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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".
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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 stonedust 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.
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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!
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