Category: Stone

Elevate your fireplace with stunning stone from VanderWall! Explore natural stones like granite or modern veneers for a look that complements your decor. Our fire-resistant stones are easy to maintain and come in a variety of colors and textures. We offer expert guidance to help you find the perfect stone for a fireplace that reflects your unique style and delivers lasting beauty.

How to Create a Backyard Oasis

in Blog, Brands, Fire, Stone, Uncategorized/by Jessica Broekhuizen

Do you like entertaining or just enjoying your yard? Let us help you create a backyard oasis that will have you never wanting to leave home.

VanderWall can help you from the ground up with paver and slab selections that help set the foundation of your oasis. With different color and shape options, the sky’s the limit. Stop in to talk to our experts today to help you get started.

Grill Like a Pro

VanderWall’s outdoor kitchen options allow you to customize to your specific needs. Our full line of Summerset Grills include something for everyone, from the casual griller to the seasoned chef/master entertainer. The advanced technology of our Summerset grills will have you in awe. Each grill has a multitude of attachments and add-on options that allow you +for grilling, hibachi, and rotisserie cooking. With a Summerset grill, heat zones can also be created to allow you to cook a wide variety of meats and veggies on one surface without having to hover over the grill and constantly rearrange things while you’re cooking. These grills can be dropped into a masonry countertop or outdoor kitchen kits.

Standard or fully customizable kitchen kits are also available. Standard options include spaces for a refrigerator, a kegerator or a wine refrigerator as well as storage space. These kits are perfect if you are a do-it-yourselfer or want to hire a handyman to put them together. Just pick up the kit from our Spring Lake or Grand Rapids store and you can have it ready to go in a couple of hours.

Warm Up Your Space

Transition to nighttime entertainment with one of our firepits. Whether you are roasting marshmallows for s’mores or just sitting around the fire relaxing, VanderWall has got you covered. We offer a variety of sizes and finishes that will fit naturally into your space.

Outdoor heating is a great way to make the patio season last longer and keep guests. Our complete line of radiant outdoor heaters will keep everyone warm and toasty even when temperatures drop.

Build the Backyard of Your Dreams with VanderWall

Bring your patio plans to life with help from the experts at VanderWall, the West Michigan leader in the sales, installation, and service of fireplaces and outdoor heating systems. Visit our Grand Rapids or Spring Lake store for inspiration and to chat with our experts to choose the outdoor heating system that best fits your needs. Questions? Contact us today!

5 Paver Design Ideas For Your Yard You Need To Try

in Blog, Stone/by Revel

Pavers have become popular for enhancing outdoor spaces, offering a versatile and durable solution that can transform any area into a stunning oasis. Whether you’re looking to create a charming walkway, a cozy firepit, or a standout geometrical design, we have a plethora of inspiring ideas to help you make the most of your pavers.

Read on and discover the best paver design ideas and discover how they can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor living space.

What Are Pavers?

Pavers, also known as paving stones, are rectangular or square-shaped building units made from concrete, natural stone, brick, or clay. They’re designed to create durable and visually appealing surfaces in outdoor areas.

One of the best parts about pavers is their versatility. They allow for endless design possibilities, allowing you to customize your landscaping and hardscaping projects according to your style and preferences.

The 5 Best Paver Design Ideas of 2023

#1: Create a Charming Walkway

Pavers are commonly used to create pathways in gardens, backyards, patios, or front entryways. Installing a walkway will give your outdoor space a charming feel and guide visitors through your yard where you want them to go, so they’re not damaging your landscaping.

When using pavers to create a walkway, you can choose a complementary color to your home’s exterior. Or, consider adding a bold accent color to create a unique color palette. For added visual interest, you can make unique formations and patterns like herringbone or basketweave.

#2: Design a Functional Patio

Don’t go through the hassle of pouring concrete – use pavers to build a beautiful patio in your yard. You can easily create a cozy seating area or an extensive entertaining area using pavers.

Pavers are incredibly versatile and customizable. You can create a space as big or small as you’d like and in any shape, color, or pattern. The possibilities are endless!

#3: Install a Picturesque Pool Deck

What good is a pool if it doesn’t have a deck where you can relax and soak up the sun’s rays? Use pavers and build a dazzling pool deck or patio! Pavers around a pool not only provide a slip-resistant and durable surface, but they also add a touch of luxury and sophistication.

Experiment with different laying patterns to create a visually appealing design that matches your aesthetic. We recommend using light-colored heat-resistant pavers to keep the surface cool in the hot summer months.

#4: Build a Cozy Fire Pit Area

There’s nothing like a chilly evening sitting around a bonfire with your friends and family, sharing stories and laughing. Anyone can make a fire in their backyard, but a thoughtfully designed fire pit area will offer a sense of luxury.

Use pavers to create a designated fire pit area. They’re a top-notch option for this project because they offer heat resistance. You can construct a circular or square base around the pit and surround it with comfortable seating.

#5: Install a Versatile Outdoor Kitchen

Do you want to transform your backyard into the ultimate entertainment space? Build an outdoor kitchen! From summertime BBQs to football Sundays to happy hours, your home will quickly become the place to be.

Use pavers to build floors and spaces for built-in grills and ovens, and more. Pavers provide a durable that can withstand heat damage from cooking, so they’re a good investment for this project.

Pavers can also be used to create the floor in your outdoor kitchen since they stand up against heavy foot traffic, hefty spills, and weather damage.

Are You Ready To Transform Your Backyard?

