Natural stone can be used in your home as well as in your yard and garden to enhance its natural beauty.

Natural stone is a consistent favorite with homeowners, for everything from kitchen countertops to pavers. There are many ways to incorporate natural stone, prefabricated stone, or rocks in the exterior design of your home. Imagine the elegance of an entryway paved with granite or upgraded with stone columns. Imagine stone siding transform an ordinary wood exterior into a more substantial architectural statement. For new construction or home renovation, the possibilities with stone are virtually limitless.

Natural stone cladding comes in an unparalleled pallete of colors, textures and patterns. Natural stone façades are built using limestone, sandstone, granite or other materials. Dimensions of these can be limited depending on stone type and the quarrying and processing techniques. Prefabricated, reconstructed, composite, and cast stone are alternatives to natural stone. These are made from manufactured materials.

Then there’s lightweight and durable rock siding. Rocks can take the form of boulders, aggregates, flagstone, or wallstone. Rocks are manufactured to withstand temperature extremes. Because they consist of all natural materials, they feel just like natural stone. Rocks can also be installed on any exterior surface. Consider, for instance, building a rock retaining wall along the border of your walkway. Or, get creative with your stone pathway , creat...

Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine