Outdoor Patio Flooring: The Best Online Guide

outdoor-patio-flooring Whether you are installing a new patio or are simply giving your property a facelift, there is nothing more important than selecting the best outdoor patio flooring for your particular needs and desires.

In addition to improving the general aesthetic of your landscape, the material used for your patio’s surface will also need to be functional, durable and safe.

In order to help you determine which type of stone you should pave your patio with, here’s a quick guide to some of the more commonly used materials and the advantages of each material.

Norwegian Buff Stone

Among the most popular stones used for outdoor patio flooring, Norwegian buff stone is known for its unique look and beauty. The varying colors of golds, tans and slight greens found throughout the stone make it easy to create a stunning landscape that will compliment any property.

Norwegian buff stone is ideal for usage around pools due to the fact that it will remain relatively cool to the touch, even when the temperatures are very hot. The stone does not retain heat from direct sunlight, which also helps to keep your patio area cool when entertaining on a warm summer afternoon.

Limestone

Another commonly used stone in outdoor patios is limestone. This natural stone product offers warm, rich tones and a natural aesthetic. Indiana limestone is especially popular, as its variegated hues dazzle the eye. A huge advantage of limestone is that it is a quarried stone. This means that it can be cut into any size or shape that is desired or necessary in order to create a beautiful patio design. Limestone is also extremely durable, and will maintain its integrity and overall look throughout the years.

Kearney Stone

For a more rustic or natural looking patio, you may consider Kearney Stone. This extremely versatile material has been proven, through numerous tests, to be as strong as granite. This ensures that cracking and damages will not be likely to occur throughout the years. In fact, the character and beauty of a Kearney Stone patio will only continue to grow.

Bluestone

The natural beauty, durability and hard-wearing qualities make bluestone pavers perfect for outdoor patio flooring. Because bluestone is a quarried product, the exact coloring will be determined with the depth and location from which the stone was actually quarried. The deeper the bluestone is quarried, the more unique the hues will be, however, it is generally a deep gray or blue color, and is always very attractive.

On top of visual appeal, bluestone is extremely porous and can hold great amounts of water. By choosing to seal the bluestone you can preserve the coloring of the pavers against fading from water and weather, protect it from damage against chlorine from pools or dirt from gardens and help it to maintain the subtle rough surfacing that provides such excellent traction and safety. Lastly, Bluestone is very dense, enabling it to withstand even the harshest northeastern weather.

Brownstone

For a warm, earthy material for your outdoor patio flooring, consider brownstone. Imported brownstone is lighter in color than traditional brownstone and features slight graining for safety and tread, with veining for visual interest and appeal. Like the other products, brownstone is long-lasting and tough against the elements.

Final Thoughts

Although any of these materials would work well for outdoor patio flooring, the decision should ultimately be based upon preference and need. By following this guide and taking the time to talk with a trusted and knowledgeable supplier, you can determine which stone will be the best match for the specific look and function that you require from your patio.

Cambridge Pavingstones: Reviews and Suppliers

cambridge-pavingstones-suppliers When working on outdoor walkways or patios for your property, you can’t go wrong with Cambridge Pavingstones. Cambridge Pavingstone is a special kind of masonry material that is made to interlock and provide you with any kind of design that you need.

With Cambridge Pavers, you will get the most out of your project. A natural stone that allows contractors to be creative, while giving homeowners the look that they have always dreamt of having, Cambridge Pavingstones could be ideal for your project.

The Uses of Cambridge Pavingstone

This brand of stone is excellent for any type of driveway or walkway that you can think of, due to its various shades, textures and colors. It come with a variety of finishes, allowing contractors to mix and match in order to create the outdoor space that they need. There are plenty of collections available, including Sherwood, Renaissance, Round Table, Kings Court, Excalibur, Crusader and Thinking Green collections.

In terms of color, the options are overflowing as well. Some color options include Sahara, chestnut, desert beige, riverbed, salmon and golden onyx. People shop for Cambridge Pavingstones, not only because it looks great, but because it is useful in a variety of ways. Some uses include the construction of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, patios, outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens. People use them for more than just home landscaping–businesses have gotten great use out of this stone and those with pools enjoy using them as a way to accent their aquatic fixtures.

