What is Stone Veneer?

March 13, 2024
Stone veneer is defined as a decorative layer of stone. It is created either with the use of natural stone or engineered stone. In many cases, you’ll also hear stone veneer referred to as architectural stone or manufactured stone. Natural stone veneer is simply stone material that has been carved into smaller pieces. Engineered stone veneer, by contrast, is a combination of products that are poured into a mold and texturized to mimic the look of stone. In either case, a stone veneer is designed to be a decorative addition to a property or structure. It can be used inside and outside, but important to note, is not designed to be load-bearing. Please call (703) 339-3095 or visit our web page for additional details.
 

Your Premier Destination for Hardscape and Landscape Ideas and Products

March 4, 2024
Welcome to RSSY, Rock Stone and Sand Yard, your premier destination for exquisite hardscape and landscape ideas and products. Our staff will assist with your hardscape designs, mulch and topsoil requirements and captivating landscape lighting services.
 
Proudly serving Northern Virginia and dedicated to transforming your outdoor spaces into breathtaking landscapes that reflect elegance and functionality. Please call (703) 339-3095 for additional details.
 

What is Gravel Used For?

February 26, 2024
Despite gravel’s commonplace and humble status, gravel is one of the most highly sought after substances in Northern VA. Gravel is produced (due to its many benefits) by dredging companies hauling up massive quantities of these small rocks from the beds of waterways. But what is all of this gravel being used for? Let’s explore the usefulness of these small sized rocks.
 
Construction Material:
Over the last hundred or so years, gravel has been elevated from rumble to rock star status as it is increasingly used in more and more projects. Today, it is used to make concrete, to create foundations for new roads, to mix with asphalt, fill construction sites, and even create other construction materials like blocks, pipes, and bricks.
 
Landscaping and Outdoor Design:
Gravel is the main material used in creating pathways, driveways, and outdoor patios. The landscape industry flourishes thanks to gravel because many homeowners desire these types of features to enhance curb appeal and create perennial interest.
 
Erosion Control:
Erosion is the process of soil being washed away by rain or tide waters in Virginia. Gravel is spread across areas where runoff creates a potential for mudslides, like mountainsides and yard hill slopes. The gravel can be layered on top of dams, fences, planks, and patches of dirt in order to prevent the soil from being swept away by water. This works because the soil is able to latch onto the gravel, ensuring it stays in place.
 
Agricultural Uses:
To create agricultural lime, which farmers use to reduce the acidity of their soil and promote crop growth. It is also ground down, and used as a form of mineral feed for poultry, like chickens and turkeys. Poultry requires small rocks and minerals in order to properly break down their food.
 
Please call (703) 339-8095 today or visit our web page for more details.
 
 

Add a Retaining Wall for Your Property in Northern VA!

February 20, 2024
Why should you consider adding a retaining wall to your property in Northern VA? Maybe you’re looking for an elegant solution to erosion and water runoff around your property. Maybe your yard is quite hilly or sloped and you would like to increase the usable space for you and your family. Or maybe you’d simply like to create new spaces for your garden.
 
Regardless of the reason, adding a retaining wall to your home is an excellent way to simply transform the outdoor space that you and your family enjoy. Rock Stone and Sand Yard, RSSY, Lorton VA inventories hardscaping materials to enhance your Northern VA property. Call (703) 339-8095 today to schedule your free consultation or visit our web page for more details.
 

Different Types of Aggregates & Their Uses

February 12, 2024
Whether you need a decorative feature or finish in your garden and driveway, bulk bagged aggregates or loose aggregates are an inexpensive choice, really easy to work with, and they certainly help you reduce the time you spend on property upkeep. You can pick-up or request delivery.
 
Aggregates come in different gradings, and textures, with varying moisture content and various other characteristics that determine the kind of job they are suited for. Let’s look at different types of aggregates and some of their uses so you can make the best choice for your next project.
 
SAND – There are different types of sand available for construction: sharp sand, ballast, and even recycled sand. Each type has its own uses.
 
BALLAST SAND – Ballast is a mix of sand and gravel and is generally used when building foundations for specific jobs such as houses and roadways as well as railways.
 
GRAVEL – Gravel has larger grains than sand. It can be used as part of driveways or pathways, occasionally mixed with concrete but often simply laid down on top.
 
ROCKS, PEBBLES AND SHINGLE – These types of aggregate come in a variety of colors, shapes, and surface textures. Shingle and stone aggregate can be glassy, smooth, rough, honeycombed, and more, and can be used to create unique and beautiful decorative garden features.
 
CRUSHED ROCK – One particular type of aggregate is crushed rock, made when larger pieces of rock are crushed into smaller pieces. This makes for another excellent base for forming concrete slabs and driveways.
 
ROCK DUST – Fine rock dust is a by-product of the quarrying industry and results from rock crushing. Also known as crusher dust, it can be used to improve the soil by remineralization, helping to rebuild topsoil and to speed up growth in your garden.
 
If you know the type of aggregates you require, use our aggregate calculator to estimate how much you’ll need for your project. Just call (703) 339-8095 to speak to our staff about our aggregates and our pricing or please visit our webpage for more details.
 

Need Help Supplying Your Next Flagstone Project?

February 6, 2024
Many of our customers ask us if we cut flagstone to order. We do not cut flagstone to order. However, we have business cards of a number of landscaping and hardscaping companies that do and that we recommend. Please call (703) 339-8095 our office for help designing and pricing your next flagstone project. You can visit our web page for images of dimensional and irregular flagstone.
 

Natural Stone Pallets for a Variety of Uses on Exterior Structures

January 30, 2024
Natural Stone Pallets can be purchased for a variety of uses on exterior structures, but other uses may include:
  • Thin Veneer Walls
  • Thick Veneer Walls
  • Retaining Walls
  • Walkways
  • Patios
  • Edging
  • ·Steps
  • Boarders
  • And more.
One pallet of Wall Stone is about 1 ton and will cover 27 linear feet x 1 foot high x 1 foot wide. Please call (703) 339-8095 the Yard today for details and pricing or visit our website for images and a list of the natural stone product inventory we stock.
 

Boulders and Steppers of All Shapes and Sizes in Our Inventory

January 23, 2024

Boulders and Steppers make great natural looking borders and walls in various landscapes. Boulders come in all shapes and sizes and finding the right ones are key to making your landscape complete. Rock Stone and Sand Yard RSSY has all sorts of boulders and steppers of all shapes and sizes. We have the ability to custom order and deliver the rock to you. Please call (703) 339-8095 in advance to find out what is in stock or exact options available.

When to Use Coarse Sand on Icy Driveways and Steps in Northern VA

January 16, 2024
Whereas rock salt melts ice, sand does not. Coarse Sand, because it is an abrasive material, is applied to icy driveways, walkways and steps to provide traction. It can capably create traction on ice at any temperature, whereas rock salt is not effective in extreme cold. But sand is only effective if it is on the surface of the ice. If it gets buried under snow, it needs to be reapplied. RSSY keeps a large inventory of Coarse Sand for your pick-up or delivery. RSSY also provides bags for rock salt and sand. Please call for pricing and details.
 

Techo-Bloc – New Year, New Products

January 12, 2024
As outdoor trend-setters, Techo-Bloc continuously innovates to create products that allow design lovers of all styles to transform regular spaces into stand-out-from-the-crowd statements. From patios to pool sides to walkways and fire features, our new products will allow you to refashion outdoor spaces into works of art. RSSY has an inventory of Techo-Bloc products that can be installed in the Winter. Call us (703) 339-8095 today for pricing and details or visit our page. Stay warm.
 
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