Natural Stones Add More Curb Appeal & Elegance

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Did you know Natural Stones Add More Curb Appeal & Elegance?  When it comes to curb appeal, the value of the stone is both aesthetic and practical. Well-manicured landscapes, pleasing cladding, and paint colors, as well as clean drives and walkways, exude tidiness.  The uniformity created is appealing to homeowners, passersby, and potential buyers.

With natural stone, it’s possible to give your home a makeover that will look beautiful and last for years to come. From pathways to windowsills, walkways, and more, architectural natural stone offers a low-maintenance way of maximizing curb appeal and increasing home value.

Limestone Veneers

Limestone veneer is a natural stone, cut thinner to function as a lightweight decorative covering over other building materials. The material — and its effect — is timeless. If your design goals include cost-effectiveness and elegance, it might be the texture you’ve been searching for. Plus, there are plenty of ways to use it. From skirting and cladding to trim and accents,

Limestone pavers and flagstone walkways add dimension, texture, and form to landscaping. Severe weather and heavy traffic leave a marginal impact on natural stone, which is long-lasting and less prone to fissures and cracks. Not only is natural stone aesthetically pleasing, but it also averages about 3% less water absorption than concrete, lowering the risk of algae and staining.

Natural Stone Driveways

While the oldest driveway stone is the classic cobblestone that’s synonymous with old-world charm, today’s homeowners aren’t relegated to a single choice when it comes to driveway appeal. Granite, bluestone, flagstone, sandstone, slate, travertine, and limestone pavers are available in a variety of colors and textures that complement the traditional and contemporary architecture.

Add Stone Veneers To The Facade

More durable than aluminum and vinyl, a natural stone accent on a house exterior can add warmth and liven up an entranceway or outdoor wall with texture and character. The good news is that stone veneer can be easily applied over concrete blocks, brick, or stucco, so revamping an outdated exterior is simply free from hassle.

The main type of stone siding includes veneer, solid stone, manufactured stone, and faux stone. Many homeowners create striking and beautiful contrasts by combining brick or painted walls and stone. It’s even possible to upgrade a chimney with natural stone caps, adding appeal to your home’s roofline.

Decorative Mailbox Post

Even the smallest items in a yard can positively influence a home’s curb appeal. Grace your front yard with a mailbox post made of stone. The structure makes a beautiful, decorative addition to the landscape. Homeowners who are timid about incorporating stone veneers into their exterior design can start with small items like a mailbox that, though relatively small, can have a huge impact on the yard’s appeal.

Granite Lamppost

Granite lamp posts are great for providing ambiance and illuminating the front yard at night. During the day they stand tall and beautify the home’s exterior. Granite is an eye-catching and durable alternative to wood or iron.  It is better able to endure severe weather; you will enjoy your granite lamp post for many years.

Natural-Stones-Add-More-Curb-Appeal-&-Elegance1Manufactured Masonry Stone vs Natural Stone

Masonry stone can be made from natural veneers or manufactured veneers. In the case of natural stone veneer, rock is quarried from the earth.  It is then sliced into thin layers, then finished accordingly to whatever look is desired. Manufactured stone veneer, as the name suggests, is man-made. Often, manufactured stone veneer is made using concrete and aggregate materials. They are designed to look like natural stones, taking on similar colors and textures.

  • How Is The Appearance Of The Stones?

Although manufactured stone veneer is made to look like natural stone, and there are varying colors and profiles to choose from, upon closer inspection, manufactured stone veneer cannot truly mimic natural stone veneer. Natural stones will have pronounced variations that make them unique. While manufactured stone veneer will still give a beautiful finished product, the rich natural color depth, texture, as well as feel of the natural stone give it an unmatched appeal.

  • Strength and Durability

Both natural stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer will last long-term. However, the natural stone veneer will ultimately stand the test of time better than any man-made product. Manufactured stone veneer can be more porous than natural stone veneer, giving it a more limited lifespan than a natural stone veneer.

  • Versatility

Natural and manufactured stone veneer products are both versatile.  Also, there can be limitations on where they may be installed. For example, if you want to do stonework around a pool, consider natural stone products first.  This is because the chlorine may discolor manufactured stone veneer products or affect their structural integrity over time. Natural stone also tends to be better suited for building exteriors as they are hardier against the elements. That said, natural stone is often heavier and denser than its manufactured stone veneer counterparts. Manufactured stone veneer tends to be lighter than natural stone and can be used on many types of surfaces that do not need to be structural.

  • Natural Stone Cost vs Manufactured Stone

As the technology for making stone veneers have improved, the cost of the product has risen while natural stone costs have fallen somewhat in recent years. There is no longer a large gap between the costs of natural stone veneer and man-made products, though manufactured stone veneer tends to have the cost advantage more often than not. In terms of up keep, however, natural stone tends to cost less, being a hardier product that can easily endure a power washer better than man-made stone.

Front Entrance With Natural Limestone Dix Hills NY

This front yard was rebuilt for a home in Dix Hills NY. We created an all-new front door entrance with new stairs and new columns for the lights.  The retaining walls helped maintain the landscape and the grade changes in the properties. Gappsi also veneered the bottom part of the house with the same Eldorado Cultured Stone veneers to match the front door entrance. G44 limestone French pattern and two-inch copings were used for the steps, treads, and platform paving. This leads to the front door and also to the backyard. In addition, the front walls were also veneered with Eldorado Cultured Stones. We landscaped the entire front, another stone creation by Gappsi. 

