Adding backyard water features to your home can be easy and inexpensive while increasing the property value significantly. Most people feel some affinity to water whether it is relaxing by the sound of a waterfall, watching aquatic life, observing marine plants or dabbling their toes. You can bring these simple pleasures right to your own backyard … [Read more...]
Because of its beauty and durability natural stone has always been a highly desirable building material. But the weight of stone limited its application because of the need for a load bearing foundation. Stone veneer cut from natural rock in thickness as little as ¾ inch has removed that limitation. Betz Cut Stone of Newmarket carries a wide … [Read more...]
Every time someone takes a look at your home they get an impression of you and your lifestyle. The balusters and columns cut from natural stone and the natural stone window and door surrounds you had manufactured by Betz Cut Stone in Newmarket speak of quality and success. Your choices in landscaping speak just as loudly and you want the message to … [Read more...]
Walkways and entranceways form a lasting first impression of your home and can enhance its curb appeal. However, there are both aesthetic and functional considerations when choosing the best material for these landscaping accents. Flagstone makes a very definite statement in comparison to the more common concrete or crushed stone. Flagstone is a … [Read more...]
Your neighbours have just completed a magnificent landscaping project in partnership with Betz Cut Stone of Newmarket and you are very impressed with the beauty and functionality it provides. Now it is time to refresh your backyard and your vision is to also create an oasis built with stone. A patio, raised gardens, walkways, a waterfall and a … [Read more...]
Whether you want to establish a built-up garden, highlight an existing landscape feature or establish a moderate grade difference in your yard, a dry built flagstone retaining wall is the perfect project for a DIY homeowner. Start by drawing the footprint of the stone wall with landscape paint or chalk directly on top of the grass or dirt. Next, … [Read more...]
Off-gassing is the releasing of dangerous chemicals at normal room temperature from things around us in our homes. Some building materials can continue releasing these volatile chemicals into the air for years after they are initially installed, which means you will continue to breathe these chemicals at home and work. The most dangerous materials … [Read more...]
There are a lot of horror stories about renovation projects gone bad, heck there are even a couple of TV shows about it. How do you avoid being a player in the next horror story? On a big project you could be working with your contractor for a month or more, so making the right decision is critical. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed into a quick … [Read more...]
In the past, natural stone had only been suitable for exterior applications and required a foundation or load bearing wall to support its weight. Thin cut natural stone veneer is a game changer! This product comes in ¾” to 1 ½” thickness and only weighs 10-15 lbs. per square foot. It is cut from real stone, is suitable for interior or … [Read more...]
Attention do-it-yourselfers: Good weather means the time is ripe for starting all your outdoor summer projects. If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up your front walkway, garden patio or even your entire driveway with the beauty of interlocking stone, here’s your chance to source some free expert advice and first hand demonstrations at a … [Read more...]