Ultimate Guide to Cast Stone Garden Landscaping

In this article we’ll provide insights into a wide variety of cast stone garden landscaping products, their uses and how to properly care for them. Read on to learn the best practices for maintaining stone garden landscape products, the options available for painting them, the best practices for cleaning them, and the best practices for protecting them for years to come. An introduction to cast stone garden landscaping If you’re looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden and grounds while also adding value to your home, cast stone is an excellent option. Cast stone has been used in architecture and landscaping for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. It is a versatile material that can be moulded into a variety of shapes and sizes, making it ideal for creating stunning garden features such as fountains, pillars, benches, and more. Different types of cast stone garden products There is a variety of cast stone garden landscaping products available on the market, but the product you choose will depend entirely on your project. Here are a few examples: Cast stone fountains Cast stone fountains help to create a unique and visually stunning focal point in your garden or outdoor space. They are also an excellent long-term investment that can add significant value to your property. They are an attractive and functional addition to your outdoor space that can enhance your home’s curb appeal, whilst creating an elegant and relaxing atmosphere. Cast stone fountains can also be used in a variety of settings, including formal gardens, courtyards, patios, and more; and can be incorporated into other outdoor features such as pools or ponds. Learn more about our range of cast stone fountains here. Cast stone wall copings Coping stones alongside a wall help to protect the wall from the elements, as it allows rainwater and snow to trickle off the top of the wall. They add a layer of protection to the wall which can increase durability and reduce maintenance costs in the future. However, besides the practical benefits, the right coping stone adds a real touch of class and sophistication to the outside of your property, helping not only to create a stunning impression, but also add value to your home. Learn more about our range of cast stone coping stones here. Cast stone pool surrounds Cast stone is a highly durable, weatherproof, customisable, and cost-effective solution for pool surrounds. Made available in a range of colours, designs and sizes, they are the sure way to finish off your outdoor pool project, not only being stylish and cost effective, but also low maintenance. Learn more about our range of cast stone pool surrounds here. Cast stone garden benches Unlike wooden benches, cast stone benches age beautifully and require no maintenance. Here at Acanthus Cast Stone, we manufacture all of our cast stone to be waterproof and frost-proof from the factory. Learn more about our range of cast stone garden benches here. Cast stone garden planters Finding the right fit for your plants and garden size is essential not only for creating a homely and welcoming feel to your garden, but it’s also necessary for ensuring the health of your plants, allowing enough room for growth. Learn more about our range of cast stone garden planters here. Cast stone gate pillars Create a grand, classy, and imposing entrance to your home with our stunning cast stone gate pillars and finials. They are made of high-quality materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy loads, can be customised to match any style, are more affordable than natural stone, and require minimal upkeep. Learn more about our range of cast stone gate pillars here. Cast stone pier caps Our pier caps allow you to transform your gate pillars and walls. Cast stone pier caps are an excellent addition to any property and can last for many years, helping to protect the top of pillars from weather damage, enhancing the overall appearance of the pillar. Offered in a range of designs and colours, they can be customised to match any style. Learn more about our range of cast stone pier caps here. Cast stone balustrade Balustrade is primarily used to create eye-catching balconies and enhance the beauty of garden stairs. While their common usage is on the exterior of properties, they can also be employed indoors to add a finishing touch to an interior balcony or create a magnificent staircase at the property’s main entrance. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to add a touch of elegance to your residence or an architect or property developer working on a large project, we are here to help you find the perfect balustrade solution. Learn more about our range of cast stone balustrade here. Cast stone steps Our range of cast stone stairs can be customized to match your architectural style and personal preferences, allowing you to create an entrance that’s unique, imposing, and timeless. Our Cast stone steps are available in a wide variety of standard sizes, and we offer a selection of stone slabs in different sizes that perfectly complement the steps that we offer. Learn more about our range of cast stone steps here. Bespoke cast stone garden products There’s nothing wrong with wanting something extra special. Whilst most cast stone manufacturers will have a set range of garden products to choose from, at Acanthus we have a skilled team of CAD draftsmen who can create stunning CAD drawings, allowing you to find the perfect cast stone product for your landscaping project. Once we’ve gone through the drawings and they’ve been approved, the technical drawings are transferred to our fully equipped pattern making and joinery department where we’ll create a mould for your bespoke product. Whilst our bespoke cast stone is exclusive, incredibly high quality, and built to last, you might be surprised at the cost effectiveness of cast stone compared to other forms of stone. Get in touch with a member of the team for more information on bespoke cast stone products. The key benefits of adding cast stone to your landscaping project There’s a number of reasons for adding cast stone landscaping to your garden. Some of the potential benefits of stone garden ornaments are as follows: Attractive and cost-effective With cast stone, you can attain the desired aesthetic without any limitations, offering ultimate freedom. Expertly crafted high-quality moulds facilitate the creation of elegant curves, sharp lines, and intricate decorative features. All of this can be accomplished without incurring the high costs associated with carving, cutting, or shaping natural stone. Consistent and durable Through the application of specialised mixing techniques, a consistent stone colour can be achieved, devoid of the inherent irregularities and imperfections present in natural stone. Moreover, the decreased moisture absorption capacity of cast stone yields enhanced freeze/thaw resistance in comparison to natural stone. Easily manipulated In most instances, cast stone can be manufactured into intricate shapes