Blog entries

Create a Backyard Getaway!

Stephanie Lambert — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:57:13 +0100

Let APEX STONE help you create an outdoor living area everyone will enjoy!

Shown here, the Choctaw Tan flagstone patio looks great under a beautiful cedar pergola. The pergola columns are wrapped with Texas Moss Rock Thin Veneer and are capped with Choctaw Tan patio flagstone that were tooled down to size.

This attractive outdoor grill is covered with Texas Moss Rock Thin Veneer which pairs nicely with the Choctaw Tan flagstone.

Texas Moss Rock was used in combination with Bull Rock to create a low maintenance flower bed. The disappearing water feature can be enjoyed by sitting on the stone seating wall which is also covered in Texas Moss Rock Thin Veneer.

This beautiful backyard getaway was created by Bushmaster Lawn & Landscape.

How to Choose a Pool Builder

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:15:45 +0100

Adding a swimming pool and/or spa system to your home is a hefty investment; one which requires plenty of discernment and understanding in order to make the right decisions. From materials to placement to features and building permits, it is imperative that a competent, highly skilled pool builder is chosen to guide you along the road.

Apex Stone often works with pool builders and owners in the Houston area for their coping and decking needs, so we are familiar with the aspects that make for a great pool-building experience. First and foremost, it is essential that you ask the right questions when interviewing builders. We recommend asking:

1. How long the pool builder has been in business and how many pools they have built.

2. Does the builder have previous customer references? Pictures? Would someone be willing to let you visit or do they have a showroom?

3. Does your pool builder have drowning prevention options? A competent pool builder will respect your concerns and incorporate any needed safety prevention into the planning process instead of stalling until after the pool is finished.

4. What sort of communication line will be open during the construction phase? You will likely find many reasons to get in contact with your builder during the process. Knowing who to talk to and how accessible they are can help you to be comfortable from the beginning.

5. What material options are available? The more materials the builder is comfortable working with, the more likely they are to provide you with your optimally custom look. Do they work with natural stone? Do they have coping options? Can you see materials samples?

6. Are they able to build the style you like? Can they do Roman/Grecian designs, Geometric shapes, Free-form shapes, Gunite, or Infinity style? Will they be able to build features like rock waterfalls, fountains, and slides?

7. What lighting options are available?

While these questions aid in a solid start, there are still many items to consider. We believe your experience will be better in the long run if you consider the following:

The lowest bid will likely not be the highest quality. Think about what matters most to you. Appearance? Functionality? Be sure the builder you choose and deliver on those grounds, and expect to pay for quality.
What is your experience when meeting with the builder? Are they accommodating yet firm in what they represent, or are they pushy and defensive?
Above all, are you comfortable? If you have bad vibes or are worried about your decision, there may likely be a good reason why. Don't be afraid to say no and keep looking for the right fit!

If you have any questions about pool building, pool builders, or materials for your pool, feel free to contact us.

Houston's Custom Home Builders

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

At Apex Stone, we work closely with a number of builders in and around the Houston area who trust our natural stone products. Because of our experience in the building and architecture industry, we would love to share with you a few tips about choosing a custom home builder.

Choosing a Custom Home Builder

The first and most important part of choosing a builder is to visualize what you want in a home first. Do you want your home built with natural stone? Do you already own the land? Knowing your expectations ahead of time will eliminate the potential of looking into a home builder that clearly won't be able to meet your needs.

The next most important step is to have a reference point. Is there a custom home you happen to love (maybe multiple homes)? Do you know the owner or can you find out who built that home? What do you love about that home? If you can talk to the custom homeowner, you will be able to learn from their experience and either find a great builder or potentially eliminate a poorer one.

Once you have a visualization and a reference point, begin compiling a list of potential builders and begin visiting their offices or model homes. When you talk with the custom builders, consider asking some or all of the following:

Do you have a Build on Your lot program?How involved do you expect the homeowner to be in the planning process?How long does construction and planning typically take?Who are some vendors you work with and why?What areas of town are you willing to build in?Do you have a niche style or are you accustomed to an array of architectural styles? Can I see examples?How long have you been in business?Who will be designing my home? What is their experience and may I see their portfolio?

Never forget that your potential custom home builder is the one on the spot in the interview; don't be afraid to ask them anything, as your custom home will probably be one of the largest investments in your lifetime. Prepared with our suggested questions and your own, you will find very quickly whether a builder is the one for you or not.