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View Gappsi’s YouTube Channel For Videos On Natural Limestone

 

 

Marble Pavers For Pool Coping And Patio

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Marble-Pavers-For-Pool-Coping-And-PatioMarble Pavers For Pool Coping And Patio are one of the most preferred materials for the outdoors in homes.  Marble is timeless and when used it elevates a home’s status, value, and overall appeal. This stone paver comes in different colors, patterns, and shades suitable for any application. Homeowners prefer marble pavers for their driveways and pool decks.  This is for very good reasons that go beyond mere looks. Reputable suppliers like Gappsi provide the pavers with a tumbled finish for extra grip and a non-glossy surface that is perfect for outdoor pool areas.

Safety Is First For Pool Coping And Patio Areas

Safety is one of the reasons why marble pavers are ideal for driveways and pool decks. These places are prone to much foot and vehicular traffic.  It makes sense in high-traffic areas to ensure they are not slippery, even when wet. Tumbled marble pavers are able to cater to that.  At the same time, the material enhances the beauty of those places making them look more opulent as well as inviting. The density of the rock makes it capable of withstanding heavy vehicles, too.

Marble Paver Advantages

Gappsi highly recommends sealing our strongest sandblasted marbles for enhancement, but most importantly to resist stains or fading.

Marble pavers resist bacteria, preventing any harmful elements from thriving in the pool area. Tumbled marble pavers provide a strong grip to prevent slipping and falling incidents.

Since ancient times, artists have been using marble for creating sculptures not just because of the beauty of this material but also because of its durability. When you use marble pavers, you don’t have to worry about changing them for the years to come. Indeed, it is a great investment.

Marble-Pavers-For-Pool-Coping-And-Patio1Pool Covers For Safety And Efficiency

Gappsi retractable pool covers are opaque and completely block out sunlight while the pool is closed. Sunlight exposure makes sanitizing chemicals like chlorine break down more quickly in the water, as well as contributes to the growth of algae.

Building a New Pool or Have an Existing pool? Does your pool qualify for an automatic pool cover based on your pool shape and layout?

  • New Build – Yes ✔
    If you are building a new pool, you can incorporate an automatic pool cover into your build.
  • Existing Pool – Maybe?
    It will depend on your pool’s shape and deck layout.
  • Saves you 70% in Pool Operating Costs
  • Cuts Filter and Pump Times
  • Cuts Evaporation up to 98%
  • Adds 5 – 15 Degrees of Solar Heat (*With A Dark Colored Cover*)

Gappsi offers the greatest safety you can have around your swimming pool with our automatic pool covers. These covers automatically open and close your pool with a simple touch of a button.

Marble-Pavers-For-Pool-Coping-And-Patio2Pool Cover Maintenance Tips

♦  TIP 1: KEEP WATER & DEBRIS OFF YOUR POOL COVER
Our first tip for auto pool cover maintenance is to clear the cover of any debris before uncovering your pool. You can do this either by hand, if you’re able to reach it, or with a garden hose. Never use something stronger than a garden hose, such as a power sprayer, because you risk tearing your cover. If there’s a significant amount of rainwater on top of your cover, your pump will do an efficient job of removing it.

♦  TIP 2: UNCOVER YOUR POOL DAILY
In the summer months, it’s likely you’re using your pool often so it’s being uncovered on a daily basis. If you aren’t using your pool often, it is still a good idea to uncover your pool daily for a couple of hours, especially if you’ve just added chemicals.

This is an important part of cover maintenance because gasses created by the pool chemicals need to escape in order for the water to be safe to swim in.

♦  TIP 3: INSPECT TRACKS BUT LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS AT GAPPSI
We recommend during auto pool cover maintenance keep an eye on the cover tracks. Leave any major issues to the experts at Gappsi, but if you’re able to catch something small early on, it’s usually an easy fix.

Visually look to see if the cover is running straight. If it’s not, reverse the direction and run it approximately 5’-10’, then proceed to run it back in the direction you intended to go.

♦  TIP 4: GET INSPECTED ANNUALLY
Pool cover maintenance really does not require a lot, as long as you’re getting it inspected on a regular basis. It is recommended to get your cover inspected once a year. Whether you choose to get it inspected at the beginning of the summer, or at the end is up to you.

Marble Pavers For Pool Coping And Patio In Merrick NY

Gappsi installed a 16 x 36 vinyl liner pool with concrete walls in Merrick NY. The pool is equipped with an auto cover and a fiberglass slide. We installed G039 marble pavers selected from the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection. The client chose a French Pattern for the patio with 2-inch thick 12 x 24 coping for the pool. The pool was installed with stadium stairs in the shallow end and stairs at the bottom.  In addition, we used a textured vinyl liner. The pool area included a pavilion we built 14×16 finished with vinyl and Azek trims.  For safety precautions, we installed a black aluminum pool code fence.  This separated the pool area from the grass. A row of evergreens and herbivores evergreens along the fence were added for future privacy. Our clients are very happy.

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View Gappsi’s YouTube Channel For Videos Of Marble Pavers For Pool Coping And Patio

Granite Patio And Pool Coping Long Island NY

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Granite-Patio-And-Pool-Coping-Long-Island-NY3Granite Patio And Pool Coping Long Island NY give a home timeless beauty and curb appeal!  Perhaps no single factor is more important to the value of your home than its curb appeal. Update your entry with a beautiful set of granite steps and make that all-important first impression.

  • Rough, hand-hewn, or precisely machined, our beautiful granite posts are sure to add character, charm, and strength to any landscape application.
  • Transform your outdoor space into an inspiring place with the addition of granite pavers, patios, and walkways.
  • A memorial bench made of granite is a fitting addition to a favorite remembrance spot at your home, playground, park, or town common to honor the heroes among us.
  • Naturally durable, granite withstands weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice-melting chemicals, unlike wood, brick, or concrete.

At Gappsi we believe in superior granite materials that result in low maintenance and permanence, assuring an outcome your family and community will enjoy for many years to come.

Natural Stone Options

Travertine pavers and other natural stone pavers offer the best longevity of any paver type. Natural stone options include granite, sandstone, slate, limestone, marble, travertine, and bluestone. The color choices are more varied than you might expect.

Whether you desire the clean lines of pattern pavers on your patio or the rustic appearance of irregular stepping stones for your winding garden path, we have the right cut granite and natural stone to suit your tastes. Available in a variety of materials, colors, and textures. Imagination is your only limit.

Granite-Patio-And-Pool-Coping-Long-Island-NY1Granite Paving is the ideal solution for creating modern patios or pathways! If you’re looking for a high-end finish with plenty of style and durability, granite paving stones are a perfect choice! This hard-wearing natural stone paving features a non-slip and scratch-resistant surface that will stay looking its best all throughout the year.

⇒ Durable & Hard-Wearing
⇒ Flamed Or Shotblasted Surface Texture
⇒ Scratch Resistant
⇒ Non-Slip

Granite Paving Stones

As a hard-wearing natural stone, granite slabs are suitable for any area which will see high amounts of footfall.  Due to their durability, non-slip and scratch-resistant properties they are a perfect choice. Well-known for being robust yet stunning, granite pavers are ideal for use on patios, paths, and around pools in any domestic or commercial project. This popular paving material is available in a range of colors to suit any design needs!

Sizes & Colours To Suit Any Project

Natural granite pavers offer a wealth of design opportunities.  They offer a range of sizes and color options available.  You will always be able to find a style to suit the needs of your project! You can choose from a multitude of sizes, from large format pavers to smaller slabs, or a mixed size, which is perfect for random laying to create a unique finish. Color options range from the light and bright Silver Grey Granite, and the mid-grey tones in Blue Black Granite to something a little darker in our Black Granite Paving. The hard-wearing and durable natural stone paving is designed for outdoor use and will stand the test of time even in harsh weather! Our full range of granite is suited for Long Island New York’s climate that will last for decades.

Granite-Patio-And-Pool-Coping-Long-Island-NYSealing Granite Paving

It’s generally advised to seal granite pavers to help prevent any staining.  Sealing also helps to prevent the growth of any moss or algae. You may want to consider sealing your granite slabs, especially if your stone is light in color, as any stains will be more visible. However, sealing is not compulsory and there is a wide range of sealing products available which will provide various results. Some sealants will simply seal and protect, whereas others can be used to enhance the color of your slabs. When sealing your granite patio you will also help to protect against general wear.  For example, fading can sometimes occur over long periods. As for when to apply a sealer, there are no specific guidelines.  Most landscapers and tradespersons will have their own tried and tested methods.

Often people choose to seal their paving slabs before laying them.  This may prevent any staining during the laying process.  Others prefer to leave their stone unsealed for up to a year, allowing the granite to weather naturally before applying a sealant. To learn more about sealing your pavers check out our Paver Cleaning Service.

Natural Colours & Variations

Granite products are entirely natural and will feature variations in color, tone, and pattern. This is a feature of the product and our product images will give a great overview of some of the natural variations you could receive.

Colors will appear more vibrant when wet and subtler prior to installation before the stone has absorbed any moisture.

Gappsi installed this backyard over 10 years ago, and recently sealed the pavers. The granite pavers look just as good as the day they were installed at the customer’s home. This is the benefit of using natural stones for your patio pool copings. We installed a freeform pool with concrete walls and a vinyl liner. For the patio and coping we used Amagansett Granite Pavers selected from the Gappsi natural stone collection. We designed and built the portico and the outdoor kitchen with travertine mocha veneer.  The appliances used were all Delta Appliances and a Summit Refrigerator with a granite countertop. 

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View Gappsi’s YouTube channel for videos of Granite Patio And Pool Coping Long Island NY

 

Natural Limestone Patio And Pool Long Island NY

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Choosing The Right Stone For A Pool Deck

Natural-Limestone-Patio-And-Pool-Long-Island-NYWhen choosing the right stone such as a natural limestone patio and pool Long Island NY it’s important to embrace some practical and aesthetic considerations.  Whether it’s an elegant light-colored limestone perfect for a hot summer day, a natural fieldstone emulating the feel of a deep woods swimming hole, or reclaimed granite with its timeless weathered beauty, the following points will help in selecting the best stone for a pool deck or patio area.

The Four S’s to Consider

  • Style – The overall appearance of a pool deck and patio may vary depending on style. It could be sophisticated versus a more rustic look and feel.  The sophisticated style generally has clean lines while a rustic style offers an earthy feel and look with more natural, rougher lines.
  • Surface –  The texture of the stone has a big impact on the look as well as the feel of your patio surface.
    • A split face surface, like a reclaimed plank paver, gives a rustic look to the area.
    • A natural cleft surface comes from stones that are split by man along a natural seam in the stone.  This gives the surface an organic feel with a flatter surface compared to a rough split surface.
  • Shapes and Patterns – Stone shapes, whether irregularly shaped or straight edge squares and rectangles, may completely change the design of a pool deck as different design patterns will also,
  • Scale – It is important to think about the size of the stones. Deciding on small, medium, or large stones determine the look and feel of a pool deck area.

