New Uses for Pebbles

Pebbles have come such a long way. It used to be that pebbles were used in places where nothing else could grow, or when a homeowner was too busy to keep a landscape looking nice. Pebbles were dumped in window wells, spread thickly next to the house, or put under playground equipment as a not-so-soft cushion for children. Pebbles, in their natural setting, are beautiful. They line riverbanks, lakes, and seashores, and are evidence of years and years of water running over them, smoothing them.

Seeing the beauty in pebbles, landscapers are now able to incorporate them into a nice-looking yard. They can be placed around a waterfall, or a pond to make it look natural, and certain plants look better when surrounded by pebbles. Pebbles can also be used in rock gardens, and because they come in a variety of sizes and colors, they can fit into nearly every landscape.

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.

Pebbles for Landscaping

They seem like such a common, everyday material, but pebbles are gaining in popularity because of all the benefits they provide, as well as the improvement they make in a landscape’s appearance. Pebbles are used extensively for pathways, to fill areas under plants, in the building of ponds and rivers, and to improve the look of certain areas of a yard. Pebbles now come in such a wide variety of colors and polished finishes that homeowners are sure to find something they like. They are also often used in xeriscaping areas that don’t receive much rainfall, in an effort to add color and beauty to dry yards. Pebbles are also great for rock beds, and to fill in small areas that are hard to do anything with.

Many landscapers are turning to different types of stone to design landscapes, because stone is so versatile, natural, and long-lasting. Pebbles have added benefits because they can be placed easily and can be installed by do-it-yourself homeowners, if desired. A good landscape will incorporate a variety of materials, colors, and plants, and many people are now using pebbles to enhance their landscape.

Landscaping on a Budget

The economy is a big thing on people’s minds lately. Many people have begun to really watch how they spend their money and cut back on nonessential purchases. Even though the times might be tough right now, there are ways to save money and still have a great looking landscape.

First of all, it is important to have a plan. Spend a little extra time to find out what kinds of plants and materials can be used in your area and climate. For example, in a tropical climate, it would be smart to go with plants that like warm weather, and materials that complement the flora such as coral rocks. Likewise in the north, it would be more economical to buy native plants that do well in winter as well as summer, and work with materials like travertine pavers that do well in any climate. It will cost a lot less money to do things right in the first place.

Secondly, check prices throughout the year. Plants are going to be less expensive when they are purchased during the regular growing season. Other things, such as coral rocks or travertine pavers, might go on sale during the off season. Watch for the end of the landscaping season in your area and check for sales on materials.

Thirdly, do the work yourself. Sure, it would be nice to have the pebbles delivered to your yard and spread out for you, but if you are able to transport them and do it yourself, you’ll save money

How to Create a Backyard Pond

There are many backyard projects that homeowners can do on their own.  One of the more challenging do-it-yourself projects is creating a pond with a stream.  Some things are best left for the experts, such as designing and placing cap rock waterfalls, but an ambitious homeowner should be able to create a basic stream and pond by themselves.

The first step to this project is to dig the area for the pond, and the size will vary based on the desired size and shape of the pond.  Once this is done, the plumbing will need to be placed for the filter and pump, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

The next step is to excavate the stream and install the waterfall tank and skimmer, if they are being used.  The pond underlayment and liner can then be positioned.  In order to hide the liner and create a more natural landscape, it is necessary to fill the area around the edges with rock or pebbles.  One good way to do this is to place larger stones first around the edge of the pond and directly on the liner, and then add pebbles to the cracks and around the stones.  This will also hold the liner in place and prevent soil from falling into the pond.  Shallow water plants also work well to fill the area and create a natural look.

The last step is deciding what kinds of water plants and fish will go well in your pond, and then enjoying your finished project.

Landscaping in today’s economy

Homeowners today might be caught in a slight predicament when it comes to tackling new outdoor projects.  Some people have dreams of what they want their property to look like, and all sorts of projects they would like to undertake.  The problem is that many homeowners today are pinched for money and even things like landscape projects are often put on the back burner for a better day.  Many people are wondering what projects they should work on and what can wait until the money is there.

Most would agree that it is important for a house to look well-kept and cared for.  Certainly anything that is in disrepair and an eyesore should be fixed to at least make it look better.  For example, an old cracked or stained walkway can be taken out and replaced by an inexpensive pebble walkway, or even a glass mulch path.  Other things, such as the paint on the house, can be touched up if there isn’t enough money to redo the entire thing.  Flower beds should be kept up and weed-free, and the grass should be maintained at a healthy level.