If you have more questions, especially about the stone materials you would love to see and use on your custom home, contact us and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Koi Ponds

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

In Koi ponds and water gardens, natural stone is nearly always one of the key elements that pulls the aquatic habitat together into a fully-functioning ecosystem all its own. Aside from the essential water, stone enhances the atmosphere, makes wildlife more comfortable, and provides functionality. We at Apex Stone would love to walk you through the essential steps to consider when creating your very own Koi pond.
The Basics about Koi Ponds
When deciding to create a Koi Pond in your garden, you should keep in mind that Koi ponds must be larger than the typical water garden, at no less than 1,000 gallons in volume, with bigger always being better. Your pond should also have at least one area with a minimum of 3 ft. in depth, with 4-5 ft. being even better. These measurements should be considered with the gravel you will lay in the bottom of the pond in mind.
Choosing a Location
Choose a location that can be seen and enjoyed year-round - probably close to your house. A key precaution would be to make sure that your pond is not located in a spot where runoff water could stream or fall in from a gutter or roof, as unfiltered water could carry harmful fertilizers and pesticides. Shade is fine for koi ponds, but because you will need to keep the water free of debris, it is important not to place a pond too near trees. You should also consider sunlight if you want plant life in your pond, and look into whether Koi eat certain plants and if not, how much sun the plants will need.
Filtration of Koi Ponds
A filter is essential for the health of the Koi fish, and with the need of a filter comes the need of a pump. Water circulation will not only add to the atmosphere of your oasis but to the vitality of your Koi.
Determining the Size
A recommended technique for choosing the size and shape of your pond is to simply lay out a garden hose or rope on the ground and simulate the pond's outline. Your finished pond will likely be 30% smaller than you visualize it. You should avoid building the Koi pond too small, as a larger pond is more stable and easier to maintain. Exaggerate measurements to accommodate for the pool liner, too.
Digging the Koi Pond
When your size and shape has been absolutely determined, you can begin digging. The shelf method is recommended for keeping plants and varying depths. When researching which fish to purchase, you may inquire with the Koi specialist on preferences for the breed and their recommendations.
Once digging is complete, you should lay and bury and pond skimmers or external filters in their proper location.
Preparing the Pond
Line the pond with an underlayment cut and shaped with scissors or a utility knife. Taping smaller pieces together is ok and encouraged if it will prevent the underlay from moving when the liner is placed. After the underlayment, you can position the liner evenly, while minimizing wrinkles and folds.
Natural Stone in the Pond
Once the liner is in place, you can place any larger stone in its place and then line the pond with any stone coping you chose. Copingstone should not need to be mortared in place if it is sizable enough to withstand rocking. Mortaring would be required if there is a chance someone will step on the stone. You can now play with gravel and create elements like a cobblestone beach. The more stone/water rocks used to hide lining, the more natural the Koi pond will appear. Adding plants among waterstones will enhance the natural atmosphere further.
Water and Finishing Touches
Once the hardscaping and plants are in place, you can add water! As the water fills, and still exposed liner should flatten out. After the pond is filled, add a dechlorinator and then any aquatic plants as soon as possible. Soon after, you can begin adding packaged bacteria to help the pond filter maintain a healthy aquatic environment.
When adding the fish, we highly recommend you add a few at a time over weeks to allow bacteria to be safely established. If you are looking for Koi fish, there are a number of Koi vendors throughout Houston.
If you have questions about water stone selection and hardscaping, contact us to learn more!

Pavestone: Paver Patios, Walkways and More

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Apex Stone is proud to offer a reputable selection of interlocking pave-stones. While pavers are a concrete product, we offer them to customers searching for uniformity available in natural stone colors and tones. Pavers allow for an elegant, tailored patio, and there are several collections within the Belgard Paver line to choose from.
Pavers are Elegant
Pavers come in a variety of shapes and sizes (from rectangular to circular), allowing for rounded edges when needed. One who chooses pavers also gets more play with colors and patterns, as the coloring is predictable. Truly intricate patterning for your driveway, walkway, or patio displays a level of prestige poured concrete could never surpass.
Pavers are Durable
Pavers offer the most durability in patio surfacing currently available. The compression strength of pavers can exceed 8,000 pounds per square inch. They also are ideal for pool areas, as they have tightly packed, less porous surfaces which wards off mold and mildew. In addition, because pavers are interlocking and laid in a "floating" system, cracking and deformities aren't an issue as can be possible with other outdoor flooring materials.
In the event that one paver were in need of replacement, pavers can be replaced individually, which means an affordable, efficient selection.
The many advantages of pavers are on-going, but here are a few:They require practically no maintenance with proper installationInterlocking Pavers do not require expansion jointsThey can be used immediately upon installationThey are resistant to spilled fuel and oil (great for driveways!)They have a skid and slip resistant surface
While we could go on, this Belgard Consumer Guide gives a great explanation of paver installation and answers unique questions you may have. If you have questions for us regarding the pavers we offer or contractors who lay pavers in your area, contact us or visit our showroom to learn more!