Cambridge Pavingstone Reviews

Cambridge Pavingstone suppliers specialize in this brand because it is of such high quality. The stones are meant to last, as they are crafted with high density concrete. It is very resistant to surface stains and can put up with extreme amounts of weight without cracking.

It will stand the test of time, not cracking or peeling under constant and intense pressure and heavy traffic. You will also be happy to see that the vibrant color of the stones won’t fade as precipitation continues to fall throughout the seasons. This is crucial, since these stones are used for outdoor fixtures. You also have a lot of options in terms of installation, whether you are a “do-it-yourselfer” or a contractor. This paving stone can be installed over existing asphalt or concrete, which can minimize the work that you require in the first place.

Cambridge Pavingstone Suppliers

Anybody looking for Cambridge Pavingstone suppliers should look no further than Braen Supply We offer every type of Cambridge Pavingstone that you need, and specialize in all sorts of patterns and collections. People throughout the Northeast turn to us for a one-stop shop for these products and many more.

Cambridge Pavingstones are in growing demand and it is important that you get premium quality paving stones for your walkways and patios. Braen Supply has the masonry materials you need for bulk delivery and pickup so you can get the job done on time and under budget.

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops – The Best Online Guide

outdoor-kitchen-countertops For the hostess or grill master, the installation of a stunning outdoor kitchen is a dream come true. In addition to beauty, however, your space needs to be functional, durable and capable of withstanding the elements and heavy usage.

The good news is that you will have plenty of options. In this comprehensive guide to outdoor kitchen countertops we will examine the most commonly used materials and the benefits of each. All of these materials can be found at a reputable stone yard for both delivery and pickup.

Materials Used for Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

When planning to construct your outdoor kitchen, you should always make durability your top priority, with appearance close behind. But this does not mean that you’ll have a difficult time finding a countertop material that is both attractive and tough.

Typically, stone will be the wisest option for homeowners who are hoping to install a beautiful outdoor cooking and entertaining space that will continue looking and functioning perfectly for years to come. Consider stones such as:

Bluestone – The lovely deep gray and blue hues associated with bluestone will delight users, as they prepare a meal for their loved ones in their outdoor kitchen. After installation, the bluestone should be professionally sealed to avoid scratching and staining. With simple maintenance, a bluestone countertop will look spectacular for years.
Limestone – Limestone is often selected for both indoor and outdoor kitchen countertops because its is both attractive and heat resistant. Indiana limestone is affordable and looks very sophisticated, making it a great buy. Although limestone is porous, proper care and sealing will keep your countertop looking pristine and free of scratches or stains.
Travertine – This gorgeous stone is a type of “morphed” limestone, in which the lime content has been deposited by water. Travertine is an excellent choice for countertops because it actually has twice the strength of concrete, and is strong when faced with extreme temperatures and weather. One of the best things about this particular stone is that it improves with age. Colors do not tend to fade with the passage of time, and will maintain its natural hues for decades.
Kearney Stone – For a rustic, warm and inviting outdoor kitchen space, consider utilizing Kearney Stone for your countertops. Because large slabs can be cut into specified sizes, it’s easy to find sleek pieces to use as a cooking surface, however, Kearney Stone will also work nicely in the actual construction of a counter or outdoor fireplace. Another perk of Kearney Stone is that it is known to be as strong as granite.
Brownstone – Soft brown colors will also look wonderful in outdoor kitchens. An imported brownstone will be lighter than traditional brownstone and after professional sealing will continue to shine, year after year.
Sahara Granite – Granite is known for its resistance to stains, scratches, heat and odors, as well as its ability to preserve its lovely colors after sun exposure. The warm, earthy tones of Sahara Granite will give a natural appeal to any outdoor kitchen space.

