The Ways Expert Masons Near Me Craft Beautiful Masonry Features for Backyards in the Sparta, NJ, Area
Expert masonry can transform a backyard. A beautiful patio, walkway, stone walls, or other feature could be just what your landscape needs to provide multiple options for relaxing, entertaining, and, perhaps most importantly, unplugging and enjoying nature. Here are the ways expert “masons near me” craft beautiful features for backyards in the Sparta, NJ, area.
Related: 5 Ways to Align Masonry Projects With the Home in Blairstown and Branchville, NJ, Areas
Patios
The patio is the hub of outdoor living. Whether you like to relax, entertain, have a place to play with the kids, or even enjoy an outdoor office, having the right patio surface is important. An expert mason can craft a patio to suit your design aesthetic and deliver a space that is as beautiful as it is practical.
Natural stone patios are unbeatable in terms of character, durability, and most of all, uniqueness. You may prefer the random look of irregular flagstone for a rustic and relaxed patio. Or you may prefer the more structured look that comes from cut (shaped) flagstone, bluestone, granite, or other stone that can be laid in more precise patterns. Either way, it takes a skilled mason to create a usable outdoor space with proper drainage and a smooth and level spot for placing lounge chairs and dining furniture.
Polymeric sand is often used between each stone to prevent weeds from growing between them and to create a level surface for patio furniture. Pebbles can be used between the stones for a more textured look.
Walkways
Whether you prefer the more structured look of cut stone or the wonderfully random look of irregular stone slabs, a mason can create a walkway that merges beautifully with the surrounding landscape. One way to achieve a softer appearance that harmonizes with the surroundings is to separate each stone slab with low-growing plants such as moss. Pebbles can also be used between individual stone slabs, or a mason can fill these spaces with polymeric sand for a smoother surface.
Steps
Masons achieve a naturally relaxed vibe by using large, irregular stone slabs to build steps that look as though they have always been part of the landscape. Whether it’s a small elevation change that requires one or two steps or a full staircase, the look is often accented with boulders and native plantings to achieve an even more natural feel.
Water Features and Bridges
There are few sounds that are more delightful than moving water. Backyard streams, whether natural or artificial, can be made even more magical with a stone bridge that adds visual heft to the space.
Water features such as fountains or waterfalls bring tranquility to a landscape. Depending on the style of water feature that fits best into the surroundings, your mason could use artfully placed boulders, dry-stacked stone slabs, or mortared stone slabs to create an eye-catching focal point.
Fire Pits
Gathering around a fire pit is one of the most wonderful ways to spend a summer with family and friends. A skilled mason can create exactly the fireside experience you want: a rustic boulder-lined fire pit, or a mortared fire pit made with smaller stacked stone.
Retaining Walls
Natural stone retaining walls are a true work of art since each individual stone must be placed just right alongside its neighbors. Ideally, the wall will look as if it has always been a part of its surroundings—and not just recently built. Whether you intend to use a new wall for additional seating, define spaces, or hold back soil, retaining walls can be a true labor of love that marries practicality and beauty. In fact, their beauty only grows as the stone acquires the patina of time.