A popular landscape feature with many homeowners is the application of large heavy natural stone slabs to create an outcropping effect. This type of feature can be used on a hill or bank with a gentle or rolling slope, where the large stone slabs are fitted, and tucked into the earth to appear as if the outcrop was a ‘natural’ occurrence.
Outcrop slabs can be used in a variety of ways, both aesthetically and/or structurally. It is a creative way to incorporate a landscape or a garden feature into a sloped area of your yard, and complement it by installing landscape plants, garden flowers, perennials, or ornamental grass. Covering the surrounding soil with ground cover and /or mulch can help to prevent the soil from eroding around the slabs.
This landscaped area is adjacent to the home's driveway/parking area. The use of outcrop stone can lessen the degree of ground slope and provides the area with various planting options other than grass.
Outcropping is also used in step designs and water features.
Some of the other ways it can also be utilized:
- in stabilizing slopes to reduce erosion and soil slides
- reducing ground slope around a driveway or patio creating a more level area for plant beds
- to blend a driveway culvert into its surroundings for a more natural appearance.
Besides creating an attractive feature, this outcropping helps to stabilize the soil and plant material at the water's edge.
This is a stormwater culvert that extends under a driveway to allow water to flow uninterrupted in the drainage swale. The use of outcropping stone blends the culvert pipe into the surrounding area making it less noticeable.
Many outcrop features can be enhanced by using accent lighting in the design to highlight the area at dusk and at night. It is a creative way to add interest to your yard in the evening.
Installing Outcropping
Installing these large stone slabs requires some excavation of the earth to properly fit them into the slope. The part or section of the slab with the greater thickness is buried well into the slope leaving a small part of the slab exposed – the thicker part is more weighted and will help to anchor the stone.
Since outcropping stone is of considerable weight, it requires heavy duty equipment to move and to install the stone slabs. The installation is not a do-it-yourself type project. You’ll need to hire an experienced landscape contractor to do the installation, and they typically have the equipment that is necessary for installing the slabs.
Where to Buy Natural Stone Outcropping
Many cities have local stone and aggregate companies that supply all types of stone, aggregates, and pavers to landscape architects, contractors, and homeowners for outdoor projects. Finding such a supplier can typically be accomplished by doing a search online for stone companies in your area.
Many stone companies are homeowner-friendly, and usually have all of their different types of stone and pavers on display, making it convenient for you to select the materials you’ll need for your outdoor project. Take an old pair of shoes with you because the displays are outside, and it can be dry and dusty, or wet and muddy.
Outcroppings are typically available in various types of rock, like limestone and sandstone, and in various colors and shades, such as buff, grey, tan, dark brown, and even variegated red/rust/buff.
Outcropping stone in our area is typically priced per ton (fractions of a ton can be purchased, but may be priced differently). It’s difficult to give a price since prices change, but it could be a range of $125/ton to over $300/ton (circa 2011), it just depends on what type of rock you select.
Some outcropping stone has a weathered appearance
It may be worth your while to visit your local stone supplier before you get started on your project, so you can get an idea of the size, shape, appearance, and colors of their stone slabs. After you have an idea of what your project will look like, if you need an estimate, the supplier can typically give you one for the quantity, and the delivery charge of the particular stone you are considering using in your project.
Because of its weight, outcropping stones will need to be delivered to your home. If you are not working with a landscape architect, you will need to work out the logistics yourself for the on-site delivery location (where the delivery crew needs to unload the stone at your home), with the stone supplier and your landscape contractor.
Hiring a Contractor
When looking for contractors to do an outdoor project in your yard, it’s best to hire one that has the expertise (acquired from years of hands on experience and knowledge) that the particular job will require. Looking for an outdoor contractor should warrant the same scrutiny that is used when hiring a contractor to do work inside your home.
