Resources

Plan Your Project

At Old Station, we know that a successful project starts with the right plan. Whether you choose to browse by category, or use our quick links, finding the right resources has never been easier.

Welcome to Our Blog!

Here, you’ll discover a wealth of articles spanning numerous topics, carefully curated to guide you through every step of your project journey. Our expert guides and planning tools help ensure your outdoor space turns out just the way you envision.

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Choose the Right Thin Round Stone Veneer

Thin round stone veneer offers the natural beauty of real stone with a lightweight, easy-to-install design. Perfect for interior feature walls, fireplaces, exterior facades, and outdoor projects, it comes in both natural and manufactured options, providing unique textures, color variation, and a soft, flowing appearance. Durable, versatile, and visually appealing, this veneer delivers the look of full stone without the heavy structural demands.

What Is Thin Masonry Veneer? Types, Costs, and Uses 

Thin masonry veneer is a lightweight, decorative material that gives the appearance of real stone or brick without the weight of full-bed masonry. Typically 0.75 to 2 inches thick, it can be made from natural stone, manufactured stone, or thin brick and is installed directly onto prepared surfaces using mortar. Popular for exterior siding, interior accent walls, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens, thin masonry veneer offers design flexibility, easier installation, and cost efficiency. Proper surface prep, moisture control, and correct installation are key to long-term performance. It provides the beauty, durability, and value of traditional masonry while reducing structural demands and installation complexity.

Natural Thin Stone Veneer: What It Is, Uses, and Cost

Natural thin stone veneer is a versatile way to add the beauty of real stone without the weight of full-thickness masonry. Typically ¾ to 1.5 inches thick, it preserves the stone’s natural texture and color while being easier to install indoors or outdoors. Popular for fireplaces, feature walls, facades, and outdoor kitchens, it comes in styles like ledgestone, fieldstone, ashlar, and mosaic. While more costly upfront than manufactured stone, natural thin stone veneer offers superior durability, long-term value, and authentic aesthetics. Working with a local supplier ensures proper selection, installation guidance, and access to samples for the best results.

What Is Thin Brick Veneer? Uses, Cost, And How to Choose

Thin brick veneer is a lightweight masonry material made from real brick that is cut into thin slices and applied as a decorative surface finish, allowing homeowners to achieve the authentic look of brick on interior or exterior walls without the weight or structural requirements of full brick.

What Is a Luxury Outdoor Grill Features and Types

A luxury outdoor grill is a high-performance cooking appliance built for outdoor kitchens, featuring durable stainless steel construction, powerful burners, precise temperature control, and large cooking surfaces that allow homeowners to achieve restaurant-quality grilling and long-lasting performance in their backyard.

How a Freestanding Grill Outdoor Kitchen Enhances Backyards

A freestanding grill outdoor kitchen is a flexible and cost-effective outdoor cooking setup that combines a movable grill with customizable features like storage, countertops, and appliances, allowing homeowners to create a convenient and adaptable backyard cooking space for any occasion.

How to Lay Artificial Turf on Grass

Learning how to lay artificial turf on grass involves removing the existing lawn, preparing a stable base, and properly installing synthetic turf for long-term durability. With the right steps, like leveling the ground, securing the turf, and adding infill, you can create a smooth, low-maintenance lawn that stays green year-round and handles everyday use with ease.

What Is the Process for Artificial Turf Installation?

Artificial turf installation involves replacing natural grass with a durable, low-maintenance synthetic surface. The process includes removing existing grass, preparing and compacting a base layer for drainage, laying and securing the turf, and adding infill to support the grass blades. When installed properly, artificial turf creates a smooth, long-lasting lawn that stays green year-round and requires minimal upkeep.

Artificial Grass and Synthetic Turf As A Smart Investment 

Artificial grass and synthetic turf offer a low-maintenance, durable alternative to natural grass, making them a smart investment for homes and commercial spaces. Designed to stay green year-round, these solutions eliminate the need for watering, mowing, and fertilizing while withstanding heavy foot traffic and changing weather conditions. With long-lasting performance and eco-friendly benefits, synthetic turf provides a practical and visually appealing way to enhance any outdoor space.

How to Use Polymeric Sand for Long-Lasting Paver Joints

Learning how to use polymeric sand properly helps create strong, long-lasting joints between pavers on patios, walkways, and driveways. The process involves sweeping dry polymeric sand into clean joints, compacting it to full depth, removing excess sand from the surface, and lightly misting it with water to activate the binding agents. When installed under the right weather conditions and watered correctly, polymeric sand hardens to stabilize pavers, reduce weed growth, and prevent washout from rain.

