Depending on the height of the border and the material used, a tree ring can also provide a pleasant seating area. As long as a tree ring is installed with the tree’s health in mind, it is overall a very good landscaping idea.

Stone Tree Ring

Stone Tree Rings

We can buy, assemble and setup gazebos to fit every outdoor occasion and lifestyle. You can extend your home’s living space into the garden with an elegantly built Gazebo, which will provide, a pleasant outdoor retreat for social gatherings or soothing private reflection.

Gazebo

They are available in several different thicknesses and can have either a straight edge or a random cut edge.

Flagstone Steps

Flagstone Steps

Flagstone patios can be laid in sand, as opposed to mortar and concrete. The first method is called the dry method and the second is called the wet method.

For patios we recommend the wet method (laying the flagstones in concrete and mortar) for durability, stability and lower maintenance over the years.

Flagstone Patio

Flagstone Patio

See below, how your backyard will be transformed by a well designed Flagstone Patio.

Flagstone Patio before and after, Professional Stonework, Silver Spring, MD

Bricks are available in such a wide range of colors; they can complement virtually any home’s color scheme.

We can build your walkway on a mortar bed on a concrete footing (wet method) or in a sand bed over a gravel base (dry method). In our brick installations, we also include permanent edging materials, such as heavier bricks set on end or special wood beams.

If your walkway goes around a tree, we can create a circle around the tree with bricks or we can turn your walkway using a gentle curve. We can even widen certain sections where you can put your garden furniture or potted plants. We can work with curved, round, and free-formed shapes with an edging of bricks set in a small concrete footing.

Not all brick are created equal. Since this area get really cold during wintertime, the brick we use are made with high quality clay and is fired in the kiln for an extended period. These conditions create the hardest brick that is very durable even in harsh weather conditions.

Brick Patio

Brick Patio

We build mainly retaining walls, which can save your yard and will add value to your property. These walls can be used to create a terraced lawn, and this increases the usable area of your lawn. A retaining wall will keep dirt from spilling over onto your footpaths and driveways and other areas of your yard. Although these walls serve a practical purpose, they also add an interesting design element to your landscape.

Stone Retaining Walls

In modern construction, the first task in building stone retaining wall is to select the right materials. The next task is to get the right stonemasons. As an owner-operated company, Professional Stone Work provides the highest quality of work, and you can be assured that your stone retaining wall will be made from first class materials, properly fitted so that the individual stones do not rock back and forth and fall off.

We use both dry and wet construction methods. The great advantage of dry stone wall construction is that your drainage system comes built in: water will usually seep through the cracks between the stones. This type of construction requires greater precision in the way the stones are stacked than mortared-wall construction, since proper placement is what keeps the wall intact.

With the aid of mortar it is possible to build a taller stone wall that does not taper inwards like a dry-stacked wall. Although the stones will now be “glued” together, proper stone working techniques are still important. Most of the stonework walls and rooms that we do consist of a non-structural veneer of stone against a structural wall of cement or other materials.

A good wall begins with a stable base. In some locations, especially where there’s loamy soil and poor drainage, we have to dig as much as four feet deep, below the frost line, and install pipes to drain water out of the footing. We would never build a wall on anything but a full base of washed stone. Still, this foundation stone must be kept separate from and untainted by the nearby soils for it to work well: in a dry construction, if the spaces between the stones get filled, the draining will cease.

From striking honeyed Bath stones and clean, white Portland to Cotswold stones in pastoral oranges, browns and light beige tones, English stone is extremely diverse in color, feel and finish. Coral stone from the Dominican Republic is also spectacular, with a wonderful texture just right for your stone walls. Still, we don’t select stone just for looks – we will advise you on the long-term durability of the stone of your choice before we use it for building.

Professional Stone Work provides personalized service. We employ well-trained stone builders, and we do not outsource our jobs. We provide commercial and residential service, and we will give you clear and accurate estimates before starting work.

The quality and cleanliness of our work is a source of pride to us, and we will leave your property cleaner than it was before. Let Professional Stone Work help you improve your home and increase your property value today.

