RSSY - Rock, Stone & Sand Yard, Inc.

May 26-28: RSSY Inc. Will Be Closed In Observance of Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, Rock, Stone and Sand Yard, Inc. will be closed from Saturday, May 26th, through Monday, May 28th. We will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, May 29th. 

Please give RSSY Inc. a call at (571) 642-4372 if you have questions about our patio pavers or natural stone products!

Tools and Basic Skills You'll Need for Installing Pavers into Your Yard

Patios, pathways, and decks are just a few of the beautiful hardscape features you can create using paving stones. Also called “pavers,” paving stones are made from a variety of materials, including natural stone, brick, and concrete. They also come in various shapes, styles, and colors so you can create a truly one-of-a-kind look for your yard. The best part, however, is that pavers can be installed by any do-it-yourselfer!

To help with your next hardscape project, here's a look at the installation process and the tools and skills necessary to set paving stones in your yard:

• Excavate the Installation Area:
  After you choose the shape and style of pavers you want for your yard, it’s time to excavate the installation area. You can use a shovel, but it’s recommended that you rent a backhoe or similar piece of excavating equipment. Depending on the size and location of your paver project, you will need between 4 and 12 inches of base material.

• Compact the Base:
  The base material is usually coarse, crushed stone that helps keep the pavers in place and also helps with water absorption. Add base material 2-inches at a time and compact using a hand tamper or a plate compactor. Repeat this process until you have a base of the correct depth that is well-compacted.

• Install Edge Restraints: Using a hammer and 12-inch landscaping spikes, secure edge restraints around the perimeter of the paving project. Edge restraints will increase the stability of your patio or deck and will help hold the shape of your project over the years.

• Cover with Sand: After you lay the pavers and compact them into the base material using a hand tamper or plat compactor, you will need to fill the joints between the pavers with concrete sand. To do this, apply a liberal coating of sand over the installed pavers and sweep it into the joints until all the cracks are filled.  

Rock, Stone & Sand Yard, Inc. carries a full line of paving stones from today’s leading manufacturers, including Belgard, Techno-Bloc, and Nicolock. We also sell all of the landscaping and masonry tools you need to complete your paver project. If you live in the Fairfax or Alexandria area, call (571) 642-4372 to learn about our high-quality paving stones and hardscaping tools today.

Stone Profiles: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Though stones may not seem too remarkable when they’re in their natural settings, they can add elegance and beauty to your home. However, considering all  the different natural stones to choose from, how do you pick just the right one for your landscaping project? Here’s a brief guide to some of the most popular natural stone types to help you decide:

Flagstone: 
If you’re looking to create an elegant patio or pathway, flagstone is a beautiful choice. There are several different shades of flagstone, from the bright bronze color of Carolina Rose to the stunning gray of Silver Mist. When deciding which flagstone you want, it’s important to factor in the rest of your landscape and the colors of your home’s exterior.

Fieldstone:  
If you’re looking for a slightly more rugged stone, fieldstone fits the bill. Unlike the flat, smooth textures of many flagstones, fieldstone delivers the wild edges that you imagine when you think of natural stone. Whether you use them in a walkway or to line a flowerbed, fieldstone can give your home a truly natural look.    

Wallstone:  
The easily stackable wallstone is great for—you guessed it—building walls. Whether you’re looking for elegant Blue Tumble or the rustic charm of Colonial wallstone, there’s a kind of wallstone for every aesthetic. You can even use wallstone to build a raised flowerbed—passersby will be impressed by the way you balance the bright flower colors with the cold hues of wallstone.

If you’re looking for natural stones or patio pavers to upgrade the look of your home, contact us at  Rock, Stone and Sand Yard Inc. With two locations in Lorton, we supply stone to Arlington, Alexandria, and elsewhere in Northern Virginia. Have you been planning a stonework project? Give us a call today at (571) 642-4372. 

There's No Limit to What You Can Do with Proper Hardscaping! Visit These Links for More Great Ideas

If you’re planning a home improvement project this weekend, explore the information provided below. To learn more about our hardscaping materials, call Rock, Stone & Sand Yard, Inc. at (571) 642-4372 today!

• To learn more about how interlocking pavers require little maintenance, read this page from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute.
    
• If you are ready to embark on your own hardscaping project, read this article from HGTV for tips.
     
• Are you planning on building a stone wall for your home? Read this article from the DIY network for instructions.
       
• For hardscaping project suggestions, read this article from MSN.
       
• Do you want to build a flagstone walkway for your garden? Read this guide from This Old House.

How Can Hardscaping Add Value to Your Home?

Hardscaping refers to the parts of your lawn that don’t consist of organic material like plants, soil, and grass. Natural stone has become a popular choice for homeowners interested in enhancing their lawns and increasing the value of their homes through hardscaping. Here are some ways in which hardscaping can add value to your home.

• Enhance Appearance
  Natural stone comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. Building a natural stone wall or a stone walkway through your garden is a great way to enhance the appearance of your garden. Natural stone has a dignified look that is hard to match with other materials like wood or brick. Onlookers and visitors will admire your lawn’s new look after you finish your hardscaping project. Building a patio or a water feature will also give your lawn extra flair!
       
• Improve Quality of Life
  Hardscaping is also a great way to create more living space in your backyard. Installing a natural stone patio, for example, will enhance your lawn’s appearance and give you more space to enjoy the backyard. Whether you want to host parties or use the barbeque now and then, a natural stone patio can create a space for you to enjoy the outdoors.
      
• Increase Functionality
  Another way in which hardscaping adds value to your home is by providing you a canvas on which you can perform other landscaping projects. Hardscaping can be a wonderful complement to your home and your lawn. Structures like water features or walkways create opportunities for other projects.

If you have further questions about why hardscaping is a great way to add value to your home, call Rock, Stone & Sand Yard, Inc. at (571) 642-4372 today! We have a gorgeous selection of natural stone to match your home's style.