Patio & Pathway Stone: Flagstone

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

One of our most highly demanded products is flagstone. Whether for its natural beauty, its functionality, or its maintainability, those who want the ultimate experience for their patios, hardscapes, and outdoor structures often choose flagstone.

Flagstone is commonly a sandstone and comes from an array of areas throughout the world and is available in numerous colors and thicknesses (from rustic to swirled) at Apex Stone. We currently carry flagstone from Arizona, Colorado, Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Popular colors in the Southern region of the U.S. are red and buff, but colors can range from gray to chocolate. We offer several stone types specifically intended for patios, and have a solid reputation throughout the West Houston area with stone masons that specialize in the laying of stone patios.

Flagstone is Affordable

While the luxury of natural stone is often sought after, one common missconception is about the expense. When comparing the cost per square foot of outdoor flooring materials, flagstone is frequently the cheaper option.

Flagstone is Versatile

One of the major perks of using flagstone is flexibility in design. Because flagstone starts out in slabs that are typically larger than what a stone mason would use all at once, flagstone can be cut and split into a variety of shapes to be fit together in a truly one-of-a-kind pattern all your own, or a more structured pattern simulating indoor tile. The versatility of flagstone also gives you to be creative with the material - using it to decorate outdoor stone benches, fireplaces, and steps.

Many people find enjoyment in working on flagstone projects on their own. There are numerous how-to videos throughout the Internet, and with guidance it is absolutely possible to "do-it-yourself." We encourage you to talk to one of our experts about the process, sealant, and the technical facets of laying flagstone if you do not have a stone mason. We can also recommend excellent stone masons in the area!

Flagstone is Timeless

The idea of utilizing flagstone as flooring is no new concept. Humans were using flagstone as flooring materials in castles and other structures as early as the 14th century, and numerous examples of flagstone in structures have lasted throughout Europe - particularly in today's Great Britain. What may seem a "fun fact" is truly evidence of the quality and durability of flagstone when properly cared for.

We have several examples flagstone and flagstone sealants in our stone catalog, so take a look and give us a call today!

Decorative Gravels and River Rock

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Decorative Gravels

Apex Stone currently offers over thirty types of sands and gravels for various landscaping applications - all accessible quarry direct and for you and your landscaper's convenience in landscaping projects like ponds, walkways, driveways, patios, and more. While there are various types of gravel and pebbles, from decomposed granite to black star gravel to river rocks, you may be unaware of their various applications and uses. Understanding gravel will give you an edge when deciding where to go with your next outdoor project.

River Rock and Gravel in Water Features

While the advantage of beauty is an obvious perk to utilizing various gravels and river rocks in outdoor water features, the functionality is often overlooked. In waterfalls, artistic placement of gravel and river rocks can change the flow of the stream, creating slows, splashes, and rushes. With koi ponds, gravel and rubble actually keep koi fish "happier", because they are natural rooters and enjoy burying their faces in gravel and feeling it with their whiskers. If you are considering adding a water feature to your garden, gravel and river rocks are a nearly essential element.

One gorgeous gravel option for water features is 3/4" Black Star gravel. This dark gray gravel turns black when wet, making it the perfect accent for fountains and various statuary. It can also be used in walkways and for various other applications.

Decomposed Granite (DG)

Decomposed granite is a paving material that allows for a more natural experience as opposed to concrete for paths, walkways, and driveways. Decomposed granite is composed of very small pieces of granite, which range from a maximum of 1/4" or 3/4" to a more sandy, fine consistency. DG is an easy material to apply, but must be done correctly, so consulting with Apex Stone specialists before application if not using a professional is recommended. The most common color in our area is brown to pink, but light tan and other gray tones are available. While DG alone is quite inexpensive, we encourage speaking with us about mixing options and pricing for your specific project.

Gravel in Patios

Gravel can also be used as the "sealant" between flagstone slabs on patios and walkways, creating stability and allowing for drainage. Options are endless as you can play with contrasting colors and tones in your flagstone versus gravel choices. For example, gray Volcanic Base gravel nicely contrasts pink and tan flagstone.

We encourage you to call or visit our showroom for more of your gravel and river rock questions. Small stone and dust applications are endless!

Full Veneer Stone: Natural, Beautiful, Affordable

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

If you're vaguely familiar with the concept of thin veneer versus full veneer natural stone, you may still be surprised to learn a few well-hidden facts about full-dimension veneer. Apex is here to tell you that you can boast the prestige of full veneer stone without breaking the bank - and to the possible advantage of certain architectural structures. Let us walk you through the ins and outs of what makes full veneer stone an attractive option....

Natural Full Veneer Stone is Beautiful

As a stone supplier, we will always celebrate the unsurpassed beauty of natural stone. Utilizing any stone veneer on your home, business, and other structures will easily provide the natural beauty only mother nature can produce. Because of its nature of origin, natural stone has a way of blending in beautifully with its surrounds in a way no brick can match. If full veneer stone is used on your home, it will undoubtedly stand out next to your neighbors'.

Full Veneer Stone Supports Complex Architecture

Your stone mason may thank you for choosing to work with full veneer stone. When it comes to architectural details, contractors have an advantage in using full veneer as opposed to thin veneer stone. Return corners, corbels, lintels, keystones, and other details are typically easier to design and cut with full veneer stone.

In addition, structural weight restrictions in more elaborate details like corbels are less likely to be an issue with the use of a strong support like full veneer.

In Northern areas, freezing and thawing will be less of a concern for structures using full veneer stone, as it can accommodate various joints and dry-stacking in the freeze-thaw cycle.

Full Veneer Stone can be a Practical Choice

In our region of the country (the South), materials and stone costs are often comparable to the cost of brick options. While full veneer stone carries the perception of costliness from its size, you may be surprised to learn it costs less than most people expect. If you're considering opting in for the beauty and prestige of full veneer stone, don't let misconceptions get in your way; we encourage you to contact us for a quote!

View our full veneer stone catalog.

Natural Stone Pool Coping

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Apex Stone offers an array of natural stone options for décor in and around your pool.

If you didn't know, coping is the aesthetic cap on the edge of a swimming pool or spa which is mounted on the bond beam. Coping is intended to blend in with its natural surrounds, and is also used as a support for swimmers to hold onto and rest on. If you're in the middle of renovating or building a pool, you may be familiar with the array of options pool coping entails.

While pool coping can be achieved via poured concrete, pre-cast concrete material, and tile, we believe natural stone brings an unsurpassed natural beauty to pools and spas that no other material can achieve. When you visit our showroom, you will soon be a believer, too. Because of the nature of natural stone, almost any type and color blends in beautifully in an outdoor environment.

A Lasting Value

Don't let cost keep you from making the decision you really want. Apex has the resources to show you how stone can be utilized in a cost-effective way for your specific pool design. For example, flagstone comes in a variety of thicknesses, but in pool coping a consistent thickness must be maintained in all stone pieces. We can recommend the stone size and type that will fulfill your budget and dreams. A more beautiful design now means a better return on your investment later.

Benefits of Natural Stone Pool Coping

Benefits of stone pool coping include its texture, slip resistance, warmth, and endurance against the elements of chlorine, salt water, and other natural elements. With natural stone, you also always get the added benefit of insurance against chipping affecting the beauty of the material.

If you're interested in using stone for your pool or spa, we can work with your pool builder on construction decisions and material transportation. As always, we can deliver Quarry Direct.

You can visit our Pool Coping page to begin visualizing how nature's beauty can enhance your recreational oasis.

Landscaping with Stone (Hardscaping)

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

One of the most beautiful settings in which you can utilize stone is in your outdoor garden and landscaping. People often associate stone with features in and on their home or building, but around it, too? That's right. Landscaping with stone brings an unsurpassed earthiness and natural beauty to your already lovely flowers and shrubbery, or softscape.
Hardscaping is in essence the artistic placement of boulders, rocks, pebbles, and every stone in-between in and around your softscape. Apex Stone can work with you and your landscaper to deliver the unique look you want for your garden. With a seemingly-endless supply of stone options, you are given the opportunity to create the exact feel you dreamt of.

Hardscaping ideas include stone perimeters for gardens, flagstone stepping stones, rock waterfalls, stone accent paths, retaining walls, and lone boulders placed in striking positions.

Landscaping with Stone: The Process

The first and most important step to landscaping with stone is to assess your canvas. Knowing your front and back yards and understanding where they lack or don't lack in full potential will help you know what you need to look for in stone. Would your driveway make a statement with a boulder next to it? Would a flagstone path fit well leading up to that bench? Your personal landscaper can help you in this vital process, or if you're a do-it-yourselfer, you certainly can decide on your own.

