What is the Difference Between Manufactured and Natural Stone?

For consumers, there are a lot of options out there when it comes to stone veneers. It’s more than just different colors and styles, though - they also have a choice between manufactured stone and natural stone. Manufactured stone, also known as cultured stone, is a product made from cement meant to look like natural stone. The "stones" are made thin and applied to the exterior wall with a thin coating of mortar. The benefit of this thinner, cultured stone is a slightly lower price point and a large space-saving capacity.

The history of cultured stone dates back to the mid 20th century, when people were looking for an alternative to heavy, costly natural stone. These first manufactured stone units were a good deal lighter than real stone, eliminating the need and expense of special footings and support. However, in the beginning this product was a poor substitute for real stone veneer due to unrealistic surface texture, color, and frequent pattern repeats that was easily spotted by an untrained eye. Since then, manufactured stone has come a long way as companies developed better methods such as hand-painting each piece and casting their molds from real stone units. (source)

So what are the key differences between manufactured and natural stone? Read on to learn the pros and cons of each:

Manufactured:

• Uniform, clean look
• Fit tightly together, smooth surface
• Easy to lay
• Sturdy in retaining walls
• Many color options

• More susceptible to fading than natural materials
• Less of a high-end look

Natural:

• Colors and textures may vary from batch to batch
• Irregular shapes, may be gaps

• Great in water features and used to slow down erosion
• Beauty of natural stone lasts a lifetime (no fading)
• Organic, natural look
• High-end look, aesthetically pleasing

If a homeowner is struggling between the two, it’s important as a contractor to let them know they truly can’t go wrong with either choice. Based on the above information, you should be able to better ascertain if their project would benefit more greatly by manufactured or natural stone. If you have any further questions, our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you. Contact Lafarge Fox River Decorative Stone today!

When, How, and Why Some Companies Charge Landscape Consultation Fees

A company cannot succeed or grow without the support from their customers. When it comes to keeping a client happy, many businesses have to walk a fine line between keeping their customers happy, while simultaneously being fair to their business model.

One of the ways that this statement becomes especially relevant in the world of landscaping is when it comes to landscaping consultation fees. It goes without saying that the question of whether or not your business is right to charge a landscaping consultation fee is tricky, to say the least. Your first instinct, as a key player in your company’s success, might be to not charge a landscaping consultation fee; this line of thinking keeps a client’s budget in mind while also trying to stay competitive among landscaping businesses like yours. On the other hand, charging a landscaping consultation fee may be perfectly justified on your part, especially if the upcoming project is especially complex.

While only you can make the decision about what is the best practice for your business, here is some quick insight as to when, how, and why some companies like yours think it’s best to charge a landscape consultation fee.

1)  When- For a number of reasons, some yards are more complex to properly landscape than others. With that in mind, every homeowner’s vision for their lawn is different; some value simplicity, while others seek complex designs. Depending on the scope of the project and how creative the client wants to get with their space, not only would an initial consultation fee be appropriate, but a customer might even expect it.

2)  How-The key to sustaining a long-lasting relationship with your clients is open and honest communication. If you decide that it is in your best interest to charge a landscaping consultation fee, be upfront with your customers about your process and your reasoning behind it from the start.

3)  Why-While it may immediately seem like a reason to give your potential customer to give your competitor their business, a landscaping consultation fee is an effective way for companies like yours to guarantee commitment from their clients. This fee can not only establish a contract between you and your customer place, but it may also be a way to wordlessly communicate to your clients that you trust the quality of your services; so much so that you are placing additional expert value on your services rather than the other guys.

Once a company gains the trust and loyalty of their clients, they’d do anything to keep them. So the prospect of your landscaping company charging an initial consultation fee may seem like the perfect way to get them running in the other direction. But sometimes, a greater investment now means a better quality yard for years to come. If you decide this is the right thing for your business and you clearly communicate it with your customers, you will earn their continued business and satisfaction.

For more information on Lafarge Fox River Stone, contact us today. We can be reached by phone at 847-888-6133 or in person at 1300 S. Route Business 31.

Fill in the Blanks: A Guide to Fill Dirt

With spring being in full bloom and summer on the horizon, many of us are entrenched in working in the garden or starting that home addition/remodeling project.  It is safe to say that no matter which project you are beginning, it will require dirt that can be funneled into two categories: topsoil or fill dirt. Most people know what topsoil is.  But there is a large group of people that have never heard of fill dirt.  

