Lammon Brothers

Imagine stepping into your backyard and feeling like you’ve entered a high-end resort – all because of a few simple DIY stone projects you completed yourself. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy patio for summer barbecues, a winding garden path, or a stunning water feature to become the focal point of your landscape, stone is the perfect material to bring your outdoor dreams to life.

At Lammon Brothers, we specialize in providing top-quality stone delivery services, ensuring you have the best materials for your projects. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five weekend-friendly stone projects that can dramatically transform your outdoor space into a serene oasis. You’ll learn how to select the right materials, master basic techniques, and create beautiful, lasting features that will enhance your home’s value and your enjoyment of the great outdoors. Let’s dive in and discover how you can become a stone DIY master!

The Beauty and Benefits of Stone in Your Landscape
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk about why natural stone is such a fantastic choice for your outdoor projects:

Timeless aesthetic: Stone has been used in landscaping for centuries, and for good reason. Its natural beauty complements any architectural style and never goes out of fashion.
Durability: Unlike wood or plastic, stonework can withstand harsh weather conditions and will last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Increased property value: Stone features are highly desirable and can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal and market value.
Low maintenance: Once installed correctly, stonework requires little upkeep beyond occasional cleaning and sealing.
Versatility: From rustic to modern, there’s a stone type and style to suit every taste and project.

Before You Begin your DIY Stone Project: Planning and Preparation
The key to successful DIY stone projects lies in thorough planning and preparation. Here’s what you need to consider before you embark the process of building your DIY project:

Assess your space and needs: Take a good look at your outdoor area and think about how you want to use it. Consider factors like sun exposure, drainage, and existing landscaping.
Choose the right stone: The size and shape of stone you select will depend on your project, budget, and personal preference. Here are some popular options:
Flagstone: Ideal for patios and walkways
River rocks: Perfect for water features and decorative borders
Fieldstone: Great for walls and fire pits
Limestone: Versatile for various projects and comes in many colors
Granite: Durable and attractive for high-traffic areas
Gather essential tools and materials: Most stone projects will require:
Shovel and rake
Level and tape measure
Wheelbarrow
Safety gear (gloves, goggles, dust mask)
Gravel or sand for base layers
Landscape fabric
trowel and Dremel (if using mortar)
Safety first: Working with stone can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous. Always wear proper safety gear, lift with your legs, and don’t hesitate to ask for help with heavy items.
Now that we’re prepared, let’s dive into our five weekend-friendly guide to building stone projects!

Project 1: Build a Stunning Stone Patio
A stone patio is the perfect way to extend and elevate your living space outdoors. It provides a rustic charm and is a stable, attractive surface for furniture and can be customized to fit any size or shape.

Step-by-Step Guide:
Mark out your patio area using stakes and string. Allow for a slight slope away from your house for drainage (about 1 inch per 4 feet).
Excavate the area to a depth of about 6 inches, plus the thickness of your stones.
Add a base layer of 4 inches of gravel and compact it using a plate compactor.
Lay landscape fabric over the gravel to prevent weed growth.
Add a 1-inch layer of sand and level it using a long, straight board.
Begin laying your stones in your chosen pattern, leaving about 1/4 inch between each for sand.
Cut stones as needed using a masonry saw or chisel.
Fill joints with sand, sweep, and compact the patio with a rubber mallet or plate compactor.
Seal the stones (optional) for added protection.
Pro tip: For a more intricate design, try combining different sizes and colors of stone to create a unique pattern or mosaic effect.

Estimated time: 1-2 days Difficulty level: Moderate

Project 2: Create a Charming Stone Walkway
A stone walkway not only provides a practical path through your yard but also adds character and charm to your landscape. You can choose between individual stepping stones for a more natural look or interlocking paver tiles for a more formal appearance.

Stepping Stone Path:
Plan your path and mark it with stakes and string.
Excavate about 2 inches deep for each stone placement.
Add a layer of sand in each hole and compact it.
Place your stepping stones, ensuring they’re level with the ground.
Fill around the stones with soil or gravel.
Paver Walkway:
Mark your path and excavate to a depth of 4 inches plus the thickness of your pavers.
Add a 2-inch gravel base and compact it.
Add 1 inch of sand and level it.
Lay your pavers in your chosen pattern.
Cut pavers as needed to fit curves or edges.
Add edge restraints to keep pavers in place.
Sweep sand into the joints and compact.
Design tip: Add solar-powered lights along your path for a magical nighttime ambiance.