While it might not be necessary at a time of restricted funds to put in a brand new travertine patio with a cap rock fireplace, those people that take the time to come up with a plan should be able to keep their house looking pleasant, while budgeting and planning for these larger projects in the future.

Installing Pebble Tile

Pebbles can give a landscape a finished look.  The laying of loose pebbles around plantings can help keep moisture in the soil underneath, and adding pebbles around pavers for walkways can make the area look clean and finished.  Pebbles are also used in xeriscaping, to nicely fill an area in order to cut down on maintenance and water use.  Another great place in landscaping for pebbles is along waterfalls or running streams. 

Pebbles also come in tile form which allows the pebbles to be installed quickly and easily by almost anyone.  These tiles are great for covering walls, floors, tub surrounds, backsplashes, countertops, fireplace hearths, and even in creating fountains.  The list goes on and on and is as limitless as one’s imagination.  

The pebbles are attached to a mesh backing, so that many pebbles can be laid all at once.  The tiles are easy to place because the pebbles interlock to form a seamless pattern.  Pebble tiles are installed just like other tiles, in that they are placed on thinset mortar and then grouted.  It is recommended that a sealer be used before the grout, in order to prevent discoloration of the pebbles from the grout. 

There are many different types and color of pebbles, each adding character and texture to the project they are used in.  Few substances are used as often and by as many people as pebbles, and there are some really nice homes and landscapes out there that use pebbles and pebble tiles in beautiful ways.

Pebbles for Every Landscaping Need

If you are planting foliage in your yard or garden, you will want to cover the ground under your plants and flowers in order to protect the plants, keep moisture in, and provide a finished look. Pebbles are a perfect material for a variety of planting styles. Ranging in color from earth tones to colorful stones, pebbles are a very versatile cover material. With a range of sizes also available, pebbles can meet the needs of different landscapers with diverse planting projects.

Also a great material for rock beds and ponds, pebbles work great in wet areas to provide a textured surface. They are often used to line the bed of a pond and under plants surrounding ponds. These rocks show their colors more vividly when wet, which also makes them appealing for ponds and waterfalls.

Decorative rock beds are a great solution for drab areas of the yard, or ones that are difficult to grow plants in. Using pebbles as the base material is a great solution for areas such as these. Pebbles also are favorable in these areas of the yard because they don’t decay, they won’t blow away in the wind, and they won’t attract insects like typical mulch.

For those with an extra artistic touch, pebbles can be used in outdoor decorative pieces, such as mosaics and stepping stones. The variety of colors of pebbles that are sold can allow for a little bit of expression on the part of a designer or landscaper to create an outdoor masterpiece.

Recycled glass pebbles in stock for your design projects

Largest selection of recycled glass in South Florida. Recycled glass pebbles in stock for your design projects. Recycled architectural glass in a variety of colors and sizes.

Larry’s Cap Rock & Stone is going green. Our recycled glass mulch is available in 4 dazzling colors. Recycled glass is LEED certified. It is also available at the most competitive pricing in the United States. Recycled glass mulch provides a maintenance free modern landscape. Use it as an exposed aggregate or for decorative
ground cover.

The right combination of recycled glass rocks, plants, and careful planning can create a beautiful glass garden for your yard, business property, or even an indoor environment. Our proprietary production process produces recycled glass rocks that are lightly tumbled and safe to handle with bare hands. These recycled glass products also qualify for LEED credits. Larry’s Cap Rock & Stone offers architectural recycled glass at the most competitive prices in the USA.

Recycled architectural glass comes in a large variety of colors, sizes, and textures. We offer the sizes of recycled glass most suitable a variety of landscaping purposes. Recycled glass qualifies for LEED credits. LEED was created to define green building by establishing a common standard of
measurement.

One Stop Resource for Natural Stone

Larry's Cap Rock & Stone is a "one-stop" resource for all your natural stone needs.

We understand the dynamics of designing with stone. Experience and knowledge allow us to simplify the selection and fabrication process by effectively collaborating with architects, designers, builders and installation contractors. The results provide the most discerning client, the look they desire.