Buying Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Before purchasing your outdoor kitchen countertops, consider that you’ll need to give yourself enough space. Typically, a depth of 24 -36″ is the minimum for counters. Work with a supplier who is able to provide durable and attractive countertop stones, like the ones mentioned above.

Braen Supply is an industry leader, offering bluestone, limestone, travertine, Kearney stone, sahara granite, brownstone and numerous other quality materials for constructing outdoor counters, kitchens, patios and other outdoor living spaces. Stones can be polished and custom fabricated, and are available for pickup or bulk delivery throughout the Northeast.

When you select best countertop materials, your investment will pay you back for a long time.

Techo Bloc Buying Guide: Prices, Reviews and Dealers

techo-bloc-buying-guide As you make plans to complete your next landscaping project, Techo Bloc is probably at the front of your mind. Known for quality and excellence, Techo Bloc offers versatile solutions for all outdoor living, landscaping and hardscaping needs.

By taking the time to learn what makes Techo Bloc stand out, how to estimate Techo Bloc prices and where to buy Techo Bloc, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and cost-effective outdoor space.

Techo Bloc Means Excellence

For more than two decades, Techo Bloc has been a trusted leader in designing and manufacturing the best landscaping products, including paving stones, retaining wall systems and masonry stones. Those who choose Techo Bloc for an outdoor space are able to enjoy naturally beautiful stones with consistent sizing for fast, easy installation and aesthetic appeal. Techo Bloc takes pride in manufacturing the very best stones possible, without ever cutting corners.

Through the patented Tumble Master process, the bar for quality standards has been raised for aged products. This innovative process makes it possible to create an aged appearance to pavers and curbstones while simultaneously eliminating breakage and cement slurry. Since the PSI levels of Techo Bloc pavers are constantly surpassing industry standards, these stones are the ideal choice for any and all paving needs.

On top of this, each of the stones manufactured by Techo Bloc are developed on identical machines for precision and uniformity, and all pavers, curbstones and wall stones are carefully designed to complement one another, for truly cohesive landscaping.

Estimating Techo Bloc Prices

Compared to other stones, Techo Bloc is able to offer the most value for your dollar. If you purchase low quality, inferior stones, you can expect a higher amount of product waste. This makes projects more expensive for contractors, as they end up ordering more material than they really need, and the cost to customers increases to cover excess materials.

Additionally, a great deal of time is wasted on poor stones, as they create more challenges throughout the installation process. This increases labor prices, which again, raises the cost of the project. Lastly, low grade stones tend to crack and fall apart, meaning that expensive replacements and repairs will be necessary. Techo Bloc, on the other hand, is durable and long lasting.

When estimating how much your next Techo Bloc installation will cost, consider that the size of your order will play the biggest role in pricing. For obvious reasons, a large outdoor patio will require a larger investment than a walkway, however, a bulk order may result in lowered rates, depending on the supplier.

Keep in mind, also, that the location from which you make your order can influence total costs. Always be on guard against online scams. Although you may find a seller on Craigslist offering very cheap stone, you’ll get what you pay for. Ultimately, if Techo Bloc prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. To ensure that you purchase only genuine and high quality Techo Bloc at rates that are fair and competitive, it is wise to select a certified Techo Bloc supplier.

The Best Techo Bloc Suppliers

In order to ensure that you get the best Techo Bloc prices, always buy from an approved, local masonry supplier. For contractors and homeowners located in the Northeast, Braen Supply is the best bet for purchasing a wide variety of high-quality Techo Bloc products. These versatile and durable stones are available for pickup in two New Jersey locations, and can be bulk delivered throughout New Jersey, New York and other local states, depending on the order size.

Masonry Supplies in NJ: Online Buying Guide

masonry-supplies-nj One of the best things about owning a home is the opportunity to spruce it up to the point where everything looks exactly the way you want it.

There are several ways to make the exterior and interior of your home more appealing. You can add a stone walkway, put in an outdoor entertainment area and paint the walls.

Your local masonry supply store in NJ can help you find the supplies you need to turn your house into the home of your dreams.