Stone Retaining Walls

Hire Professional Stone Work to install one of these beautiful walkways in your home. Within a day or two you will have a stone walkway that will improve the value and curb appeal of your home, and that will be the envy of your neighbors.

Most walkways are 2½ -3” across. We remove the soil at your walkway site to a depth of around 8” to make sure that its foundation is strong and solid so that you can enjoy years of trouble-free use. Since this is a very important aspect in laying stone walkways we do not scrimp on the depth of excavation. In special instances where the soil is loose we will increase this depth to ensure that your walkway is built on a solid foundation.

Stone Walkway

We set the stones lower than the blades of standard lawn mowers so the grass growing near your stone walkway can be easily cut. The only maintenance that will be necessary would be to get rid of excess grass growing over the stone every few years. Commercial herbicide spray, though not the safest option, is, if used cautiously, helpful in controlling weeds that grow between individual stones.

To make a proper base for your path, a few layers of material will be necessary. First we will fill the trench with 3 inches of small crushed stones, and tamp it down. Next, we place landscape fabric over the crushed stone layer. This will act as both a filter for sediment and a barrier to weeds. We then complete the base by laying an inch of sand or stone dust over the landscape fabric, again tamping it down as much as possible, being careful to keep a slight slope for runoff.

We then press the stone directly on the sand, leaving a 1” gap between each stone. Once we tamp down the stones to make them even, we scoop sand onto the surface and sweep it, pushing it into the cracks between the stones. This dry construction method stabilizes the stone, yet makes room for flexibility. It also means that your stone walkway will not crack or buckle during small earthquakes and similar events.

Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of wet/dry construction methods

Stone walkways can be laid using either the dry method or the wet method (laying the pavers on concrete). Before installing Stones, you should decide which one best suits your needs. When we come to give you the estimate, you can also discuss with us to help you make an informed decision.

Here is some basic information on the dry and wet methods, which you may find useful. For either method, before installing your stones, we lay a thick base of coarse, crushed stone.

Once this is compacted, for the dry stone construction method, we put down a layer of sand. This is the glue that will hold your stones together. Finally, we lay the stones straight down in the sand and press them down. Pressing the stones in this way allows for their 8000 psi compressive strength. The sand stabilizes the stones, yet allows for some flexibility; and makes them a more durable choice. This dry construction method will absorb stress from small earthquakes, freezes and thaws, and will not crack or buckle like concrete. However, over time, weeds can grow between their joints and you will need to use some weed control measures in the case of dry construction.

The wet stones construction method is the better option when soil conditions are poor (eg. reactive or poorly drained clay). In this method the stones are installed with a concrete base. The concrete is wet cured for at least 7 days before the stones are laid. We then prepare cement slurry and apply a thin coat to the concrete base and to the underside of each stone. The stones are then laid directly onto the concrete base. The additional advantage of the wet method is that there will not be any weed growth between stone joins, since the joints are filled by cement mortar.

You must carefully choose the path that your stone walkway would take. For example, your walkway should not run under large trees, as the roots will eventually damage the walkway, and conversely, the walkway will damage the tree roots. Maple in particular is incompatible with stone walkways and other hardscape features, since it puts out roots close to the surface.

After a while, tree roots will start encroaching on the walkway, but the advantage is that the individual pieces of stone can be lifted one at a time so the problem can be dealt with.

Nothing makes a statement like a walkway of large stones. The disadvantages are that stone walkways are expensive, and working with them is difficult. However, they will outlast almost any other type of walkway, needing maintenance after several decades of use.

Professional Stone Work provides personalized service. We employ well-trained stone builders, and we do not outsource our jobs. We provide commercial and residential service, and we will give you clear and accurate estimates before starting work. The quality and cleanliness of our work is a source of pride to us, and we will leave your property cleaner than it was before. Let Professional Stone Work help you improve your home and increase your property value today.

