Rock Talk: How-To Guides for Natural Stone
Rock Talk is Mid Valley Rock's library of plain-English answers about buying and installing natural stone.
It covers how stone is sold, which flagstone thickness to use, how to set and seal it, and how to plan a visit to our Sacramento yard.
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Our customers ask us the same good questions every week. How is rock sold? How thick should my flagstone be? Can I seal it for a wet look? What do I bring to the yard? These guides collect the answers staff give at the counter, drawn from 34 years in the rock industry. Read them before you shop, then call (916) 363-4239 or visit us at 5300 Excelsior Road with your measurements and questions.
How Rock Is Sold
At Mid Valley Rock, natural stone arrives on pallets and is sold by weight. A Weighmaster records the weight of your purchase less the pallet, and we quote prices by phone or at the yard instead of publishing them.
Read the guideFlagstone Thickness Guide
Thinner flagstone, around 1 1/4 inch, should be hard set with mortar over concrete. Flagstone 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick is strong enough to soft set on sand and decomposed granite, which makes it the usual pick for small patios and walkways.
Read the guideHow Much Flagstone Do I Need?
Measure the area in square feet, add a little extra for cuts and fitting, and bring the number to our yard. Because flagstone is sold by weight and coverage changes with thickness and density, our staff convert your square footage into a weight for your quote.
Read the guideSoft-Set vs Hard-Set Flagstone
Hard-set flagstone is mortared over a concrete slab for a permanent surface. Soft-set flagstone rests on a compacted, water-permeable base with sand and decomposed granite in the joints, and it needs stone 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick.
Read the guideHow to Seal Flagstone
Seal flagstone only when it is completely dry: wash it, let it dry 5 to 10 days with sprinklers off, then apply two coats in the cool early morning, the first north to south and the second east to west.
Read the guideWet Look vs Natural Flagstone
If you love the deeper color your flagstone shows when it rains, a color-enhancing sealer can give it that wet look, and resealing over time keeps it. If you prefer the soft, dry color, leave it natural or use a matte sealer.
Read the guideInstalling Flagstone with Gator Dust
Gator Dust must have a gravel base 2 to 3 inches thick, and Anna recommends 1 inch of sand over the gravel. Set the flagstone, sweep Gator Dust into the joints, and follow Alliance's instructions for wetting it.
Read the guideChoosing Stone for Water Features
Not every stone is right for water. Some stone does not hold up to pool chemicals or constant exposure to water, so tell our staff how the rock will be used and we will guide you to a suitable stone.
Read the guideCan You Mix Different Stone Types?
Yes. You do not have to use one stone for your whole job, and different kinds of stone often complement each other and make a project more unique. Our staff will suggest combinations that work and tell you which ones we would not recommend.
Read the guidePlanning Your Visit to the Yard
Bring tape-measured square footage, your landscape plan if you have one, and a photo of your house, and arrive at least 45 minutes before closing. With those, our staff can suggest stone and give you a quote for your choice.
Read the guideBoulder Sizes and Weights
Mid Valley Rock's boulders range from about 6 to 8 inches across, weighing roughly 30 pounds, up to about 4 by 4 feet, weighing roughly 4,000 pounds. Small ones can be moved with a rented dolly; the largest need delivery by flatbed and forklift and often a crane.
Read the guideFlagstone vs Pavers
Both make excellent patios and walkways. Flagstone is natural stone with irregular shapes and one-of-a-kind color, while pavers are manufactured units with uniform sizes and a consistent, orderly pattern; the right choice depends on the look you want and how the space is used.
Read the guide
Visit the yard
Come see the stone in person
Walk the yard with us, bring your measurements and a photo of your house, and we will help you pick stone that fits the project and the budget.
5300 Excelsior Road, Sacramento, CA 95827
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| Monday - Friday | 7:00 am - 4:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 7:30 am - 3:00 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |