How to go about selecting thin stone for landscaping (shutters, grout, colors)

[cstleddy]

I need to have some retaining walls constructed in my yard and need to select the material (natural stone) but I don't know where to begin.

My roof is gray, house is creamy with white trim, black shutters and my brick is terracotta and dark brown almost burgundy. There's already some stone work in my yard that is of varying shades of gray but it really doesn't show off well. I'm thinking about something similar to the brick and the grout cement color between the bricks.

I've also got a lot of concrete (light gray) and turf.

I've walked through my neighborhood and have seen some beautiful eye catching brick/stone combinations and some poke-your-eyes-out-ugly ones How do you start or what do you need to consider when doing this?

[pollyrobin]

Originally Posted by cstleddy

I need to have some retaining walls constructed in my yard and need to select the material (natural stone) but I don't know where to begin.


I've walked through my neighborhood and have seen some beautiful eye catching brick/stone combinations and some poke-your-eyes-out-ugly ones How do you start or what do you need to consider when doing this?

Try to find a local stone or quarry place in your area where you can look at the different types and colors of stone to get ideas. Find a local place other than Lowes or Home Depot - I find they have a better variety.
What do you need? Money, strong arms, and a shovel

[poconoproud]

take a pic of those homes in your neighborhood that have the "beautiful eye catching brick/stone combinations" and take those with you when you make your choices.

Are you building the retaining wall yourself, or are you hiring it out? If you are hiring someone, they may be able to help you decide on the best types & colors of stone to use.