Firepits

1. Fire pits encourage family time

A fire pit can bring your entire family out for an enjoyable twilight bonfire or barbecue. Professional Stone Work will help you select the best place for your fire pit, ensuring that it’s in the shade, and on level ground. We will also confirm that no overhanging tree branches or other natural features will get in the way of your fire pit once it’s finished and ready for use.

2. Your fire pit will become the main attraction in your backyard

Our fire pits are carefully crafted from stone, and are aesthetically pleasing from all sides. We will design your pit so that the fire hazard from dry grass, brush or low tree branches is minimized. We also take your neighbors into consideration, and we pay attention to the direction in which the smoke is going to go. Still, you should never take safety for granted: always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.

3. We at Professional Stone Work are happy to teach buyers about fire pit safety and precautions

We may not always be able to install a fire pit where you want it, because it violates local regulations and building code. However, we will work with you to choose a suitable site. Always remember to keep combustible items such as wood structures, and any flammable liquids away from your fire pit. Potted plants should also be kept away from fire pits, since the heat can severely damage them. If you’re using wood as fuel, keep in mind treated lumber can emit noxious vapors that are unsafe for your family and visitors to breathe.

4. Fire pits have multiple uses

Credit card and bank statements and certain receipts have a way of falling into the wrong hands. Not any more if you have a fire pit. Some people also use their fire pits when they tidy up their gardens, to burn fallen leaves and other biodegradable rubbish. Of course, you and your kids can also have traditional fun roasting chestnuts and marshmallows on your fire pit.

Outdoor fire pits bring all the fun of a warm campfire in a contained area in your backyard. These fire pits, which are designed specifically for small fires, offer ambience and warmth in the comfort of your outdoor leisure area. Make sure you follow all of our safety precautions, and our fire pits will give you many years of backyard fun.

Fire pit safety and regulations in Montgomery County, Maryland

The following information was obtained from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service website. You can view the original source here.

Regulations for Using Fire Pits, Fire Bowls and Chimineas in Montgomery County, Maryland

1. You must have permission of the land owner.
2. There must be one person at least 18 years of age to assume responsibility for the use of these appliances.
3. A permit from the Fire Marshal or the Department of Environmental Protection is not required.
4. Use in accordance to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Once you purchase this appliance, keep these
   guidelines in a safe place for future reference.
5. Use of Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas and similar portable devices must be at least 15 feet away from any building or structure. Keep a clear area (clear meaning free of anything that can burn) of at least 3 feet in diameter around the appliance. Please remember that mulch can burn so keep your appliance at least 3 feet away from mulch as well.
6. Do not use or store Fire Pits, Fire Bowls, Chimineas or similar devices on a balcony or deck.
7. Burn only aged dried wood. The burning of any type of construction material or trash is prohibited.
8. Do not use any type of flammable or combustible liquid at any time.
9. Have a garden hose connected to a constant water source available close by.
10. Smoke is not allowed to cross property lines. Be mindful of the wind speed prior to starting this type of fire.
11. Do not use on Code Orange or Code Red Air Quality days.
12. Dispose of all ashes in a safe manner. After 24 hours has passed, all left over hot ashes must be thoroughly dampened, cooled and stored in a metal can that is used solely for ash storage. Ashes that
    are 2 or 3 days old may appear to be safe, but can still retain enough heat to cause an unwanted fire. Do
    not discard hot ashes in a compost pile, paper bag cardboard box or anything that is combustible. Also,
    be careful in handling partially burned wood. The wood may still be smoldering and cause a serious
    burn.

Please keep in mind, that if the Fire Department is contacted and determines your situation to be a fire hazard, the Fire Department can require you to extinguish your fire.

If additional questions arise, please email The Fire Code Enforcement Section at
Fire.OutdoorPlaces@montgomerycountymd.gov

However, when it comes to sustainability and preserving the environment, few driveway-paving materials can match concrete. When you build a concrete driveway, you’re using abundant, sustainable resources including water, natural rock and sand, and cement, unlike asphalt pavements that are made with nonrenewable petroleum supplies.

