Monday, November 30, 2009

Travertine Pavers in a Mud Room

A mud room is an essential part to so many homes these days. For some homes, it is a connection to the outdoors. It is the place where a family can shake of all the dirt and heat from the outdoors, where kids can take off and store things like backpacks and boots. An effective mud room will be located just inside the entrance that family members use most. The floor of a mud room should be made of durable material, such as travertine pavers or tile. Used as tile, travertine can cover the walls, floor, and steps. Travertine pavers can also be mortared in as the floor of a mud room. Travertine is durable and skid resistant. It is a beautiful, natural stone, which will make the area visually pleasing. Once the mud room is covered with easy to clean and maintain materials, it can be filled with storage containers and cabinets. Coat racks, shoe holders, a mirror, and bins for things like hats and gloves will make the mud room complete. By using durable materials like travertine pavers and heavy duty rugs and storage bins, a mud room can add a lot of function to an entryway.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

A Backyard Gazebo

A backyard gazebo is a perfect place for enjoying the beautiful view of a landscape. Gazebos can be a range of sizes, shapes, and designs, and can be tailored to fit the style of the homeowner and the yard. A gazebo can go anywhere in the yard, but should be placed in a location from which the best view can be seen. It is also helpful to have the gazebo in a location secluded from neighbors, to ensure privacy. A gazebo that is placed away from the house will need a way for people to get out to it, such as a walkway or path. Travertine pavers make excellent and natural materials for the path to the gazebo, and travertine pavers can be placed and mortared to make a beautiful walkway. Travertine pavers can also be spaced farther apart to create a stepping stone look. Being natural stone, travertine pavers are durable, yet beautiful, and can help anchor the gazebo to the rest of the landscape. This ensures that the homeowners will be able to walk on a clean path to the gazebo, and enjoy the view around them.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Mining Cap Rock

Cap rock from Florida is quarried from local areas in the most eco-friendly way. The process for mining this natural rock makes it possible for the land, once free from the rock, to be used for things such as farming. Removing the rock from unusable land can actually turn it into great farmland.
Once the rock is mined, it is pressure cleaned and shipped to the customer.

Cap rock, made of limestone, is growing in popularity among contractors and homeowners. It naturally absorbs water and will not rot or be destroyed by insects. Cap rock has natural inclusions that can be a home for tropical foliage and that gives the rock a unique look.

Cap rock works well for the creation of waterfalls, retaining walls, and other structures in a landscape. It is easy to work with and comes in a variety of sizes to fit any project.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Landscaping in Small Spaces

Landscaping doesn’t always have to be for large estates with beautiful yards and gardens. Even for people living in homes or apartment with very little outdoor living space, landscaping can help bring out the best in these small places. Just because there isn’t a big backyard, or a lush flower garden, doesn’t mean the view outside has to be dreary or dull. A small backyard can be brought to life with small flower beds spaced throughout the area, using cheerful glass mulch to help add a colorful flavor to the yard. An apartment in a large city might be lucky enough to come with a roof patio, in which case a small garden or greenhouse can be brought in to add life to the space. Small pebbles or glass mulch can be added around plants or to cover unattractive areas. Even if the extent of one’s outdoor living space is a small patio high above the street below, color and texture will brighten the view. Potted plants, sculptors or art, and colorful glass mulch can be incorporated into these small spaces to make them feel like home.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The Many Uses of Pebbles

Pebbles are more than just the smooth rocks lining a river’s shore. They are found in more places than surrounding a lake or scattered by the ocean shore. Pebbles are now used in many different ways for landscaping. Pebbles can be used to create a pathway through a flower garden, or to place around plantings near a house. They now come in various colors, making them even more versatile. Pebbles can line a homemade pond or stream to make it look more natural. They can be used in dry areas, or in xeriscaping, in order to reduce the need for water. Rock gardens can benefit from the varied sizes and colors of pebbles. Today, landscape designers are able to incorporate pebbles into a wide range of ideas, including art pieces or fireplaces. Of course, you can still find beautifully natural pebbles by most bodies of water, but many people are realizing the benefits of this natural stone right in their own backyard.