Jun 5, 2020 | hardscape, home appeal, pavers, retaining wall, stone
Happy to be home right now? What if your home just disappeared suddenly?
Unfortunately, this happens quite often due to an unlikely foe: soil erosion. On average, 75,000 Americans are driven from their homes due to flash flooding from soil erosion every year.
This is an appalling statistic that should not exist. Luckily, there are things we can do to keep things like this from happening. One thing we can do is install a retaining wall that holds soil in place and channels water away from your house, keeping you and your family safe from flash flooding.
But what is so special about retaining walls? Here are five reasons why you should invest in a retaining wall installation as soon as possible.
They are a great decorative feature.
Retaining walls do not have to be boring and bland. In fact, it is encouraged to make retaining walls look good in whatever way possible. Whether it be a terrace garden, LED lighting, or interesting materials, anything that does not sacrifice the ability to hold soil in place or channel water away from your home is fair game.
They prevent sinkholes.
Let’s face it, sinkholes are terrifying. At the drop of a hat, one could open under you and you could never be seen again. One man was swallowed up by a sinkhole while he was sleeping, never to be seen again.
Thankfully, retaining walls are particularly good at preventing things like this from happening. They do this by keeping soil where it should be and by keeping pools of water from forming, which makes sure the conditions needed for a sinkhole do not happen in your backyard.
It can make your property more manageable.
Getting a retaining wall for your property is one of the best ways to prevent soil erosion from wreaking untold havoc on your property. It does this by not only keeping wet soil in one place, but also channels water in a way that directs away from your house, keeping any erosion that takes place away from your home and out of mind, giving you confidence that your home will be safe from a flash flood.
It raises your home’s resale value.
Since retaining walls can be dolled up to look as good as possible, they can help your home attract far more prospective buyers when it comes time to sell. It shows them the property was well cared for and that it is a safe place to live, driving up its value as a result.
It can create more space.
If your yard is very hilly, a retaining wall can free up space for you to use. You may be thinking, “Wait a minute, wouldn’t that reduce the space you have?” Well, there are many outdoor activities that require a flat piece of land, like gardening. A retaining wall can open up flat land your gardening partner or relative can use to train their green thumbs.
So as you can see, retaining walls have plenty of benefits that you will definitely appreciate in your life. If you want to learn more about other benefits like these, contact Fritz Stoneworks at 636-861-1530 to learn how a retaining wall may be just the thing you need.
May 15, 2020 | hardscape, home appeal, landscape, landscaping, lanscape company, pavers, stone, stone pathway
The value of your property is based on location, amount of property, and improvements on that property. When the majority of people consider the improvements on a property they consider the home or structures like storage sheds and buildings. They also think about amenities like pools and hot tubs because those items make a property more appealing to buyers, and thus the property becomes more valuable.
One of the things you can do to increase the value of your property is to create stone pathways from the major points of interest. When you leave out of the front door to walk to the driveway or to the street in front of the property you do not want to walk through the grass or across an unlevel ground.
If you create a pathway from the front door to the street by laying brick or stone pavers you will create a level walkway that allows you to not get your feet wet or dirty when you are traveling the path. Even if it has just rained outside you can travel the stone path and not get dirty doing so.
The benefits of a stone pathway
- The stone path is level and will allow you to walk safely and take fewer chances of falling, tripping, or turning an ankle.
- The inside of the home will stay cleaner because you are not walking through dirt or grass before you walk into the home. You track in less dirt because your shoes pick up less dirt.
- The lawn looks better with a stone path than it would with a beaten-down trail that you make by traveling over the same area repeatedly.
- You can add interesting lighting and borders to stone paths to dress them up even more
- Your home instantly has increased curb appeal when you create the stone pathways
Stone pathways are alluring to prospective buyers because they can see all of the benefits of having these paths that are level, safer to navigate, and cleaner to travel.
Where to place stone pathways on your property
The obvious places for stone pathways are from your front door to the most frequently traveled places like the driveway or the street in front of the house. It there are flower beds, gazebos, or areas of particular interest in the front section of the lawn you can also create a stone path leading to those areas.
When you exit the back door of the home you will want a path that leads to any storage buildings you may have in the back section of the property. You also want a path leading to any outdoor attractions like pools, tennis courts, patios, outdoor kitchens, game areas, or particular places of interest that you might frequently travel.
To learn more about stone pathways and all of the options you have in making them contact the experts at Fritz Stoneworks at 636-861-1530. The friendly staff will be able to answer all of your questions and help you make the best choices according to your location, budget, and ideas.
May 5, 2020 | hardscape, home appeal, kitchen, outdoor kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are more popular than they have ever been. Not too many years ago an outdoor kitchen consisted of a grill, possibly a sink and countertop, and a table to serve the food at. Then people began to realize that they liked cooking and entertaining outdoors. They liked the freedom of being out of the house, and the no-fuss of cooking and dining outside when friends and family came to visit.