Our services include:
Stone / product research
Your specs call for rubble. And you aren’t sure what is or where to get it. Larry’s Cap Rock Inc. can help you distinguish the difference between rubble strips and coral rubble pieces so you accurately quote your job.

Sample submittals
Your client is discerning and requests samples to be included with your design plan. Larry’s Cap Rock & Stone will provide samples of any rock free of charge. We only ask that you pay shipping charges on anything that needs to be expedited.

Priority list, production and delivery schedules
Larry’s Cap Rock & Stone works diligently to provide you with realistic timelines and delivery schedules. Our sales people are committed to answering your questions and needs with honesty and candor about market conditions and weather events.

Factory/quarry liaison
Our business has been built on over 13 years of relationships with quarries throughout the United States and the world. We are committed to providing all clients with the widest variety of stone at the lowest prices.

Stone inspection/quality control
Quality control is a key element to our business. What many contractors don’t realize is that with any natural product, especially any sandstone you will have breakage. We work to minimize the amounts incurred by partnering with trusted quarries as well as by training our excavating staff on what we require. This is one of the areas that truly separate us from the pack.

Coordinating National and International Shipments
We have extensive experience coordinating loads throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The Port of Miami is 30 minutes to our North. As such we are familiar with all seaboard shipping companies and will work to get you the lowest estimate on any load leaving the United States. Those loads in the state of Florida are typically handled by our own trucks and are quoted on a case by case basis. On LTL shipments in the state of Florida, we use FedEx Freight. Call our office for up to the minute quotes as rates change monthly.

Introduction to Beach Pebbles

P E B B L E S www.larryscaprockandstone.com









Mexican Beach - Black









Mexican Beach - Red Polished








Polished Black

PEBBLES ADD COLOR & TEXTURE TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Pebbles in native colors from the oceans and the
seasides of Mexico and Asia are naturally
smoothed by the movement of water.

Note:
Larry’s Cap Rock and Stone mesh-backed pebble
tiles are available in 12 x 12 inch squares for
flooring and veneers.

FINISHES - Smooth, polished and seaside

APPLICATIONS - Landscaping ground cover,
dry garden beds, southwestern and Japanese
gardens, water features, building veneer,
exposed concrete aggregate, swimming pool
decks and patios

SPECIFICATIONS
Stone Sizes Unit
Mexican Pebbles 0.5-1 or 1-2 inches 40 lb. bag
2-3 or 3-5 inches 40 lb. bag
5-8 inches 40 lb. bag
Mexican Confetti 0.13-0.25 inch 40 lb. bag
Polished Pebbles 0.5-1.5 inches 40 lb. bag
1.5-2.5 inches 40 lb. bag

How to Install Coralina Tiles in 4 Easy Steps

Coralina tile provides a beautiful, long lasting wall that's easy to take care of and is almost impossible to mark or stain. You can install wall tiles literally any place you want to be able to enjoy their beauty, but the obvious locations are in outdoor kitchens (as backsplashes or countertops) and in bathrooms and showers. Although most people think a coralina wall is difficult to install, the reality is it's not beyond the range of a handy DIY'er who is willing to spend some time understanding the process and take his time installing the wall.

Here's what you'll need:
• Coralina tiles
• Cement board or green drywall
• Galvanized cement board screws
• Fiberglass tape
• Level
• Pencil
• Tile adhesive
• Notched trowel
• Tile cutter (rented)
• Tile nippers
• Grout
• Rubber float
• Sponge
• Buckets of clear water
• Utility knife
• Silicon caulk

Preparing the Wall
Coralina tiles can be installed directly on drywall, plaster, or if they are in moist areas, onto "green" drywall or even better cement backer board. Green drywall is specifically designed for use in bathrooms. It's as easy (or as hard) to work with as ordinary drywall, but it's specially formulated to resist moisture. Its best use is in a kitchen or bathroom where the environment will get moist, but not where it will actually be exposed to water.

Cement backer board is actually made from a fiberglass mesh and Portland cement, so moisture won't bother it at all. It is available in 1/2 and 5/8-inch thick sheets (similar to drywall), and is usually sold in 32 or 36-inch wide panels 5 or 8 feet long. Cement board is cut the same way as ordinary drywall - score it with a utility knife and then snap it at the line. It's installed by screwing it to the underlying studs; place the screws about 6 inches apart and use special galvanized screws that won't rust. The seams are finished by taping with special fiberglass seaming tape. Cement board is the best thing to use in a shower installation and even makes sense if you are installing a backsplash close to a sink.

