|
|
Home
| About
Us
| Info
| Buy
| Sell
| To
Pay
| Images
| Library
| Advice
| Search
| RSS
Feeds
| Site
Map
| Contact
Us
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q 2343: How many square feet would 1 ton of this flagstone cover? Is it suitable for a flagstone deck? Julie, July 30, Reply |
| R1: Julie: your question is similar to asking how big is a room. More information is needed such as the density of the material (wt./ cubic foot), how thick the material is sawn, or split if natural cleft, and how it is to be set. Our Texas limestone as a rule of thumb, weighs around 140 lbs/ cubic foot, and one ton will cover about 80 sq. ft when sawn 2.25 inches thick, and 145 sq. feet when sawn 1.25 inches thick. This is the coverage estimate for random shapes and sizes laid as "crazy work". Heavier stones will give less coverage. JVC, USA |
| Q 2270: Hello, We recently had a flagstone patio installed. The color is too dark (peach), and we would like to know if there is a way to lighten it without damaging the stone. Thanks. Susan, July 20, Reply |
| R1: Dear Susan: Nope! Ciao and good luck, Maurizio, USA |
| A 2113: I want to lay bricks about 2'' feet high around the bottom of my house. How do I go about doing this? Thank you, Robert, June 25, Reply |
| A 1879: We're building a retaining wall some 30' long and 3' high; wondering how comparable lannon stone is with fieldstone or thick timbers (6"x6") in terms of coverage per square foot and cost per square foot. Can you help? May 15. Reply |
| A 1864:Need information on patio surfaces suitable and beautiful for a 2500 square ft patio in Miami Florida. Is tumbled marble suitable (Is it too soft?, or does it stain? 2 major concerns that have been brought to my attention) I know that it is a suitable insert, but how about as a primary material? And, would a granite patio in this weather get too hot, given its density and texture/smoothness? I am aware that I must use it UNpolished. We have been referred to slate, but it often seems to look overly rustic for what we are looking for. Also, does slate chip easily? We are told that it does. Any other ideas? Everyone here seems to use Saturnia or travertine or some prefab stained or formed concrete or some shellstone, and it often looks uninteresting. Thank you, Cheryl, May 15. Reply |
| R2: Dear Cheryl: Flamed finished granite is "your man". It won't get any hotter than any other stone. Yes, Slate is fragile and soft. Tumbled marble wouldn't be so bad, either. Ciao and good luck, Maurizio, USA |
| R1: There are large format tumbled marble that may do the trick. The process removes the shine and gives the material texture. Ask your local stone retailers about it. Regards, Steven, USA |
| A 1859:I want to order in some modular granite pavers to do the driveway. The big question is with sizes of 6X6, 6X12, 12X12, 4X4, 4X6 how thick does the granite need to be when laid on a 12" 95% compacted base and 1/2"-1" bedding sand? In other words I will have the base prepared to the specs of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute but with concrete pavers, minimum thickness is 2 3/8". I know in some countries like china they pave their roads with 3cm granite slabs. Are there any international specs that address this issue? Tom,May 14.Reply |
| A 1539: Need information about how to make a patio of sandstone, and how to care for it. Thx/Paivi. March 14. Reply |
| A 1494: I was planning
on building a small koi pond in my backyard and I am hoping
that you would have some helpful information on: 1. The type of flagstone that would be best (I like gray) 2. Where to get it 3. How much it would cost. Thank you for your time! Jeff, USA, March 4. Reply |
| R1: We have a stone in East Tennessee called Crab Orchard Flagstone. It comes in various thickness and size and works very well with water features. Email me back and I can provide pictures and pricing. Randy, USA |
| A 1481: I recently was asked to fix a cinder block retaining wall for my neighbor. Part of it has fallen over, the cement base is still there. I have a general idea of how to do it. I was just wondering if there are any tips I could acquire that would help in time and stability. Its a simple wall, nothing fancy, just want to do it good. Any help would be appreciated, thank you very much. Mike, USA, Feb 28. Reply |
| R1: Mike This is not rocket science, but there are some tips that will help insure a good, lasting job. First, you should consider dowelling the block to the concrete foundation with rebar and filling those cells solid with grout. This should be done at a minimum of every 4 feet. Second, if the wall is going up very high, you should consider using some lateral (horizontal) reinforcing such as durowall every 2 -3 block courses, or a poured bond beam every 4 feet vertical, or at least at the top. Finally, the thing that is most likely to cause a retaining wall failure is hydrostatic pressure building up behind the wall, so make sure that you provide some means of drainage through the wall. Put some pieces of pipe through the wall, and make sure the backwall side is covered with a layer of gravel to insure any water accumulating behind the wall has a way out. Good Luck. JVC, USA Reply |