PRO TIP: If the deck space is large, consider using larger-sized pieces to give it a grand feeling. Smaller pieces may be used for more intricate patterns and offer a more sophisticated look.

  • Color – Natural stone comes in a variety of colors in addition to color combinations. Deciding on the stone consider if the pool is in direct sunlight for large amounts of time, then a lighter-colored stone would be good to keep the temperature down. Choose a color or color theme that relates to your home, or office building, as well as other stones in the nearby area.

The Right Stone For The Right Condition

A complement to the surrounding landscape, natural stone pool coping is as practical as it is attractive. Natural stone is durable and resists freeze-thaw cycles.

  • Heat Underfoot – Comfortable underfoot is important when choosing a stone for a pool deck and patio. Which type of stone will help to keep the surface cooler? The answer is a stone with less heat absorption. In general, lighter-colored stones have less heat absorption.
  • Freeze-Thaw – If the pool will be located in a freeze-thaw weather zone, be sure to pick a stone with lower water absorption for the pool deck. Granites, basalts, and porphyry top the charts in this category and will hold up to all weather conditions. We have also hand-picked some freeze-thaw-resistant limestones and sandstones that will work well.
  • Slip Resistance – The last thing you want is a slippery stone for a pool deck and patio. Luckily, adjustments to surface texture and joints can make a huge difference when it comes to creating a slip-resistant deck.

In addition to considering the appearance of the texture, consider the effect it has on the perceived slipperiness of a stone. Man-made surfaces provide excellent grip and some split surfaces tend to be less slippery. In general, stone surfaces with indentations and irregularities provide a better grip.

Natural-Limestone-Patio-And-Pool-Long-Island-NY3WIDE JOINTS VS MANY JOINTS

Wide joints between pavers or joints that have grass or other vegetation growing between them make the overall pool deck surface less slippery.

When there are many joints, your feet are always touching multiple joints which helps you naturally grip the surface and it is, therefore, more slip-resistant.

Pool Deck Materials We LOVE at Gappsi

Limestone – The luxurious feel and look of limestone make it a great choice for a pool deck.

Sandstone – A sedimentary rock composed of sand-size grains of mineral, rock, or organic material. Many sandstone materials are great for pool decks as their split surfaces are naturally slip-resistant. Colors range from beige to brown to gray-blue.

Granite – A coarse-grained igneous rock, granite has a high content of quartz and feldspar giving it a speckled appearance. One of the most durable quarried stones from around the world, granite is nearly always massive, hard, and tough.

Bluestone – Bluestone is actually a sandstone with a deep blue color but also appears with other hues such as shades of gray and brown. Bluestone is known for its advantageous price point. Natural cleft bluestone is quite slip-resistant.

Travertine – A form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, especially hot springs. Travertine often has a fibrous or concentric appearance and exists in white, tan, cream-colored, and even rusty varieties.

Marble – Marble can have beautiful pattern movement within the stone and comes in a wide variety of colors from white to salmon to gray, blue, green, and black.

Natural-Limestone-Patio-And-Pool-Long-Island-NY2Limestone Patio And Pool Long Island NY

Kidney-shaped gunite swimming pools remodeled in Center Island NY. We installed new stairs across the shallow area and porcelain tiles in the water line. The pool was totally remodeled with new plumbing and a new finish. We used super blue diamond bright and tile markers on the edge of the steps. The patio consists of G44 limestone in a french pattern and two inches of G044 Marble Limestone all selected from the Gappsi natural stone collection. Very beautiful property, a very beautiful setting. The latest gunite remodels by Gappsi.

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VIEW OUR VIDEO OF A NATURAL LIMESTONE PATIO AND POOL LONG ISLAND NY

 

Cleaning and Sealing Paver Stones on Long Island NY

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Cleaning-and-Sealing-Paving-Stones1

Cleaning and Sealing Paver Stones is NECESSARY! We are often asked, “Do I need to seal my pavers?”  The short answer is YES!!!  Cleaning and Sealing is an important maintenance tool to keep paver patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks looking as beautiful as the day they were installed.

However, “too much of a good thing” can come into play, and you should be wary of over-applying paver sealer by reapplying too often, which could create a haze.

What Cleaning and Sealing Paver Stones Can Do For Your Home! 

Natural pavers may be more rustic, but they have a raw, unfinished look that may not fit even with more naturalistic decor styles. Sealed pavers create a polished look and complete the look of your driveway, patio, or pool area. The shine after sealing pavers adds sophistication and can improve curb appeal or complement the rest of your home decor.

Increases Weather Resistance

  • Most pavers are naturally porous. This makes them susceptible to water damage and erosion. Simply cleaning and sealing paver stones adds a resistant layer to sun and rain. In addition, when a sealant is used the pavers are protected from UV rays, which fade the natural color.

Prevents Damage

  • Paver sealing covers the cracks between pavers, creating a smooth surface that discourages chipping and additional cracking. When air temperature changes pavers expand and contract, but cleaning and sealing reduce this effect.  This is important because less movement means less chance of cracking, helping your pavers last longer.

Improves Drainage

  • Unsealed pavers trap and absorb water.  The trapped water leads to damage and erosion, in addition, it inhibits poor drainage for your driveway, patio, or pool area. On the other hand, cleaning and sealing paving stones gives pavers a smooth surface that enables roll-off. Your paved surface area will not collect water.

Easier Maintenance

  • The protective coat of paver sealing protects pavers from oil stains and any other stain your driveway or patio may encounter. It discourages insects, weeds, algae, and mildew, and makes it easier to clean them when they do grow. With a smooth surface and fewer stains, paver maintenance can be a breeze!

Enhances & Restores The Color Of Pavers

  • UV rays cause fading in pavers, but paver sealing functions as a varnish.  The sealant draws out the color and contrast of new and old pavers. Whether you’re installing new pavers or giving a facelift to old ones, paver sealing helps them look more beautiful and vibrant!

Cleaning-and-Sealing-Paving-Stones2

Gappsi Showroom Cleaning and Sealing

The Gappsi team is cleaning and sealing the showroom parking lot located in Smithtown NY Suffolk County on Long Island. We are using hot water on low pressure with a surface cleaner to remove dirt, oil residue, and other debris collected in the crevices of the surface of the pavers. We are using a rotary wand to loosen the dirt collected in between the joints of the pavers. This is a large parking lot built with Nicolock pavers.  The colors of the paving stones are still very nice even after 15 years of being exposed to the elements and vehicular traffic.

Nicolock manufactures high-quality concrete products that withstand the test of time. Like any other concrete product, concrete is corrosive.  It weathers when exposed to the elements like heat, rain, and snow.  In addition, calcium chloride and ice melters are used during freezing times. After completing the cleaning of the entire paver parking lot, we filled the joints of the pavers with haze-free polymeric sand and vibrated it with mechanical plate compactors to allow the sand to settle in and completely fill the joints. We spray water on the pavers to allow the sand to get wet, letting the water saturate the sand all the way through the bottom of the joint, and also wash off the surface of the pavers.

Cleaning-and-Sealing-Paving-Stones3

Polymetric Sand

The polymeric sand comes in a few different colors, but the most commonly used is beige or gray. It really doesn’t matter what color you use because over time it weathers and it will eventually turn into a brownish-gray color. Polymeric sand is a combination of medium-crushed natural sand, that is combined with color and a polymer component. It is activated when in contact with water to make it glue and eventually harden. This makes it better for the pavers’ stability, makes it harder for ants to dig and nest in between the paver joints, and also makes it harder for weeds to grow through.

The next process is the installation of the sealer. We use high-quality urethane-water-based sealers, which are environmentally safe and won’t harm plants, pets, or humans. It penetrates the surface of the pavers and creates a coating to protect the pavers from the elements. It also brings out and deepens the colors. Our sealer won’t yellow, and it will create a consistent tone on the pavers during wet and or dry circumstances. We allow the sealer to cure for at least 3 days before driving on it, and depending on the temperature, it could be longer for the sealer to totally cure.

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VIEW OUR VIDEO OF CLEANING AND SEALING PAVER STONES AT GAPPSI

We provide pressure washing and re-sanding & sealing services in the following areas of Eastern Long-Island, Western Long-Island, North-Shore Long-Island, South-Shore Long-Island, Suffolk County, and Nassau County: Glen Cove, Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Southampton, Riverhead, East Hampton, Southold, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Mill Neck, Nissequogue, Lloyd Harbor, Muttontown, Cold Spring Harbor, and East Norwich.

Kid Friendly Backyard Ideas

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Kid Friendly Backyard Ideas

g038 marble pavers

Playing outside and spending quality time enjoying nature is an essential part of childhood so designing a kid friendly backyard is important. It is an experience that many of us from a previous generation enjoyed far more easily than those born today.

When designing an outdoor space safety is a clear priority, but so are look, feel, and function. A kid scape only works when it is attractive, functional, and enjoyable to be in, otherwise, neither kids nor adults will use it.

Take a look at this makeover in Syosset where Gappsi designed a Kid Friendly Backyard. This makeover included:

G038 Marble Pavers Backyard Patio Design

Gappsi installed G038 marble pavers for the entire backyard patio design.  Gappsi designers chose a walnut travertine veneer for the walls and the sitting walls. This system is great for retaining walls, sitting walls, and columns that will show a more natural stone character.  The sitting wall is also a retaining wall to hold the flower bed between the pool and the basketball court.

Synthetic Turf Floor

Gappsi installed next synthetic turf floor.  Synthetic turf is UV stabilized to protect against color fading; unlike natural turf that will have to deal with diseases, drought, and dormancy, artificial grass has the benefits of looking great 24/7 all year long. It can also be used to spruce up spaces where it isn’t feasible to grow a lawn.

Often synthetic turf is promoted as environmentally friendly because homeowners do not have water, to fertilize or mow their lawns anymore, reducing emissions by no longer being dependent on gas-powered machines.

Maintenance is often said to be nonexistent for synthetic turf, but if homeowners do want their artificial turf to last as long as possible, there is some maintenance needed.

Kid-Friendly-Backyard-Synthetic-Turf

High-Quality Trampolines Everyone Will Love!

We provide high-quality in-ground, above-ground trampolines, and playground equipment. Let us help you find the perfect trampoline for your family. We’ve been creating safe and fun backyard memories for decades.

When getting ready to put a trampoline inground there are many things to consider. First, do you have space? Make sure you leave yourself adequate space around the trampoline with an enclosure should the kids land outside of the jumping area. You should give yourself at least 18ft overhead clearance and 6ft clearance on each side of the trampoline.

What makes our Trampolines Great?

