When it comes to having a drain installed in your yard, you want something that does the job you need it to do without being an eyesore. A French drain is nothing more than a ditch in the ground, inset with a perforated pipe under a layer of gravel.

A retaining wall is a structure designed and used to resist the lateral pressure of soil when there is a desired change in ground elevation. This wall needs to retain all of the material that fills the space between itself and the steepest angle at which soil can hold itself together without caving. Homes built on a steep slope (typically for basements) need to have means of protecting the foundation from soil wash-out. At Alliance Stone, not only do we provide structurally sound retaining walls, but we offer beautiful design to accentuate this feature in your landscape.

Many times, it is hard to think of precisely what we want to receive for the holidays. Do we want that new fancy phone with the fantastic camera? Do we want a gift card to our favorite massage spa? Too often, people settle for something that they do not really want because they cannot come up with a good idea. Well, change that this year and give yourself a gift that keeps on giving.

Halloween brought in the crisp, cool temperatures that Autumn is known for here in Georgia. The month of November is the perfect time to utilize an outdoor space for entertaining, hanging out, and enjoying a nice warm fire. Building a fire pit in your backyard is a beautiful way to utilize your space, both functionally and aesthetically.

Many homes are built on an incline to allow room for a usable basement. With the feature of an inclined yard, one thing you can do to set your yard apart is to add landscape stone steps. Stone steps provide a classic look, are easy to maintain, are rife with design opportunity, and are typically a “one and done” cost. Yes, stone steps do generally cost more than other styles (cross ties, for example), but stone steps can last for generations.

When it comes to updating your landscape, there are more options available than you probably imagined. From different materials to different colors, the combinations of options can be somewhat overwhelming. Many homes and businesses use pine straw or mulch around their natural areas, and while these options are common they often end up costing homeowners and business owners much more money than they projected.

Are you considering a new driveway? Do you have a new construction house that needs a new driveway? Does your existing driveway need to be replaced? If you’re in the market for a new or replacement driveway, why not think about other options besides the traditional concrete or asphalt driveway?

Finding a reputable contractor can be frustrating. You have a vision in your mind for your project, but you can't do it yourself. It's up to someone else to capture your vision and complete it with excellence, expertise, and at a reasonable price. If you're in the process of securing a contractor for your next project around your home, here are three things to keep in mind.

Alliance Stone offers many options for your walking surfaces. Flagstone, pavers, gravel and flagstone step threads are great additions to any outdoor walking surface. They provide a beautiful, natural, and solid addition to your home or landscape. Call our professionals to see which product is right for your next project.

If you're about to start a project of any kind, it's crucial to enlist the empowering act of acquiring job quotes. Getting a job quote is essentially soliciting a bid for a job or project. Typical bid proposals should include an hourly wage, cost of materials, and the description of the service.