Apr 22, 2021 | aggregate concrete, concrete, curb appeal, custom stonework, hardscape, home appeal, natural landscape, stone pathway, stonework
Have you ever seen a piece of a driveway or sidewalk that had a decorative piece of stone? If so, you were looking at what they call exposed aggregate concrete. Exposed aggregate concrete is a style of decorative concrete. It is created after removing the upper layer of the cement paste. This type of concrete is extremely durable, slip-resistant, and lasts a long time. If you are looking to save cost, then one way is to add exposed aggregate concrete on your poolside areas. They are also a great choice for driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Since they are so durable and sturdy, exposed aggregate concrete are resistant from cracks and other kinds of physical damages. They also do not cost as much as stone so you can easily use them when improving your home.
Exposed aggregate concrete can just about be compared to a piece of granite or marble that is transformed by polishing. In other words, it is like an ordinary surface has been stripped away to show its true beauty underneath. When it comes to concrete, that beauty comes in the form of decorative aggregate, either natural or manufactured.
Benefits of Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Exposed aggregate concrete comes along with many benefits, including the following.
Easy to get decorative textures and effects at a decent price.
A simple procedure and anyone who deals with concrete can master the technique quite quickly. Exposed aggregate concrete can be installed in one or two days, and you can hire a professional to make sure the job is done right.
This type of concrete provides surfaces that are skid-resistant, strong, and able to survive severe weather and climatic conditions; therefore, they are not affected by moisture and they last a long time.
There are many different options for you to choose from when it comes to colors, designs, and textures.
Requires very little maintenance. All that needs to be done is to clean them occasionally with water.
Where Is It Used?
Due to the fact that it is durable and skid-resistant, exposed aggregate is perfect for most flatworks such as sidewalks, driveways, patios, pool decks, and plazas. Other possible places to use exposed aggregate finish are decorative retaining walls, sound barrier walls, and architectural building facades.
How to Choose Decorative Aggregate
The color palette that is used is mainly determined by the type of decorative stone that is used. The aggregate that you choose to use will have an impact on the total cost of the project. Keep in mind that it is not necessary to purchase expensive aggregate in order to achieve beautiful results.
When choosing aggregate, consider the following main factors:
- Color
- Hardness
- Size and gradation
- Shape
- Method of exposure
- Durability
- Cost and availability
The most common decorative aggregates include richly colored natural stones, such as basalts, granite, quartz, or limestone. However, manufactured materials, such as recycled colored glass, is another option, as well as other interesting objects including seashells.
The size and shape of decorative aggregate also vary. The size determines the depth of exposure and the shape can affect the surface patter and texture. Aggregates that are round offer the best coverage and a smoother surface, whereas angular aggregates provide more texture and dimension. Try not to use flat or sliver-shaped pieces because they do not hold well during the exposure process and can come out easily.
It is important to not use aggregates that contain substances that can stain the concrete, such as iron oxides and iron pyrites.
Decorative aggregate concrete can add beauty to your driveway, sidewalks, and patios, as well as add an interesting piece to your landscape. When it comes to installing aggregate concrete, it is important to leave it to the professionals. The experts at Fritz Stonework and Retaining Walls have had a lot of experience incorporating decorative aggregate to a variety of landscape pieces. If you are thinking about adding decorative aggregate concrete, then call us today at (636) 861-1530 to discuss the different options we have to offer you.
Apr 13, 2021 | custom stonework, hardscape, landscaping, lanscape company, masonry, retaining walls
Your landscape is one of the first things visitors and anyone driving by notice. Not only does your landscape provide peace and relaxation for you, but it can also increase your house value if you ever decided to sell. One of the best ways to improve your outdoor space is to add a retaining wall. Retaining walls enhance the look of a patio and provide protection for the outlying soil. There are many benefits to retaining walls besides providing a pleasing aesthetic addition to your yard. They also offer a correct structure element to protect any yard.
Retaining walls act as a perfect highlight to your yard. One great benefit of retaining walls is the fact that they protect against soil erosion by helping to stop soil shifting and moving, therefore keeping the structures around your backyard from possible damage.
Another reason retaining walls are a perfect addition to your landscape is that they are made from concrete and stone, which are extremely durable and long-lasting. They are designed and built to survive storms, flooding, and other major ground movements. Whatever possible damage that could come from this type of movement will be minimal to none. This means that less maintenance will be required to help keep your yard looking prosperous. Retaining walls not only protect what is in your yard, but it also protects the structures and buildings around it.
