Behind the Beauty: What Really Goes into Proper Hardscape Patio Planning and Preparation
Embarking on a hardscaping project is akin to crafting a masterpiece. It’s not just about laying stones or constructing patios; it’s about sculpting an outdoor oasis that exudes beauty and functionality. To the untrained eye, a nice patio can look deceptively simple â you just pull out the grass, flatten the dirt, and lay the stones on the ground, right?
The reality is, the area where youâll have pavers installed should be regarded as a construction site. The beautiful layout of stones will be what catches everyoneâs eye, but beneath is a foundation that was painstakingly prepared to ensure your surface remains stable for a lifetime.
This is specialized work that requires experience and often heavy equipment and should not be approached as a do-it-yourself project. For property owners getting ready for backyard makeover, the following is an overview of the basic steps of the installation process so youâll know what to expect.
Planning and Preparation
The first part of the process could be described as a research phase, and you may be able to help. Your contractor will want to learn everything they can about the spot where the stones will be installed. The drainage, soil composition, and existing masonry that needs to be removed or built around can all impact the design. So can mature trees with bulky roots and the natural grade of the yard.
The team will also need to know if there are any underground pipes, cables, tanks, or other features in or close to the construction area. This may require a review of construction records in your local government office. Any knowledge you can share about the propertyâs condition and history could be useful.
You may also need to make a trip or two to the town hall to take care of permitting paperwork. Regulations can vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but beyond the standard construction approvals, itâs possible you may need soil and erosion permits, waivers if your land is on a sensitive waterbody, or zoning board approvals if the project will exceed impervious surface or setback regulations. Consult your contractor and check with your municipal government at the start to make sure you have everything covered.
With all of the needed permits and site information in hand, the masonry team can now finalize its plan to make your vision for a backyard oasis a reality.
Preparing the Base
The âUltimate Backyard Makeoverâ episode of Instoneâs InBuilding Design video series offers an excellent glimpse at what a typical foundation preparation process looks like. Once the dimensions of the patio or paved area are determined, the contractors will begin clearing soil to make room for a new foundation. The depth will be calculated based on factors like the ground conditions and the desired elevation of the pavers.
In the video above, the crew begins by filling the hole with a layer of large rocks, then covers it with a layer of medium-size gravel and compacts it. They then add a sand-like layer that can fill the gaps between the stones and compact it once more.
The result is a base of material that is strong enough to support heavy pavers without any risk of shifting or crumbling due to freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rains, extreme heat, or other conditions theyâll endure over the years. Natural stone pavers (e.g., granite, sandstone, marble) are significantly less susceptible to these issues than concrete products and can better withstand the pounding of foot traffic. Visit Instoneâs Aura Natural Landscapes page to learn about its wide variety of stone types and color options.
If your design includes heavyweight features like an outdoor kitchen and fireplace, the crew will dig further and fill the ground with concrete for support. They may also lay a tarp-like liner called a geotextile beneath the foundation materials to help control drainage, weeds, and erosion.
When the foundation is set, work may need to pause briefly to allow the town to complete an inspection. Contact your local construction office before the project begins or talk to your contractor, who should be familiar with your townâs requirements.
Laying the Pavers
As a homeowner, hereâs where the excitement really begins. With every stone thatâs laid, youâll see your dream yard design emerge before your eyes.
This is where the artistry of your masonry team will shine through. While your overall project design will have been worked out well before the first stone is laid, there are many details and decisions that will be sorted out on the ground. Among them are how to arrange the stones, which may come in a variety of shapes and sizes, in beautiful patterns. Another highly popular style right now is irregular flagging, pavers that are not uniform in shape and size. Arranged together, they create attractive mosaics with a rustic appearance.
Aura Blue Mist Irregular Pattern
Aura Silver Ridge Irregular Patio
Aura Silver Ridge Irregular Pattern Patio
Aura Silver Ridge Irregular Pattern Patio
Styling choices and careful measurements will determine how to cut edge pieces in ways that look symmetrical and artful. Sometimes a few custom-cut pieces can make or break a project. In these cases, your team may look to the Instone Fabrication and Design Services crew for help with the cuts and shapes that can only be accomplished with specialized equipment.
With the stones laid, a final step is to fill the joints (gaps) between them with a sand or polymeric sand filler of your color choice. Polymeric sand is a type of material that bonds together after its exposed to water, tightly sealing the spaces to prevent problems like excess rainwater intrusion, weed growth, and ants carrying away the grains. The clip above shows a crew applying polymeric sand to a Mid West patio project.
Learn More
No one knows stone like Instone. Whether you have a large-scale backyard hardscaping project or a small stone veneer accent wall coming up, we have the materials and experience to help.
Precision in Every Cut: A Guide to Handling Manufactured Stone Veneer
Cruz Leon is the founder of Crux Lon Hardscape University, based in South Elgin, Illinois. His award-winning program helps masonry professionals hone their craft with dozens of class offerings like the Outdoor Living Bootcamp, the Masonry & Outdoor Kitchens Workshop and the 2-Day Hardscapes Hands-On.
Cruz Leon and Family
Leon began working with hardscapes as a high school student in 1999 before starting his own business six years later. At the encouragement of colleagues who told him he had a knack for teaching the trade, he launched the University three years ago. We asked Leon to share some tips and insights for cutting manufactured stone veneer (MSV) products.
Hardscape class with Leon
Pay Attention To The Details
To Leon, great cuts are less a matter of technique than they are a state of mind. Finesse takes time. However, masons often feel the pull to finish a project as fast as possible and start their next paying gig. As long as the work looks passable, theyâll consider it done.
âItâs all about how you do your job,â Leon said. âI know some guys just want to get it done and move on to the next job. Weâre different â we want to get it done as perfectly as possible.â
Leon is a believer in going the extra mile make sure that no stone is crooked or sticks out awkwardly from the rest. If a corner doesnât fit perfectly, heâll take the extra time to sculpt it.
In the end, this attention to detail has been more worth the while. His reputation as a mason who demands quality work of his crews has spread through his area, and he is now frequently sought after and recommended for lucrative, high-end projects.