that cannot be achieved with natural stone. Additionally, cast stone elements can be strengthened by reinforcement to create a robust and durable structural unit. How do you waterproof cast stone garden products? Here at Acanthus Stone, our cast stone doesn’t need waterproofing. All of our cast stone is waterproof and frost proof as soon as it leaves our factories, as the cast stone is developed with waterproof additives. This also makes our cast stone garden products much lower maintenance than natural stone garden products. If your stone garden product isn’t designed to be waterproof from the factory, you’re best starting out by cleaning the surface of the stone, ensuring it’s free from any debris. You should then select a waterproofing solution that’s suitable for the type of stone product you have. At this point it’s probably best to check with your stone manufacturer. Some popular options include silicone-based sealers, acrylic sealers, and penetrating sealers. You can then apply your waterproofing solution in thin, even coats with a brush, roller, or sprayer. Once you’ve left the stone to dry, you may wish to apply a second coat. Whilst it’s important to waterproof some types of stone ornaments, at Acanthus, we’re incredibly proud of the fact that our cast stone is waterproof, frost proof and generally maintenance free for it’s lifetime from factory! Contact a member of the team to learn more about our exceptional cast stone products. What paint should you use for stone garden landscaping products? If you choose to paint your stone garden landscape, it’s important to choose the right type of paint that will adhere to the stone surface and withstand exposure to the elements. Here are some types of paint that are suitable for painting stone products: Acrylic Paint Acrylic paint is a popular choice for painting stone garden products. It adheres well to the surface of the stone and dries quickly to a durable, water-resistant finish. Acrylic paint is available in a wide range of colours and can be mixed with other colours to create custom shades. Enamel paint Enamel paint is another option for painting stone garden products. It is highly durable and provides a hard, glossy finish that is resistant to chipping and cracking. Enamel paint is available in both oil-based and water-based formulas. Epoxy Paint Epoxy paint is a two-part paint that consists of a resin and a hardener. When mixed together, the two components create a strong, durable coating that is resistant to water, chemicals, and abrasion. Epoxy paint is a good option for high-traffic areas or for garden products that are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Masonry Paint Masonry paint is specifically designed for use on stone, concrete, and other masonry surfaces. It is highly durable and provides excellent coverage and protection against moisture, UV rays, and other elements. Masonry paint is available in a range of colours and finishes, including matte and glossy. It’s important to note that before painting your stone garden products, you should clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry completely. You may also need to prime the surface with a suitable primer to ensure that the paint adheres properly. How to clean your cast stone Before applying any product to your stone landscape, it’s crucial to check with the manufacturer for the best cleaning practices. Here’s a quick guide of how to clean your stone garden products: Remove any debris Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the landscape. This will help to avoid scratches or damage to the stone during the cleaning process. Create a cleaning solution Mix a small amount of mild detergent or soap with warm water. Avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaners as they can damage the surface of the stone. Apply the cleaning solution Dip a clean cloth into the cleaning solution and gently apply it to the stone landscape. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including any crevices or hard-to-reach areas. Scrub Use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge to scrub the surface of the product. Be gentle to avoid causing any scratches or damage to the stone. Rinse Once you have finished scrubbing, use a hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse the product thoroughly. Make sure to remove all of the soap and cleaning solution from the surface. Dry Avoid using a cloth or towel to dry the stone as this can leave behind lint or fibres. It is important to note that some stone materials, such as marble or limestone, may require specialised cleaning methods or products. Consult a professional or the manufacturer’s guidelines if you are unsure about how to clean a specific type of stone ornament. How to protect your stone from the elements Here at Acanthus Cast Stone, our cast stone doesn’t need added protection, as it tends to age nicely without any additional protection. However, if you don’t want your stone to age naturally and want it to keep it’s out-the-factory look, you could apply a form of protection to the stone. Here are some tips for protecting your stone landscapes from aging: Seal the stone Applying a sealant to the surface of the stone can help to protect it from water damage, staining, and weathering. Choose a sealant that is designed for use on stone and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Clean regularly Regular cleaning can help to prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, and stains on the surface of the stone. Follow the cleaning instructions provided earlier in this conversation. Avoid harsh chemicals Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, can damage the surface of the stone. Use only mild detergents and cleaners that are specifically designed for use on stone. It’s worth noting that these tips aren’t required for all types of cast stone, and it’s important to check with the manufacturer of your stone garden products. Contact a member of our team for more information on our range of cast stone garden landscaping products. Conclusion Cast stone is a versatile and cost-effective material for adding aesthetic appeal and value to your garden. From fountains to pool surrounds, garden benches to planters, there are a variety of cast stone garden landscaping products available on the market. Cast stone is consistent, durable, and can be easily manipulated into intricate shapes, making it desirable alternative to natural stone. Whilst the cast stone at Acanthus doesn’t require any waterproofing or protection from the elements, some may choose to add a layer of protection to preserve the ‘out-the-factory’ look of their stone. Overall, adding cast stone landscaping to your garden can not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor space, but it can also increase your property’s value, making it an excellent long-term investment. Contact a member of our team for more information on the contents of this blog or to learn more about our range of cast stone garden landscaping products.

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