Monday, May 18, 2009

The Benifits of Thin Veneer


As you...go about considering the merits of Kettle Valley Stone for various projects, I wanted to share some practical information that may be a good reminder and hopefully of benefit.

Natural thin stone veneer is a genuine stone product, quarried directly from the earth. Unlike most artificial or manufactured products, natural thin stone veneer is colorfast, will not fade or discolor, and it resists chipping & scratching. It's the perfect material for use where size or weight limitations are a problem.

THIN STONE VENEER typically ranges from 3/4" to 11/2" in width as compared to full size stone at 4", 6", 8" or more.
· The great thing about it...is it doesn't look like a veneer.
· Thin stone veneers can be used to create a variety of architectural elements that once were limited to very expensive buildings. Stone is a timeless design material...it doesn't lose its elegance or desirability versus man-made materials.
· Versatility is the big advantage to thin stone veneer - it can be used on interior walls, fireplaces, or on the exterior walls of a home or building. It can be added to existing structures with little modification. Custom blends are also becoming popular where customers want to create their own look.

The primary advantage of THIN STONE VENEER for builders...starts from the ground up.

Thin veneer stone is basically a facing product and doesn't require a ledger, footings or wall ties like conventional full sized stone. The stone isn't supported by the footings underneath - it's supported by the wall. "That's where a lot of the savings is." You build a conventional frame structure instead of framing it for masonry. The thin stone isn't necessarily less expensive, but the framing & structure is.

· You can also make a decision to add stone at the last minute without much additional preparation. To a large project, these are significant savings from an engineering standpoint - in the amount of structural reinforcement that would be required.

· Thin stone veneer...up on chimneys, dormers and higher elevations that can't carry a heavy load...amounts to project cost savings by not having to carry a structural component all the way up. Labor costs are less with THIN STONE VENEER because it goes up faster and easier than full-sized stone. You save because you can put up more square footage in a workday…its lighter weight and you don't have the structural issues associated with full-size stone or brick. There's also less fatigue on the mason ...THIN STONE VENEER is lighter.

Appearance is probably the strongest selling point.

There's not a noticeable difference between THIN STONE VENEER and full-size, especially with current cutting techniques that produce L-shaped corners. When you do a corner, you're doing a wrap around that has the appearance of full-size stone.

Beauty is more than skin deep. Manufactured products often don't have uniform color throughout. When the installer puts in a manufactured product and they have to trim a piece to fit, they have to color the edges. If there is damage such as chipping, it needs a touch up or patching. A manufactured product is also susceptible to fading. Neither is an issue with natural stone.

Another emerging new market for THIN STONE VENEER is...taking what appears to be a stone bearing wall and run it throughout a building creating a very strong architectural element. These effects can be done economically with thin stone veneer and frame walls without needing the support of concrete footings or heavily reinforced structural walls. The whole idea is that you can use thin stone veneer in applications to create architectural elements that were once limited to "very expensive buildings."

Another practical consideration...are the economics of shipping thin stone veneer in quantity...compared to a full-sized stone with relatively small square footages, per rail or truckload.

Hopefully there are some fresh new perspectives and a reminder of some you're already contemplating.

Harry Haddow

Kettle Valley Stone Company
Phone 250-870-3769
Toll Free 877-670-7625

Friday, February 20, 2009

What is landscaping rock?


You can use landscaping rock to add some depth and texture to your landscaping design. Landscaping rock from Kettle Valley Stone can come in a couple of different forms, actually there are quite a few.

Not only is there a find collection of colors of landscaping rock there is also several different kinds of stone to choose from. Different landscaping designs will require different landscaping rock. You can get small landscaping rock or larger landscaping rock at Kettle Vally Stone.

The trick to using landscaping rock successfully is to fully integrate them into your yard and the design. You need to place them in places that will add to the yard, not in places that will make it look like you are trying to cover something up or take attention away from another part of the yard. If you were to just put your landscaping rock here and there you will be doing nothing for the yard and your yard will end up looking strange and unbalanced. You should plan exactly where each landscaping rock should be placed for the ultimate good effect.

If you take the time to bury your rock it will look much better. This will make them look planted and they will blend in and look as if this is where they really should be, not just where they got clunked down.

How far should you bury your roc in the ground? The depth will all depend upon the landscaping rock that you finally choose fro your yard. If you choose a very large landscaping rock then it should be deeper than a smaller landscaping rock. Four to six inches is a good depth for your landscaping rock to be buried.

It is easy to build a landscaping rock. All you need to do is dig a spot about the size of your landscaping rock and them place the rock into it. You can then just tuck some dirt into the spot around the rock and then you are done. Voila!