Stone Exteriors Add Curb Appeal

Look no further than stone to increase the value of your home and make it look more appealing. Braen Supply Inc. has a vast assortment of stones available for pickup and bulk delivery to fit a number of different project needs. You can use natural stone for walkways and as elegant stepping stones for you and your family to enjoy when you take a walk outside. You have several options available when choosing stone including bluestone, Kearney stone, sandstone, quartzite and granite.

Paint Changes the Look of Your Home

One of the fastest and easy way to change the look of your home is to paint the walls. The color you paint your home reflects who you are as a homeowner. People coming over will get a feel for your personality from the color you choose to paint your walls. For example, red paint shows you are an exciting and dynamic personality while blue points to someone who enjoys dwelling in a serene environment.

Braen Supply offers a huge supply of Benjamin Moore® colors. Painting your home is an affordable way to change up the look without costing you an arm and a leg. You can use Benjamin Moore® paint throughout your house to give it new life.

Entertain in Style

Entertaining outside is one of the best ways to experience the weather before it gets too cold to enjoy. Braen Supply can help you get your outdoor space to the point where you feel great about showing it off to your friends, family and neighbors. From outdoor kitchens to outdoor fireplaces, you can take your outdoor living space to new heights. For example, you can add a stone grill and an outdoor refrigerator to your deck or patio. These two accessories are must haves for anyone who plans to spend a lot of time cooking outside. A stone back porch will help complete the elegant look you’re going for.

Upgrading your home can increase the property value as well as create a space that you love to be in. Braen Supply has the masonry supplies that you need to build driveways, fireplaces, outdoor patios, retaining walls and more. We also have a huge selection of outdoor accessories including grills, refrigerators and gardening pots.

Where Can I Buy Belgard Pavers at Great Prices for Bulk Delivery in NJ?

buy-belgard-pavers-nj The look of a home or building’s front drive can greatly influence its value, and the landscape materials used for a patio can affect how much time a family spends outdoors. It is because of this that it is very important to select the right stone pavers for your next landscaping project.

Belgard Pavers create a “wow factor” that will last through the ages and are very affordable. Here’s a quick glance at the versatility of these pavers, the benefits of using them and where to buy Belgard pavers in New Jersey.

Belgard Pavers are Highly Versatile

Belgard Pavers can be utilized to add beauty and visual appeal to any outdoor space. Regardless of your landscaping needs, these gorgeous paving stones can be used in the design of driveways, front walkways, entertaining patios, pool decks, outdoor fireplaces, pavilions and numerous other projects. Because Belgard Pavers are available in so many different colors, styles, shapes and patterns, it’s easy to create the aesthetic that you or your clients are hoping to achieve.

Belgard Paving Stones Offer Numerous Benefits

In addition to looking great, there are a host of other reasons to choose to buy Belgard Pavers in NJ. These durable and eco-friendly stones are able to offer multiple benefits to users, including:

Simple Maintenance – It’s not difficult to keep stone pavers looking absolutely gorgeous. With regular sweeping, occasional rinsing and optional sealing, paving stones will remain strong and durable throughout the years. Even small blemishes are easy to hide or repair. Interlocking Belgard Pavers can quickly and affordably be replaced, and multi-colored paving stones will mask stains.
Strength and Durability – Unlike poured concrete, Belgard Pavers will move in unison with the earth, making any cracking or damages less frequent. In fact, stone pavers are three times stronger than poured concrete, and are more capable of handling the harsh weather conditions that are so common in the Northeast. Lastly, Belgard Pavers can accommodate heavy weight in high-traffic areas, making them ideal for walkways, driveways and roads in historical points of interest.
Safety – The texture of Belgard Pavers provides excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions. This makes these stunning stones safe for poolside patios, walkways and driveways – rain or shine.
Environmentally friendly – Permeable Belgard paving stones assist in preserving the environment, and our water. This is because the voids between the pavers encourage the infiltration of rainwater into the soil, both recharging the groundwater and reducing the amount of stormwater runoff. Ultimately, this decreases the likelihood of flooding and lowers the rate of erosion. Belgard offers a collection of permeable patio pavers including Subterra Stone, Eco Dublin, Turfstone and Aqua Roc.