Fill dirt is an earthy material which is used to fill in a depression or hole in the ground or create mounds or otherwise artificially change the grade or elevation of real property.  It is usually subsoil, soil from beneath the topsoil and underlying soil parent material which has little soil organic matter or biological activity. Fill dirt is taken from a location where soil is being removed as a part of leveling an area for construction. It may also contain sand, rocks, and stones.  

What is it used for?  Fill dirt is used for a myriad of things. Since it doesn’t contain organic matter, there’s no chance of decomposition within the material, which means it will retain a firm surface without the possibility of crumbling in on itself.  It’s a material that’s helpful for correcting various issues and provides a simple solution for shaping the landscape

• Filling in Low Points. As a result, most professionals use it to fill in holes or crevices within the construction site as well as to level out a new road or to adjust the slope of a freshly designed lawn.   
• Building Up Landscapes.  Some property owners prefer the look of landscapes with multiple levels of ground or with hilly patches.  The only way to add that type of dimension and visual interest to a flat landscape is to use fill dirt to build up these areas.  The dirt can be strategically placed to create multi-level terraces or to erect rolling hills.
• Construction.  For safety reasons, no home or building can be deemed safe for occupancy unless it’s sitting on top of a firm and reliable foundation.  Fill dirt can be used to build areas that will not move, shift or settle but instead will hold fast in place so that the structure can last for generations.  

Located in South Elgin, Illinois, LaFarge Fox River Decorative Stone is your one-stop-shop for masonry, landscaping, concrete pavers, fire pits, retaining walls, ponds, and more! Visit our showroom today or call us: (847) 888-6133.

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Sources:

http://nearsay.com/c/382729/48949/what-is-fill-dirt-what-is-it-used-for?widget_id=lvscd2a3acec

Is Running Your Own Business Lawn over Dew? How to Start a Landscaping Business

Whether you love being outdoors or you love the joy of constructing a project with your hands, you’ll find that there is something about landscaping that you can’t resist. Maybe you dream of creating breathtaking transformations from outdoor environments.  Perhaps there is a landscaping business in your future.  If this is your case, it will help to do a little pre-planning and research. The following items may give you a head start:  

• Reflect on your goals and develop a mission statement.  What would you like to accomplish with your new lawn maintenance business? Will you be targeting residences or commercial landscaping?   
• Identify Your Target Market.  Identify your customers.  Residences or commercial grounds?  Many marketers choose to develop something called a buyer persona – a short paragraph or two – that provides a snapshot of what your ideal buyer looks like.
• Build a Team/Staffing.  At some point you’ll have to put together a staff to run your business. This might mean a part-time office worker to manage, schedule, and bill.  You’ll also need landscapers/laborers. You will have to not only decide on the person's ability but will also have to run a background check on each employee.  

• Identify what equipment you’ll need.  Think through the most important equipment you will need.  Target equipment that is going to help you get things done faster, professionally and that requires minimal maintenance. Talk to your peers and dealers. Consider the type of guarantee/warranty that is included in the equipment.  

Develop the following skills:  

• Estimating.   Whether moving a lawn or building an elaborate gazebo, people will need to know the cost of the job upfront. Develop good estimating skills from the beginning. There are software packages to take out some of the guesswork but remember your goal is to determine your costs then add in a profit.  

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  Set prices.  Most landscaping professionals recommend coming up with an hourly rate, both for yourself and your employees.  To determine your rate, compare your prices to those of your competition. Have friends contact companies in your target market area that offer similar services.  

• Schedule jobs.  When your business just starts out, it will be easy to determine where you need to be on any given day.  Eventually, though, the phone starts ringing and you will be trying to find a way to coordinate jobs. Consider software packages designed for landscapers to help you track your business.

Located in South Elgin, Illinois, LaFarge Fox River Decorative Stone is your one-stop-shop for masonry, landscaping, concrete pavers, fire pits, retaining walls, ponds, and more! Visit our showroom today or call us: (847) 888-6133.