Plan Ahead
Leon always likes to lay veneer pieces on the ground first to arrange how theyâll look on the surface. While some products come pre-sorted to speed the installation, he prefers the process of mixing them up.
Even when the stones are arranged by the manufacturer, installers will usually face decision points when theyâll have to deal with gaps in the pattern. For example, while installing veneer around a fireplace, a mason needs to get creative about which stone colors to use and how to cut them while framing the opening. When making cuts in situations like these, Leon likes to chisel the edges to make them look as rough and natural as possible.
Keep it Clean at the Top
Especially when working with veneer panels, Leon prefers to avoid cuts to the upper sections that are most clearly in view. Heâll start by placing a level piece of wood near the ground to guide a first row of panels or stones and then work his way up. Once the top has been reached, heâll infill the bottom portion, where any pieces of stone that needed to be cut are not visible as prominently.
When installing individual stones, Leon acknowledged that itâs not practical to check every piece to make sure itâs level. Instead he likes to draw marks on the wall every four inches or so and follow them to ensure the stones stay on track. After finishing every 2-by-2-foot area or so, he steps back to take in the full picture, and make any cuts or tweaks needed to make it look right.
A Measured Approach
Since cutting stone is time consuming, Leon likes to figure out ways to do fewer of them. At the start of any job, he recommends taking some extra time to scan the job site, think through your strategy, and take measurements that can help you avoid mistakes later.
When using veneers or pavers that come in large sizes, Leon doesnât believe it looks good when the pattern abruptly ends with a bunch of small, cut pieces. To avoid this, take measurements at the beginning to determine how you can use cuts that are as large as possible on both ends of the rows.
Keep Learning
Years ago, Leon used to hear complaints about masons working too fast, too shoddy, and depressing the value of everyone elseâs work by not charging enough. So he decided to do something about it.
Leon started the Hardscape University with the aim of providing a fast, affordable way for masons and workers who wanted to transition from fields like landscaping to get a formal education on the craftâs finer points. Whether you need a primer on cutting stones or operating special machinery, he recommends masons of all experience periodically set aside time for professional development at programs like his.
Years ago, Leon used to hear complaints about masons working too fast, too shoddy, and depressing the value of everyone elseâs work by not charging enough. So he decided to do something about it.
Leon started the Hardscape University with the aim of providing a fast, affordable way for masons and workers who wanted to transition from fields like landscaping to get a formal education on the craftâs finer points. Whether you need a primer on cutting stones or operating special machinery, he recommends masons of all experience periodically set aside time for professional development at programs like his.
âI feel like our trainings are elevating the industry by helping people understand why the job needs to be done right,â Leon said. âOnce they understand that, theyâll figure out how to charge what needs to be charged â sometimes they donât know any better. If they educate themselves, itâs good for everyone.â
Need a special cut that you donât have the tools or background to handle? Reach out to Instoneâs Fabrication and Design Services. Our team can work with you on custom cut-to-size hardscaping and partner with you in the design of large-scale projects and sourcing of stone products.
How to Achieve Superhero Status With Clients & Boost Sales
We all know that spring signals the start of a busy season for those in the construction, masonry, and hardscaping fields. Homeowners are eager to kick off their long-awaited renovation projects. This is an excellent time to lay the groundwork for a successful sales year.
Achieving success goes beyond simply providing top-notch materials. It demands a strategic approach that prioritizes quick and efficient service, outstanding product quality, and, most importantly, the satisfaction of your clients.
This guide is designed to arm you with actionable advice to enhance your interactions with customers, ultimately helping you secure more contracts and boost your sales.
Prompt & Accurate Quotes: First Impressions
The first step towards a successful spring should be no surprise: communication is key. Many homeowners will shop around when starting a large home project. Swift, detailed, and professional quotes are essential and do more than provide numbers; they showcase your engagement, dedication, and professionalism.
You can influence their hiring decisions from the start by ensuring your quotes exude clarity, accuracy, and a comprehensive outline of expectations and deliverables. A messy quote can come across as unprofessional and unbothered and be seen as a reflection of your work on the job site.
Toro Stone Calculator
Use tools like the Toro Stone Calculator to help you estimate how much stone and other materials you need for a project. Additionally, Instone dealers can easily log in, create a quote in minutes, save the quote, and send it or print it for the customer, ensuring a professional-looking quote is provided instantly. Of course, you can always reach out to us for swift and detailed quotes as well. A precise quote reflects your professionalism and can be the deciding factor for potential clients.
Advise on Material Choices: Quality Meets Budget
While some homeowners will have researched materials independently, many only know what they want the final product to look like â but not how to achieve it. You can help guide homeowners through a maze of options to find what suits their desired aesthetic best. Your expertise can help them make informed, budget-conscious decisions. This is where you can highlight the value of investing in Instoneâs premium materials for lasting satisfaction and peace of mind.
Incorporate Innovative Techniques: Building for the Future
Stone masonry is an ever-evolving art that shifts as innovative new techniques and tools emerge. Thatâs why itâs so important to be aware of â and to quickly incorporate â industry-leading building techniques, like new moisture management systems, into your work whenever possible.
It is important for you to educate homeowners on the benefits of using these industry-leading systems and solutions in their projects. Understanding these long-term advantages ensures that their investment is not just for the present but a contribution to their homeâs future. Plus, it helps build your authority as an industry leader.
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Promote Upselling Opportunities Wisely: Enhancing Value
Any upselling must be done strategically for the homeownerâs benefit and must align with the homeownerâs budget and expectations. This approach not only improves the outcome but also enhances customer satisfaction.
Hereâs how you can apply this strategy effectively:
Offer bundled product options that enhance the overall projectâlike combining landscape stone with stone veneer for outdoor kitchens or fireplaces. This not only simplifies the purchasing process for your clients, making your shop a one-stop solution but also enhances their space’s aesthetic and functional value.
Instone’s Visualizer
Utilize Visualization Tools: Seeing is Believing
Looking for ways to stand out from the competition? Elevate your proposals by incorporating visualization tools. These innovative tools can transform your quotes from simple documents into engaging visual experiences that better communicate the value and vision of your work. By allowing your clients to see their projects’ potential outcomes, you’re enhancing their understanding and excitement and establishing your commitment to transparency and quality. In a market where first impressions are crucial, leveraging visualization tools can be a game-changer in convincing homeowners to choose your services over others.
Maximize the benefits of this approach with the Instone Visualizer, a powerful tool designed to bring your client’s vision to life right before their eyes. Hereâs how you can integrate this tool into your sales strategy:
Interactive Kiosks: Establish interactive kiosks at your business locations where clients can actively engage with the visualizer. This allows them to visualize the impact of different stone and color combinations on sample home exteriors, interiors, and patios, enhancing their decision-making process with an immersive, hands-on experience.
Staff Training: Ensure your staff knows how to guide clients through the visualizer. Well-trained employees can assist clients in exploring a variety of design possibilities, helping them reimagine their spaces from creating feature walls to transforming patios.
Website Integration: Embed a link to the Instone Visualizer on your business website, giving clients the convenience to start their design exploration from home. They can effortlessly modify wall colors, trim and compare different stones to ascertain which aligns best with their aesthetic preferences.
Before and After with the Instone Visualizer Tool
The Instone Visualizer allows clients to use sample homes for their design endeavors and allows them to upload their own photos for unique customizations. This tool simplifies decision-making by providing a realistic preview of the finished project. Clients can share their designs, print reports and even access tutorial videos on how to use advanced editing tools within the visualizer. With these capabilities, designing a home with stone has never been easier or more accessible, making the Instone Visualizer an essential part of your sales and marketing arsenal.
Maintain Clear Communication: Building Trust
Trusting someone to work on or in your home can be a challenge. Reliability and trust are built through clear and consistent communication. One way to do this is to regularly update homeowners with project timelines and delivery times. This demonstrates your commitment to meeting their needs and provides them with a sense of comfort, as they arenât left wondering about these details.
Understanding the importance of prompt service is why we offer optimal lead times that can be conveniently checked on our websiteâjust enter the quantity for an approximate lead time. This feature allows homeowners and dealers to plan precisely, knowing when to expect their materials.
Our commitment to efficient service delivery is a testament to our dedication to ease and efficiency. Our route truck delivery system is designed to simplify the delivery process, removing any uncertainty by utilizing pre-scheduled weekly lanes that service our dealer network from one of our three distribution centers. It’s a testament to our dedication to ease and efficiencyâwhen you need the product now, we make it easy.
By integrating these logistics details into your communication strategy, you promise reliability and deliver on it. This reinforces trust with your clients, ensuring they feel well-informed and confident in their choice to work with you.
Respect the Workspace: A Reflection of Professionalism
It is essential to remember that your âworkspaceâ is someone elseâs home. Keeping this in mind and respecting their personal space will go a long way to making for a happy homeowner.
No matter how good the results are, a disrespectful contractor will likely cost you work in the future, while a well-executed job done by someone respectful can lead to good word of mouth and more jobs.
Aura Blue Ice Natural Sandstone
Document Your Projects: Showcase and Inspire
Visual storytelling is a powerful tool that should not be overlooked. Keep homeowners engaged with your work with pictures. Document the various stages of your projects and use them to enhance your social media and website presence.
The adage “seeing is believing” rings particularly true here; providing tangible examples of your completed work highlights the quality and diversity of your offerings and inspires and attracts potential clients. In today’s digital age, a visually compelling portfolio is indispensable for standing out in a crowded marketplace and fostering trust in your craftsmanship.
Leverage Social Media: Build Your Brand
Social media platforms like Instagram are invaluable because they are indispensable extensions of your professional portfolio. These platforms serve as a vibrant showcase for the photos you capture while documenting your work and the testimonials you garner from satisfied clients. Social media amplifies your visibility and significantly enhances your credibility in the eyes of potential clients. A robust social media presence does more than just display the quality and scope of your projects; it also creates a dynamic platform for attracting new clients and engaging with your community.
By actively sharing updates, progress shots, final reveals, and client testimonials on social media, you effectively broadcast your commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. This ongoing dialogue with followers and the broader community fosters a sense of engagement and belonging, transforming your social media space into a lively forum for exchange and inspiration. Plus, social media offers an easily accessible avenue for prospective clients to discover your work and envision the potential transformation of their own spaces.
Consider creating events like a customer appreciation day or an open house to thank your existing customers and also entice potential clients. Promote these events through your social media channels and feature highlights and updates on your website to showcase your active community involvement and commitment to customer service.
Keeping Your Website Updated: A Digital Storefront for Your Brand
Speaking of your website, remember itâs the digital storefront of your business and is just as crucial as your physical location. It’s the hub where potential clients land to explore what you offer and make decisions. Thatâs why regularly updating your website with your latest offerings and ensuring that the digital reflection of your brand is current and comprehensive is valuable time spent. This step is vital and often missed, which can be a significant oversight in a digitally-driven market.
By consistently refreshing your website content with the latest product information and updates, you’re not just aiming for more sales; you’re enhancing the value and experience for your clients. This dedication to providing up-to-date and accessible information aligns with client needs and reinforces their decision to choose your services. A well-maintained website, paired with a vibrant social media presence, builds credibility and solidifies your position as a forward-thinking and client-focused leader in your industry.
Looking for assistance to keep your website fresh and your marketing on point? Instone has got you covered. Our dealers have exclusive access to our wide array of resources from web developers to social media experts, ensuring your marketing stays updated and search-friendly.
IG: @brickworkssupplycenter
Dealer event held at Instone’s Alsip location.
Obtain Certifications: The Power of Education
ââSecuring a competitive edge in the construction, masonry, and hardscaping industries is crucial for winning contracts and building a reputable business. One strategy to achieve this is through a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. This commitment to professional growth does more than just elevate your technical capabilities; it signals to prospective clients that you are a forward-thinking contractor who values innovation, safety, and the highest standards of quality.
