Coral Rocks add interest to the outside of a house

Coral rocks have many uses, and can be incorporated into a variety of landscapes. It is cut in different shapes and sizes, and can be used in big blocks to build walls, fireplaces, or other structures. Coral rocks also come in flagging pieces, which increases their use even more.

There are many houses out there that are covered with dull siding. Siding, while versatile and easy to care for, doesn’t usually enhance the look of a house. But using coral rocks can add character and texture to tiresome siding. Here’s how: cover the lower four feet of the outside of the house with coral rocks flagging pieces. These can be applied by an adventurous homeowner, or designed and installed by professionals. The siding should be removed on the lower part of the house, and the area prepped. Then the pavers can be placed and mortared on the side of the house. The result is a beautiful home, tailored to the homeowner’s style. By selecting the desired color or size of the flagging pieces, it is easy to create a completely unique look. The coral rocks, being natural stone, will be practical and long-lasting.

Privacy in Your Backyard

Everyone likes to have their own quiet space sometimes, and what better place to enjoy it than your own backyard?  While some people may be lucky enough to live in a secluded area far from others, most of us have neighbors somewhat nearby. If your yard is a little too open or your neighbors too close, there are ways to increase the privacy of your own yard.

First, and maybe most obviously, a fence can add privacy. With many types to choose from; wood, iron, rail, chain link, there is a fence for any landscape type. You could even build a privacy wall out of coral rocks.
Secondly, a row of hedges or trees provides much seclusion. They can be planted while seedlings and fast-growing varieties can start providing shelter in a matter of months or years.

Thirdly, landscaping helps with privacy. Flowerbeds, bordered by coral rocks or pavers can put a barrier between you and the neighbors. A coral rock fireplace or a statue can also be a great way to create a quiet space. A patio can have lattice work or trellises around it to block the view from the neighbors or the street. All it takes is a little imagination and planning, and a backyard can be a place of solitude. 

A Patio; the Symbol of an American Backyard

The patio is such a common feature to many homes that many of us take it for granted. We eat on it, we play on it, and we keep our lawn furniture on it. Those that live in warm climates may use their patio every day. Those that have to endure cold winters with snow will often spend their whole summer out on the patio, when the weather permits.

Patios can vary so much in size and design that they really speak volumes about their individual creator. A patio can be made of travertine pavers, bricks, coral rocks, or a variety of other materials. It can be full of furniture, or full of plants, or hardly filled at all.

A new trend is for patios to incorporate a fireplace. Sometimes it will be a moveable fire pit, other times people build the fireplace right into the patio out of coral rocks or cap rock. Tiki torches and lanterns are commonplace on patios, as are solar lights.  

Whatever the style, a patio can really improve a landscape. It is a common part of many yards, and the place where homeowners like to gather and relax.

Coral Rocks Bring a Feel of the Ocean

If you’ve ever been to the ocean, particularly the warm areas of the ocean, perhaps you’ve seen the extensive coral formations that occur there. Coral is formed by tiny organisms that build colonies with calcified rock. The result is a rocklike substance that has many different textures and patterns made up of holes and ridges. Associated with the warm ocean climates, coral is one of the most natural beauties in the world.

Coral rocks are mined in Florida and they definitely create a tropical flair when added to any landscape. Just like the coral of the ocean, coral rocks are full of natural holes and textures, and often contain fossils. This stone is used extensively in warm climates for patios, walkways, and for building structures like walls and fireplaces. It is a beautiful stone that many have found is easy to work with and perfect to include in landscapes in warm climates. Because of its natural ocean feel, coral stone is ideal for any landscape that incorporates a tropical flair, or one that is near the ocean.

Coral Rock Wall

In today’s yards, it is common to see designers experimenting with many different structures and materials to add texture and interest to a landscape. They may add a colorful glass mulch walkway, or maybe a piece of art to a flowerbed. Another way to add interest to a landscape is to use hardscapes. These are structures such as patios or walls that help divide the space up and make it more pleasing to the eye.

A wall make out of coral rocks is a good example of a hardscape. This wall can be made around a patio to separate it from a flowerbed, or it can be the outer edge of a bed that meets up with a path. Coral rocks are perfect for hardscaping because they are easy to work with, and they look great. The different patterns that are found in coral rocks make them a favorite for landscapers. Coral rocks can be found in cut blocks to be used for structures like walls or fireplaces, or as flagging pieces to line pathways or patios, or they can simply be boulders to be displayed in a 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

Coral Rocks Add Texture to Landscape

Coral rocks are made up of ancient rock that is found throughout the world.  This type of building material is oolitic limestone, or “egg stone”, which is known for its texture.  Oolite is a sedimentary rock that consists of many small holes.  This type of rock was formed over time when particles floating in the ocean became coated with calcium carbonate and fell to the ocean floor.  After many years, the area that was once covered with water became land; leaving the coral rock compacted under the soil.