Estimated time: 1 day Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

Project 3: Construct a Cozy Stone Fire Pit
A stone fire pit creates a natural gathering spot in your yard and extends your outdoor enjoyment well into the cooler months.

Step-by-Step Guide:
Choose a safe location at least 10 feet from structures and overhanging branches.
Mark out a circle using spray paint or a garden hose.
Excavate to a depth of about 6 inches.
Add a 2-inch layer of gravel and compact it.
Lay your first course of stones in a circle, using a level to ensure they’re even.
Continue stacking stones, staggering the joints for stability. Use construction adhesive between layers for added strength.
Add a metal fire ring inside the stone structure for safety.
Fill the bottom of the pit with lava rocks or fire glass for drainage and aesthetics.
Safety note: Always check local regulations regarding fire pits before building.

Estimated time: 1 day Difficulty level: Moderate

Project 4: Design an Eye-Catching Stone Water Feature
A stone water feature adds a soothing sound and visual interest to your outdoor space. Here’s how to create a simple stone fountain:

Step-by-Step Guide:
Choose your location and decide on the size of your fountain.
Excavate an area slightly larger than your fountain basin.
Add a layer of sand and place your fountain basin, ensuring it’s level.
Install the pump according to manufacturer instructions.
Stack stones around the basin to hide it, using larger stones at the bottom and smaller ones on top.
Create a spillway for water to flow over, using natural flat stones.
Fill with water, plug in the pump, and adjust stones as needed to achieve the desired water flow.
Maintenance tip: Clean your fountain regularly and keep the water topped up to protect the pump.

Estimated time: 1 day Difficulty level: Moderate

Project 5: Build Raised Garden Beds with Stone
Stone raised beds are not only attractive but also provide excellent growing conditions for plants. They warm up quickly in spring and offer good drainage.

Step-by-Step Guide:
Choose your location and mark out the bed dimensions.
Excavate the area to a depth of about 2 inches.
Add a layer of gravel for drainage.
Begin stacking stones, using larger, flatter stones for the base.
Continue building up the walls, staggering joints for stability.
Use construction adhesive between layers for added strength.
Fill the bed with a mix of topsoil and compost.
Gardening tip: Line the inside of the stone walls with landscape fabric before filling to prevent soil from washing out between the stones.

Estimated time: 1-day Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

Expert Tips for a Professional Finish
To ensure your DIY stone projects look as good as professional work, keep these tips in mind:

Proper cutting: Use a masonry saw for clean, straight cuts. For more organic shapes, use a hammer and chisel.
Working with mortar: Mix small batches of mortar to prevent it from drying out. Keep your tools clean and work quickly.
Sealing stone: Apply a quality stone sealer to protect against stains and weathering, especially for porous rocks like sandstone or limestone.
Troubleshooting: If a stone becomes loose, remove it, clean the area, and reset it with fresh mortar or adhesive.
Caring for Your Stone Projects
To keep your stone features looking beautiful for years to come:

Clean regularly with a mild detergent and soft brush.
Remove stains promptly using appropriate stone-safe cleaners.
Reapply sealer every 2-3 years or as recommended for your specific stone type.
Check for loose stones or mortar annually and repair as needed.
In winter, avoid using harsh de-icers on stone surfaces.
Give your outdoor living space a DIY makeover with Lammon Bros
Now that you’re inspired to tackle these amazing DIY guide to stone projects, it’s time to gather your materials and get started! At Lammon Bros, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of premium stones perfect for any outdoor project. Our expert team can help you choose the right materials for your specific needs, and our convenient stone delivery service in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan means you can focus on creating a tranquil outdoor space rather than hauling heavy stones.

Ready to transform your outdoor space? Visit our website or give us a call to explore our stone options and start planning your perfect weekend project. With Lammon Bros by your side, you’ll be enjoying your beautiful new stone features in no time!