Stone or brick or other wall surrounding main entry gate

[Tangoddess]

Hello,

It looks like we are also ready to upgrade our front gate, to a real motorized gate, and some design surrounding it.

One of our friends has something like this



We also want a structure like this surrounding the gate, but we want something a bit more unique, and maybe a better material.

I guess these are pavers bricks or something?

What other material can we use to design the wall around the gate? We do not mind spending a bit more of our savings, we have worked hard.

Can we use travertine or some nice stone or other?

We want to avoid just going to the big box store and buying the bricks if we can

What are some nicer materials that one can use?

Thank you!!

 

[RNeumann]

Any material you mention can be used. Wander through your local natural stone yard and your local brick maker yard to find what suits your desires. About any stone or tile (properly installed) should do fine in TX.

 

[Tangoddess]

Thank you!! @rnuemann

what are some of the more 'nicer' or upscale materials?

do the stones just get stacked on top of each other as opposed to tile which may need to be placed on cement?

sorry I know not much about construction I ain't smart

is marble an option?

 

[RNeumann]

Most stones would require a “structure” and then the stones are stuck to and or stacked against the structure. The structure could be solid concrete or steel studs and then the first 2-3 steps of stucco type finish (paper, wire and a thin layer or concrete). If you went with larger concrete style blocks the those would be the structure as well.

Typically bricks and other more common materials are cheapest. Then tile- ceramic and stone. The higher end of the cost spectrum is typically natural stone- not only the material cost but the craftsman that installs it as well.
I’d discuss marble with someone local. It is a relatively soft and porous stone that can stain and discolor.
If a high end look is truly what you are after consider meeting with a landscape architect. They will probably ask you to bring in ideas from the internet and magazines and then design something will meet your wishes.

 

[RNeumann]

Oops sorry-

Stone can either be stacked with Mortar between the rocks or dry stacked without mortar. Some stone is cut or faced so it can be stuck on like tile and some is full pieces that must be fit on site. All this requires a skilled craftsman-that will be a big part of the research.

Btw- I skipped over cultured stone which is a fake stone made to look like stone. It doesn’t sound like what you want.

 

[Streetcar]

For a gated entrance, you will need to mortar stone in place. Most stone walls are placed on a structure to save money. Concrete or block cheaper usually than stone

 

[Tangoddess]

Thank you @streetcar @rnuemann this makes more sense

Would travertine be an example of a natural stone?

What are some other natural stones that would work well?

Yes, I will search too, but do not have the knowledge and expertise that all of you have!!!

I do not think we can afford an architect right now, we need the money to get the farm up and running again after the floods, hurricane etc.

Thank you!!

 

[Streetcar]

As rneumann said go to local Stone yard. Big cost is transportation of stone. See what is available locally in your area of Texas.

 

[Deere Dude]

If it was mine, I would lay a 8"x16-20" foundation the full length of your designed project. Then I would lay 8-10" cement blocks which are 8x8x16" to cover the length and height of your project. In the mortar sandwiched between the stones you would put corrugated strips and sticking outward 4 inches to hold the stone to the concrete wall. The stones would be either brick, colored flat limestone or any other natural stone you find that appeals to you. If you want stone on both sides you just put strips in the mortar on both sides. The stones are very heavy and need to be on the foundation.

This can be done on fireplace stonework or for outside projects. Then a cap would need to be put to keep water from going in between the blocks and the stones.

I have seen stones stacked but don't care for them.

 

[RNeumann]

Thank you @streetcar @rnuemann this makes more sense

Would travertine be an example of a natural stone?

What are some other natural stones that would work well?

Yes, I will search too, but do not have the knowledge and expertise that all of you have!!!

I do not think we can afford an architect right now, we need the money to get the farm up and running again after the floods, hurricane etc.

Thank you!!

Travertine is a natural stone- but more in the high end tile zone. The stone yards I'm discussing typically have stone or rock that you would fine in nature out walking around instead of thin, flat slab type rock. It all depends on the look you want.