  • Heavy-Duty Frames – provide stability, support, and safety; they also last longer.
  • The Bounce in the Springs – the more springs and the longer the spring length, the better the bounce experience. Stainless steel, tapered springs provide the longest lasting and best bouncing springs for trampolines.
  • The Jump Bed – Also referred to as the jump mat, this part of the trampoline is one area you don’t want to skimp. Made of a high-grade polypropylene material that is smooth to the touch, this is what handles all the tension and safely catches you after each bounce. The stitching surrounding the bed is critical for strength and durability and that is why all our jump beds have a minimum of 8 rows of stitching.
  • Safety Frame Pad – This important safety piece should be at least 1” thick and be in a UV-treated vinyl covering that will have low wear and long life. The pad should secure tightly and cover the frame and springs.

Kid-Friendly-Backyard-InGround-TrampolineSports Game Courts

Make your backyard an all-weather sports zone and a gathering place for family and friends with a multi Sports Game Court from Gappsi. Enjoy a setting where basketball, racquet sports, volleyball, shuffleboard, and more are all in play, and do so in a safe environment that provides you the peace of mind of knowing where your children are.

Gappsi backyard sports game courts feature the best of what our high-performance surfaces have to offer. This sports game court was designed on regulation asphalt.  Experience the game you love on a floor built with stress reduction in mind. Play with the same hoops system the pros use and set your children on a course of enjoying the games they love in the comfort and safety of their own backyard.

Kid Friendly Backyard Sports Game Courts

Swimming Pool Upgrade Refresh Your Pool This Summer

Liner looking sun-bleached? Tired of looking at the same pattern? You don’t need a new shape, style, or size to create a new poolscape. A stunning makeover is as simple as replacing your interior pool finish. It’s simple, affordable, and usually just takes one day to complete. Choose from our many beautiful patterns and enjoy your remodeled, revitalized new pool!

Kid-Friendly-Backyard-Pool-Liner-G038-Pavers

Even though you and your kids might have your separate backyard retreats, that does not mean you cannot ever come together as a family outdoors! It is important to include features in your backyard that everyone can enjoy, whether alone or as a group.

Don’t forget to add adult amenities like fire pits which can easily become family-friendly with supervision. Host a kid-friendly cook-out with summer staples like hot dogs and s’mores cooking inside our Wood Fire Stoves.

SCHEDULE A MEETING TODAY WITH GAPPSI

VIEW OUR VIDEO OF A KID FRIENDLY BACKYARD

Any services that are not covered under our Home Improvement License are performed by a licensed and insured Subcontractor.

Our showroom display also includes the most beautiful and unique imported natural stones for patios, walkways, and driveways.

We provide these services in the following areas of Nassau and Suffolk County. (Glen Cove, Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Southampton, Riverhead, East Hampton, Southold, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Mill Neck, Nissequogue, Lloyd Harbor, Muttontown, Coldspring Harbor, and East Norwich)
Gappsi’s knowledgeable and experienced personnel can help you create the yard of your dreams!

Flamed Granite Pavers For Driveways

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Flamed Granite Pavers For Driveways

Flamed Granite pavers driveway

Why should you use Granite Pavers when paving your driveway?

Granite is a very common type of rock, flamed granite is another hard-wearing granite paver you can use. The flamed finish provides that extra grip surface. The flames granite is very dense because it has been torched with a flame to cause an exfoliated finish, commonly known as a “Flamed” finish.  The flamed finish provides the stone with a high grip surface, hence its popularity for domestic and commercial jobs.

Gappsi’s Flamed Granite Pavers are widely used in the home, on patios, decks, and around commercial properties. Granite has been used in construction for tens of thousands of years now. It is a popular stone also due to its very tough and durable nature along with an abundant stone.  Most granite deposits are massive making the cost lower compared to some of the other types of stone used in construction. Granite is quite beautiful and is often preferred in areas where style is the primary concern as opposed to the functionality of the area the stone is used in.

What is the texture & color of granite?

Granite has a coarse to medium texture and can come in a wide range of colors including shades of pink and grey. The color depends entirely on the chemistry and different minerals making up the stone. Generally, different areas will have stones of a slightly different shade and a common feature is the different colors within any slab of stone. The overall hue will usually range from gray to pink, but within are shades of both pink and gray are tan, black, and white as well as a clear or shiny crystal.

Granite Pavers Used In Construction

Most projects are completed and installed over a recycled concrete base (RCA) then the flamed granite pavers are installed over one inch of sand with Surebond polymeric sand to fill the joints between the pavers. Additionally, gray granite Belgian blocks are used to retain the earth next to driveway borders.

We created a compass star aligned with the door, to highlight the entrance to the house. It’s a circular driveway with a separate driveway for the garage doors. The color of the pavers matches the roof tiles of the house, a combination of beige maroon rust and the blue limestone for the aprons of all the entrances of the driveway. The installation of the driveway started with the excavation of the soil and the installation of the RCA base.

Flamed Granite Pavers Driveway

The driveway in the pictures above was constructed using a 10-inch RCA base, and granite:

  • The pavers were installed on one inch of fine sand
  • Paving stone sizes were 6”x 9” with a flamed and tumbled texture finish.
  • The flamed granite pavers are 1-1/4” thick
  • Flamed granite pavers are a great choice because they can be used for pedestrian and vehicular trafficked areas.
  • The joints in between the pavers were filled with polymeric sand, then compacted with a mechanical vibratory plate and sealed.

To learn more about Gappsi products, please contact us at 631-543-1177 or visit our showroom.