Laying Out Your Tile Pattern
Find the center of your wall and use a carpenter's level to mark intersecting plumb (vertical) and level (horizontal) lines. Dry fit the first row of coralina tiles starting at the center and working your way to the ends of the wall. You want the coralina tiles at both row ends to be approximately the same size, so you may have to adjust your vertical reference line to make them match up.

Installing the Tile
Starting in the center, on one side of your reference line, apply a coat of tile setting adhesive to an area about 3' by 3' square. Take care not to cover your lines. Spread the adhesive with the smooth side of your notched trowel and then go over it with the notched side to create ridges in the adhesive.

Firmly press each coralina tile in place and give it a slight twisting motion to be sure it makes good contact with the adhesive. As you work your way along, place tile spacers on all four sides of each tile, so your grout lines will be consistent. Take your time and work on the wall in three square foot sections.

At the end of a row or around fixtures, you'll probably need to cut some tiles. A rented ceramic tile cutter is the easiest way to make your straight cuts. Using this tool, score the cut line on a full tile and then snap the tile along the scribed line. Smooth the edge with 80 grit sandpaper (the edge of a cut coralina tile is very sharp).

Cutting irregular shaped tiles or around obstructions will require using "tile nippers." These are a heavy duty hand tool that you use to "nip" or bite off little pieces of a tile, one at a time, until you have cut the needed shape.

Grouting
After the coralina tiles have all been installed and the adhesive has set up (probably overnight), it's time to grout the tiles. Depending on the width of your grout lines, you will need to choose either sanded or unsanded grout. If the spaces between the tiles are bigger than 1/8", use sanded grout. (Sanded grout actually contains sand particles that help make the grout joint stronger.)

Remove all your tile spacers and mix the grout following manufacturer's directions (it should end up with a peanut butter-like consistency). If you're grouting in a bathroom or kitchen area, be sure your grout includes a waterproofing agent.
Using a rubber float, apply the grout at a 45-degree angle to the grout lines.
Press firmly; you want to get grout all the way down to the bottom of the seams. Work in your 3' x 3' areas to be sure you get uniform coverage of all the grout lines. Wipe off any excess grout with a wet sponge and clear water.

7 Artsy Ways to Make Your Landscaping Stand Out Using Natural Stones

You say that your landscaping is complete? Then show me your stones! That's right, landscaping stones. The artful application of landscaping stone could enhance the natural elements that you've already employed -- namely, your plants. And the aesthetic and functional use of stone can even raise the value of your property. You tend to your trees and lawn, and you lavish your vegetable plants with attention. Why, your posies even get to rest their pretty little heads on something we dub "flower beds." With all this attention to the animate denizens of the landscape, don't forget their inanimate counterparts, which include soil and stone. Without proper soil, of course, plants will not grow well; no amount of artistry will make up for a flawed canvas. And without the skillful arrangement of stone and other hardscape components, the most artistic of landscapes would lack a frame to set it off tastefully.

For many, a boulder at a driveway entrance, with their name/address painted on it or chiseled into it, will suffice. But the possibilities are limited only by the time you wish to spend. Or by the money you are willing to pay professionals to do it for you. For some hardscape projects, you will need to combine your landscaping stone with mortar -- or perhaps use concrete, brick, or tile, instead of stone. These and other variations must be considered when taking on one of the most popular hardscape projects -- building a patio. Whether composed of concrete, stone, or some other hardscape material, patios are a wonderful way to tie the indoors with the outdoors, thereby uniting house and landscape effectively and creating outdoor living spaces. In regions plagued by drought, or for homeowners who want a low-maintenance landscape, an interesting alternative to lawns is the extended patio, which is simply an enlarged patio that takes up space where lawn grass would otherwise be planted.

The use of stone includes, but is not limited to:

• Patio floors/walls

• Paths, including garden stepping stone walkways

• Columns to support car ports

• Outbuildings made entirely of stone

• Foundations for porches and decks

• Accent pieces for water gardens and, of course, rock gardens

• Stone walls

How to build a dry creek bed river rocks

Do you have a slope on your property down which excess water flows, causing erosion on the slope and/or a landscape drainage problem below? Homeowners often get rid of such pooling by building dry creek beds. Besides the practical aspect of improving landscape drainage, dry creek beds can also be attractive. In fact, some folks with absolutely no landscape drainage problems build dry creek beds just because they like the look of them!