Coral rocks are mined in the southern tip of Florida, using environmentally safe practices.  After the rock is removed, the land is reclaimed and is used for farming.  Once the rocks are mined, they are cut to different sizes for building materials and landscape supplies.

The coral rocks are known for their use in Floridian architecture.  Often called “old Florida” style, many structures can be built with coral rocks including houses, garden walls, patios, and walkways.  The texture in this type of building material makes it very popular among designers.  Each piece is unique, with different pores, colors, and sometimes fossils found in different sections.

Another advantage to using coral rocks is the variety of sizes it comes in.  It can be found in boulders, rocks, and different size flagging and tile.  For any landscape project, coral rock can be the material that adds interest and texture to the construction

Coral Rocks

Coral rocks, or coral stone, are fossilized limestone. These naturally occurring substances are sedimentary rocks that are made mostly of calcium carbonate. Coral rock is porous and contains many fossils from coral, snails, gastropods, and other marine and plant life.

Found naturally in Florida, coral rocks are often chosen in order to express a tropical elegance and style. Coral rocks can be used outdoors in warm climates for walkways, boulders, steps, pillars and other artistic landscaping projects. An outdoor fireplace covered in coral stone makes a great addition to a patio. Used indoors in both warm and cooler climates, this stone can be found in cut sizes that are perfect for covering walls and floors. Many homeowners use coral rock tiles to cover bathrooms and kitchens.

Coral rocks may not be as commonly used as other natural stones for indoor areas, but they have a sophistication that many individuals are looking for. A great designer will know what stones look good together and can come up with a great fireplace, walkway, or wall that is a great display of different types of rocks. Coral rocks can be placed along with travertine, marble, and many other types of stone to create a more detailed and interesting structure or flooring.

Coral stone is resilient and natural, and is gaining in popularity because of its timeless beauty. A skilled designer can plan a space that is rich with texture and color by using coral rocks.

Curb Appeal

For those that are looking to sell their home, or even just improve the value of their current home, one thing that can help is curb appeal. Homeowners that take the time to improve their yard and landscape, as well as the outside of their house, often find a nice return on their money. A well-kept yard and house will usually sell better than a run-down property.

Starting with the simple things, it doesn’t take much time or money to make sure the garden is free of weeds and looking healthy. Inspecting and, if necessary, replacing gutters and downspouts will improve the home, as well as installing a new front door. Planning out and installing lighting can make a yard beautiful at night. These things, while rather small, will make a big impression on those looking at the house from the curb.

Other improvements, such as painting the house and trim, will take more time and labor. If the homeowner is willing to take the time, or can hire help to do it, adding or rebuilding a patio made out of a nice stone like travertine pavers, or a fireplace out of coral rocks would add much to a home. A homeowner could also build a walkway leading to the flowerbeds, made out of colored pebbles or other stone.

One more thing that can help would be to take pictures of the yard and then use them to see what needs to be improved. Sometimes taking a step back helps us see things we tend to overlook.

The Coral Castle

The Coral Castle, which now sits in Homestead, Florida, is said to be made from tons and tons of coral rocks. Much controversy surrounds the castle, especially the construction of it, because one man, Edward Leedskalnin, supposedly built it by himself. Rumor has it that much of his work was done at night in order to avoid spectators, and he constructed it while using only primitive tools. When asked how he could accomplish this he wouldn’t tell anyone how he assembled it. 1,200 tons of stones make up the castle, including one 30 ton stone, and two 25 foot tall stones. With precision in his measurements and carvings, Edward was able to create structures with rocks that few others can claim to do, even with modern tools.

While it is called the Coral Castle, most of the stones are not actually coral rocks, but rather oolite limestone, which is a sedimentary rock that contains fossil shells and some coral. These types of “coral rocks” are found in southeastern Florida, sometimes abundantly just under the earth’s surface. The castle is typical of other structures made out of limestone rock with coral, or those made from real coral rocks in that it is extremely strong. The Coral Castle even survived a direct hit by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, even when buildings around it were destroyed. Today the castle is a tourist attraction that brings people in every year to marvel at its workmanship.