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Currently, the housing market in Connecticut is thriving. If you’re looking to sell your property, now is your chance. Because demand is high, the competition is ramping up. You want your home to appeal to potential buyers. One surefire way to boost the appeal of your Connecticut home is to invest in landscaping. The outside of your home is the first thing that will catch the eye of outsiders. A good-looking home will attract buyers and invite them to inquire more.
Landscaping rocks and decorative stones are soaring in popularity especially in Connecticut. Property owners are recognizing how beneficial these stones are for their homes for both practical and aesthetic purposes. In this guide, we’ll discuss how decorative stones, landscape boulders, and other rocks can be used outside of your home.
Real Estate Landscape in Connecticut
Current Market Overview
The housing market in Connecticut has recently undergone changes. For homebuyers, it’s essential you stay informed of current market conditions. According to available data, in April 2023, home prices in Connecticut experienced an increase of 7.6% compared to last year. However, there was a 31% decrease in the number of homes sold between April of this year and April of 2022. The median days on the market also increased to 36 days, indicating a slightly slower pace of sales in Connecticut. Still, the Connecticut housing market has shown positive growth overall. The market is competitive as 58% of homes in Connecticut sold above the list price. This percentage of homes selling above the list price indicates the prevalence of bidding wars and high demand. As of right now, the areas with the fastest growing sale prices include Westport, Newington, Bristol, Waterbury, Stamford, New London, and Meriden.
Past Trends
The average median home price peaked in most Connecticut counties in 2006 and 2007. However, there was a sharp decline in 2008 following the financial crisis. There was then a steady decline in housing prices until an all time low in 2012. But since that low, prices have remained relatively flat over the years with only a slight increase.
Future Predictions
Despite Connecticut’s strong housing market, there is worry of a housing crash given the economy and the Covid pandemic. Still, there are a few factors to consider when evaluating the likelihood of a crash. While there is a slower pace of home sales in Connecticut, housing demand is still present. You can even think of this slowdown as more of a return to normalcy. Furthermore, a boom in the housing market is partly generated by an increase in job growth. The rate of job growth boosts the purchasing power of homebuyers. The labor market remains strong as Connecticut ranks among the top five wealthiest states. Connecticut added 1,600 jobs in May and has now recovered 83% of the jobs lost during the pandemic, including 86% of private sector jobs. Finally, the housing market is directly affected by demand, which isn’t going away anytime soon according to real estate experts.
Local Natural Stone and Landscape Materials
Types of Stone Available in Connecticut
DeFeo Materials has a wide variety of stones that we offer here in Connecticut. The following types of stones are available for purchase:
New England River Rock:
New England River Rock is a multi-colored round stone. This rock serves as an excellent replacement for Delaware River Jack. New England Rock is a lot more unique than Delaware River Jack. Our stone has more colors and is more vibrant. Additionally, New England River Rock’s roundness makes it better than traditional stone when it comes to drainage.
Berkshire Blend:
Berkshire Blend is a stone formed deep in the Berkshire mountains. It’s a decorative stone that comes in an array of colors. Between its striking colors and rounded shape, Berkshire Blend surpasses many other stones in visual appeal. It is one of our most sought-after decorative stones. This affordable stone can also be used for a variety of applications.
Niantic River Rock:
Niantic River Rock is a blend of multi-colored gravel. It has a round shape that many customers find appealing. Its unique red hues set it apart from other rocks. Its distinctive coloring and roundness make the Niantic River Rock a real beauty. This rock can be used for a variety of landscaping purposes and will look good on any property.
Hudson Valley River Rounds:
Hudson Valley River Rounds are our newest blend of stone. These stones can be most compared to and are a great replacement for Mexican Beach Pebbles. As suggested by the name, these stones are found in the Hudson River Valley. Given their range of colorful hues, these stones can accent many properties.