Read full article at - Click Here
Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road Kelowna,
BC,V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871

Why use landscaping stones?


There are many reasons why you should incorporate landscaping stones into your landscaping design. The main one however is for beauty, pure esthetic beauty. For a landscaping design to look perfect it needs to have layer and this can be a hard thing to achieve without the use of landscaping stones.

Landscaping stones are not the only way to give your yard depth but they are the easiest way. You could try to change the slop of your yard. You could dig lower sports and build up higher ones but this could take forever and you would have to know a lot about landscaping to try to tackle a job like that. Just think of the trouble you could get into with the drainage issues if you were to make a mistake! No, it is far easier to simply use landscaping stones to bring some depth to your yard.

You can use landscaping stones to accent certain portions of your yard, you can even plant some plants in these landscaping stones. They look great round the patio and the fence and you can even get colored landscaping stones to bring more color into your yard. This kind of color is especially nice to have in winter when everything is so bare and cold looking. The fact of the matter is that you can transform the whole look of your yard with the simple use of landscaping stones. They are like jewelry only for the yard.

There are many different kinds of landscaping stones and they come in all shapes and sized. The landscaping stones that are right for you will depend on the effect that you are trying to create with your yard. And different parts of the yard might require different sized landscaping stones. You can get a wide variety of colors for your landscaping stones and in some cases you may want to mix a couple of colors together to create a whole new and interesting look.

If you are planning to overhaul your yard this year then you need to start looking into using landscaping stones in your design. These will bring the whole yard together and if they are used right will add balance and harmony to your entire garden.

You can get landscaping stones at your local gardening center and even some home building stores will carry them. Shop around and find the landscaping stones that suit your home and your needs best before you make a purchasae.

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Friday, February 6, 2009

Kelowna Landscapers

Order Kettle Valley Granite now to boost your home’s curb appeal in Kelowna ! If you have been searching for that certain something to set your yard apart from others, then search no further! Kettle Valley Stone Company has a wide variety of stone products perfect for the weekend warrior, or the professional landscaperin the Okangan.

Kettle Valley Stone Company has various colours and textures of stone products available in a variety of sizes from HAND size stones to MAN size boulders. We also carry landscape crush in chip, one inch and two inch sizes; all of these are perfect for complementing your new rock retaining wall, and/or acting as a decorative accent in your garden beds. Start your landscape project now! Contact Kettle Valley Stone Company to order your product needs today!

Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com

Architects and Designers Kelowna


Designers know it as TSV. The primary advantage of Thin Stone Veneer (TSV) is that it starts from the ground up. Thin Stone Veneer is basically a facing product that doesn't require a ledger, footings or wall ties like a full-sized stone. Veneer Stone does not need support footings underneath its structure supported by any footings underneath as it is supported by the wall. That adds up to quite a saving! The design only needs a conventional frame instead of the added structural elements required for full bed masonry.

Stone may be added at the last minute without much additional preparation. Within the parameters of a large project and from an engineering standpoint, these are significant savings, as they relate to structural reinforcement.

Thin Stone Veneer may be used to surface chimneys, dormers, and higher elevations that can't carry a heavy load. This process reflects cost savings for the overall project. Without having to carry a structural component all the way up, the resulting labour costs are significantly less with TSV:it goes up faster and easier than full-sized stone, because it is lighter. Putting up more square footage, without the structural issues associated with full size stone or brick, also means less stress on the mason working that day!

Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road Kelowna, BC,
V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com

Okanagan Natural Thin Veneer vs. Full Stone -

Kettle Valley Stone’s Natural ’Thin Stone Veneer’ can be installed in less than half the time as full stone; because of its light weight & thinner profile, Thin Stone Veneer can be used in applications that would normally require the use of full stone.

For example, it can be used on zero clearance fireplaces without having to create a structural foundation. At an average of 12 lbs per square foot, it is self-supporting, and does not require ledger angles; this product is ideal for remodelling projects, including zero clearance fireplaces as these items would normally require a structural foundation.

Contact us:

Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com

Kelowna Masons

BC's beautiful Okanagan Valley produces some of the world’s finest stone. Each year, we quarry and ship thousands of tons of stone to customers nationwide. After quarrying, we invest considerable labour, carefully grading and palletizing our inventory of stone in order to ensure that you (you) are receiving consistent quality from project -to -project. Please call or contact us via e-mail with your specific requirements.

Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC,
V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com

Kelowna Feature Stones

Massive Feature Stones are one of the most striking products in the landscaping business today.

Used most commonly for waterfalls, centerpieces, entrances, and borders along roads, boulders are in great demand.

Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com

Kelowna Water Features in the Okanagan


Whether you love the sound of a babbling brook or that of trickling waterfalls, we have the outdoor water products and advice that will suit any project.
Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email:

Kelowna Stone Retaining Walls


Building a dry stone retaining wall is a challenge and we at Kettle Valley Stone Company have years of experience to assist you with all of your needs.

In addition to supporting the weight of the earth it is meant to retain, the wall should, by its construction, ensure proper drainage; it must also survive the surrounding area’s freeze-and-thaw cycles.
Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871

Kelowna Landscaping by Kettle Valley Stone

If you have been searching for that certain something to set your yard apart from others, then search no further! Kettle Valley Stone Company has a wide variety of stone products perfect for the weekend warrior, or the professional landscaper.

Kettle Valley Stone Company has various colours and textures of stone products available in a variety of sizes from HAND size stones to MAN size boulders.

We also carry landscape crush in chip, one inch, and two inch sizes; all of these are perfect for complementing your new rock retaining wall, and / or acting as a decorative accent in your garden beds. Start your landscape project now!

Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com

Reasons to engage Kettle Valley Stone

Why CHOOSE Kettle Valley Stone Company Natural ‘Thin Veneer’?

The advantages of this cut stone are obvious:

1. Product can be used for either interior or exterior applications.

2. There is no need for strapping or additional foundation support.

3. Product can even be installed on normal drywall applications.

4. Masons will appreciate a faster and easier installation.

5. Product will have the appearance and feel of a full sized stone.

6. Our ‘Thin Veneer’ line can be incorporated with split and full-sized stone to enhance the

entire project.

7. Product continues to maintain the same natural stone advantages over synthetic stone.

8. Colour enhances with age.

9. Product will not chip, exposing untreated cement.

10. Product will not be affected by extreme weather conditions.

Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com

Challenges our Clients Face

-Potential clients do not understand the difference between artificial/cultured stone and natural stone.

-The client does not understand the potential savings from full stone to Thin Stone Veneer.

-The client does not understand the process from stone choice to finished product.

-Variations in colour happen with the use of natural products.

-The client does not understand that a quality mason can make all the difference(t) on a project.

-Clients don’t understand that Kettle Valley Stone Company can supply retaining wall, landscape cover, water features, as well as feature stone to compliment our Thin Stone Veneer.

Contact
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna
Enquiries
Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com

Our History - Kettle Valley Stone - Kelowna

The Kettle Valley Stone Company was conceived in 1998 in Kelowna.

It began as a small division of L&D Petch Contracting LTD, a leader in the local aggregate and construction sector since 1956, rapidly growing into a viable and self-sustaining company.

Back in 1998, the “Stone Division”, as it was called, started off with one quarry and simple landscaping products that were sold in the local market.

Demand for choice and variety led us in search of other stone types. We engaged the experts familiar with the geology of the area, quickly opened up two additional quarries, and secured six others for further endeavours.

The landscaping products began to flourish; we realized that a much larger market potential existed far beyond just our provision of landscaping materials.

Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna
Enquiries Marty Pope
204 Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Kettle Valley Stone Philosophy

Our Philosophy at Kettle Valley Stone Company is customer satisfaction. We strive to make our customers our friends, and our friends our customers.

We achieve this through timely information, accurate order processing, and consistent service by delivering what was promised.

We back this with helpful hints, with helpful hints, design assistance, and installation references; these steps ensure that your project has the components needed to render successful results.

Kettle Valley Stone Company quarries and supplies full size stone throughout BC, Canada, and North America for all styles of landscaping and design. From this quarried full sized stone comes a smaller stone that is sorted, split, and then cut into a Thin Veneer product.

We specialize in Feature Stones, Landscape Products, Stone Retaining Walls, and Water Features, all of which compliment our Thin Veneer Business.

Stone Veneer is a classic, natural stone that adds timeless beauty and elegance to the interior or exterior of your home. A home that utilizes the veneer products that Kettle Valley Stone Company has to offer is guaranteed to stand out from any other.

If your dream home demands quality, durability, and value, then our natural stone veneer is the perfect finishing touch! Natural stone reflects an upscale look to any home, as well as adding tremendous value to your real estate.

All of the stones listed in (on) the menu to the left are available in either our traditional full size bed-depth, or in our innovative light-weight Thin Veneer.

We have a variety of colours, styles, and textures available to suit your individual tastes.

Contact us:
Toll Free: 1-877-670-7625
Western Canada Sales & Kelowna Enquiries
Marty Pope 204
Cambro Road
Kelowna, BC, V1X 7T3
Direct 250 979 8871
Email: marty@kettlevalleystone.com