Sometimes concrete retaining walls are compared to barriers or dams. They serve as a barrier, protecting the yard, structures, and property from unusual soil movement and flooding, just like how a dam protects ground and structures from water. In fact, retaining walls are so strong they are able to endure storms, flooding, ground movement, and objects that are dropped or thrown into them reducing the maintenance that needs to be done to them.
Besides having structural benefits, retaining walls are important for leveling off your property. If you have a steep hillside, it can be difficult to plant shrubs and gardens doing down a grade. With the help of a retaining wall, you are able to have extra gardening space on your land. Retaining walls not only expand the leveling surfaces for gardening and provide built-in seating, but they also enhance the look of your landscape. They also provide a unique view when comparing your landscape to other properties that do not have retaining walls, which increases your property’s value.
It is often thought that not every house necessarily needs a retaining wall or could benefit from one. However, before deciding whether or not to build one, you should consider contacting a professional contractor who specializes in retaining wall to get more details. If a professional contractor believes your home could greatly benefit from a retaining wall, then you should think about adding one to your yard.
If you are considering integrating a retaining wall to your landscape or are simply interested in hearing more about retaining walls, contact Fritz Stonework and Retaining Walls at (636) 861-1530. Our professional team members would be happy to talk to you more about the benefits and help figure out if a retaining wall is right for your yard. Call us today!
Mar 22, 2021 | curb appeal, lanscape company, outdoor fireplace, outdoor living space, patio, patio pavers, paving, retaining wall, softscape, stone, stone pathway, stonework
The goal of most homeowners is to make their property look great and be a functional space for living, working, and enjoying time with family and friends. On the inside of the home, there are many easy and semi-permanent solutions such as painting the walls, installing new furniture, or remodeling the kitchen. Many people are not aware of the diversity of improvements to the outdoor element of the property that can be installed.
Stonework is not limited to rudimentary patios or unimpressive retaining walls- an experienced mason can accomplish great works of functional art that will leave a lasting impression on your property. Besides the personal and family benefits of installing stonework, another reason to consider making this investment in your outdoor space is curb appeal. This is how your home looks to others (neighbors or potential buyers) at first glance. Stonework will entice them to find out more about you and your property!
Stonework for All Properties
All stonework can be customized with materials, colors, and designs. It isn’t limited to simple rock pathways anymore. There are tons of materials that can make the job simpler and even weather resistant than actual stone in some cases. Pavers are a good example of this; they are pre-formed concrete blocks that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The great thing about pavers is that they fit together perfectly, meaning your pathway, patio, or retaining wall will be free of irregular cracking and resist weather damage very effectively!
Stonework is certainly an investment that you may have to save up for, but there are many options that have been created specifically to save time and money while remaining of the highest quality to protect your investment. These projects also do not have to be huge; they can be as simple as an elegant patio or effective retaining wall that reduces erosion and keeps your soil in place. You could even have a fire pit installed for any future neighborhood and family events!
The Importance of Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is one of the biggest reasons to invest in stonework beyond its functionality and beauty- especially if you are selling your property or consider selling it in the future. Stonework is rather permanent and very resistant to weather damage making it age gracefully and remain strong even after years of use. Buyers and neighbors love to see beautiful homes, and those with a functional outdoor space are highly desired especially now that people are trying to get outside more.
Final Thoughts
Your next home improvement project can be elegantly set in stone, and there is no better time than now to get started planning for and designing your hardscape! Stonework is a lasting investment in your property whether the project is small or large, your outdoor space will greatly benefit from it, and you will love the ability to have more outdoor family time, a natural workspace, greater curb appeal, and the best spot in the neighborhood to hang out! With an experienced masonry team like Fritz Stonework, all your hardscape dreams can come to life! Call them today for more information at (636) 861-1530.
Mar 13, 2021 | custom stonework, firepit, hardscape, home appeal, landscape, landscaping, lanscape company, outdoor fireplace, patio, patio pavers, pavers, paving
When the weather outside is no longer frightful, a contained outdoor fire would be delightful. The snow and cold are almost gone, and springtime is the best time to prepare your property for summer! Just like planting a garden and reaping the benefits in the summer, planting elegant stonework early means you get to use and appreciate it all summer long!
The number of improvements that can be accomplished through stonework is incredibly vast and limited only to your creativity. With a solid investment like stonework that will be there just as beautifully for years to come, it’s time to get ready to get outside for the summer, and there’s no better way to prepare for that than by making your outdoor space uniquely yours!