That is not to say there are not a number of advantages though:
1. Granite is durable, it is a very hard stone and will last for years with little or no wear. In fact, many who carve monuments have begun switching from marble to granite due to increased acid rain, which over years will degrade the marble more so than granite.
2. Granite is beautiful because it comes in a wide range of shades, plus polished granite can be a truly stylish addition to nearly any home or building.
3. Granite compared to other stones is more affordable due to its abundance.

Feel free to take a look at our Granite Pavers Gallery.

SCHEDULE A MEETING TODAY WITH GAPPSI

Gappsi Group offers the following residential and commercial services to the public:

Home Remodeling, Swimming Pools, Paver Cleaning and Sealing, Sports Game Courts, Epoxy Flooring, Landscape, and Masonry Design, and Construction.

Our latest division is the manufacturing of clay brick ovens, made from the best materials on earth. We distribute all these ovens throughout North America, we also display them at the showroom and have weekly demonstrations on how to use the ovens.

VIEW OUR VIDEO OF FLAMED GRANITE PAVERS

Our showroom display also includes the most beautiful and unique imported natural stones for patios, walkways, and driveways.

We provide these services in the following areas of Nassau and Suffolk County. (Glen Cove, Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Commack, Lake Grove, Centereach, Brookhaven, Southampton, Riverhead, East Hampton, Southold, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Mill Neck, Nissequogue, Lloyd Harbor, Muttontown, Coldspring Harbor, and East Norwich).

Gappsi’s knowledgeable and experienced personnel can help you create the yard of your dreams!

Black Limestone Flamed & Tumbled G031

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BLACK LIMESTONE FLAMED & TUMBLED G031Black Limestone Flamed & Tumbled G031Why should you use Black Limestone Flamed & Tumbled G031 when paving your driveway?

Are you are looking for a classy look for your driveway? Gappsi’s offers a Black Limestone Flamed & Tumbled G031 paver that we recommend will create a WOW driveway that will stand out from your neighbors.  This paver is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate, they are a highly versatile natural stone that is best suited and stable for your driveway application.

Driveways are great places for showing off your personality.  When choosing your pavers ensure they can withstand the high pressure of the vehicle and any weather-related problems that may occur in your area.

The Perfect Driveway WOW Choice Black Limestone Flamed & Tumbled G031

Black Limestone driveway pavers are a perfect choice because they have great beauty, more durability, and less corrosion. Their rough and rugged texture makes them non-slip and water-resistant as well. The different lithotypes are quite similar: they are mudstone composed mainly of calcite and have the same fabric, characterized by the effect of the packing.  Black limestone paving is a very popular limestone that is dark charcoal greyish black in colour to achieve a contemporary looking patio with straight sawn edges to add the wow factor.

What does the Black Limestone Flamed & Tumbled G031 natural texture feel like?

In terms of texture, limestone will give you a smoother finish with fewer ridges.  It offers a more even finish perfect for driveways as well as many indoor projects too. If you are looking for a more contemporary finish then sandstone with a sawn finish would be best; keep in mind there are certain types with a grittier finish that can be more slip-resistant.

What is Limestone Made of?

The surface of Black Limestone Flamed & Tumbled G031 paving stone apart from the occasional riven is very flat and uniform; this combined with the consistent black color makes it suitable for contemporary gardens and landscapes. The black limestone is extremely dense, hence making the products strong and durable. This natural limestone is very tough and slip-resistant plus has great tolerance in freezing and thawing conditions; which is ideal for commercial sites.

Limestone is mainly composed of calcium carbonate, which is a type of mineral called calcite. The reason most limestones are black is due to the calcite crystals being clear and the origin of black limestone is in the marine sediments where sunlight is radiated. Due to the high concentration of organic matter everywhere, it retains a black color.

Black limestones are usually formed in a deposit environment with limited circulation and high organic matter such as a lagoon. This results in organic feeding, limiting the presence of decaying organisms, and reducing anaerobic conditions that are similar to the back swamp environment in classic settings.

Black Limestone Flamed & Tumbled G031 vs. other Limestones?

The mineral composition of limestone and black limestone is no different from each other. The black limestone in appearance is due to its high organic matter content which is the only difference.  Most of the black limestone contains fossils, which give it an attractive appearance perfectly suited for flooring, tiling, and paving.

When choosing the perfect limestone for your home or business don’t look for features in the limestones, just find the color you like and keep it simple.  Depending on your location in the world your environment and outdoor life will be different. If you live in a place where there is a road next to your house or there is a highway then black limestone paving may be better for you.

Are You Feeling The Heat?

Many of us are feeling the heat in our backyards right now, with heat waves making gardens very hot in parts of the world.  One of the most undesirable effects of hot weather is paving that is just too hot to even stand on, scrapping any patio ideas that involve walking barefoot. To help reduce the heat choose light-colored stone. As a general rule, no matter what paving materials you choose, go for a light color as it reflects rather than absorbs heat.

Choosing your pavers carefully will help you avoid getting your feet scorched after getting out of the pool. Among the best paving materials for reducing heat are limestone and sandstone.

Purchase Black Limestone Flamed & Tumbled G031 at Gappsi TODAY and create your WOW Driveway!

We have a unique and exclusive line of natural stone products for pool copings, retaining walls, driveways, and patios. This includes Porcelain, Sandstone, Travertine, Marble, Lava Stone, Limestone, Granite, and other manufactured paving stones. For your outdoor cooking needs, Gappsi also distributes and installs wood-burning pizza ovens and gas pizza ovens by Twin Eagles, Delta, and Summit outdoor kitchen appliances.