Once the benefits of outdoor cooking became apparent to more people then outdoor kitchens started to take on a new look and purpose. Today there are elements you can add to your outdoor cooking space that make the food preparation, cooking and cleaning up easier than ever before.
Cabinets
Cabinetry with stone, or stainless steel, countertops is being added to outdoor cooking spaces. The cabinetry allows you to have cooking vessels and utensils already close at hand so you do not have to bring them from inside the house and put them back after the entertaining is over.
These cabinets are complete with drawers and storage space. They are designed to withstand the heat and humidity that exterior positioning creates. They also give you the counter space you need to cook fabulous meals from beginning to end without going back inside the house.
Sinks and Appliances
You know that you need to run water in order to prepare food. The latest outdoor kitchen additions are sinks, dishwashers, wine coolers, and refrigerators. You can have a sink with hot and cold running water so you can wash and prepare your food.
You can have mini-fridges under the countertops or you can install full-size refrigeration units in upright cabinets that are built to protect the appliance from water exposure or exposure to any of the outdoor elements.
You can also install a dishwasher so you can stop using the throwaway plates and glasses when you eat outside. You save money by not having to buy the disposable dinnerware and you save the environment by not adding more waste to the landfills. Your dishes are kept outdoors, cleaned outdoors, and ready to use whenever you are ready to entertain.
The addition of a wine cooler under the countertop will allow you to have chilled adult beverages at the perfect sipping temperature. You will not have to bring the wine out with you when you come or go back inside to retrieve the wine when you are ready to serve.
Stoves
I am not talking about simple gas or charcoal grills. I am talking about stoves that have working ovens, four or more burners, griddles, and grills. I am talking about some of the finest cooking appliances available today.
Lighting
Outdoor spaces with this many amenities need the perfect outdoor lighting so you can see to entertain no matter what time of day or night it is. You can have soft lighting around the perimeter and brighter lights over your work area so you can always see to do what you want to do.
Final Thoughts
If you would like to know more about creating an outdoor kitchen that takes the work out of entertaining contact the professionals at Fritz Stoneworks at 636-861-1530. They can help you learn about all of the options available in your area. They can help you with every phase of your outdoor kitchen construction or renovation.
Apr 22, 2020 | aroma therapy, hardscape, home appeal, landscape, lanscape company, lighting, natural landscape, retaining wall, waterfall
In this hectic world that we live in stress has become a number one problem. To reduce stress you need to have a place where you can relax and take time to rejuvenate yourself. You need this relaxing space to be close to home so you can visit it often. Just imagine having your own Puerta Vallarta or Turks and Caicos and it be just mere steps away. You need an at-home oasis that you can kick your shoes off, grab a beer, take a deep breath, and let out the deepest sigh imaginable.
To establish a relaxing space that is close enough to visit often you only need to look as far as your backyard. On your own property you can create a unique and inviting spot to relax and enjoy. The majority of the time when we think about creating outdoor spaces on our property we think about creating spaces where the children can play or where we can entertain. It is time to forget the kid’s desires and forget entertaining guests; you need to concentrate on an outdoor spot that is designed for you.
Waterfalls are Relaxing
Have you ever listened to a waterfall cascading over rocks? The sound is calming and makes you feel at peace with nature and with yourself. While listening to the water gently flowing over the rocks you can push the stresses of work, family and life aside and allow yourself to relax.
Waterfalls are great features to add to the landscape of your property. The size of the waterfall will depend on your personal preferences, and the size of the space you are creating. The waterfall can be used as a water feature that brings water to plants and shrubs, or it can be made to deliver water to your pool.
Aroma Therapy
Certain aromas can put the most stress-induced person into a calmer state. For instance, the smell of lavender can easily relax you and your partner after a long day at work. To help create a space where you can relax and leave the cares of the world behind you can plant lavender, and other aromatic plants close to your space.
Aloe Vera plants improve the quality of the air you breathe. Gerbera daisies also help improve the air by removing some of the toxins. Rosemary is an herb that helps reduce stress and improve your memory.
When you picture your relaxing spot in your back yard picture the sounds of a waterfall and the aromas of stress reducing plants.
A Living Space
You need a comfortable place to sit and enjoy these sounds and aromas. Creating a small patio space with pavers will allow you to have a spot to place a comfortable furniture set, or just a couple of chairs. You need some tables beside those chairs so you can set your iced tea glass down, and a fire-pit or outdoor fireplace will allow you to enjoy your space even when autumn starts to bring a chill to the air.
Establishing an area that has pavers as a foundation will keep you from having to move the furniture so you can mow. It keeps the furniture cleaner, and allows everything to sit level.
If you want to know more about how to establish an outdoor space that is perfectly relaxing call the experts at Fritz Stonework and Retaining Walls, (636-861-1530). You can also visit their website to get inspiration for your personal oasis. https://fritzstonework.com/
Apr 1, 2020 | hardscape, home appeal, landscape, lanscape company, lighting
Turn your backyard into that vacation spot you want to visit this year, and it will be a spot you can use for many years to come. You might find that a stay-cation in your own back yard is both fun and exciting. The best part of a stay-cation is that you get to enjoy the amenities longer.