The certifications and knowledge you acquire become powerful tools in your marketing arsenal, allowing you to confidently articulate the value you bring to every project. Plus, staying on top of the latest industry trends, techniques, and materials ensures that you can offer cutting-edge solutions that resonate with homeowners looking for modern, durable, and aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
ââEnhancing Your Expertise: Instone’s Educational Resources
Deepen your knowledge of stone masonry by leveraging Instone’s comprehensive suite of educational and training resources. Videos covering state-of-the-art stone veneer techniques, on-site installations, and specialized instructional content are just a click away. Gain valuable insights into our premium natural stone collections, like the Aura Natural Landscape line and Pangaea Natural Stone veneer, and learn to confidently recommend the best solutions to clients. By subscribing to our YouTube channel, you ensure you’re always at the forefront of the industry, ready to deliver excellence to your clients with the best-in-class materials for veneer, hardscaping, and fireplaces.
Spring is all about growth and opportunity. You can achieve sales and build long-term relationships with your clients by providing prompt service, utilizing high-quality materials, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Let this season bring you to new heights of professional excellence and customer delight.
With the Instone Visualizer, you can complete a wall-to-wall virtual home makeover in a matter of minutes. The free online tool allows you to simulate what a home or property would look like after a renovation with any combination of stone products from Instoneâs expansive catalog.
Powerful yet simple, the Visualizer offers installers and dealers a way to show clients renderings of projects that can be used to assist with sales, and homeowners a way to browse their options for veneers, pavers and other stone products. Users can upload photos of a job site and redo a wall or patio area with new masonry in a couple of clicks.
Instone Vice President of Natural Stone Products Justin Alicandro said the Visualizer has made the need to assemble stone samples or create mockups for clients obsolete.
âThis is so much more efficient than the way we used to do things,â Alicandro said. âHomeowners can come out of a session knowing pretty much what they want, and if they donât like the products once they see real samples, they can tweak the project again in the Visualizer and try a plan B. The Visualizer is such a great tool.â
Visit the Instone Visualizer Page for More Tips & Techniques To Create The Perfect Rendering.
How It Works
To get started, find or snap a digital photo of your project area and add it to the Visualizer. (If you donât have an image available, you can browse our samples for one that resembles your property.) Photos should be at least 1600 pixels wide and not exceed 16 MB. A standard camera phone pic will do nicely.
With the photo now online, the Visualizerâs AI will scan its features and automatically identify areas most likely for stonework. The technology will also recognize features like windows and doors and omit them. If it misses a wall or ground section youâre interested in, donât worry â you can draw a polygon to highlight the area manually.
You can then click on any of these areas and choose the interior or exterior Instone masonry product youâd like to see applied there. Once it appears, you can try different brands, profiles, and colors to see how they look, and even change the stone sizes on the fly. The images you create can be saved, shared, and easily edited later.
Fine-Tuning
The Visualizer has multiple editing tools to help fine-tune your renderings and make them more realistic. You can adjust the opacity of the masonry to totally block out the surface beneath it or to allow important features to peak through. Another tool allows you to adjust the perspective, which can realign the stone if itâs not quite level or doesnât track the angle of the surface accurately.
For the best results, we recommend taking your photos facing straight ahead toward the surfaces that will be clad. If possible, itâs best to move any furniture or other obstructions out of the way.
The Visualizer will even help you simulate the appearance of non-stone upgrades. You can apply paint colors to your banisters and doors or try out new shingle styles and colors on the roof. These features can be combined with the stone improvements to give you a full picture of how all of the materials will look together.
Before and after using the Instone visualizer with PangaeaÂŽ 3 Course Ashlar Oxford
Share & Create a Report
The Visualizer offers a range of options for sharing before and after images with clients or anyone else who may be interested in giving feedback. You can quickly export the renderings as JPG and PNG files or use share buttons to email them or post them to Facebook, Twitter/X or Pinterest.
Of high value to masonry professionals, the system can generate attractively formatted reports showing the finished home and thumbnails identifying all of the products featured in the project.
âFor a contractor trying to win a job, price is obviously important, but if you can demonstrate for a homeowner what their house is going to look like when itâs complete, that will definitely set you apart from others trying to quote the job,â Instone Chief Operating Officer Rob McKay said. âUltimately, a lot of people will still want to see a sample and feel it in their hands, but the Visualizer is a great tool to help them narrow down their choices.â
Watch Our Full Tutorial
For a full demonstration of whatâs possible with the Visualizer, watch our training video (âPro Tips for Selling With The Instone Visualizerâ) above. You can also check our Visualizer page for FAQs and a series of shorter videos with tips and demos focused on specific Visualizer questions.
Precision in Stone: Navigating Complex Cuts with Instoneâs Fabrication and Design Team
The Instone Fabrication and Design Services team turns big ideas into reality. Whether you need a tricky stone cut done for a single stair tread or guidance for a large-scale design-build project with elaborate outdoor amenities, Instone has you covered.
Fabrication and Design Services offers project management solutions including value engineering, estimating, and global sourcing of natural stone materials. Its fabrication pros can provide any stone cut or finish needed to complete a project or achieve your target aesthetic.
âNot everything drawn on paper by a landscape architect is always possible for a mason,â said Design Services Manager Zach Beaulieu. âWe take the concept theyâre shooting for in their project and help them physically create it.â
Among the highlights of Instoneâs state-of-the-art fabrication shop in Plainville, Massachusetts, are:
A Jaguar bridge saw with the capability for profiling (designing unique edge finishes, slopes, etc. with software).
Tools used for edge treatments, bullnose cuts, and leathering stones.
A sandblast room for giving a variety of finishes to stones.
A dust booth where stone fragments produced by grinding are extracted, ensuring safe air quality.
Instoneâs fabrication capacity is not limited to this one shop. The company has access to a vast network of partner suppliers, vendors and quarries that serve as an extension of the Plainville facility. If necessary, any of these specialized or larger facilities in the U.S., Canada and abroad can be tapped to handle big jobs faster and cheaper.
Scroll below for a glimpse at some projects which exemplify what the Fabrication and Design Services team can do.
Contemporary Pool
Beaulieu views high-end outdoor residential renovations like this one as the Fabrication and Design Services teamâs specialty. âThis is an example of a project that was designed to the nines and we really needed to help detail that out for the client,â Beaulieu recalled. Instone cut all the steps, walkways and pool coping to complete the architectâs vision. Instone also assisted with the outdoor fireplaceâs Blue Mist granite hearth.