Are you looking to enhance your outdoor living space and transform your landscape into a stunning oasis? VanderWall Bros. has got you covered. We’re your go-to outdoor living and landscaping experts, specializing in top-quality pavers that will bring elegance and durability to your projects.

Whether you’re dreaming of a beautiful patio, captivating walkway, or breathtaking outdoor kitchen, our team of skilled professionals is here to turn your vision into reality. Contact us today, and let us bring your outdoor dreams to life!

Manufactured Stone vs. Real Stone

in Blog, Stone/by Revel

If you’re about to tackle a new home project, you might be comparing manufactured stone vs. real stone. This is an important decision and could significantly affect your budget and the outcome of the project. We’ll tell you all about manufactured stone and why it might be the best choice.

What Is Manufactured Stone?

Manufactured stone, also known as faux stone, artificial stone, or cultured stone, is a building material used for interior and exterior applications that mimics the look of natural stone but has better quality and weight.

Manufactured stone is lightweight and easy to install, which makes it a popular choice among builders and homeowners who want the look of natural stone without the cost and weight. The most common types of manufactured stone we work with include country ledge stone, cobble field, profit, dressed fieldstone, and southern ledge stone.

What Is Manufactured Stone Made Of?

The manufactured stone veneer is composed of cement, lightweight natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigment for coloration. They’re approximately one-quarter the weight of natural stone and easily adhere to most wall surfaces.

How Long Does Manufactured Stone Last?

With the proper maintenance and upkeep, manufactured stone veneer siding can last anywhere from 20-75 years. The lifespan will depend on the type of artificial stone to choose and the environment it’s in, but in general, manufactured stone has fantastic longevity and is an excellent investment.

What Is Manufactured Stone Used For?

Manufactured stone is a versatile building material used for various home projects, including both indoor and outdoor. Some of the most popular uses for manufactured stone include the following:

Interior walls
Backsplashes
Fireplaces
Fire pits
Chimneys
Accent walls
Home exteriors
Columns and pillars
Outdoor kitchens and grills
Water features
Patios
And so much more!

What Are the Benefits of Manufactured Stone vs. Real Stone?

When comparing manufactured stone vs. real stone, consider the following benefits.

The Benefits of Manufactured Stone

Cost-effectiveness: Manufactured stone is typically less expensive than natural stone
Lightweight: Easier to install and handle.
Variety: Comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, giving homeowners more design options to choose from.
Consistency: Since manufactured stone is made in a factory, it has a consistent color and texture throughout.
Durability: Manufactured stone is made from a mixture of cement, aggregates, and pigments, which makes it durable and resistant to the elements.
Maintenance: It doesn’t need to be sealed or resealed.

Vanderwall Bros. Is Here for All Your Manufactured Stone Needs

Whether you need stone for a new wall, backsplash, fireplace, or other home feature, we would love to be your top choice supplier. At VanderWall Bros., we carry amazing selections of manufactured stones that are built to last. Give our team a call or contact us online to start your project. We can’t wait to get started!

Types of Common Patio Pavers

in Stone/by Jessica Broekhuizen

Patio pavers add a beautiful element to any garden, walkway, or patio. Today, there are endless possibilities when it comes to paver colors, sizes, shapes, and materials. By focusing on your unique project and budget, you can determine what selection is best for your natural environment. When selecting what landscape paver is best, consider the following options:

Natural Stone Pavers

Nothing beats the look of authentic quarried natural stone. The most popular natural stone paver options are limestone, sandstone, granite, flagstone, and slate. Limestone, for example, is dependable and strong, a reliable choice for landscape edging. Additionally, travertine stones retain their authentic color well, enduring various types of weather. These rarely need cleaning. Natural stone, however, is not ideal for heavy traffic locations, as they may break under intense pressure depending on thickness. Out of all the paver options, natural stone is the most expensive.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are classic in look and style and are designed to withstand the test of time. Many historic streets in some of the oldest cities in the world are made out of clay pavers and are centuries old. Because these pavers are made out of clay, the colors are typically limited to the red and brown tones. The patterns in which the brick are laid can vary from more traditional and elegant to unusual and can create a luxurious appeal to your home and backyard. This type of paver is extremely strong and stain-resistant, which makes it a good option for areas where you may host parties or other large gatherings. Brick-specific sealants are available, which can help lock in the color and preventing fading. In addition to the durability of clay pavers, they are affordable.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers offer the consumer the best selection when it comes to size and variation. Concrete patio pavers are made of molded concrete, which is mixed with aggregate and are available in kits, traditional 4×8 styles, various sizes, colors, and textures and . Similar to brick, there is a long list of options and choices in patterns and laying styles and mix well with other media such as pea stone or larger grade stone. Concrete is very durable and holds up well to all weather conditions. Concrete pavers need to be sealed in order to retain their color over time, depending on the colorant used and need to be cleaned with a pressure washer from time to time. Overall, they are the most affordable option with an array of positive features.

In general, pavers are almost maintenance-free. Occasionally sweeping, sealing, and washing down your pavers keeps them looking clean and tidy – as mentioned previously a pressure washer can be a great tool for this. For brick pavers, sealing is not necessary, except in the case of regular contact with grease and oil, such as a barbecue grill or garages. A small amount of detergent diluted with water such as Prosoco’s Klean ‘N Release cleaner works well to wash away grime. In the case of a cracked paver, the best option may be to replace the individual piece, as it is often less expensive than attempting to fix larger sections. Regardless of what type you may choose, natural stone, brick, and concrete pavers create a welcoming and organized entryway or patio for your home and is a long-lasting and quality addition in any exterior area of your home.