Fireplaces and Outdoor Kitchens
Kicking back by the fire on a warm summer evening is something that almost everyone loves to do- by installing a fireplace right in your backyard, you’ll be able to unwind and relax more easily! Fireplaces and fire pits are semi-permanent additions to your property meaning they will remain beautiful and functional for years to come. Installing an outdoor kitchen is another way to ring in the summertime. You can cook in the great outdoors with all the functionality of an indoor kitchen!
Patio and Poolside
Do you need a new patio or poolside space? It’s best to install these in the springtime so you can save all of that summer sun for jumping into the pool or reclining on your new patio. Your pool or patio can easily become the talk of the town for its elegant design and solid construction. Your neighbors will be anxiously awaiting the next invite to the pool or hang out on the patio!
Time for Sunshine!
Summertime is the best time of the year in our team’s opinion, and we would love to help you prepare your property for getting outside during the warm days that are just around the corner! Planning a beautiful stonework installation is easy with Fritz Stonework as we have experienced masons and designers that will help you out along the way to make sure everything is perfect.
We will help you make this summer the best one yet and leave a lasting impression on your property that will remain gorgeous for years! Stonework is a great investment in your home as it increases curb appeal for many years and adds an entirely new level of functionality to your home! With a newly designed outdoor space, there will be nothing stopping you from relaxing or playing outdoors, and you can have peace of mind because this is a rock-solid investment!
Final Thoughts
Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air is crucial in times like these, and there is no better way to experience nature than by bringing it closer to home! With a comfortable patio and a beautiful stone fireplace, fire pit, or kitchen, you will be able to relax outdoors in no time. All these summertime plans are possible with Fritz Stonework, the leading stonework provider in St. Louis! Call today to find out more information!
Feb 22, 2021 | custom stonework, fire pit, firepit, fireplace, hardscape, landscape, landscaping, lanscape company, masonry, outdoor lighting, outdoor living space, outdoor water feature, patio, patio pavers, stonework
As you look out your back door, what do you see? Do you see space that has been cluttered with various items? Or do you see an empty yard that could benefit from some kind of landscape and décor? Whatever it may be, every backyard has great potential to be grand and a place you can be proud of. You can make your outdoor living space a place to entertain or simply a place for you to relax after a long day. The following examples are ways that you can improve your backyard to create your own outdoor oasis.
Install Lighting
Adding lighting, such as candlelit scones, to your backyard can create a lovely glow to your peaceful nights or dinner parties. Another type of lighting you could add is solar lights around your garden, which requires little maintenance but offers maximum impact.
Design Different Living Areas
When you have separate areas to eat and relax, you are providing your guests with comfortability. Using outdoor rugs and lighting will make segments around your yard that invites your guests to sit and stay awhile. Another way to define these areas is to add outdoor furniture.
Fire Pits
A fire pit can be useful all year round. It is ideal for those lazy summer nights where can roast hot dogs and make smores. During the winter, you can wrap up in a warm blanket, drink hot chocolate, and read a book without getting cold. No matter what the season, a fire pit will help you make memories and have fun.
Plotted Plants and Herbs
Plants and herbs can spruce up any yard very easily. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they can also provide a wonderful fragrance while you are enjoying the outdoors.
Install a Flagstone Patio
Flagstone patios allow you to have more living space. They provide a very natural, organic look because of their shape and earthy tones. Flagstone patios are also durable and last for years.
Install a Fountain
Fountains are always a beautiful sight to see and provide relaxation from the sound of the flowing water. They add to the ambiance of your oasis and come in a variety of shapes and styles to fit your needs and the theme of your patio.
Add Rugs and Pillows
Rugs and pillows provide a sense of comfort. They are an inexpensive way to dress up your patio furniture and outdoor space all the while adding color to increase the atmosphere.
Install Alternative Seating
Besides chairs and sofas, hammocks are another great seating option for you and your guests. It is a great place to spend time taking a nap or reading a great book. If you do not have a tree to hang it from, you can find hammock stands that work anywhere.
Add Décor
Adding décor to anything is a way to express who you are. It also helps your guests feel at home. Consider hanging something on the columns of your patio or on a wall. You could also add statues, sculptures, or trellises, as well as filled vases to sit on tables.
You don’t need to have acres of outdoor living space in order to have a place you can relax and enjoy your friends and family’s company. It’s all about what makes you feel at peace and having a place you are proud to call your own where you can build memories. Fritz Stonework and Retaining Walls wants to help you achieve that goal. There are many other options you can add to your backyard in order to maximize it. Call us today at (636) 861-1530 so we can discuss those options and choose what best suits your needs.