Westerly River Rounds:
Westerly River Rounds are a type of river rock. Westerly River Rounds can be found in the coastal region of Westerly Rhode Island. This rock is a perfect choice for customers who are looking for a native option that is a little more rounded. Unlike most other native gravels that are more angular in shape, this river round has a smooth texture.
Slate:
Slate is a stone produced by crushing and screening large deposits of slate. It’s considered the best alternative to mulch because it doesn’t deteriorate and is less likely to blow away. Because its color is fade resistant, you won’t need to replace it annually. This decorative stone can be used for flower beds and around walkways.
Benefits of Using Local Materials
Fortunately, Connecticut has an abundance of local materials to build with. Because these materials require little processing or transporting, the environmental and economic costs are low. Some materials are renewable resources while others are so abundant that their supply seems inexhaustible. Another benefit of using local materials is that they naturally fit well with the feeling of any place in the area.
Why Choose DeFeo Materials
At DeFeo Materials, we offer more varieties, sizes, and colors of stones compared to any of our competitors and we can deliver stones to you or your wholesale yard by the truckload. We provide the highest quality river rock on the east coast. Our premium river rocks have a smooth, polished texture that is admired and loved across Connecticut. We have been serving Connecticut since 2016 and built a dedicated base of happy customers. We have supply yards all throughout several towns and cities here. You are guaranteed to find a stone that will fit your tastes and needs.
Decorative Stone in Connecticut Homes
Understanding Decorative Stone
Decorative gravel comes in many colors and styles. You can use decorative stones to create warm and cozy looks, take a naturalistic approach, or go towards a modern, minimalist style. It all depends on the stones that you choose. Not only can you create certain aesthetics with decorative stones, but you can also use them for a variety of other applications. Such applications include:
Walkways and Pathways: Gravel or river stones are an option if you want to enjoy the pleasant crunch when you walk on it. If you prefer silence, flagstone is a great option to be used as natural-looking pavers.
Soil, Erosion Control, Ground Cover, & Mulch: There are many benefits to using stones as mulch with durability being one of them. Stones need no replacement and will not degrade nor suffer any changes in appearance.
Gardens and Ponds: Beach pebbles can be a great canvas in which to showcase your collection of plants. Stones in varying sizes and colors can work well to offset your garden. Ponds benefit especially from decorative stones. River rocks and beach pebbles are naturally suited to water and will offer ponds and other water features a serene and natural look.
Selecting the Right Decorative Gravel
Selecting the right decorative stone really comes down to what’s the best decorative stone for you. Once you take into consideration your geography and climate, architectural style, type of garden, and the effect you want to achieve, your choice will narrow down. Still, here are some aspects to consider when choosing a stone:
Your Home’s Exterior: To ensure exterior design cohesion, your decorative stone should match the overall aesthetic of your home. For example, a modernist garden will clash with a Victorian style house. While a traditional garden will look out of place next to a modern home. To help you out a little, we recommend slate or sleeker stones for homes with a modern aesthetic. On the other hand, older properties may be enhanced with pebbles or gravel.
The Shape and Texture of Stones: This may seem a bit abstract but even the shape and texture of a stone can dictate its application. For example, smooth, rounded stones are better suited for areas with higher foot traffic. Whereas jagged and irregular stones can look really good around plants.
The Function of the Stones: It’s important to think about what the application of the stones will be. Are you going to use them for your garden, or as a walkway / pathway, or perhaps as a water feature? These choices have an impact on the type of stone required.
Installation Tips and Techniques
Landscaping can have a huge impact on the impression a home makes. In fact, curb appeal can even improve the value of your home. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) claims professional landscaping can increase a home’s price tag 15% to 20% more at the time of resale. So, it is worth it to prioritize the outdoor maintenance of your home and you can do so by utilizing decorative stone. Not only does stone add more value to a home but its longevity is unmatched. Stone does not break down and can stand the test of time. The same cannot be said for other materials. When it comes to decorative stones, you can complement your patio, create a pathway, build steps, construct stone veneers, replace your mulch, and more! There are so many ways to spruce up the appearance of your home.
