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

Manufactured Stone vs. 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!