Limestone Quarry |
Limestone is a natural product that is in
plentiful supply in Western Australia, thanks to the large amount of limestone
deposits available around the state. Limestone is quarried both as limestone
blocks for use in construction, and also as crushed limestone which has a great
many uses. Crushed limestone can be used on its own in landscaping, spread and compacted
to create a usable surface for paths, and is readily available at landscape
yards.
Crushed limestone road |
Crushed limestone can also be mixed with a small amount of concrete and
water, and used to mould reconstituted limestone blocks, or used as liquidlimestone, also known as poured limestone. Liquid limestone is used for paths,
driveways and patios in landscaping.
Reconstituted limestone blocks hold many
advantages over the natural limestone blocks that are quarried straight from
the ground. Reconstituted limestone blocks are stronger and denser than natural
limestone, making them the perfect choice for retaining walls.
Because of the addition of concrete in the manufacturing process, reconstituted limestone blocks don’t discolour and go black with age, as does natural limestone blocks.
1 metre limestone blocks for retaining |
Because of the addition of concrete in the manufacturing process, reconstituted limestone blocks don’t discolour and go black with age, as does natural limestone blocks.
Because reconstituted limestone is manufactured, the blocks can be made into
any size, and can include features such as bevelled edges.
limestone block with bevelled face |
Reconstituted limestone
can have a pigment added during the manufacturing process, so while it still
maintains the strength and texture of the limestone, its naturally light colour
makes it the perfect medium to take on a different colour.
limestone blocks with coloured pigment |
As the blocks don’t
have to be quarried in the same way natural limestone blocks do, it also means
reconstituted limestone blocks are cheaper to supply. Manufacturing
reconstituted limestone blocks means that there is no waste product, as it is the
loose limestone that is used.
Due to limestone being a natural product, and
also due to the different manufacturers, there is some variation in the colour
of reconstituted limestone blocks. They can range from cream to off white.
Reconstituted limestone can also be moulded into
pavers providing an easy to install outdoor limestone area. Liquid limestone
has the benefit over limestone paving that it doesn’t have joins and gaps for
weeds to grow through or for ants to create their burrows.
Liquid limestone is
installed much like poured concrete, poured into form work and screeded. Control
joints are added during the curing process, and different patterns can be
carved into the surface.
Liquid limestone driveway |
When considering using limestone blocks in
landscaping for retaining walls, garden edging, piers, planter boxes, built in
barbecues, raised garden beds, and walls, there are a few variations in both
product and installation. As mentioned, reconstituted limestone blocks can vary
in colour, because of the manufacturing process of the natural limestone, and
also you can choose a block that has had a pigment added to create an earthier
colour. Also, as mentioned, limestone blocks can either have all flat faces, or
can be manufactured with a bevelled face or top. Consider the size of the
blocks and what is suitable for your limestone project, though a professional
limestone installer such as Perth Trade Centre will be able to advise what
block size might be suitable. Different sized blocks can be used in a limestone
wall for a more unique feature. The mortar joins of the limestone block work
can vary, depending on installers and tools used, and the desired finish. For
information on sealing limestone blocks after installation, click here.
It is also possible to transform certain walls
that are not limestone, by spraying them with spray on limestone. This process
coats a wall, such as a brick wall, with liquid limestone made to a ratio specifically for spray on application, then the wall is hand carved at
the appropriate time during the curing process.
Spray-on Limestone being hand carved |
Limestone in any form, can add an elegant,
classic aspect to any landscaping project, and has many benefits well worth
considering.