Courtyard
The signature feature of this courtyard, constructed for a private high school in Massachusetts, is its large, semi-circle seating wall. âAnything radial is a challenge to do,â Beaulieu said. “Thereâs a lot of computer software programs that you need to work with in tandem with a saw. You also need a skilled fabricator to finish the stone accurately.â To achieve a cost savings for the client, Instone had the granite blocks cut and given their thermal finish by a network partner in Canada.
College Campus
Instone supplied all of the veneer to clad these two buildings on the campus of Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. Fabrication and Design Services also handled the stair treads and radial wall caps, designed for students to rest on between classes. Beaulieu recalls this as a massive project, with 30-40 containers worth of material needed to complete it over the course of a year. Since it takes time to accumulate that much finished stone, Instone had containers delivered as soon they were ready to keep the project moving.
Rooftop Terrace
Fabrication and Design Services handled the stone cuts for this firepit, the focal point of a Boston apartment buildingâs rooftop hangout. The gray center ring is made of Stanstead granite with a honed finish. Beaulieu said such one-off stone cuts can be complex and expensive, but have the power to make nice projects into special ones.
Learn more about the various places where your outdoor design may need custom fabrication and what’s possible here.
A Cut Above
Visit our Fabrication and Design Services page to view our catalog, meet our team and learn more about how our team can help you accomplish your goals. You can also use our online form to contact our team with questions or get started. Turnaround times for services can vary based on factors like workload, time of year and material needs, but our team will always respond promptly with answers and estimates.
âThe goal is always to give the quickest turnaround time for the best price possible,â Beaulieu said.
The Art of Hardscaping: Unveiling the Benefits of Polymeric Sand
Fill the Gaps with Polymeric Sand
Polymeric sand is to hardscaping what grout is to stone veneer. It fills the gaps between each stone, adding an attractive, durable border that protects the structural integrity of the mosaic.
Polymeric sand is what it sounds like: grains of sand mixed with polymers that bond together once mixed with water. While it is not the only type of material used for filling joints â standard fine sweeping sand is still more widely used by installers â it offers advantages that make its modestly higher price point worth it.
Stop Weeds and Ants
Among them, joints filled with polymeric sand can stay intact for up to a decade. Unlike standard sand fill, they are resilient in the face of heavy rains, winds and freeze-thaw cycles, and canât easily be picked apart by ants.
Patios and walkways sealed with polymeric sand are also less likely to suffer weed outbreaks. Because the grains are bonded tightly together like cement, vegetation canât push through like they can with loose fill and seeds wonât have cracks to seep through. Once weeds get established, they can spread rapidly and become tough to control.
âEvery spring I would go out thinking I could knock the weeds out in one day, and then you realize just how many joints there are. And Iâd say wow, I did not anticipate this being as hard as it is,â Instone Video Producer Ken Czechanski recalled of his old patio, which did not use polymeric sand. âItâs long and arduous to sit there on your knees scraping them out.â
Additional Benefits
In a recent episode of InBuilding Design, Czechanski welcomed the crew to his Chicago area backyard to chronicle the replacement of his cement paver patio with one made of Aura Natural Landscapes natural stone pavers. Another benefit heâs noticed to using polymeric sand is its ability to protect the base of the patio. As seen in the episode, his old patio had multiple loose pavers that presented a trip hazard and pooled water during storms. Just as potholes form when water freezes and melts beneath the roadway, excess water seeping through your joints in the winter can chip away at a patioâs stability. Czechanski immediately noticed that the polymeric sand was helping control stormwater more effectively.
âWhen it rains, as soon as it stops, you can see the stones begin drying immediately,â he said. âPolymeric sand is protecting the base and preventing the stones from shifting.â
Polymeric sand is available in a variety of color blends, giving contractors plenty of options to fulfill the desired look of the project. Czechanski considered three colors that could serve as an accent to his Aura Sandy Point granite stones â a gray, a tan, and a brown.
âWe ended up going with the brown because it provided a nice contrast to the stones, which were lighter like the beach,â he said. âIt also helped to highlight the pattern, which had brown speckles in it.â
Installing Polymeric Sand
Filling joints with polymeric sand is simple. As seen in the clip above, the first step is to pour the sand onto the patio and use a broom to sweep it into the gaps. Excess sand is carefully swept off the patio to ensure it wonât bond to the stone face later.
Once the joints are properly filled, the installers wet the patio down with a garden hose on a shower setting â strong enough to rinse off any residue, but light enough that it wonât blast out the sand. The water activates the polymeric sand and makes it bond together.
Try out Color Combinations
You can use the Instone Visualizer to help select a stone and polymeric sand combination thatâs right for your project. The online tool enables you to upload photos of a property and instantly simulate what it would look like with Instoneâs full range of products.
Although Instone doesnât carry polymeric sand, the Visualizer does model several colors to give users a sense of how it would look with various stone types. Customers may purchase polymeric sand through their dealer or browse product choices at a local home improvement store.
From Patios to Pools: The Secret To Choosing The Right Stone
When it comes to hardscaping choices, applications matter. A property owner may have their heart set on a stone color or finish, but there are times when the available options would be a poor match for the project.
âFor a front walkway, you want something that complements the house and front steps, since itâs a focal point,â Instone Vice President of Natural Stone Products Justin Alicandro said. âFor a patio, the homeowner can go with whatever they like best because you donât typically have limitations. But for a pool, you are limited. Itâs not as simple as picking a color you like and going with it.â
When limitations stand in the way of a client’s vision, it’s up to masonry, landscaping, and hardscaping professionals to educate them and present options for a plan B.
Justin Alicandro, VP of Natural Stone, Instone
Alicandro offered some key guidelines that buyers and installers should keep in mind when choosing the right natural stone for their projects.
Budget First
A good first step for any project is for property owners to assemble as much information about the job site and their goals as possible to get the most accurate estimate. If installing a patio, they should measure the space, take pictures of the construction area, and provide it to the dealer. A professional can spot details like undulations in the turf that will require extra grading that impacts the cost.
