The housing market in North Carolina is thriving, making curb appeal more important than ever. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply want to enhance its beauty, investing in landscaping can make a big difference. In particular, decorative stones, boulders, and other landscaping rocks are growing in popularity in North Carolina, celebrated for their blend of practicality and beauty. This guide explores how these materials can elevate the outdoor spaces around your home.
Current Market Conditions
North Carolina's real estate market has shown sustained growth over recent years, driven by the state’s natural beauty and desirability. Although 2023 has seen a slight slowdown following rapid growth in 2022, the market remains competitive. The median home price reached $302,549 in April 2023, showing a 4.4% year-over-year increase. While homes are staying on the market a little longer—about 36 days—key cities like Holly Ridge and Hope Mills have experienced substantial price growth, highlighting increased demand.
Trends and Future Outlook
The state’s population has grown steadily, with more than a million new residents since 2010. This expansion has fueled construction and housing development. While experts foresee a national slowdown in housing, North Carolina’s market remains resilient, with no immediate signs of a crash—just a gradual adjustment to more sustainable levels of growth.
Types of Decorative Stone Available
In North Carolina, you’ll find a wide variety of local and regional stones for landscaping. Here are some top choices:
Why Local Materials Matter
Using locally sourced materials benefits both the environment and your wallet. With minimal transportation and processing, local stones are more affordable and align naturally with North Carolina’s landscape.
Choosing the Right Decorative Stone
Decorative stones are a versatile way to enhance the appearance of your home. These stones come in many styles and colors, enabling homeowners to achieve various looks, whether modern, natural, or cozy. Stones can be used for pathways, garden beds, and even driveways. When selecting your stones, consider how they’ll complement your home’s style and local environment. For example, a contemporary home might benefit from the clean lines of flagstone, while a more traditional home could pair well with rounded river rocks.
Installation Tips
A well-designed landscape boosts a home’s curb appeal and can increase its resale value by up to 20%. Stones are durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance, making them an excellent investment. They can be used to replace mulch, build pathways, or construct stone walls. Make sure to lay them in thick layers—at least three inches—to prevent weed growth and enhance moisture control.
Using Boulders in Landscaping
Landscape boulders are an excellent addition to any yard, offering texture and focal points. Available in various sizes, these durable stones can be used to create rock walls, add character to a garden, or even serve as seating. Weathered boulders, which have a naturally aged look, are particularly popular for building walls or adding rustic charm to a property.
Selecting and Installing Boulders
When choosing boulders, consider how they’ll be used and how they’ll fit into your landscape. Boulders can be expensive to transport and install, so planning is essential. Place them in clusters for a more natural look, and bury them partially for stability. Using landscape fabric underneath can also help with weed control.
Why Choose Palletized Stone?
Buying stone by the pallet offers several benefits, including easier handling and reduced mess compared to bulk stone. Palletized stone can be transported more easily and helps ensure you get exactly the amount you need, minimizing waste. This is a great option for projects like walkways, patios, or decorative borders.
Selecting the Right Palletized Stone
It’s always best to see stone in person before purchasing to ensure it matches your aesthetic vision. Over time, stone can change slightly in color or texture, so seeing the product firsthand can help you make the best choice for your project.
Take the guesswork out of your next project! Use our Project Calculator to quickly estimate the materials you need for your landscaping plans. Get started here with our Project Calculator.
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