Many of us want to create a landscape that looks like an expert has done the job but most of us need to keep an eye on expenses. Cobblestone edging will give your yard a professional look and you can do it yourself in a relatively short period of time. A homeowner can easily come to The Stoneyard and load up the trunk of their car with cobbles to save on trucking expense.
Cobblestone can be used to edge herb or flower gardens, grass areas, walks and patios, driveways, ponds and foundation plantings. This edging will be permanent. Cobbles are made of
granite and will last a lifetime. Cobblestone looks sensational when used together with other types of
natural stone, like bluestone, or with man-made material like
brick. The versatility of cobblestone is endless. This article will explain how to install cobblestone edging.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
1) COBBLESTONE
At The Stoneyard we are currently stocking a few types of
granite cobbles. Any of these can be used for your edging project. New
granite curbing is split on four sides and sawn on two ends. This type of
cobble will give a crisp, neat look to your project. New cobbles are available in 6", 7", 8" and 4" x 4".
Belgian blocks are
granite as well, but are rock pitched to give an antique or tumbled appearance. Belgian blocks are available in regulation size, which is approximately 9" x 5" x 4", and in jumbo size, which is approximately 10 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 4". Also in stock at The Stoneyard are used cobbles that have been salvaged from various construction projects.
You may calculate the quantity of cobblestone needed by measuring the length of the area to be edged and dividing by the length of the individual
cobble.
2.) PROCESSED GRAVEL OR STONEDUST
This will be needed to establish a proper base for your edging and will aid in supporting the cobblestone. It will also prevent shifting and settling of your edging during freeze/thaw cycles. Approximately one ton of processed
gravel or
stone dust will be needed for every 100 linear feet of edging installed.
PREPARE THE BASE:
1) Set up a front line string to establish the height and front line of your
stone edge. This will ensure that your
stone edge will be laid at the same height and in a straight line.
2.) Remove the earth below grade where you will be installing your cobbles. You must remove enough soil to place 2" of
gravel or
stone dust, plus one third of the
cobble below grade.
3) Fill in your area with 2" of
gravel or
stone dust and compact.
INSTALL THE COBBLES:
1.) Position cobbles on the
gravel or
stone dust base. Adjust the
stone to the top of the front line string even if the ground slopes slightly. Position the cobbles tightly to each other. A rubber mallet is a handy tool to use.
2.) You may wish to mortar the cobbles together, but this is not necessary.
3.) Any cutting needed should occur away from corners to keep the finish consistent.
4.) Fill behind your cobbles with
gravel or
stone dust.
5.) Top the
gravel with loam, re-seed and take pride in a job well-done!
www.Stoneyard.com