With that done, the client will be better equipped to select a product that fits into their overall budget. Instone carries the largest selection of natural stone in the country, from fine, hard-to-find products available at the highest price point to similar-looking alternatives that cost much less. Alicandro estimates that there can be a 30 percent difference between the most and least expensive natural stone products. With patio projects often topping 1,000 square feet, the material choice can significantly affect the bottom line.
Aura Blue Ice Thermal
Pool Decking
When it comes to surrounding a pool, buyers should think with their feet. Since these areas will be enjoyed with no shoes on, itâs best to avoid finishes that are rough to the touch and stone types that will generate too much heat. Stones with natural finishes can be abrasive, become stubbing and trip hazards, and trigger accidents with children. Itâs also best to avoid dark stones that attract the sun â think of the difference between walking on black asphalt and a white sidewalk in the summer. Light color stones like travertine and quartzite are beautiful and more practical.
Alicandro said homeowners often splurge on elaborate pools with top-of-the-line mechanical infrastructure but talk themselves into saving money by using concrete stamp decking. He urges them to resist the temptation to skimp at the end of the project.
âIf youâve already spent $150,000 on pool construction, spend the extra 10 percent or so and go with what you love, and thatâs natural stone,â he said. âAt the end of the day, this is what your family, friends and neighbors are going to see.â
Finishes
Customers should consider the pluses and minuses of the available stone finishes for their specific project.
Natural Cleft: Many would argue that natural cleft is the most beautiful, natural-looking finish on the market. That doesnât mean itâs the right choice. For those living in cold northern climates, the bumpy, tough surface can make it difficult to shovel snow when used as a walkway stone. It is also rough on the feet as pool decking and its unevenness can cause furniture to wobble as a patio stone.
Honed Finish: A high percentage of stones with honed finishes are used for pool decking since itâs comfortable to walk on. Stone with honed finishes are sensitive to exposure to snow salts, though, so they are not advisable for walkways. Since patios arenât used often in the winter, these finishes can be a sensible choice.
Thermal Finish: The most popular finish of all, thermal has a natural, textured look and feel. It is practical in just about any application â it can be salted, itâs easy to clean, and has the fewest number of drawbacks.
Aura Italian Bluestone Sandstone Stair Treads
Stairs Treads and Sills
Natural stone stair treads are typically placed on top of a veneer, so it should either complement or contrast well with the other material. Although buyers should consider how the stairs will be used when selecting a finish (e.g., will people walk it barefoot, will it need to be shoveled), the selection is less about the physical and more about what looks right with the stone or veneer used for its base.
The choice considerations are similar for natural stone windowsills. For example, Alicandro said a popular trend of late has been to go bold with a black sill over a gray veneer. Sills are all the same basic size and shape, he noted, so the choice is largely one of aesthetic preference.
Aura Silver Ridge Granite
Outdoor Kitchens, Fireplaces and Firepits
Choosing the right stone for outdoor kitchen, fireplace and firepit areas is similar to selecting stone for sills. Since these heated gathering places all typically sit on top of patios, the stone styles should complement one another. If an outdoor kitchen is added to an existing patio, veneers should be selected that work well with it. If theyâre all being installed at the same time, the color choices should be coordinated in advance.
Careful consideration should be given to the stone used for an outdoor kitchenâs countertop, though. It is possible for oils and wines to stain stone, so a dark color is the safest bet. But if a lighter stone is desired, Alicandro recommends going with thermal and leathered finishes. The thermal treatment will give it a textured feel, while the leathering adds an antique look that makes it harder to stain.
Getting Started
Homeowners can consult their local stone dealer or supplier for recommendations on materials and top local installers. Dealers will have a list of businesses who theyâve worked with and received positive reviews from their customers. Contact Instone today to learn about dealers in your area or visit Instoneâs Aura Natural Landscapes page for catalogs and videos featuring our wide variety of natural stone products.
Natural Stone vs. Concrete Pavers: The Ultimate Patio Material Showdown
So youâre weighing the pros and cons of natural stone vs. concrete pavers for your patio. As you move ahead with your research, allow us to share a few data points for consideration.
The Parthenon was built in 447 with marble.
Stonehenge was built around 2,500 BC with bluestone and sarsen (a sandstone).
The Sphinx was built around 2,500 BC of limestone.
The Parthenon; Stonehenge; The Sphinx
These breathtaking structures, still standing strong after thousands of years, were all made of natural stone â some of the same varieties of stone we use for patios, pool decks, and walkways. Look at pictures of these wonders. The stone radiates atmosphere, history, and mystery. Can a concrete stamp do the same?
âWhen you have natural stone, you have a story behind it,â Instone Territory Sales Manager for New England Jake Alicandro said in a recent episode of InBuilding Design.
âYou have a stone thatâs coming from the earth, thatâs been here thousands of years, vs. a paver thatâs manufactured, thatâs only a few months old or so.â
Donât Oversimplify Patio Paver Cost
Too often, the choice of natural or artificial hardscaping comes down to cost and the notion that concrete products will save you money. Sometimes thatâs not even true. There are manufactured pavers that cost more than natural products, so buyers should compare the specific products theyâre considering.
Overall, the gap between the initial costs of concrete pavers and natural stone pavers like those produced by Aura Natural Landscapes have been narrowing. But when comparing prices, it’s important to factor in the costs of upkeep and the expected life of the product. The greater durability of natural stone can save money in the long run on repairs, maintenance, and the need to replace materials vs. concrete pavers, which are prone to suffer chipping, cracks and deterioration.
And then there are the intangibles. Getting beyond the initial material purchase, here are a few reasons why purchasing natural stone products is money better spent.
Natural Stone Pavers Retain Their Natural Beauty
Aura Oxford Buff Sandstone
Mother Nature is a talented designer. Natural stone is full of the speckles, swirls, tints and other details that give each piece its own unique character. Thereâs a reason why many manufactured stone varieties are created to look as much like natural stone as possible.
âThe great part of natural stone is the creativity you see within it,â Alicandro said. âYou have stones that have a lot of movement in them, and there are stones that are very uniform and linear. The possibilities are endless when it comes to natural stone.â
You can amplify those qualities by laying out your stones in irregular patterns. Irregular pavers are pieces of stone that are not uniform in shape and size, like squares or rectangles, but can be arranged together to create attractive mosaics that call other patterns in nature to mind. Aura Natural Landscapes irregular pavers come in consistent cuts designed to fit together like a puzzle, making them 10 times faster to install than other irregular flagging products.
Aura Silver Ridge Irregular Pattern
Eliminate the Vulnerability of Concrete Pavers
Manufactured pavers have come a long way, but even the best of them canât match the shelf life of natural stone. They are far stronger structurally.
According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), an independent organization that develops standards for construction materials, typical granites can withstand 16,000-25,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure; sandstones upwards of 15,000 PSI; and limestones in the range of 8,000 PSI. The regular concrete used for projects like patios and sidewalks support in the neighborhood of 2,500 PSI.
Even if your stones or concrete wonât be used for a project that will bear the brunt of heavy weights on a regular basis, the elements will deal plenty of abuse over time. The harsh freeze-thaw cycles of the Northeast and the extreme heat waves of the South expand and contract your material, causing a gradual degradation. Concrete pavers are more vulnerable to these swings. .
The fresh appearance of concrete pavers also wonât hold up like a high-quality natural stone. Concrete paver colors are made with pigments and dyes that eventually fade from exposure to sun and the elements, while standard white concrete tends to stain. Take a look at the sidewalks and curbs around your town â are they pretty to look at? And while trends in paver colors and patterns come and go, a classic natural stone never goes out of style.
Aura Italian Bluestone Sandstone
The Eco-Friendly Choice
The concrete manufacturing process is energy intensive and can rely on chemicals, rocks, cement, and other ingredients being shipped from far and wide. The Natural Stone Institute notes, âFrom an overall sustainability perspective, natural stone has a lower environmental footprint than precast concrete. This is due to the minimal resources used to quarry, fabricate, finish, and transport natural stone. ⌠Every step in the precast concrete manufacturing process requires the use of a lot of energy, which contributes to their total global warming potential.â
No environmental harm comes from the disposal of stone. In fact, the waste materials from quarrying and preparing natural stone flagging can be recycled for a range of uses, including gravel, artificial reefs, the foundations of construction sites, the bedding beneath patios, and even as ingredients of concrete.
For these reasons, using natural stone can help a project earn points to attain a U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
Aura Sandy Point
Go Natural
To learn more about the possibilities for a property you own or are working on with natural stone products, visit our Aura Natural Landscapes page . There you can browse its online catalog of granites, sandstones, marbles and other natural stone varieties in a range of colors and patterns, all competitively priced. You can also count on Auraâs design services team to collaborate with your architects, consultants, and other professionals through each project phase.
3 Superior Building Materials for Luxury Home Construction and Renovations
High Quality Stonework Transforms Homes
From cellar to ceiling, from front yard to fence line, nothing can transform a home quite like high-quality stone work. Natural stone products have the power to set the atmosphere of a room, boost curb appeal, and make a property feel like a personal vacation getaway.
When it comes to high-end residential building projects, choosing the right products can make all the difference. Luxury building products possess distinct characteristics that set them apart from standard materials. The allure of exquisite craftsmanship, superior quality, innovative features, customization options, and the ability to fulfill client expectations drives builders to seek out these materials.
Aura Silver Ridge Granite
Instone carries a trifecta of natural stone brands that experts consider as best-in-class for veneer, hardscaping, and fireplaces: Pangaea Natural Stone, Aura Natural Landscapes, and Isokern Fireplaces & Chimneys. Used in combination, the trio works together seamlessly to make residential building projects and luxury home renovations beautiful on the inside and out.
By using luxury building products in their projects, builders can create remarkable structures that exemplify sophistication, durability, and unparalleled beauty.
Using low-quality materials can have the opposite effect. In an episode of our InBuilding Design series covering the differences between natural and manufactured stone products, Instone President Kevin Grotke observed that lesser-quality artificial stones look âobviousâ and can cheapen the look of a home.
âSometimes we’ll call it ‘Chiclets’ when you see an entire stone painted red, and then brown, and then orange â it just looks fake,â Grotke said. âI think the unfortunate thing is, a lot of people don’t know what they’re putting on their home, and it’s permanent.”
‘Chiclets’ example
Ultimately, the highest-quality materials elevate the overall construction experience and deliver exceptional results that leave a lasting impression on both builders and their clients. Their innovative design, factory preparation, and packaging also allow builders and contractors to complete jobs faster, saving homeowners money in the process.
Below we explore why Pangaea, Aura, and Isokern are an ideal triple play for custom home construction and renovations.
More Than A Pretty Face
Pangaea Natural Stone Veneer
Pangaea Natural Stone veneer stands apart from its peers on the strength of its quality and innovative features.
Stones are available in seven unique patterns and styles, each with multiple color options, providing plenty of possibilities to suit any living space.
Pangaeaâs pallet layers come pre-arranged in an optimal blend of stone colors and sizes so theyâre ready for immediate installation. Each pallet of Pangaea stones comes pre-cut, tooled, trimmed, and fitted, simplifying the installation process and ensuring greater quality control.
Additionally, each stone is pre-scored with grooves to ensure secure, long-term adhesion to any surface.
Pangaea Fieldstone Westcoast
Handpicked Stone & Personal Attention
Aura Natural Landscapes
Unmatched quality, consistent availability, and superior stone fabrication services, that’s Aura Natural Landscapes. Customers and masonry professionals alike consider Aura a premier partner from sourcing to completion.
Auraâs extensive network offers access to the top stone products from quarries around the globe, whether for patios, steps, poolside pavers, pebble edging, walkways, or other hardscaping improvements.
Aura offers a deep catalog of granites, sandstones, marbles, and other natural stone varieties in colors ranging from classic speckled grays to ruddy earth tones, all competitively priced.
A projectâs design professionals can also count on Auraâs design services team to help unlock their creative ability by collaborating closely with architects, consultants, and others through each project phase.
Aura Misty Blue Marble Blue Mist Granite
Superior Warmth & Selection
Isokern Fireplaces
Isokern manufactures high-end modular fireplaces made from pumice (volcanic rock), the most energy-efficient material on earth.
