201
Natural and decorative stones are widely used in landscape design. They add beauty, sophistication and harmony to the defined space. However, choosing landscape stones should be approached very responsibly, because if you ignore the basic rules of selection, you can choose completely incompatible stones or fragile rocks that will significantly spoil your facade. Designers note that it is worth choosing 2-3 types of stone and using them for the composition. However, the question arises - which stones should be preferred for landscape design? Based on this, we will try to describe the main types of stones that are widely used in design.
The main types of stones
By origin, stones for landscape design are of volcanic, sedimentary and metamorphic rock.
Stones of volcanic rock
Volcanic stones such as granite, basalt and diabase have a strong base and heavy weight, which is why these stones can be stored in areas for centuries. They are used both in their normal state and after being subjected to grinding, which provides even better quality. Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the most significant - the high price, which makes the stone inaccessible for mass use.
Granite is the strongest and most expensive of all volcanic stones. It perfectly withstands even adverse weather conditions and is resistant to sudden temperature changes. This stone is used on alpine slides, rockeries and many other landscape elements.
By properties basalt it is not much inferior to granite. Basalt stone is strong, easily withstands loads and retains its appearance for centuries. They are mostly used for laying park alleys or separate landscape paths. It is also used for cladding floors and residential buildings.
Diabase — volcanic rock of a greenish color with a black tint. When choosing a stone, you can find a gray, purple or completely black color. Surprisingly strong, can withstand temperature jumps or various types of load. In landscape design, it is used for finishing walls, paving alleys and in rockeries.
Stones of sedimentary rocks
Dolomite, limestone and tuff are distinguished from other stones by soft natural shades, they are easily treated and polished. However, due to their porous structure, they do not tolerate mechanical action and wear, and quickly fall apart. Unlike volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks are not as strong and durable. A big advantage of sedimentary rocks is their low price and availability. These stones are used for finishing walls, stairs and for decorating the garden - the landscape of paths, curbs and playgrounds.
home flight — decorative stone with a diverse palette of shades - white. pink, greenish, gray. It has a characteristic pattern. Like other sedimentary rocks, it decays over time and loses its luster and decorativeness. And although it can be destroyed for years, the process itself cannot be stopped. If you choose dolomite for landscape design, you will not be disappointed in its beauty and presentation, but its ephemerality may upset you.
Limestone — a natural stone that is formed by lying underground in layers that are formed into a porous rock. The stone is light, frost-resistant, but at the same time strong and durable, unlike the previous one. It is often chosen for design because it is easy to saw and cut the stone and give it the right shape. Limestone is used for arranging alpine slides, paths and flower beds. It is especially aesthetic when this stone is covered with moss over time.
Tuff — a small, light rock characterized by porosity and strength. It can be of different colors - black, gray or brown. Due to its unique appearance, the stone is recognizable among other sedimentary rocks. Tuff is used in landscape design to create a rock garden and in decorative elements among various types of flowers.
Stones of metamorphic rock
Quartzite, schist and gneiss are sedimentary in origin, but much stronger and of higher quality than the previous ones. Their characteristic features are: resistance to mechanical influences, demanding temperatures, considerable weight. They are used for various works in the garden and sometimes to decorate the landscape.
Quartzite — a metamorphic rock formed during the metamorphism of quartz sandstones. It is characterized by considerable hardness, smoothness of shape and a variety of shades — from reddish to gray, widely distributed in nature. The stone looks very beautiful on sunny days, when the shiny surface of quartzite reflects warm rays, creating reflections. They are mainly used for laying garden paths or for decorating the inside of a flower bed.
Slate — a surprisingly strong mixture of mica and quartz. Black and gray and greenish stone are found in nature, and purple and yellow slate can be obtained decoratively. The gray tone is chosen the most, because it impresses with its shiny surface. Easy to process and split. It is used for the design of paths and rock gardens.
Gneiss — granular rock that resembles the bark of a tall tree. The composition includes quartz, various types of mica. It differs in strength and layering, mostly gray in color. The main disadvantages of the stone are vulnerability to weather conditions, weathering and impregnation of the rock. Gneiss is mainly used to decorate flower beds and in the design of flower arrangements and ornamental gardens.
When choosing stones for landscape design, you must first of all take into account your own preferences. As of today, a huge selection of different types of stone, both natural and decorative, is offered. All of them will give your design relief and originality, besides, they will be useful for decorating flower beds and garden paths. When choosing stones, it is worth considering not only its attractiveness, but also technical qualities, such as strength and resistance to weather conditions. Often these factors play a key role in choosing stones for landscape design.