| A 1453: Can you suggest a web site or the process of cutting lannon stone to smaller sizes for a garden site? Baker, Feb 19, Reply |
| A 1449:
I am looking for a "chunk" of granite, to purchase! It doesn't
have to be anything special. I have a special "garden" project this year. For it I need a chunk of granite about the size of a bushel basket. I would prefer the "black" if I could find it... My questions....can I get it in the Southwestern Part of Pennsylvania, like the Pittsburgh area... Question #2...How much would it weigh? Question #3...How much would it cost? Question #4...Could I carry it in a pickup truck? Feb 18. Reply |
| R1:
You can look in the Yellow Pages under STONE or Landscape Materials. Granite weighs 186lbs/cubic foot. A bushel basket is about 1.5 cubic feet. So the weight would be about 250-290 lbs. Cost - anywhere between 8 - 15 Cents/LB is usual. It could be easily carried in a pickup, but unloading it at the desired site will be a problem. Please hire competent help. 250 + pounds is a lot to rest on a foot. JDA, USA Reply |
| A 1451: Please let me know the another name of the Copping stone as mentioned in enquiry No. e 2450. Regards Pankaj, Feb 18. Reply |
| A 1430: Help! We recently purchased a home, in an existing neighborhood in northern Oregon where it rains all the time! Our home and yard are slightly lower than our neighbor's, which causes many rain puddles all around our house. What can I do? Thanks! Lisa. Feb 12. Reply |
| R4: Hi Lisa, I'm from Vancouver, Canada just north of you but up here this would not be your problem at all ! Check the town or city bylaws as I know that at least up here if the higher neighbor's property is causing a water problem with you then it is up to him by law to put in a retaining wall and properly drain his property without causing you the problems. The cost is not split but you can offer if need be. Terry, Canada. |
| R3:
Hello Lisa! Well, being English I'm not sure what you mean by 'yard'
is it a hard surface or grass? Anyway it sounds as though you have
a clay soil and need to provide drainage. A quick and cheap way might be to dig a 'Soakaway', a pit as wide as you like, and as deep as you can manage, probably several feet will be needed or more if its clay all the way down. Then refill with loose stone/gravel and very sandy soil with a little lime mixed in. Plant a nice leafy shrub that likes lime soils and if it works in that area dig a couple more where needed. If I was nearer I come and help, Roy, UK, Reply |
| R2: Lisa.. Do about what? Obviously you can not change the elevation of your home, nor change the fact that water runs down hill and collects in low lying areas. Can you change the drainage from your yard without creating additional head aches for your neighbors? An impervious ground cover may only cause you more problems. How high is your floor level above grade? Best thing you can do is get a landscape architect to look at the situation and follow his advice. JVC, USA Reply |
| R1: Re grade the yard so that you can direct water out and away. A good landscape contractor should be able to help you. Regards, Steven, USA Reply |
| A 1347: I am looking for information on Lannon Sussex stone for wall veneer and boulder application in a private park, do you have anything on this subject. Ed, Jan 18. Reply |
| A 1312: I am an architect and one of our clients has requested that we construct a water wall inside his new retail store with a stepped slate -- i.e., horizontal pieces of slate in a random pattern protruding two to three inches from the face of the wall to create a rock ledge effect. Where can we purchase this type of material? How should we specify installation of the material if it will be exposed to water constantly during operation of the fountain? Sincerely, Thomas, USA, Jan 9. Reply |