Where to Buy Belgard Pavers in NJ

If you’re planning to buy Belgard Pavers in NJ, you’ll want to ensure that you get high-quality stones at fair, reasonable prices. Reputable suppliers like Braen Supply make it simple for contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike to afford these versatile pavers, and have them bulk delivered throughout NJ, and other neighboring states, based upon order size.

No matter what look you or your customers are going for, you’ll be able to create it with the endless possibilities offered with Belgard pavers.

Where Can I Buy Norwegian Buff Stone at Great Prices for Bulk Delivery in NJ?

Norwegian buff stone patio With Norwegian buff stone or quartzite, you can style any patio or pool area according to your imagination. The elegant buff stone product works well when an upscale, yet natural look and feel is desired. No two quarries (or batches of stone) are identical so you can be certain you will get a lovely natural stone that’s truly one of a kind.

Use the stone in the back yard as a patio, around the pool or as a walkway out front. It can be also be used as flooring stone indoors when placed atop a concrete base or foundation. The best part: you can buy Norwegian buff stone in NJ at a great price.

Unique Natural Coloration and Banded Pattern

Norwegian buff stone offers colors in the gold to beige range with grayish white predominant. You’ll also see bands of tans and grays along with the occasional burst of orange, rust and other colors. The complex interplay of natural tones makes any “outdoor room” area look great with a variety of patio furniture and landscaping options.

Norwegian buff stone’s strength and durability combined with its range of attractive color blends assure its popularity. When you need to buy Norwegian buff stone in NJ, it’s available in smooth finish from your local full-service, quality supplier.

Heat-Resistant Comfort and Added Value for Practical Beauty

Part of the usefulness of this quality quartzite flagging material is that it doesn’t retain heat, even at the height of the summer season in direct sunlight. This feature makes it a practical and lovely option for a new pool deck and/or backyard redesign. Arrange the stone in an impressive jumbo pattern around the swimming pool patio area for maximum impact. Use it for a pathway from one area to another. When a home goes up for sale, real estate agents love to tout this stone as a selling point – it’s a nice value-add for any property.

Contractors Use Norwegian Buff Stone

Norwegian buff is a satisfying landscape material for building beautiful, functional and long-lasting hardscapes for backyard patios or pool surrounds. The happy homeowner who installs Norwegian buff stone won’t be able to wait to invite friends and family over, so count on some referrals from the job.

Natural Norwegian buff stone is an excellent product for many commercial and residential applications–although finding a full-service supplier with enough product on hand can be tough, unless you know where to look.

Where to Buy Norwegian Buff Stone in NJ

So where can you buy Norwegian buff stone in NJ? Here’s a sourcing hint: you’ll find great prices, selection and service at Braen Supply. Pieces are cut to the exact dimensions that you need and sold by the square foot in a 1.25 inch thickness.

At Braen Supply, we strive to be your one-stop shop for all landscaping materials–and we offer convenient bulk delivery. Why go anywhere else when you need to buy Norwegian buff stone in NJ? Contact us today.

Where Can I Buy Kearney Stone at Great Prices for Bulk Delivery in NJ?

kearney-thin-stone Kearney stone is rapidly growing in popularity in landscaping and building projects like custom-cut steps, treads, hearths and wall stone veneers.

If you’re interested in Kearney stone, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the best uses for these particular natural stones, what they specifically have to offer users and where you can buy Kearney stone in NJ at a reasonable cost.

To help you achieve these objectives, here’s a quick guide to Kearney stone.

