How to Use Granite Stone for Landscaping
Granite stone incorporates a natural element to landscaping. There is a wide selection of colors, such as black, white, gray, pink and red. Use colors that complement either the overall color scheme of the yard or the exterior paint of the home. Decide how you want to use granite stone: in pathways, as a border to garden beds or in an entertainment area. Pick out the right granite stone to create a naturalistic hardscaping look. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Draw a diagram of your outdoor area. Include garden beds, trees, driveways and immovable objects like sheds. Indicate where you need a granite stone pathway or the areas that you would like to border.
-
2
Place stakes along the pathways you would like to create or around garden beds. Tie one continuous string from stake to stake.
-
-
3
Step back and get a look at the proposed pathway or border. Adjust any areas that are not straight or alter the clean look of the border. You can make the garden borders to fit the natural curve.
-
4
Measure the area where you want to place the granite. Decide if you want the granite to lay side to side or have space in between each stone. If granite stones butt against each other, it's harder to keep weeds from growing in between the tiny cracks because it is difficult to spray down to the base of the weeds creeping from under the granite.
-
5
Shop around to find the best price and color you want for your granite. Purchase more granite stone than your measurements call for in case you need to add a piece of stone or one needs to be repaired or repaired.
-
6
Hand pull all weeds or apply herbicide to the proposed pathways before laying down the stone.
-
7
Measure the granite. Decide how much of the stone you want sticking up from the ground or if you want the stone at ground level. There will be some settling after installation, so leave half an inch sticking up from the ground if you want the granite flush. Use the measurement to dig a trench in the pathway or area where you are installing the granite.
-
8
Level the bottom of the pathway with a spade. Place the stone in the trench and pack the soil around the stone. Continue until the entire pathway had been laid.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use one color of stone for a uniform look or purchase a variety of colors for an eclectic landscaping design element.
Level the pathway with sand or dirt to prevent creating an uneven flooring.
References
- Photo Credit rough cut granite stone image by Dan Marsh from Fotolia.com