Concrete is cost-effective, long-lasting, strong, eco-friendly and has very little need for maintenance – the advantages are well established. It outlasts wood, brick and stone, and it absorbs minimal amounts of water, so it will not warp or shift. And since a concrete driveway has a continuous surface, there are no joints or spaces for weeds, moss or grass to take hold. You won’t trip on lips or ledges, because concrete maintains a flat, even surface.

Concrete Driveway

To decrease the use of raw materials and keep waste out of landfills, we can purchase from a ready-mix suppliers that makes concrete using waste by-products. These suppliers also uses recycled aggregates in the mix. In addition, our reinforcing steel has a high recycled content.

Where will you turn your car around to enter the street? What is the lie of the land? What obstructions are in the way of your project? Professional Stone Work will answer all these questions before we start your work, and advise you accordingly. For example, we might recommend a circle drive if your home is close to a blind corner where approaching traffic can be dangerous, so you can have the benefit of facing the street when pulling from your driveway, or we would suggest making the drive big enough to turn your car around before driving out.

At Professional Stone Work, we build our driveways to the standard with a 4” thickness. We prepare the surface with crushed stone, assembling forms, and reinforced with mesh or rebar. We will always ensure a good foundation prior to pouring the concrete, so your driveway will remain free of cracks for years to come.

The concrete driveway is usually chosen over asphalt, because of its low maintenance. Concrete, once installed and sealed, needs very little care, while asphalt requires repairs every few years. Although a concrete driveway costs more to install, you will save on maintenance in the long run.

Concrete Driveway

Flagstone Walkway Myth No. 1: A Walkway Cannot be Built on a Hill
Flagstone Walkway Fact:

If the slope of the hill is too steep to keep rock and sand in place, we will dig out steps as needed. We are professionals, and have been in this business for several years, and we will construct a quality walkway that will not erode. We’ll let you know if you need a low retaining wall, or if some half-buried support stones will do the trick.

Flagstone Walkway

Flagstone Walkway Myth No. 2: It’s Easy to Do-It-Yourself
Flagstone Walkway Fact

Although you can build your walkway yourself, it will take up a lot of your time, and it’s labor-intensive. In fact, one of the main disadvantages of flagstone walkways is that if you don’t know how to install it correctly, it can end up costing you more money and time than you intended. For example, not using enough material for the walkway base would cause problems later on, since flagstone needs a solid and well-compacted base, built into a foundation of up to 8” deep depending on your soil condition.

Flagstone Walkway

Stone is a natural material and tastefully done stonework usually adds value to your property. Professional Stone Works will use only authentic material for your flagstone driveway, so you won’t end up with concrete or imitation river stones that crack or discolor easily. We will also make sure that the final height of the flagstone driveway is slightly higher than the surrounding area to prevent water logging, and that your pathway is wide enough for two persons.

Flagstone Walkway Myth No. 3: Flagstones are only for informal backyards
Flagstone Walkway Fact

Flagstones can be used in formal designs – if the flagstone is fitted closely and has a nice clean edge the walkway will have a formal look. Of course, it’s easier to install flagstone that’s spaced out more widely, which creates a more rustic-looking walkway, with plants or grass growing in the crevices, especially if it’s a dry-laid walkway. Professional Stone Work also installs walkways in cement on a concrete base, which is more expensive and time consuming, but will remain maintenance-free for years. A flagstone walkway can also be installed in sand or crushed limestone.

As an owner-operated company, Professional Stone Work will provide excellent service and the highest quality of work. We employ well-trained stone builders, and we do not outsource any of the work. We provide both commercial and residential service, with clear and accurate estimates before the work is started. Please ask about our long list of satisfied customers, and how adding stonework to their homes improved their property values.

Flagstone Walkway

Flagstone Walkway

Flagstone Walkway

Flagstone Walkway

With the help of expert builders at Professional Stone Work, you can also add comfortable eating and sitting places for you and your guests to socialize. So where do you turn when you’re ready to liven up your outdoor area?

Here’s how we can help you eliminate the boredom in your backyard and create an exciting living space:

Completed Pool and Fountain

1. Unlimited Options
   You can create a special retreat in your backyard with the almost infinite variety of themes using backyard pool & fountains available at Professional Stone Work. Now you can ditch the stark white concrete design and choose from our range of exciting, natural flagstone and other products. The new trend for pools is to add the calming ingredient of cascading water, whether it flows from a rock waterfall or a fountain located in a dipping pool.
2. Classic Elegance
   Brick pavers, blue stones and other natural products have become more popular for backyard pool & fountains construction. Homeowners are also incorporating outdoor kitchens, and other homey features that convert the pool area into a more comfortable living space. The well-trained stone builders at Professional Stone Work will provide you with an outdoor living area that you can be proud of.
3. Backyard Basics
   Backyard pool & fountains can be uniting features that will help to bring all the other components of your outdoor space together. From birdbaths to cascades to the traditional tiered option, our outdoor fountains come in an almost limitless range of designs with loads of different features. Even if you have limited space, we can install smaller water features that will work perfectly in your backyard.
4. Outstanding Design
   Our backyard pool & fountains are custom-designed to go well with your landscape and improve the general look of your outdoor space. We ensure that whatever the shape you opt for, it doesn’t make the area look overused and thus, crowded.
5. Focal Points
   Beauty, privacy, safety and convenience are some of the concerns to bear in mind when landscaping around your backyard pool & fountains. Our stone patios provide not only beauty, but also safety for your swimming pool and other water features. You will be assured of a slip resistant surface where you and your family can feel safe playing and having fun.

We are the professionals when it comes to backyard pool & fountains. Professional Stone Work will do the job right the very first time, saving you a lot of time and money in the long run. Don’t take shortcuts with your backyard pool & fountains. This will lead to a lot of extra expense, as mistakes will eventually have to be corrected by professionals like us.



Completed Pool and Fountain

]]> http://professionalstonework.com/services/pools-and-fountains/feed http://professionalstonework.com/services/outdoor-kitchens http://professionalstonework.com/services/outdoor-kitchens#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:44:37 +0000 admin http://test.professionalstonework.com/wordpress/?p=6

Few summer delights are as enjoyable as a cookout. An outdoor kitchen can help you slow down and spend more time with family and friends by putting all the items for outdoor dining close by. Outdoor kitchens are much more casual than the indoor variety, and their design would depend on your family’s needs. Now

Continue reading Outdoor Kitchens

]]> Few summer delights are as enjoyable as a cookout. An outdoor kitchen can help you slow down and spend more time with family and friends by putting all the items for outdoor dining close by. Outdoor kitchens are much more casual than the indoor variety, and their design would depend on your family’s needs. Now you too can become an instant celebrity among your family and friends, when you use Professional Stone Work’s outdoor kitchen strategies, outlined below:


Professional Stone Work’s Plan for Creating Outdoor Kitchens that will Generate Instant Buzz in Your Social Circle



Outdoor Kitchen - Work Space

Step 1: Location, Location and Location

Make sure your outdoor kitchen will work with your home’s overall style before you start planning. Site selection is an important part of planning outdoor kitchens. Think about how you use your kitchen before you select a locale. For example, do you cook alone, or does your spouse help you? Do you need workstations for each stage of meal preparation? You might also want to consider an overhang to shelter the area from rain, especially if you’re going to use it year round.

Step 2: Choose Masonry Materials

Professional Stone Work recommends building outdoor kitchens using masonry materials, including stone, brick or concrete block. Not only do these permanent structures look beautiful, but they are also long-lasting, and can endure harsh weather conditions. Professional Stone Work would be happy to provide free estimates for your walls, the enclosed space for the oven, the sink base, the counters and additional spots such as benches and flowerpots.



Outdoor Kitchen

Step 3: Consult Professional Stone Work Early in the Design Process

We will help you decide the most efficient and cost-effective positions for electrical outlets, gas lines, and water supply and waste removal pipes. You can choose how simple or how complex you want your kitchen to be, and we will work to match your vision as closely as possible. Besides looking at the feasibility of connecting with power and plumbing, you will definitely want to think about the best overall position for the kitchen in your particular location.

Step 4: Look at the Big Picture

If you are to run gas, water, and electricity to your outdoor kitchen, then you’ll need Professional Stone Work to help you set it up tastefully, especially if you place the kitchen in an open space like your patio.



Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Room

An outdoor kitchen is a quick and affordable way to add value to your home. The average kitchen remodel will improve the value of your home by about 81% of the cost of the work, while outdoor kitchens will boost your resale value by as much as 130% to 200% of the cost, depending on where you live. This is a great investment, especially if you plan to sell your home within a couple of years.

]]> http://professionalstonework.com/services/outdoor-kitchens/feed http://professionalstonework.com/services/paver-driveway http://professionalstonework.com/services/paver-driveway#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:32:07 +0000 admin http://test.professionalstonework.com/wordpress/?p=3

Pavers are a popular choice for driveways / walkways. They are more durable than their concrete driveways. For paver driveways, small, individual, brick-like pieces are made into geometric shapes; and they are designed to look like stones.

We at Professional Stonework have years of experience building quality paver driveways. Here are some ideas to have your

Continue reading Paver Driveway

]]> Pavers are a popular choice for driveways / walkways. They are more durable than their concrete driveways. For paver driveways, small, individual, brick-like pieces are made into geometric shapes; and they are designed to look like stones.

We at Professional Stonework have years of experience building quality paver driveways. Here are some ideas to have your own beautiful paver driveway / walkway.

1. Hire a professional driveway paver

Your time is valuable, and we can do the work for you. We would be happy to come and inspect your site and give you a free in-home estimate. We will give you the estimate for the entire project, including the material cost as well as any grading or drainage work that must be done. If you decide to hire us, to protect your and our interest, we will draw up a contract for the work detailing cost, payment schedule, start date and estimated completion date.



Driveway Beautified By Pavers

If you are interested, before you decide to hire us, we can provide you references from our satisfied customers.

2. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of wet/dry construction methods

Paver driveways can be laid using either the dry method or the wet method (laying the pavers on concrete). Before installing pavers, you should decide which one best suits your needs. When we come to give you the estimate, you can also discuss with us to help you make an informed decision.

Here is some basic information on the dry and wet methods, which you may find useful. For either method, before installing your pavers, we lay a thick base of coarse, crushed stone.

Once this is compacted, for the dry paver construction method, we put down a layer of sand. This is the glue that will hold your pavers together. Finally, we lay the pavers straight down in the sand and press them down. Pressing the pavers in this way allows for their 8000 psi compressive strength. The sand stabilizes the pavers, yet allows for some flexibility; and makes them a more durable choice. This dry construction method will absorb stress from small earthquakes, freezes and thaws, and will not crack or buckle like concrete. However, over time, weeds can grow between their joints and you will need to use some weed control measures in the case of dry construction.

The wet paver construction method is the better option when soil conditions are poor (eg. reactive or poorly drained clay). In this method the pavers are installed with a concrete base. The concrete is wet cured for at least 7 days before the pavers are laid. We then prepare cement slurry and apply a thin coat to the concrete base and to the underside of each paver. The pavers are then laid directly onto the concrete base. The additional advantage of the wet method is that there will not be any weed growth between paver joins, since the joints are filled by cement mortar.

3. Consider driveway edging

Edging is an important feature to add a decorative and aesthetically pleasing appearance to your paver driveway. It also provides support to the pavers, keeping them fixed and in place. Edging will also protect your garden and landscaping from vehicle and foot damage; it will decrease maintenance requirements over the long term.

4. Reap the benefits

The interlocking pavers used by Professional Stone Work come with a product guarantee against breaking or cracking. From shifting soil to severe hot and cold temperatures, our pavers are guaranteed to endure even the harshest conditions without cracking or crumbling, and they are also non-skid and non-slip. Our paver driveway stones are made to meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards of at least 8,000 psi; which is about four times stronger than concrete and 10-20 times stronger than asphalt.

]]> http://professionalstonework.com/services/paver-driveway/feed