Kearney Stone Uses

Kearney stone is a versatile material that can complement numerous styles of indoor and outdoor decor, making it ideal for use at home and business places. Kearney stone is great for:

Natural Stone Steps – Incorporating stone steps into landscaping designs will add a touch of natural beauty to any property. Homeowners may select Kearney stone to create rustic-looking front steps, or as attractive stairs leading to a secluded backyard garden or terrace. City parks, historic properties and carefully manicured business park landscapes may also benefit from Kearney stone stairways and steps. Whether the steps are being utilized to connect two areas of varying elevations, or are simply there to help achieve a desired look within the overall landscaping plan, natural stones are a great option.
Treads – If you are not interested in using Kearney stone for steps, you may consider using the material for treads. Natural stone treads are the perfect way to achieve a bit of elegance in landscaping design.
Hearths – Kearney stones work beautifully in the design of hearths for both indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Because of their natural appearance, Kearney stone can help to create a hearth that is warm and inviting, establishing a place for friends and family to gather. These stones can also help to establish charming hearths for dining establishments, hotels and other hospitality-based businesses which may utilize fireplaces to create a cozy, appealing atmosphere.
Veneer Walls – With its rustic appeal, Kearney stone helps to add rich texture to any indoor or outdoor environment, in the form of landscape wall stone, full thickness veneer stone as well as thin stone veneer.

Kearney Stone is Suitable for Most Projects

Regardless of what type of project a you may wish to buy Kearney stone in NJ for, it is relatively easy to use. For starters, natural stone like Kearney stone is simple to cut into the height and length that it is needed for, but also looks attractive when left in an irregular cut. Large slabs of the material are easy to obtain, making it very practical for treads that require 10, 12, or 14-inch sizes with a 2-inch thickness, as well as for thick steps. Because the stone features natural colors, it is compatible in numerous applications.

Where to Buy Kearney Stone in NJ

When looking for the best place to buy Kearney stone in NJ, your goal should be to find a supplier that is able to provide you with mass quantities of the material at fair and reasonable prices. Braen Supply is one of the top suppliers of masonry and landscaping products in the Tri-state area, and meets these criteria. By offering bulk deliveries, you’ll be able quickly get started on your next project quickly.

Norwegian Buff Stone for Patios and Walkways: Review and Benefits

norwegian-buff-stone-walkway If you’re making plans to improve your home’s value, the importance of curbside appeal should never be underestimated. Even simple changes like installing new Norwegian Buff Stone patios, terraces or walkways can make your home far more attractive and significantly raise its net worth.

Its attractiveness, many uses and advantages are what make Norwegian buff stone (sometimes referred to as Norwegian buff quartzite) so popular in projects like these. Here’s a closer look at how this stone can beautify your property, the benefits that it can offer and how you can be smart about purchasing it.

Common Uses for Norwegian Buff Stone

Although Norwegian buff quartzite can be used on a concrete base as a flooring stone for indoors, it most commonly appears in outdoor projects. The unique colors that are prevalent in this stone, and the fact that no two batches of stone are exactly the same are what make these pieces so beautiful for front walkways and terraces, backyard patios and especially poolside Norwegian buff stone patios.

Advantages of Norwegian Buff Stone

The use of Norwegian buff quartzite comes with many advantages, which is why so many homeowners choose to work with this stone in outdoor landscaping and outdoor living projects. Some of the draws of Norwegian buff stone include:

Unique Style – As mentioned previously, this particular stone is known for being highly unique. This uniqueness of quartzite enables stylish homeowners to create beautiful Norwegian buff stone patios and walkways that stand apart from the rest of the cookie cutter designs sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.
Versatility – Because Norwegian buff stone is composed of various colors (including grays, whites, tans, rust, bursts of orange and even blues), it can easily work with all styles of homes. Whether your house is brick, stone or has wood siding, and regardless of what color you choose to paint it, your front walkway or backyard terrace will look stunning.
Aversion to Heat Retention – The use of Norwegian buff stone for outdoor patios around a home pool is very popular, as the quartzite material remains relatively cool to the touch, despite the temperature outside. This is because it does not retain heat during direct sunlight.
Durability – One of the biggest advantages to this stone is its ability to endure. This means that you will always get the most value for your dollar spent, as your patio will last through weather and heavy usage.
Price Point – Of the many types of stone available on the market, Norwegian buff is offered at a competitive price point, making it a smart choice for savvy homeowners.