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Sources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/279066 http://success.hindsitesoftware.com/field-service-software-blog/bid/216368/7-tips-for-starting-and-growing-your-lawn-maintenance-business

Types of Popular Stone for Use in Landscaping

You may not spare many (or any) thoughts for rocks, but when it comes to landscaping, you’d be surprised at how much of a difference decorative stone can make. Natural stone is one of the most versatile elements available for a landscape makeover. Stone adds texture and contrast, serves as a durable ground cover or even as mulch, and requires little to no maintenance. Just any old rock won’t do, though! Have a look at the most common types of decorative stone and the best way to use them.

Flagstone

Perhaps better known as “stepping stones”, flagstone are flat pieces of stone that are most often used to construct patios or walkways. Flagstone are usually laid over a foundation of sand to provide a stable surface to prevent shifting and sliding, and surrounded with pea gravel to fill in the gaps.

Pea Gravel

The smallest decorative rocks, called pea gravel, are perfect for paths and walkways. Because of their size and shape, these rocks tend to easily move which may not be the best choice for supporting garden furniture. Thus, they are best suited for patio areas, pathways and filling in between flat rock, like flagstones.

River Rock

As the name suggests, river rocks come from rivers, which gives them a smooth, polished finish. River rock is a bit bigger than pea gravel, and provides a rustic, natural feel to your landscaping design. These stones are most often used to edge flower beds or create drainage and erosion control areas within beds. River rocks require a compacted base to prevent them from sinking, and edging to keep them contained.

Boulders

The largest of the decorative stone family, boulders are pieces of rock which have broken off land formations as the natural consequence of long-term water exposure. You can purchase them angular or rounded, and use them to create visual “focal points” in your overall landscape design.

No matter the type of decorative stone you need for your landscaping project, contact Lafarge Fox River Decorative Stone! We have over 25 stone products to choose from, including subtle tan colors, bright pink and blue mixes, rainbow, gray, and black. We carry large boulders, fine gravel, and much more.. Stop by our showroom at 1300 S. Route Business 31 in South Elgin, IL., or give us a call at 847-888-6133. We’d love to help you complete your landscape project!

Why Landscaping Retaining Walls Benefit Your Yard

Just as there are a number of different ingredients that go into making the perfect cake, so too are there many different components to composing the perfectly landscaped yard.  The grass must be always green, luscious, and full of life; flowers must be blooming and perfectly placed; and plenty of gorgeous trees have to be scattered throughout your outdoor space.

While all of these aspects add up to create an ideal yard there is one more key ingredient many tend to ignore when it comes to crafting their landscaping vision; retaining walls. Retaining walls in your yard can be simultaneously practical and beautiful, both enhancing your space ascetically while adding to its functionality.

Here are a few of the many benefits landscaping retaining walls offer in your yard:

They are Low Maintenance

While landscaping your yard is a wonderful undertaking with big rewards, that doesn’t mean it can’t be stressful and time consuming to get to t

he finished product. That’s what makes retaining walls so wonderful. Once they are installed in your lawn (assuming they are installed by a qualified professional and built from quality materials), you don’t need to do much to them to maintain their functionality and appearance.

They are Good for your Wallet

Choosing to install a retaining wall will guarantee a large return on investment in the future, especially if you are thinking of selling your home down the line. A retaining wall changes the entire look of your yard and brings versatility to the design that other design elements simply can’t. Future buyers will see a retaining wall and be presented with endless possibilities on how they can personally use it. Long story short: a little more money now will make a big difference in your wallet for the future.

They are Good for the Environment

A retaining wall is an easy way to introduce eco-friendly materials into your space. It is more efficient and practical than a standard concrete wall, and water can naturally flow from its surfaces.

As any chef will tell you, if one ingredient is missing from their famous recipe, the whole dish is impacted. The same is true for any yard; many components are required to have a perfectly landscaped space, and if even one tiny detail is sacrificed, the quality of the entire space suffers.

Let your lawn stand out from the rest; contact the experts at Lafarge Fox River Stone,  we know quality and beauty of stone last a lifetime. Call us at 847-888-6133 or visit us in person at 1300 S. Route Business 31 in beautiful South Elgin to discuss your upcoming retaining wall installation.

Don’t Miss the Upcoming Allan Block Level 1 Contractor Certification Course

Do you ever get the feeling that time passes way too quickly? While we often find ourselves saying that, that feeling is especially prominent at this time of year, as one year closes and another one departs.