What Is Polymeric Sand?

Polymeric sand is a specially blended jointing material made from fine sand and a water-activated binding agent. When installed between pavers and lightly misted with water, it hardens to create stable joints that help lock pavers in place while remaining slightly flexible. This material is commonly used for patios, walkways, and driveways because it helps reduce weed growth, resist washout from rain, and improve the overall durability of hardscape surfaces.

How Does Polymeric Sand for Pavers Work?

Polymeric sand for pavers works by using water-activated polymers that bind sand particles together, forming a firm joint that locks pavers in place. Once activated and fully cured, it strengthens joint stability, resists washout from rain, and helps reduce weed growth between pavers. When installed correctly, polymeric sand creates a durable, low-maintenance surface for patios, walkways, and driveways.

Can You Lay Patio Stones on Top of Concrete? 

Yes, you can lay patio stones on top of concrete if the existing slab is in good condition. This approach saves time and cost compared to removing old concrete, while giving your outdoor space a fresh, upgraded look. To ensure long-lasting results, clean and level the concrete, apply a bedding layer of coarse sand, and carefully place your pavers using a rubber mallet. Install edging to secure the perimeter, and sweep polymeric sand into the joints to lock the stones and prevent weed growth. Concrete pavers, natural stone, or thicker pavers work well depending on your surface and design preferences. Proper preparation and attention to drainage are essential for a stable, durable patio that enhances your home.

Choose the Best Concrete Patio Stones for Your Outdoor Space

Concrete patio stones provide a durable, versatile, and low-maintenance option for patios, walkways, and pool decks. Available in various shapes, sizes, textures, and colors, these pavers allow homeowners to customize designs while ensuring long-lasting performance. Proper site preparation, drainage, and sealing enhance their durability, and textured options improve slip resistance for outdoor spaces. Concrete patio stones offer a cost-effective way to elevate your outdoor area with style, functionality, and longevity.

The Guide to Oversized Tile to Transform Your Space

Oversized tile, or large-format tile, offers a modern, seamless look with fewer grout lines, making spaces feel more open and stylish. Popular materials include porcelain, travertine, and concrete, each providing durability and design versatility for floors, walls, and outdoor areas. While installation requires careful surface preparation and specialized tools, oversized tiles create sleek interiors, feature walls, and elegant patios that combine aesthetic appeal with low maintenance.

Slate Finish vs Smooth Finish: Choose for Your Outdoor Space

When choosing between a slate finish vs smooth finish for your outdoor space, texture, slip resistance, and maintenance are key considerations. Slate finishes provide a rough, durable, and slip-resistant surface ideal for patios, garden paths, and high-traffic areas, while smooth finishes offer a sleek, polished look perfect for modern indoor spaces or low-traffic outdoor areas. Understanding these differences helps you select the right surface for both style and functionality.

Large Format Slabs: The Guide for Outdoor Hardscapes

Large format slabs provide a sleek, modern look for outdoor spaces, from patios and walkways to pool decks and driveways. Available in porcelain, natural stone, and concrete, these oversized slabs reduce grout lines, offer durability, and create seamless surfaces. Proper installation, layout, and maintenance ensure long-lasting performance. At Old Station Outdoor & Landscape Supply, we offer high-quality materials and expert advice to help you design sophisticated, functional outdoor areas.

Wall Fence Ideas to Elevate Style and Outdoor Living

Wall fence ideas help homeowners create privacy, define property boundaries, and enhance curb appeal. From concrete and brick to stone, wood, and metal, each material offers unique durability and design possibilities. Proper planning, gate placement, and landscaping integration ensure functional, attractive fences for front yards, backyards, and garden spaces. With thoughtful design, wall fences provide safety, style, and long-term value for any property.

Small Retaining Wall Blocks: Landscaping Projects

Small retaining wall blocks are ideal for managing soil, improving drainage, and adding structure to gardens, patios, and terraced landscapes. Lightweight, versatile, and easy to install, these blocks work for freestanding walls, low retaining walls, and decorative features. Proper planning, drainage, and material choice ensure long-lasting performance and visual appeal in residential outdoor spaces.