Be creative, yet practical in your selections. Be sure your vision complements your home's architecture and design, and that where you envision stone, the look won't be gaudy or "forced", but natural. If your garden or home has a theme, stone placement can be the force that ties each element together beautifully.

Once you have an idea, our on-site experts can help you make the final calls. Apex Stone will be there to help you understand the elements and unique properties of each type of stone, so you can remain secure in your decisions. When your stone selections have been made, we can work with you to deliver stone to your site direct from our quarry, or your landscaper can be our source of contact so you don't have to think twice about it.

Stone Placement in Hardscaping

If you had previously assessed where your stone would go, after delivery, all you or your landscaper has left to do is put it where it belongs! That being said, be sure to take time and put thought into how you lay out your stone in your landscape. If you will be moving heavy boulders, make sure the appropriate equipment is on-site to lift the materials. When making your stone selections at Apex Stone, we will guide you through process of preparing to move your stone.

The Final Touches

Once your stone is on-site, you will be able to make final assessments on how you should place it within the landscape. This should take thoughtful consideration, as random placement and dropping stones on grass rarely gives the natural look intended. Large boulders should be buried around 4 to 6 inches underground, and flagstone edges should fit naturally (but not forced) next to each other. The end goal should always be a natural, effortless scenery in which people wonder whether the rock had always been there.

If you are interested in learning more about what our stone can do for your softscape, please contact us or visit our showroom to begin envisioning your natural stone landscape.

Natural Thin Veneer Stone: Why You Should Love It

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Natural Thin Veneer (NTV) Stone is one of the top stone choices in the masonry and building industry. Thin Veneer Stone's lightweight, natural, economical, and environmentally-friendly features are what make it a reliable and eye-pleasing aspect to so many homes and structures across the country.

What is Natural Thin Veneer?

Natural Thin Veneer is a lightweight alternative to Full Veneer stone. Featuring a typical cut ranging from 3/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch versus the 3-5 inch Full Veneer, NTV offers a number of advantages over the full cut. Still a natural, quarried option that gives the beauty and feel only Mother Nature can produce, choosing Natural Thin Veneer subtracts nothing from the integrity of your structures. Apex Stone offers Ashlar, Ledgestone, Colonial, Tumbled, and Fieldstone varieties of Thin Veneer, giving you an array of economically sound building options.

Natural Thin Veneer Saves You Money

Due to its lightweight cut and shape, Natural Thin Veneer Stone takes less time to lift and manage for masons, which means more money in your wallet. It also takes less diesel and energy to transport - which may cut your costs as well.

Natural Thin Veneer is a "Green" Stone Product

As a 75% lighter option than full veneer, NTV is an environmentally friendly product for two key reasons: it takes less fuel and energy to transport and it also takes less lumber and concrete to support.

Trucks used to transport thin veneer stone can transport a much higher percentage of square footage, which therefore reduces diesel fuel consumption and the amount of greenhouse gases being released into our environment.

In structures (such as your home), Thin Stone Veneer calls for less support and therefore less lumber and concrete production and transportation. In turn, you can reduce the demand of Earth's most precious and widely used natural resources. In addition, Natural Thin Veneer Stone still offers the energy efficiency perks that come with the utilization of natural stone in your home.

Natural Thin Veneer Gives Your Structure Natural Beauty

Our Natural Thin Veneer Stone gives you all of the pluses of going natural. You are still given an array of beautiful stone options, each piece is guaranteed to be unique, and unlike manufactured materials, each piece can be custom cut for a final product that no one else has but you.

As one of Mother Nature's products, it is of the highest quality. Natural Stone will not fade or discolor and is more durable than manufactured stone. In turn, natural stone resists chipping and scratching, but even if it were to chip, the inner stone will be the same color, pattern and texture as its surface!

At Apex Stone, we want nothing more than to give you the best product for your situation. That is why we highly recommend the beautiful and economically-friendly option of Natural Thin Veneer Stone. Contact us or visit our showroom to experience the beauty of natural thin veneer stone.

Welcome to the Apex Stone Blog

Sat, 02 May 2009 05:00:00 +0100

We have created the Apex Stone Blog to keep current and future clients up to date on our news and products. This blog will act as a resource for information updates, news, events and much more.

We ask our new readers to check back soon, as we intend to bring the latest news concerning Apex Stone in the very near future!