| R4: Dear Thomas: Interesting project - but take care! The choice of stone here is quite important because of the prolonged fluid contact. From a cost perspective you will probably be advised to use slate. This can work for a while but there are usually long-term problems in using this type of rock. Slate is strong (across its bed) and usually not very absorbent. But it is layered and very commonly contains a fine sprinkling of iron sulphide (usually pyrite). Many of the cheaper slates (sources unnamed) have a scattering of large sulphide crystals as well as small ones. Where do you think all the colours come from - from the weathering of minerals and the remobilization or distribution of these weathering products through the multitude of layers. If you must use slate ensure that a suitably qualified stone scientist does a careful petrographic examination or analysis (especially reflected light) on one or preferably more samples of the "preferred" stone (around $A200). Similar caution is suggested for other stones as well because of the unusual application that you have in mind. However, there are a number of other stone varieties that could be less troublesome. These include porphyries (siliceous volcanic rocks), quartzites, and black granites. Porphyries are generally very tough (typically used for high traffic paving) and resistant to weathering. They are also often hand-split to give a natural cleaved finish. Similarly, quartzites (fused sandstones) are very hard, tough, resistant to weathering, and rarely contain deleterious minerals. Even some black granites (dolerites) can be used because of the common absence of 'nasty' minerals and their low absorption (typically below 0.10%). Because of the resistant properties outlined above I would question the need for sealing these rock types. If your eventual stone supplier implores that the stone be sealed ask for a detailed explanation on the rationale of doing so, get it in writing, and send it to me. (Dr.) Hans, Australia Reply |
| R3: Is this product required for isolated repairs? If so - you can use stone adhesive for this procedure. Please let us know where you are located so we can provide you with information on distribution. Art, USA Reply |
| R2: The use of domestic US slates may be the best course of action. Water of course will eventually erode the wall. The installation system really depends on the substrate as well as many other variables. The first thing to do is to check the ASTM value of the slate. I will generally say that many stone setting supply companies have materials for this type of installation. I would lean toward epoxy based setting materials to start my research. The most important variable is to utilize a stone setter who is competent. I have been asked to review many failures that were installation related. Not due to malicious negligence usually, but due to ignorance of long term factors. Best regards, Steven, USA Reply |
| R1: Dear Mr. Thomas: Water- walls can be made with any natural stone. Yes, slate is the preferred material as it gives a more rustic and natural appearance. We can procure this material from India for you. The slate will have to be properly sealed with an underwater epoxy as it will always remain submerged in water. Areas around the water-wall will require sealing and will also require a water repellent coating as there is liable to be some splashing and the water may leave marks on the surrounding areas after it dries. We manufacture underwater epoxy and the same can be used for sealing and fixing of the stones. Regards Arun, India Reply |
| Please forward information on how to obtain and apply the underwater epoxy and slate. Sincerely, Thomas, Architect. USA. Reply |
| Dear Mr. Thomas: Thank you for showing interest in our suggestion. Underwater epoxy is a special epoxy preparation, which can be applied to moist or even wet substrates and is perfectly stable submerged in water. This epoxy is normally used in dams, jetties, ports, bridges etc. to seal concrete structures and protect them from water and chemical ingression. We manufacture a generic epoxy product Under water grade. We can ship the material to you. The price is US $ 50.00 per kg ex-India One kg of epoxy should cover about 25 sq. ft. On coating the slate with this epoxy, the color of the slate will change and it will acquire a "WET LOOK", which in our case will not make a difference as there will always be water on the slate. Hope you will find the above information in order. Regards Arun, India Reply |
| A 1272: This evening I watched a program on HGTV and they put in a formal garden which was absolutely gorgeous. The project was very involved and they used 60 TONS of TENNESSE CRAB ORCHARD STONE. Just as a matter curiosity I was wondering, in a ballpark figure, just what they spent on the stone, alone! Believe me, I have neither the intention nor the wherewithal to undertake such a project, I simply couldn't begin to estimate the cost of the project that was presented and was struck by the amount of stone that was used. If someone could satisfy my curiosity that would be great! Thanks, Cindy. Dec 19. Reply |
| R1: Tenn. Crab Orchard retails in Texas for about $240.00 / ton. JVC, USA Reply |
| Thanks for the information - while it is costly, it's not as much as I had imagined! Thanks again, Cindy |
| A 1264: I have successfully grouted field stone as you typically would grout a ceramic floor tile (floating the joints and then sponging excess grout away) in this application I used a Muratic acid wash to remove excess mortar. Will I have a problem using an acid wash on a flagstone veneer patio project? Dec 15. Reply |