Architectural Block Retaining Walls: Types and Designs

An architectural block retaining wall combines structural support with decorative design to manage elevation changes, control erosion, and enhance outdoor spaces. Built with modular concrete blocks in various textures and colors, these walls offer flexibility for curves, terraces, and landscape features while maintaining long-term stability. With proper drainage, base preparation, and optional reinforcement, architectural block walls deliver both performance and visual appeal for residential and light commercial projects.

Textured Retaining Wall Blocks: A Guide for Styles and Uses

Textured retaining wall blocks combine structural strength with natural stone-style finishes, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscape projects. Their rugged, molded surfaces add visual depth while helping hide dirt and wear, and their modular design allows for straight walls, curves, and terraces. When installed with proper drainage and base preparation, textured blocks deliver long-lasting performance and curb appeal.

Techo Bloc Semma Wall Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

A proper techo bloc semma wall installation depends on precise base preparation, effective drainage, and reinforcement when required to ensure long-term stability. While the system offers clean, double-sided design and structural flexibility, performance comes down to correct layout, compaction, and geogrid placement where needed. When installed with attention to detail, a Semma wall delivers lasting strength, curb appeal, and reliable retaining performance.

Semma Wall Block: Durable, High-Impact Retaining Walls

Semma wall blocks are durable, double-sided retaining wall systems designed for structural strength and visual appeal. Ideal for raised patios, garden walls, and freestanding features, these blocks feature mechanical interlock, tapered sides, and gravel-filled cores for long-lasting stability. With flexible installation options and minimal maintenance, Semma wall blocks deliver both performance and polished aesthetics for residential and commercial outdoor projects.

Concrete Pool Coping: Design, Cost, and Installation

Concrete pool coping caps the edge of your pool, providing durability, safety, and a polished look that connects the water to surrounding patios and outdoor spaces. Available as precast or poured-in-place, with bullnose or square edges and a variety of finishes, concrete coping is versatile, long-lasting, and cost-effective. Proper installation and maintenance ensure it protects your pool while enhancing overall design.

What Does Coping Mean in Construction and Landscaping?

What does coping mean in construction and landscaping? Coping refers to the protective cap placed on top of walls, parapets, or outdoor structures to prevent water damage, improve durability, and enhance appearance. From stone and concrete to metal and molding, coping stones protect walls, extend lifespan, and add a finished look to your project. Proper installation ensures long-lasting performance for residential and commercial spaces.

Beacon Hill Coping: The Perfect Addition to Hardscape Design

Beacon Hill coping provides a sleek, durable solution for finishing walls and outdoor structures. With vibrant colors, EnduraColor™ technology, and options like bullnose or chamfered edges, it enhances both style and functionality. Easy to maintain and built to withstand harsh weather, Beacon Hill coping is perfect for patios, retaining walls, and garden features.

Smooth Sandstone Slabs: Benefits, Installation Tips, and Design

Smooth sandstone slabs provide a sleek, durable, and low-maintenance option for patios, walkways, and garden paths. Their even surface and natural color variations create a modern, elegant look while withstanding weather and heavy foot traffic. Ideal for both DIY projects and professional landscaping, smooth sandstone combines style, practicality, and long-lasting performance for any outdoor space.

Beacon Hill Smooth Slab: Sizes, Uses, Cost, and Buying Tips

The Beacon Hill Smooth slab offers a sleek, modern surface perfect for patios, pool decks, and walkways. Available in multiple sizes and thicknesses, these durable concrete slabs provide a clean, uniform look while supporting everyday outdoor use. Easy to maintain and versatile in design, Beacon Hill Smooth combines contemporary style with long-lasting performance, making it a top choice for homeowners and contractors alike.

Smooth Stone Slabs: Uses, Benefits, and Buying Guide

A smooth stone slab offers a clean, refined surface that works well for patios, walkways, pool decks, and interior floors where comfort and visual appeal matter. With the right stone type and finish, smooth stone slabs provide long-lasting durability, easier maintenance, and a polished look that suits both modern and traditional designs.

Rivercrest Retaining Wall: The Guide for Outdoor Projects

A Rivercrest retaining wall is a durable and visually appealing solution for enhancing outdoor spaces with structure and style. Designed to mimic natural stone while offering the strength of concrete, Rivercrest walls are ideal for garden walls, seating areas, and sloped landscapes, making them a versatile choice for homeowners and contractors looking for long-lasting performance and easy installation.