Outdoor Fireplace: Asheville Stone Work

I got a call from a friend of mine who is a carpenter here in Asheville, NC. He was building a deck for one of his clients in Biltmore Park. His client asked him if he knew anyone who could build an outdoor fireplace on top of the deck. We were connected with the client and begin to design this unique feature. 
Building an outdoor fireplace on top of a deck 16 ft off the ground required some thoughtful engineering. We had to beef up the understructure of the decking to support the weight of the new feature. 

We worked closely with the carpenter and the client to finalize a design that would be both structurally sound and beautiful.


With the firebox and hearth all framed in, we started the rock work. We chose bull-nosed Kentucky Bluestone slabs for the hearth. This stone fit well with the grey Ledger stone we used for the rest of the feature.

We also decided to use the Bluestone for an arch feature over the firebox and for a 'Flower' design above the mantle.

Stone work in Asheville can be difficult due to the weather sometimes. For this project we had to cover the feature everyday around 2 pm due to thunderstorms. We actually created a full tarp covering for a couple days so we could continue working.

In addition to the basic structure, we added a gas log lighter into the firebox. This will allow our clients to easily start a fire or install a gas burning log feature in the future. The gas plumbing was installed by Goodman Plumbing. Very professional! 

Bluestone Hearth

 We are very thankful to our clients for letting us build this feature. We had a lot of fun! 
Also thankful to work with other local contractors. It makes our work feel like one big family!

Arch Construction

Finished Bluestone Arch and firebox

Living Waters Landscaping

828-301-8017

Thanks!!

Asheville Landscaping: Pond Paradise

When we build ponds and waterfalls, we try to design a space where beauty and function meet peace and tranquility. We work hard to create gardens and spaces where our clients can relax and enjoy time with their family. We enjoy what we do, building long lasting landscapes, stone work and water features for our clients in Asheville, NC. Part of our joy is working with our clients, spending time with them in their yard and taking the time to hear their concerns and questions. 

As we move forward in this trade, we find a deeper respect for nature and our clients as we serve them in creating artistic gardens and landscapes.

Feel free to give us a call anytime for a free estimate.

Thanks,

Jacob

Living Waters Landscaping

828-301-8017 

Asheville Landscaping: Custom Retaining Walls and Flowers

Here is a beautiful view of some custom dry stacked retaining walls we built in Asheville, NC. Spring Tulips and a statue of Saint Francis with the walls in the background. We love building dry stone retaining walls! Call us for a free estimate. 

Jacob

828-301-8017

livingwaterslandscaping.com

Asheville Landscaping; Dry Stacked Retaining Walls

When considering a retaining wall on your property the first question you should ask yourself is what type of material do I want to use for this project. There are many options including wood, concrete and stone. 
Wood walls tend to be cheaper than concrete or stone walls. However their life span is drastically shorter.
A concrete wall is very durable and will last for decades, if done correctly. However, if there is an issue with a concrete wall and it cracks or separates, the wall will need to be removed and rebuilt. I have worked and still work with all types of retaining wall materials. Yet I will usually recommend a dry stacked stone wall as the first option for my clients. Dry stack walling is an ancient craft, possibly the first form of soil retention. When built correctly, it can withstand centuries of weather. Dry stacked stone walls have got a bad reputation in many areas, mainly due to improper construction. 

A true dry stacked wall is constructed using stone of various sizes tightly fit on the face of the wall. Theses stones are backfilled with similar sized stones and gravel to create a structural and free draining area behind the wall. Most failed walls, like this project I am featuring today, are backfilled with only native soils. This creates a devastating amount of hydrostatic pressure behind the wall that causes walls to fail. 
Our clients for this project contacted us with concerns regarding the dry stacked walls they had installed by a local builder no more than 5 years ago. They had a series of walls built in their front yard that were beginning to collapse and wanted to have all the walls built correctly before there was a major problem. We took on the job and have reworked the area giving them new walls and added a pondless waterfall as a bonus feature.

Here you can see the structural backfill we installed when we were fixing the failed walls.

Adding large, tightly fit stone to the backfill, with some gravel and filter fabric behind, will allow any surface or sub-surface water behind the wall to drain freely without any pressure on the face stones. 

We were able to reuse some of the existing stone from the old walls for this project. However, most of the original stone was rather round and not good for stacking a wall.

So we had to import approx. 10 tons of stone from a local quarry to complete this project.

  The picture to the right shows the old failing wall on the top. The lower wall in the new construction using proper backfill and structural stone

We were also able to create some fun features in the new walls, including a stone bench and some inlays that gave this wall character.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or if you would like a free consultation for your project in the Asheville area.

Jacob

Living Waters Landscaping

828-301-8017

Asheville Landscaping: Landscape Design

Family Friendly Landscaping

When we are designing a landscape for our clients we always consider the wants and needs of the whole family. We try to design features and gardens that will allow our clients to relax and have a peaceful place for their families. The pondless waterfall, pictured above, was designed for our clients in Asheville, NC as a place for the kids, friends and dogs to gather and enjoy the garden together. This is the first priority in all our design ideas. Allowing a space for community and gathering together.

The pondless waterfall offers a peace of mind for our clients because it is low maintenance and easy to enjoy.

Let us know if you would like a free consultation of your yard, garden or commercial space.

Jacob

Living Waters Landscaping

828-301-8017

Asheville Landscaping: Pondless waterfall

Asheville pondless waterfall

Just finishing construction of this waterfall in Asheville. Landscaping and a flagstone patio will be installed next!