| R3: Dear Lively: It all depends from the stone you're dealing with. Many a stone will be badly damaged by Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic). Make a test on a piece of scrap, before you do anything you may get to regret big time! Ciao, Maurizio, USA Reply |
| R2: This is really going to depend on what the stone is. If it is limestone or marble, the acid wash will probably be a disaster. If it is a silicate based stone, such as a sandstone, and the material cementing the grains together in the stone is non calcareous than the acid may work for you. Suggest that you test a small out of the way area before applying the wash to the entire patio. good luck, JVC, USA Reply |
| R1: The use of Muriatic acid on flagstone is suitable as long as the use is controlled. Firstly wet down the surface to minimize intake of acid into the stone. When the surface has started to dry off apply the acid solution - 10% should be strong enough, finally make sure the surface is washed down afterwards to remove excess acidity. Regards Jim, Australia Reply |
| A 1247: Hello, I found your site very interesting and helpful. I am a kind of handyman and I would like to decorate my entry house with some natural stone, not polished. Because the surface is small (around 100sq.f.), I am looking what is the best way to find what is the proper stone and where in my area (Montgomery County, MD) I could find a stone deposit for such small quantity. Thank you, Dan, Dec 9. Reply |
| R1: Go to your local tile store and ask them. You can also try a landscape supply company as well. Best Regards, Steven, USA Reply |
| A 1217: I am interested in info on granite, limestone, and other stones used for building interiors and exterior cladding and paving. I would like a "sample box" or some other comprehensive sampling of your product line for my resource library. I have two projects that I need this for immediately. Thanks. Robert, USA, Nov 26. Reply |
| A 1173: I am designing a freestanding garden wall (4' tall by 30' long by 8" wide) to border a reflecting pool and want it to be made of or clad in slate. Any suggestions for what would be easier, and/or more cost efficient? Also, I am concerned about how slate acts in a high freeze-thaw cycle like a Chicago winter. Any suggestions would be helpful. Best Regards, Tai, USA, Nov 10, Reply |
| R1: Tai,
Get in touch with a professional stone mason to devise the wall.
Typically you could start out with a concrete block wall and dry
stack the stone for the best look. More cost efficient (less stone)
is to face clad the stone. The local mason will advise you on the
best adhesives and methods for your geographic area. Best regards Steven, USA Reply |
A 1084:
I would like information on landscaping stone products market
(international). Micheal, Canada, Sept. 1. Reply
R2: Dear Sir, We can hand craft many products naming Bass
releif carvings , benches , planters , basins , grills , pillars and
such other land scape products .We can craft as per your drawings. Suketu,
Reply
R1: I have several landscape boulders for sale. Are you interested?
KELLY, Reply
A 1053: Hello, I am interested
in a property located in Sonora, CA. This property is in the foothills. On
the property, behind the house, is a large decomposed granite hill.
Would you think that there may be any danger with this large stone
hillside? Would you recommend we have someone investigate
this site for safety? We know nothing about decomposed granite. Thank
you, Bob, USA, July 23, Reply
R1:
Dear
Bob, granite is quite solid rock even if it is decomposed. I do not
know the degree of decomposition. If the rock is only fractured
or it is disintegrated to sand, I do not know whether it is a natural
slope or an artificial one as a quarry. The stability of the granite
slope depends on the inclination of hill slope and the degree of disintegration.
Very steep granite slope can be partly destroyed after strong earthquake.
Try to ask neighbors, if there were some problems with granite hill
in past. If it seems to be very dangerous find some environmental geologist.
Daniel, Slovakia Contact
A 1047: Need to know where to buy quality flagstones in the Dallas - fort worth area for small do it yourself patio extension. 50 square feet sand base. Any recommendations on thickness of tile or type? If I do a large pool deck later will I be able to match the flagstone easily. My wife likes gray. I saw a Montana Flagstone that I liked but it seems thin. Who cares what I think? Vince, USA, June 9. reply.
R1:
Vince----- we own and operate 3 dep approved pa flagstone quarries,
selling all types of flag stone please, e mail me is to what you want
to do and might be able to help thanks Martin, USA, reply.
