From the traditional stronghold of flagstone pathways, patios and fireplaces, stone has transformed into the medium of choice for a number of other applications. Stone facing, simply called “building stone” has become increasingly popular for exterior walls and interior feature walls. Rock pillars have replaced wooden columns on verandas. Stone floors now adorn entryways, proving a viable alternative to tile.
Rock steps have been a Muskoka tradition for many years, but the precise way in which stone can now be cut allows for more evenly positioned placement as well as consistent step heights.
What are the reasons for this increased popularity?
Durability for one. Once in position, stone patios and stairs last almost indefinitely, especially compared to their wooden counterparts. Granite steps simply look like they belong on Muskoka properties, matching with the numerous stone outcroppings.
Another part of the answer is contained within the unique geological structure of Muskoka granite. Called ‘transported polycyclic gneiss’, it contains layers of minerals that are softer than the surrounding granite, making it relatively easy to split. Those minerals also add to its unique beauty, creating veins of various colours, unique in North America.
Steps are typically seven inches thick, flagstone is three inches. The market is transitioning from hand-split to saw-cut stones for a number of reasons – firstly it’s easier to install due to the uniformity of the pieces. Secondly, saw-cut techniques enable slicing across the grain rather than splitting with the grain – exposing natural shapes and patterns while revealing the pink, black, white and a range of greys found in Muskoka quarries.
The limestone rock found south of Muskoka is popular as well and less costly given that it is easier to extract. But limestone deteriorates with salt and water and will actually alter the pH of nearby water features. This makes granite the preferred stone breakwall along lakesides.
Granite certainly isn’t the cheapest solution. Cultured stone (coloured concrete) offers a stone-look-alike pattern at $5-7 a square foot. Limestone costs around $7 a square foot while granite comes in at $12-14. The need for customers to dig a little deeper into their pockets isn’t much of a deterrent as granite sales are booming. Its desirability is merely a function of granite’s attributes – durability, versatility and beauty.
Algonquin Natural Stone provides high quality Muskoka granite products made exclusively from granite quarried in Muskoka, Canada.
Tel: 705 224 8699
Toll-free: 877 456 8699
57 Madill Church Road
Huntsville, ON P1H 2J2
[email protected]
www.algonquinnaturalstone.com