So how do you go about creating an escape on your own property?
Pools/Spas/Waterfalls
Water is one of the biggest attractions for get-away places. You can create water attractions by installing pools, spas, hot-tubs, or waterfalls.
The pool is the one attraction that most people enjoy. Children, teens, adults and seniors can all have fun in the water. You can create a unique pool according to the people who will be using it and the natural surroundings you have.
Do not just pour a boring concrete deck around your pool. Use pavers, and stones to create a unique area that adds beauty and interest to your surroundings.
You can create your own water slide and keep children entertained for hours on end.
A diving board is a fun way for you to enter the pool at the deep end. Your family can spend hours perfecting their diving abilities, and learning the different diving techniques.
A waterfall feature established close to or in the pool will provide you with the exotic sounds that you would expect to find while swimming on a remote tropical island. The waterfall will create an atmosphere that you can relax in and allow you to remain calmer while you are playing in your backyard.
Poolside Kitchens
You can have a poolside outdoor kitchen designed from rocks, stones and pavers that match the pavers around your pool. You will enjoy cooking meals outdoors while you listen to the sounds of your family laughing and having fun.
The poolside kitchens can include barbeque grills, gas ranges, ovens, and more. You can have a sink installed for easier access to water, and you can have a countertop designed to allow you to prepare your foods right on the spot.
Cabanas
One of the things that can turn an ordinary pool in the backyard into a vacation zone is the erection of a cabana close to the water. You can relax in the shade and listen to music while you watch the children in the pool.
You will also be covered if rain was to threaten your outside fun. These areas can be soft lit so at night you have a secluded place to dine and enjoy intimate conversations with friends and family.
If you are interested in creating an outdoor oasis in your own backyard call the friendly folks at Fritz Stonework & Retaining Walls (636-861-1530) and let them tell you about the amazing options that are available. You can also visit them at https://fritzstonework.com/pool-features/ to see some of the great ideas they have.
Mar 24, 2020 | hardscape, home appeal, landscape, landscaping, lanscape company, lighting, natural landscape, pavers
It is that time of the year! Where coats are put back into the closets, and the outdoors begin calling. Patio furniture does not go out of fashion as fast as other home items. Nonetheless, the aspect of your patio can be drastically modified with simple touches or radical additions. New year, new patio! Here are this year’s patio trends:
- Lighting. A significant player in any courtyard, your lighting can set the mood for a friendly gathering or a romantic encounter. LED technology has brought a new option in custom LEDs: with the appropriate design, LED lights can highlight certain features of your outdoor space. The best part? You can control shade and intensity with just a few clicks on your phone. And speaking of light, shade umbrellas are a great facet on outdoor patios. Look for those that will maximize your outdoor space to give it that extra pop!
- Mixed Materials. Mixing different materials would have been a no-no in the past. Nonetheless, this trend continues to gain popularity in the last several years. Are you looking to make your patio shine with a bit of sparkle? Then unleash the creativity! Forget about one color, one material patios and step out of the comfort zone to impress your guests. Some of the most refreshing combinations are copper and birch, wicker and aluminum, concrete, and oak. This will also make it easier for you to find outdoor furniture that matches.
- Fire pits. Outdoor fireplaces have a dual purpose: first, it allows you to enjoy your patio despite cold weather. Just imagine yourself on a chilly afternoon, enjoying a family gathering around comforting flames. Even on warm summer nights, fireplaces make the thought of spending some time outside feel like a great idea. The second purpose is decorative. No doubt, a beautiful fire pit is a focal point in an outdoor space; our decoration experts assure that firepits make any patio look larger. The idea of an outdoor fireplace can be intimidating, but at Fritz Stone Works, we have the best techniques to install and maintain a fire pit. All you have to do is enjoy it!
- Darker, bolder colors. Having a colorful patio makes it unique and also trendy. Don’t be afraid to go darker, or even charcoal grey. Bold colors make a patio look modern and sleek. Stripes are also a big trend for 2020 and should not be limited to furniture as stripes can be mixed in your materials as well!
- Sustainable areas. Patios are such a versatile space in one’s home as they are not only a decorative section of the house, but they become a place for memories. This space will be the area your kids will learn to care for plants or the site you’ll host a memorable party or the setting for a romantic moment. But remember, beneath those moments lie a host of tiny ecosystems existing under your feet. So be sure to build your patio with sustainability in mind for the flora and fauna residing under and around your patio. The trend for this year is to make your outdoor areas as sustainable and functional as possible.
If you are looking for inspiration or an expert’s advice on how to make the most of your patio, then call Fritz Stone Works at 636-861-1530 or visit our website at https://fritzstonework.com/ for more information about our services.