A 994:
I live in a community jost north of Boston. I have a small back
yard that is fenced in. It is very difficult for me to mow.
I want to kill everything that grows outside of the garden beds surrounding
the house and garage, then cover them with stone of some sort.
My two dogs are let out in the yard so the stone should have two qualities
1. They should not hurt the dogs' feet and 2. Will allow easy
and complete clean up. Color is not really an issue because I can be
creative with colors in gardening. What kind of stone would you
suggest? What might be a fair price in my area? What kind of ground
preparation would you suggest? Thanks. Saylor, USA. May 23 reply
R1:
I
think you should be looking at flagstones that offer strong colours
to hide stains from your dogs’ indiscretions. This would suit a less
formal garden. Sandstone is an option if you want a more formal
setting but durability and staining are more of an issue. Some
sandstone are banded or figured to help disguise stains. Regards,
Jim, Australia Contact
A 985:
I want to use marble tiles on a cement deck which goes around my pool.
Is there a textured marble tile available in the market. My concern
is the problem of slipping on the wet tile while walking around
the pool also can this type of tile withstand temps below freezing.
Ron, USA. May 17 reply
R2: I
would recommend flamed Granite 3/4". it can be done on side or in the
shop. The texture will prevent slippery when wet. Flamed: A rough surface
that is developed through intense heat. During fabrication,
the stone is heated up and the crystals begin to pop, thus forming
a rough surface. This surface is very porous and must be treated with
sealers. Pini, USA. Contact
R1:
Dear
Ron: Simply put, you're looking for trouble. Instead of marble you'd
be better off looking for granite. It's much better for outdoors. As
far as texture is concerned, I would choose "flamed". Good luck, Maurizio,
USA Contact
A 984:
Help!! I am searching for information involving decomposed granite
and how to work with this product especially how to build or make a
patio under my arbor. Nora, USA. May 16 reply
Q 904: I am wondering about the durability of sandstone. How would it hold up if used in a simulated river-like water feature, with fast moving water? It is supposed to be stepping stones across the "river". I am worried about erosion. Ron, USA, March 15 Reply
Reply
A 969:
The area is 18 feet x 12 feet. The sizes of stones or flags are:
(11) 30"x18", (17) 24"x24", (17) 12"x18", (19) 12"x24", (15) 18x24",
(25) 12"x12". Please advise as to how to create a pattern. Gerald,
USA, April 26. Reply
A 967: I would like to find a site that can help me design a
backyard patio, with either blocks or concrete blocks. Rosepetal,
USA, April 24. Reply
A 965:
I am looking for landscaping designs for a perennial garden and
the use of 3/4 ton of Sandy Creek natural 6" stones. please help.thanks.
Deb, USA, April 21. Reply
A 964:
We want to install a flagstone walkway in our garden. We
would like to do the project our selves, but we have no idea how to
start. How do I know which stone is right for the job? How
do I know how much to buy? Is it sold in square feet? By weight?
If sold by weight, how do I know how much I need? We really are
going at this blindly. Any help you could give would be great.
Thanks, Allison, USA, April 19. Reply
A 960:
My name is Tim and I am a Landscape Contracting major at Delaware
College. I am doing my senior seminar on patios and walkways
and was wondering if you could send me any pictures of different types
of stone or any info that you may have that would be of help. Thank
you, Tim, USA, April 17, Reply
A 952: I want to lay a sandstone patio myself, but I am unsure
of the cost and the labor involved in laying the patio. Can you
help? Thank you, Carrie, USA, March 29, Reply
A 948: I am interested in landscaping areas around hedges with decorative stones or polished stone stones. Louis, USA, March 24, Reply
A 938: I have my rear yard dedicated to my dogs with two dog kennels. My landscaper put stone in the entire rear yard last year and I had a professional looking kennel and yard. After a few months I realized that this type of stone was too punishing on my dogs’ feet, especially when they would run and play frisbee or ball. Is there a good stone that would achieve all my objectives? - Easy on the dog's feet and legs - easy to clean dogs waste off and rinse with a hose - big enough to discourage the dogs from digging - decorative and can help minimize the smell of urine in the summer months? Anything you can advise me would be greatly appreciated. Glen, USA, March 9. Reply
| Views expressed are not of FindStone.com. |