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 4 hours/10 feet

Here's How:

1. First plan the course that the dry creek bed will take down the slope. Mark the 2 edges of that course with landscaper's paint. A meandering course looks more natural than a straight course. How high up the slope should you start? In some cases, there's little choice. For instance, if a landscape drainage pipe that's already in place is dumping all that excess water onto your property, your decision is clear-cut: begin the dry creek bed by grading the land right under that pipe....

2. But in cases where you have more leeway (especially for dry creek beds that are purely decorative), attempt to disguise the "headwaters" of the dry creek bed by making it bend out from behind a large boulder or some plant material. When the source of a stream is mysterious, viewers have to use their imagination. And what we construct with our hands is rarely as pleasing as what we construct with our minds!

3. We've talked about how high up the slope to start. But what about where to finish down below? Some homeowners redirect excess water toward the street. But it's best to contemplate a worst-case scenario when dealing with public property, because that means dealing with the government -- which can be a real stickler when it comes to issues like redirecting excess water. So check with your local public works department first. If their response is positive, get something in writing that says so....

4. What if you're not allowed to redirect the water to the street? Unless you already have a landscape drainage system in place (allowing you to route the runoff into that system), you have 2 main options. You could channel the water to a location on your land (but make sure it's your land, not a neighbor's!) where it's less troublesome and where, if the soil is sandy enough, it can percolate harmlessly down into the ground. A second option is to build a pond and funnel the water into it.

5. So much for the course of a dry creek bed. What about its depth and width? These dimensions don't have to conform to any rule exactly. Look at dry creek beds in nature: they're obviously not all of the same depth and width. But there's a general rule you can follow: dry creek beds tend to be wider than they are deep, which is good news for you -- less digging! A 2:1 ratio is about right, meaning you could make the dry creek bed 3' wide x 1.5' deep, for example.

6. With the planning done, now it's time for the first real work in the project: the digging. It's easy to build dry creek beds for landscape drainage, provided that the soil you'll be excavating isn't strewn with roots and rocks. Those with difficult soil to excavate can take solace in the fact that excavating the dry creek bed will be the toughest part of the project!

7. Take the soil that you're excavating and mound it up along the sides of your dry creek bed, as you go. This will reduce the amount of digging that you have to do, since you'll be lowering the base and raising the sides in one motion. Tamp down this excavated soil with a tamping tool.

8. After the trench for the dry creek bed has been excavated, lay down landscape fabric along its whole length. You want the fabric to cover the mounds of earth on both sides, as well as the trench. Hold the fabric in place using fabric pins or garden staples. Now for the part of the project that will be visible to viewer's: the rock....

9. For projects intended to improve landscape drainage, all rocks need to be mortared into place to form a solid channel that will carry water away (for ornamental dry creek beds, this is optional -- and probably undesirable). Apply mortar only to short sections of the fabric at a time, since mortar dries quickly. Use at least 2" of mortar. Lay the rocks in the mortar, then repeat the process with the next short section. It's easier to work from the top of the slope, down.

10. You can use rock of various shapes and sizes, but many homeowners prefer to select more round rocks ("river rocks") than flat ones. Round rocks conjure up an image of the water that has been gushing over them, knocking them about and causing them to become round over time.

11. Place small river rocks in the center of the trench; the water will flow over these.

12. Place your larger rocks on the sides of the dry creek bed, where they'll help channel the water and where they'll have the most visual impact. Save any boulders for the biggest bends in your stream's course and to disguise the "headwaters" of the dry creek bed (as discussed in Step 2 above).

Tips:

After you build dry creek beds, you can dress them up a bit. Plants will soften the edges, for instance. If you're more ambitious, you can install a landscape bridge over the dry creek bed and plant tall ornamental grasses to serve as "bookends" at both entrances to the landscape bridge. Adorn the landscape bridge with hanging container gardens to create a knockout focal point for your yard.

What You Need:

• Landscaper's paint

• Landscape fabric

• Fabric pins or garden staples

• River rocks and boulders

• Mortar

• Wheelbarrow for mixing the mortar

• Tamping tool

• Shovel