The Icelandic pumice used in Isokern components has remarkable refractive properties that distribute heat back into a room. This sets it apart from site-built concrete, metal, and masonry fireplaces.
Modular Isokern fireplaces are not only quick to install, often taking less than a day, but are also more cost-effective compared to traditional masonry fireplaces.
Isokern includes options for wood-burning and gas, vented and vent-free fireplaces. This makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Isokern offers a complete line of fireplaces and complementary products, including firebrick, fireplace stone, flues, and Isoset mortar.
Isokern Magnum Series
The Allure of Luxury Building Products
Luxury building products hold a distinct appeal in the construction trades. Builders who are dedicated to creating exceptional and high-end structures understand the importance of selecting materials that will help them exude that quality. Here are some of the top attributes Instoneâs masonry and installation partners say they look for in their products.
Exquisite Craftsmanship: Builders seek out materials that display exceptional attention to detail and meticulous artistry. Whether ornate moldings, intricate metalwork, or finely crafted custom cabinetry, these elements showcase the dedication and expertise of skilled artisans.
Superior Quality and Durability: Builders prioritize materials that are designed to stand the test of time, ensuring that structures maintain their appearance for years to come. From top-of-the-line veneer for a façade to flagging that can endure harsh freeze-thaw cycles, natural stone products offer unparalleled strength and resilience.
Eco-Friendliness: Homebuyers and developers are factoring sustainability into purchasing decisions with more prominence than ever. Builders are responding by expanding their use of environmentally friendly materials and seeking out manufacturers that go the extra mile to reduce their carbon footprints.
Pangaea is recognized internationally as a trailblazer for the steps taken to make its operations and products more sustainable. Among them are its recycling of waste materials and water, renewable energy use, and specially designed packing crates to thwart the spread of invasive pests.
Unique and Customizable Options: Builders are drawn to luxury building products that allow for personalization, ensuring that the finished structure stands out as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. From custom-designed tiles or irregular flagging, the ability to tailor these products to the project’s specific requirements allows builders to create a truly exceptional and personalized space for their clients.
Prestige and Client Expectations: Luxury materials evoke a sense of prestige and exclusivity, reflecting the status and lifestyle that clients desire. These products help builders fulfill their clients’ aspirations and create an atmosphere of opulence and refinement.Â
Aura Natural Landscapes revolutionary new product wows installers and homeowners
This seasons’ most sought-after product for backyard patios bring a rustic, natural look that standard backyard pavers can’t beat. Thanks to consistent cuts, and stone pavers that fit together like pieces of a puzzle, irregular flagging is in high demand. Irregular flagging is showing up in backyard patios, walkways, and poolside hardscaping.
Installers commonly assume that irregular flagging projects take more time and money than standard ones. This is because the stones used have different thicknesses and shapes. However, Aura Natural Landscapes is turning this notion on its head by producing precut, consistent stones. They are 10 times faster to install than other irregular flagging products. .
Irregular flagging, sometimes called irregular pavers, are flat pieces of stone that are not uniform in shape and size. Arranged together, they create attractive mosaics that can call other patterns in nature to mind, like the turtle shell or rocks scattered along a brook. Irregular stones are often also spread apart as stepping stones. They can form a paver walkway on surfaces like grass lawns, gravel paths, or mulch bedding.
Eliminate Joint Pains in Paver Installations
âIrregular flagging is most attractive when masons can work the stone and create consistent joints throughout the whole patio or surface,â Instoneâs Vice President of Natural Stone Products Justin Alicandro said. He noted that many irregular flagging applications arenât completed this way, though, due to the cost of installation. With most products on the market, achieving consistent joints requires the mason to shape each stone so it fits smoothly next to the other irregular shapes. This is a process that can be laborious and lead to waste.
âJust in a 2-foot stretch of one joint, youâll see some installers go from 3 inches to a half-inch wide,â Alicandro said. âThey just shape it quickly and throw it down, even though it looks sloppy.â
Auraâs irregular flagging solves this issue thanks to its signature precut, repeating pattern of seven stones that fit easily together. The eye sees an irregular pattern, but for the installer, itâs a no-hassle job.
Consistent Thickness Reduces Time and Waste
Another challenge with installing the majority of irregular flagging products is their varying thickness. Most are extremely inconsistent in thickness which creates installation issues. This forces the mason to either shape or cut the stone to a routine width in order to lay the pavers. Or, they need to add/remove subbase material beneath every stone to ensure they donât bulge or dip.
Aura eliminated the need for that work by producing its irregular flagging stones at a consistent 1.5â thickness. Installers can simply screed the sub-base and start laying stones one after another. Installing Aura irregular pavers proceeds at a pace no different than regular pavers.
âWith most install jobs, the cost is 70 percent labor and 30 percent material,â Alicandro said. âBecause Aura is precut and the thickness is gauged, it saves a tremendous amount of labor.â
Landscape designer Cysilia Schaub chose Aura irregular flagging when she needed hardscaping materials for an extensive lakefront backyard project. The job called for materials that accentuated the propertyâs natural environment and were durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic and could be delivered and installed on a tight deadline.
âThe way this product came â precut, premeasured in each pallet to fit the pattern, the material was gauged, thermaled on the top, the joints were perfect â the installation was really quick,â Schaub said.
Versatile for Outdoor Living Designs
Aura has two attractive colors of standard stock irregular stones available for a quick order: Blue Mist and Silver Ridge granite. For projects with lead times greater than about four months, Aura can make just about any other color in its stone catalog available for order, Alicandro said.
The stones can be cut easily with a regular masonry saw to fit them against a house, steps, or other structures. Instoneâs in-house fabrication and design service is available to assist with any special cuts needed for your project. Coordinating treads, coping and widestock are also available for a cohesive outdoor space.
Irregular flagging projects have been especially hot in markets like the Midwest and northern New England, where people tend to have larger properties that can showcase the sizable stones. Although they are commonly used in projects 1,000 square feet and larger, Alicandro said it ultimately comes down to the taste and vision of the property owner.
To learn more about the possibilities for a property you own or are working on with irregular pattern products, visit our Aura Natural Landscapes page.
