About Artificial Rock
People have long been fascinated with the pleasing aesthetic qualities of boulders, rocks and stones. A trend has emerged involving the use of artificial rock in settings, ranging from backyard and rooftop gardens to major landscaping projects.
A number of companies manufacture realistic-looking artificial rocks at prices ranging from $50 to $350. Creative and resourceful gardeners also can enjoy making their own artificial rock out of materials such as Styrofoam and concrete.
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Function
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Artificial rock, also known as faux rock, provides gardeners and landscape architects with a dramatic, economic and versatile alternative for creating features such as waterfalls and rock gardens. They also can disguise eyesores like electrical boxes, pumps and tanks. Plus, artificial rock is well-suited for slopes that are hard to mow and areas of sparse grass.
Features
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Artificial rock can be made from concrete, fiberglass, plaster, polyurethane materials or even rubber. The earth tones of weathered stone are replicated by adding color to concrete or through the use of acid stains. Decorative plaques also can be incorporated into artificial rock.
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Benefits
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Artificial rocks are lightweight, often weighing less than 40 pounds. In addition to its authentic appearance, artificial rock is durable and can withstand temperature extremes without cracking. Artificial rock also can be easily secured with stakes, preventing the potential for a backyard rock-slide. Best of all, artificial rock may be molded on site, eliminating the cost and inconvenience of hauling in truckloads of material to build a feature like a waterfall.
Size
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Artificial rocks come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Creating a display of artificial boulders around a backyard pond requires far less effort, equipment and expense than transporting and stacking real-world counterparts that might weigh up to a ton each.
Potential
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Instead of buying artificial rock, ambitious gardeners can opt to make their own. Start by making a form out of Styrofoam and steel mesh or chicken wire. Once the form is suitably shaped, it can be covered with concrete. Colored dirt, crushed glass, leaves, small stones or other items can be added to the concrete as part of the process to heighten your artificial rock's realistic-looking texture.
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.designingonline.com/home-and-garden-news/faux-rocks.html