The end of every year is always met with exciting events to commemorate the holiday season—it is the most wonderful time of the year after all. But what is there to look forward to about the upcoming chilly months now that Christmas and New Years have passed? Many people find it difficult to get through the frigid winter; the cold temperatures can be especially draining of you don’t have something to look forward to.

Our solution? Give yourself something to look forward to, and we at LaFarge Fox River Stone have just the thing for you. If you have always felt that the contractor profession was right for you or if you want to improve your skills as an installer or foreman, don’t miss Reading Rock’s Allan Block Level 1 Contractor Certification. This exciting course, taking place at our location at 1300 Illinois 31 in South Elgin, covers a variety of topics you’ll need to succeed on the job, including the advantages to Allan Block, the basics of retaining wall design, basic design methodology, and proper construction methods.

Contractor certification has never been easier thanks to Allan Block—from 7:30 am-3:00 pm, your day will consist of introductions, two meal breaks, two certification lessons, and a hands-on activity. Level 1 contractor certification is yours by simply attending the entire course, scoring 70% or above on your certification test, and participating in the construction of an Allan Block wall project. If this schedule of events and the career path it puts you on doesn’t get you through the winter months, we don’t know what will!

Give yourself another new year’s resolution apart from your annual commitment to eat healthier or save more money. Give yourself the gift of a new profession, the profession you’ve always dreamed of. With Reading Rock’s Allan Block Level 1 Contractor Certification, your dream is easily within grasp. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 6th online at www.readingrock.com or to Carolyn Nutter at nutterc@readingrock.com.  Course registration is $55 per attendee and all fees are non-refundable.

Using De-Icers Safely and Effectively

Winter can be a treacherous time of year. Freezing temperatures, white-out blizzards, icy roads and walkways. Icy roads cause millions of dollars in accidents and damage every year. It’s important for snow clearing businesses to have the proper tools and resources to ensure projects are completed quickly and efficiently. To do this, you’ll need to use de-icers, which are chemicals that help to break or prevent a bond between the ice and concrete, making it easier to shovel and plow. Here’s how to safely and effectively use de-icers:

De-icing Options

1. The best choice is calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). It melts ice and is no more damaging than tap water.
2. Magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, or calcium chloride are other options; however, they can corrode metal, damage walkways and stain carpets.
3. Rock salt is a quick and effective way to rid sidewalks, driveways, and roads of slippery ice.

For areas large and small, we’d love to work with you to determine and supply the needed de-icier for your job!

De-icing Steps and Walkways

1. Apply de-icer according to package instructions to steps and walkways before the snow or sleet comes down. De-icer acts like cooking oil under the ice and keeps anything from sticking.
2. After a few inches of snow have fallen, shovel the walkway. If more snow is predicted, apply another layer of de-icer.
3. To remove ice, carefully chip away with a snow shovel or ice pick. Start at edges and work in.
4. For stubborn ice, melt using boiled water and mop up immediately. Leftover water will freeze. Wear gloves to avoid scalding your skin.
5. Store the de-icer and snow shovel in a safe and easy to reach place. You don’t want to walk over a slippery walkway to get to your tools.

If you need to stock up on ice-melting rock salt, come to Lafarge Fox River Decorative Stone! We have untreated and treated salt in bulk and a variety of bagged offerings including ProSlicer and Rocket Ice Melt. Both are high performance, treated de-icers and are available in 50-pound bags. And for snow removal jobs that can’t be tackled by ice melt alone, we also carry snow shovels. Contact us today!

Deal or Snow Deal: Preparing for Snow Plow Season

Whether we like it or not, our weather is bringing snow to the forecast. Cold, slushy, and bitter days will soon be upon us. Whether you’re brushing off the dust from the snow plow in your garage, or you and your crews are prepping for a season full of snow plowing, here are some helpful tips to help your winter season go as smoothly as possible.

Check Out the Areas You’ll be Plowing

Ideally, check out the areas you’ll be plowing before the first snowfall of the season. Things that should be on your radar include: curbs, speed bumps, mailboxes, and other things that could damage the plow. If you’re tackling your driveway and/or walkway, mapping out the curves would be a smart and efficient use of your time. It’s always a good idea to be aware of objects that could be easily hidden in the snow.

