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.

Sand for Paver Joints: Complete Online Installation Guide

best sand for paver joints Using pavers to install a walkway, patio or even a driveway may seem like a relatively easy project. The truth is that unless the pavers are installed correctly with the right materials and methods, the project is not likely to hold up very well.

Pavers are usually formed of stone, concrete or brick, and are available in a variety of colors and styles.

How to Install Pavers

The first step in your project will be to choose the style and color of pavers to buy. Using more than one color to create an attractive pattern or design is a popular option.

Before actually purchasing the project material, the area must be accurately measured to determine the amount needed. Once all the planning and preparations have been done, the hard work begins.

Approximately 8-1/2 inches of earth should be removed before the installation process can begin. The best way to make sure the hole is deep enough is to place a long 2 x 4 or pipe across the area and periodically measure from the bottom edge to check the depth. Digging a little too deep is better than not digging deep enough because any depressions can be filled in if necessary.

After the hole has been dug deep enough it is time to begin filling it with a 5-inch layer of crushed stone. As the stone is added and tamped down, use the same method used to check the depth of the hole to make sure the crushed stone layer still allows 3-1/2 inches of space for the remaining material.

The next layer you need to install is 1 inch of sand that will serve as a bed to set the pavers in. Since most pavers are 2 3/8-inches thick, set up 2 x 4s exactly 2 3/8-inches below the ground level to function as a guide when installing the sand. Spread the sand as evenly as possible and use a long 2 x 4 as a screed to level the layer. Screed the sand a few times in each direction and do not walk in the area when it is finished.

With all the preparation done, you can finally begin setting the pavers. Using a straight edge as a reference, place the pavers close together with only a thin joint line between them. Use a rubber mallet to level any high pavers and add sand beneath any that are too low. Once you are finished setting and leveling all the pavers, it is time to add joint sand. You will want to make sure to purchase the best paver joint sand to ensure the stability of your project.

Best Paver Joint Sand

Polymeric sand is very effective at stabilizing pavers over time, and Flexlock is highly recommended. Flexlock polymeric sand is a type of paver joint sand containing additives that bond the paver joints when exposed to water. Although there are other brands of paver joint sand available, Flexlock uses water to create a strong bond suitable for use with new pavers or to repair a deteriorating project.

Flexlock sand is engineered with polymers and colorant. When applied to the joints of your pavers, it will harden. There are many theories on how this product should be installed, but you should talk to a certified installer for the proper installation method. Installing sand on a damp or moist paver can result in a number of complex issues.

Flexlock sand will prevent ongoing weed issues but will not prevent them from completely occurring. It will also help compliment new or existing paver installs.

Swimming Pool Patio Products: The Complete Guide

swimming pool patio products Your swimming pool may very well be one of your favorite spots in your home’s landscape, but it takes careful consideration for what to put underfoot.

You have to contend with water, sun, dirt and other elements, so you need a pool patio product that can stand up to hard wear and tear.

Then, you have the aesthetic aspects. You want your pool to have curb appeal, to complement your home and to blend into your other landscaping.

Versatile Pavers

One of the most versatile patio product options is concrete pavers. Innovations in the last few years mean that they can make just about anything out of concrete. It can be molded into any shape, and the color ranges are near unlimited. With concrete, your pool’s patio can complement an array of home and decorating styles, from traditional to modern.

Durable Pavers

Natural stone has a long history as a building material in modern and ancient times because it is so durable. Available in tans, grays, lavender, blue or green hues, granite products have a stately, natural look that will last a lifetime and are extremely low-maintenance. This quarried rock can also be cut into many different shapes, and various colors can be used to incorporate a subtle pattern.

Every natural stone has varying levels of heat retention, and choosing the right product for your patio requires the help of an experienced and knowledgable stone supplier.

Traditional Pavers

Clay brick was one of the most commonly used pavers on pools and other paved areas, and they lend a traditional, stately feel to any area. Clay brick pavers are slip-resistant, colorfast, durable and available in an array of natural tans and reds.

Natural Stone Pavers

Travertine is a limestone that is durable, anti-slip and won’t get hot in the sun. It is available in whites, yellows, beige, tans and grays.

Sandstone is another natural stone that is favorable as patio products. Sandstone is offered in many different colors, from browns to blue and even green.

Limestone, which is a type of sandstone, is available in many different colors, such as whites, oranges, tans, gray-blue and even black, usually tending to be much darker than other stones used as pavers products. Limestone generally resists heat and is anti-slip, making it a beautiful choice for a natural look for your pool.

Quartzite, a sandstone that has a high quartz content, is very durable, resists heat and is slip-resistant. Quartzite, in general, have a high color variance, but in some instances they have the colors removed, which limits color options.

Any look or feel can be achieved for your favorite spot in your landscape or your pool!