Landscape Boulders in Connecticut Homes
Understanding Landscape Boulders
Landscape boulders can be used in a variety of different projects. DeFeo Materials offer high quality boulders that will last and will not fade. Our boulders can be used to build walls, add texture, create an ambiance, and more. Our boulders also come in a wide range of sizes from small to extra-large. And you have your pick of round and non-round blends. The boulders we offer can match a variety of aesthetics but many of our customers prefer the charming look of weathered boulders.
Weathered boulders look great on any property. A weathered boulder typically has more moss and texture to it so it looks older and has more character. Weathered boulders are especially great for building a rock wall or seawall.
On the other hand, we also offer native landscape boulders. Native landscape boulders are found locally in Connecticut. These are the more cost-efficient options. Native CT coloring varies from tan to gray colored stone. This product starts at 100 lbs. up to over 2,000 lbs. per boulder. These are great for projects that use boulders for function more so than just decoration.
Choosing the Perfect Landscape Boulder
Choosing the perfect landscape boulder depends on a few significant factors:
How your boulders will be used
What aesthetic you’re going for
What you’re willing to spend on them
The type of rock itself is less important than the look you’re seeking. Landscape boulders come in all sorts of unique colors. But what we will say is that choosing local rocks will typically ensure that you can keep costs down while staying true to the colors of your region.
Installation Tips and Techniques
You should most definitely come up with a plan before installing landscape boulders. Boulders can be very difficult to move so you’ll want to know where you’re placing them beforehand. If the boulders are being placed in your front yard, they will be much easier to place than if they need to be hauled to the backyard. Figure out where you want to set your boulders and what position you will put them in ahead of time to avoid any heavy mistakes. Additionally, it’s best to place boulders in clusters and have them slightly buried. Landscape fabric should also be placed underneath them for stability and weed prevention.
Palletized Stone in Connecticut Homes
Understanding Palletized Stone
There are many advantages to buying stone by the pallet. Purchasing palletized stone can eliminate the mess of bulk stone. It’s easier to handle palletized stone because there is no clean up like there would be with bulk products. Pallets of stone can easily be transported on a flatbed trailer or in the back of a pick-up truck. Specifically, here at DeFeo Materials, you are able to purchase an assortment of different stone varieties on one truckload instead of only getting one type on a truckload. Additionally, pallets of stone are smaller than bulk stone, which can better help you order the correct amount. You know exactly how much product is on each pallet which can give you assurance that you are getting exactly what you paid for.
Choosing the Right Palletized Stone
When it comes to choosing palletized stone, the best advice that we can give you is to see it in person. To an extent, stone does change over time, so it’s strongly recommended to see it in person before you buy it. Like decorative stones and landscape boulders, you want to ensure that the palletized stone matches your property’s aesthetic. The aesthetic and the function are the biggest factors in the selection process.
Installation Tips and Techniques
Similar to landscape boulders, you should work out your plans with placement first. Before moving forward with installation, you should know where you want to place your palletized stone. You can always make smaller adjustments later on, but the installation process will be smoother if you’ve already made your major decisions about placement and design. Once you know your intended placement, you’ll need to take careful measurements. Accurately measuring width, length, and depth of the intended location can help you order the right number of palletized stones. Finally, make sure the soil beneath the stones is firm. Before you place your palletized stones, tamp down the soil to create a firm base. Landscape fabric can also be used to prevent the stones from sinking and weeds from growing underneath them.
Recap: Why South Carolina Homes Are So Unique
Given the housing market in Connecticut, now is a great time to be a prospective buyer or seller. The market is booming, and competition is stiff. If you’re a seller, you want your home to stand out. You can achieve this by investing in the outside landscape of your home. Decorative stones, landscape boulders, and palletized stones can elevate the overall appeal of your Connecticut home. By using local materials and embellishing the architectural style of your home, you can create a frontrunner on the market. If you have any questions or concerns about personalized solutions, we encourage you to reach out to us!