Check to Make Sure All Equipment is Working Properly

The prepping season is the time when you should take your equipment out and make sure that everything is working properly. Check all the lights to make sure they are turning on and off when they are supposed to. Should you be working with a truck and plow combo, make sure that the truck’s weight is balanced. If it’s unbalanced, you risk losing control of the truck in slippery conditions. We suggest adding weight to the back of the truck, past the rear axle.

Check the Plow for Any Signs of Damage

Checking the plow itself is also extremely important to do whilst preparing for the snow. Inspect the plow for damage, including cracked welds or hydraulic fuel leaks. The cutting edge is also something to be on your maintenance checklist- making sure that it’s not worn down to the point where the ground may come in contact with the blade.

Complete your prep season by stocking up on supplies. Lafarge Fox River Stone has you covered for your de-icing needs! Available in both bulk & bagged. Contact us for pricing today at (847)-888-6133 or visit our website for more information.

Winter is Coming: Protecting Your Custom Stone in the Colder Months

We may not be in the time of Game of Thrones with swords and battles for kingdoms, but the weather is getting colder, and precautions must be made regardless of what century we are living in. Your custom stone is something that you’ve worked hard to build, so it only makes sense that you should maintain it. Here are some helpful tips to keep your stone protected from whatever elements this winter may throw at you.

Move Your Furniture

As the saying goes, “nothing worth having comes easy.” If you want to keep your custom stone in tip-top shape, preparing for cold weather with strategic maintenance is the way to go. The first step that we have found to be very handy is storing your patio furniture. It may not come across as something that is pertinent to take care of, but heavy patio furniture can crack stone if there are drastic spikes in temperature. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Check Your Sealants

Polymeric sand in between the stone can help protect it from weathering and sealants can protect the stone from any kind of water seeping through, whether it be rain, snow, or ice.  Sealants also help to protect against scrapes, chipping, or eroding from extreme weather conditions. Lafarge Fox River Stone has a large offering of polymeric and sealants to help get your job completed.

Watch Out For Mold & Mildew

No one wants to deal with mold and mildew growing on their stones, so it’s extremely important to clean thoroughly before the cold sets in. One way that mold and mildew likes to build up is in leaf piles, so make sure that you don’t leave them to sit under mounds of snow. The longer that you wait to clean off your stone, the more you put yourself at risk for unpleasant substances to take root.

At Lafarge Fox River Stone, we take pride in offering the best products and service that you need to complete your projects.  For more information, you can visit our website or give us a call at (847)888-6133.

The Top Four Reasons to Invest in a Fire Pit for Fall

As the leaves change and the air grows crisper, fall arrives with the plethora of activities to do outside. Friday night football, apple picking, and pumpkin farms are just a few that come to mind when thinking of fall festivities. One of our ultimate favorites at Lafarge Fox River Stone is gathering around a fire pit and enjoying our loved one’s company on a beautiful fall night. Thinking of adding a fire pit to your home? Here are four reasons why we’re all for it!

Great Focal Point of Outdoor Space

If you’re looking for a simple, yet effective way to spruce up your outdoor space, a fire pit is a great place to start with the renovations. Even when they’re not in use, they add to your space aesthetically to help create a beautiful gathering space and become a design anchor. Fire pits can tie everything in with several design schemes.

Increases the Home Value

Not only do fire pits add to your outdoor space, but they increase a home’s value as a whole and can add some zest and flare to a more traditional landscape. Because fire pits are now a more popular way to entertain guests, it’ll be a great selling point and draws attention to the architecture of your home as well.

Helps to Make Your Outdoor Space More Enjoyable

Fire pits help create another space for entertainment at your home, which can make your outdoor space enjoyable for many months past the summer. Many believe that outdoor entertainment has to end when the weather grows colder, but we like to disagree! Bonfires, roasting s’mores, or celebrating on game days are now all possible with your very own fire pit.

Creates an Ambiance

We know we’re not in the early 1900’s anymore, but we all still like to keep up with the Joneses every once in awhile. You get a beauty and ambiance to your outdoor decor unlike any other when you incorporate a fire pit into the mix. They create the perfect atmosphere for spending time with family and friends; there’s just something about a crackling fire contrasting the crisp, fall air.

At Lafarge Fox River Stone, we have the supplies you need to help create the perfect fire pit for your outdoor space. For more information on the products we carry, you can visit our website or give us a call at (847)-888-6133 today!