Tips for Buying Norwegian Buff Stone in NJ

In order to fully enjoy the benefits of Norwegian buff stone patios and walkways, you must be smart about making your purchase. Take the time to measure how much of an area you will need to fill with the stone. Remember that the more exact you are in your measurements, the less money you’ll spend, and the less excess stone you’ll have left over. You must also consider whether you would prefer square or rectangular cut stone, or more rugged and natural cuts for your project.

Similar to all things out there, you get what you pay for with Norwegian buff stone. If you buy the cheapest out there, it will have a very rough texture on top, an extreme variance in thickness and often pieces will be out of square. These things will lead to excessive install time and potential excess waste, which will end up costing you more in the long run.

To get the attractiveness and durability of authentic Norwegian buff stone, shop at Braen Supply

Braen Supply provides not only great prices, but will handle bulk deliveries, so that you don’t have to worry about hauling the stone yourself. Our large inventory includes varying sizes of Norwegian buff stone and Norwegian buff stone treads. Our expansive inventory ensures that you get quality Norwegian buff stone that matches throughout your landscape.

Incorporating Norwegian buff stone into your home’s exterior design can be a very rewarding DIY project, but be sure to ask a professional for help, if needed.

Retaining Wall Materials: Concrete vs. Natural Stone

retaining wall materials Retaining walls are an attractive and functional addition to any landscape design. Whether you have a naturally sloped property, or are contouring your landscape to create visual interest, retaining walls will create a clear delineation between property levels, can be used to create flat, usable terraces and will help to prevent erosion.

There are a variety of retaining wall materials available. Two of the most popular are interlocking concrete and natural stone. Each has its own pros and cons so the key is to choose the retaining wall material that will work best, based on your landscape plan.

Here are some of the pros and cons of interlocking concrete vs. natural stone retaining wall materials.

Pros and Cons of Concrete Retaining Walls

These stones have become an increasingly popular retaining wall option due to their affordability, ease of use and versatility. In most cases, concrete blocks have an interlocking lip at the base, allowing them to fit together and stay together easily. Sometimes they are secured via nylon pins. Because they are man-made, concrete blocks can be formed into virtually any shape, size or color. They can also be used to create rounded retaining wall borders. If you have a retaining wall that is higher than 4-feet tall, you will want to explore other options involving a civil engineer. Interlocking concrete blocks don’t have footings, which are necessary to stabilize taller retaining walls.

Pros:

Affordable
Easy to install
Can be found in multiple color options
Available in a wide range of shapes
Can create round borders and edges
Excellent for drainage
Can be modified easily

Cons:

They can’t be used solely in walls 4 feet or higher without proper engineering and permits
While the designs are versatile, they don’t replicate natural stone
The actual material cost per square is more expensive than natural stone, but you save money in installation costs

Pros and Cons of Natural Stone Retaining Walls

Natural stone retaining walls have been used for thousands of years so there is an inherent element of tradition in their appearance. Because stones can be found in a variety of shapes, colors and textures, there is also a creative element involved in using natural stones. The best natural stones are those made from heavier, denser rocks such as granite or field stone. Natural stones are more expensive, and can be more labor intensive to set correctly. They are best used for shorter and narrower sections of retaining walls to maximize stability. Drainage is always an issue since moisture can infiltrate the spaces and gaps between stones, compromising the integrity of the wall.

Pros:

They’re Beautiful
Traditional
Ideal for a more rustic/country setting
They don’t require special connections or mortar to hold them together
Stones are a natural solution for inherent grade transitions

Cons:

Expensive
Drainage can become a problem over time
Labor intensive
Not as effective for taller or larger retaining walls

Best Retaining Wall Materials for Your Project

If you are deliberating about which retaining wall materials to use for your landscape design, it is best to consult a masonry supply store. A masonry supply store can make recommendations depending on the type of walls you will be using. In many cases, interlocking concrete and natural stone can be used in different areas of the same project. Both products are guaranteed to provide attractive and functional retaining walls that will last for years to come.