopes, for instance.

Complement your home’s overall design with pavers. Natural stone and concrete pavers are ideal for sturdy and appealing retaining walls.

Upgrade your pool area with pavers.

Complete your pool area with the clean and polished look of large concrete pavers with a smooth finish. Modernize the space with an interlocking geometric pattern for elegance a minimalist will appreciate. Pavers can also frame manicured landscaping around the pool to make it stand out.

Construct a patio.

A paver patio adds a versatile space to any home. It offers a sturdy surface for outdoor activities and furnishings. Varying levels could lead to specific sections, including sitting areas, dining spaces or an outdoor kitchen.

For a smooth transition from inside your home to the outside, use patio pavers that complement the exterior of your house. Integrate patterns into your paver patio, such as basket weave or herringbone.

Add warmth with a fire pit.

It’s the perfect time of year to add a cozy gathering spot in your yard with a firepit framed in pavers. With so many sizes, styles and colors, the possibilities are endless.

Summary

The exciting news is Capital Brick can bring these and more creative paver landscaping ideas to fruition! Explore our concrete and clay pavers and scroll for paver patterns and additional information. Contact us to enhance your living spaces. Read our blogs for more home design ideas showcasing brick, stone and pavers.