SCHEDULE A MEETING TODAY WITH GAPPSI

Gappsi Group offers the following residential and commercial services to the public:

Home Remodeling, Swimming Pools, Paver Cleaning and Sealing, Sports Game Courts, Epoxy Flooring, Landscape, and Masonry Design, and Construction.

Our latest division is the manufacturing of clay brick ovens, made from the best materials on earth. We distribute all these ovens throughout North America, we also display them at the showroom and have weekly demonstrations on how to use the ovens.

VIEW OUR VIDEO OF BLACK LIMESTONE FLAMED & TUMBLED G031

Any service that is not covered under the Gappsi Home Improvement License will be performed by licensed and insured Subcontractors.

Our showroom display also includes the most beautiful and unique imported natural stones for patios, walkways, and driveways.

We provide these services in the following areas of Nassau and Suffolk County. (Glen Cove, Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Southampton, Riverhead. East Hampton, Southold, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Mill Neck, Nissequogue. Lloyd Harbor, Muttontown, Coldspring Harbor, and East Norwich). Gappsi’s knowledgeable and experienced personnel can help you create the yard of your dreams!

Sundeck In Vinyl Pool

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Sundeck In Vinyl Pool

Sundeck In Vinyl PoolSundeck In Vinyl Pool built in Brightwater, Long Island, New York. Construction of the 16×32 swimming pool consisting of 10-inch thick concrete reinforced walls, concrete floor, sundeck with full stadium stairs, and two extended benches on each side of the sundeck. A custom liner with an Island Granite color scheme and a textured finish was installed around the pool. This particular swimming pool is equipped with a safety auto cover, allowing you to open and close the pool as you please. Four jets were installed along the wall above the benches generating a spa-like effect, including two LED bubblers on the sundeck. The patio consists of G045 blue limestone pavers selected from the gappsi stone collection. Two inches g045 rock-faced limestone coping was also installed around the pool’s perimeter.
Gappsi is a complete one-stop-shop for all construction-related needs, providing a wide variety of services from home remodeling, home extensions, roofing and sidings, windows and doors, kitchens and baths, decks, railings, synthetic turf, sports courts, putting greens, basketball courts, bocce courts, landscape design, masonry work, pools, pool patios, copings, porches, basement entrances, stucco, holiday/landscape decorative lighting, and restoration of old paving stones like Cambridge and Nicolock.
We offer a wide variety of outdoor appliances including Twin Eagle, Delta, Primo, AMG, Summerset, Summit outdoor refrigerator, Fontana, and Alfa Ovens. We also offer our own line of Italian, handmade brick ovens, forged from volcanic clay, with many different models to choose from. Our showroom display also includes the most beautiful and unique imported natural stones for patios, walkways, and driveways.
We provide these services in the following areas of Nassau and Suffolk County. (Glen Cove, Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Southampton, Riverhead, East Hampton, Southold, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Mill Neck, Nissequogue, Lloyd Harbor, Muttontown, Coldspring Harbor, and East Norwich)
Gappsi’s knowledgeable and experienced personnel can help you create the yard of your dreams!

Synthetic Turf Supplier Long-island

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Synthetic Turf Supplier Long-island

Synthetic Turf Supplier Long-island Lawn Grass Synthetic Turf
• Top Landscaping product with real grass aesthetics and touch
• Non-directional blades and low bulk thatch yarns for a 5th generation grass product
• Stand up Blades via Non Directional manufacturing technique: Spring Green and Field Green Faces Yarns blend in with Semi Text Thatch yarns in Tan and Field green
• Optimal pile weight/pile height ratio for landscaping: 94 oz Weight with 1.875 “tall blades : your perfectly groomed Lawn
• Ultra Flo backing: even your 4 legged friends are welcome: ultimate drainage reinsures easy maintenance
• Safe for kids and family: all safety precautions in place: tested and approved

Putting Green Floor Turf
• Ultimate Putting Green Product in two-tone 100% Nylon and texturized Diamond blades as preferred by professional golfers
• Perfect STIMP test results in between 9 ½ and 10 ½ ft
• True ball roll as standard with PGA
• Special Embossed Rubber Backing: non skid and tri-layered for optimal functionality: K29 stabilized multi-layered woven polypropylene, White Natural Rubber, Embossed Rubber, all-in-one
• Easier installation on slopes: embossed rubber backing ensures even ball roll
• Easy inside installation as well with less adhesive on a variety of surfaces from concrete, vinyl, wood and more
• Top Rated in all American Standard Tests and safety features: ASTM D2859, E 648, E 108 (indoor/rooftops allowed), ADA Wheelchair (F1951)

BocceFloor Turf
• The ultimate multi-purpose turf: most advanced technologies for pet turf (vertical drainage, top permeability results), and best choice for sport applications (recreational sports, bocce, fringes) due to its unique combination of Monofilament Yarns and Web Slit Film
• Use of Monofilament and Web Slit Film yarns, eliminating texturized thatch at the bottom assures:
o vertical drainage, easy maintenance: a simple hose off and no remaining particles on your turf
o not only a clean surface but a healthy environment for families, kids and pets enhanced with anti-microbial backing
o low pile at 1,125”as recommended by pet resorts, K29 stabilizing
• A real grass look, a real grass feel: web slit film makes not one blade will be identical to any other one in your turf
Pet & Fringe Synthetic Turf
• Next generation PET TURF, perfect for multiple applications: landscaping, golf (fringe), playground
• Ultra Flow System: Best in Industry combination of permeability (drainage): ASTM F2898 optimal results even with no holes punched
• Stabilizing K29 patented system: no expansion or contraction, wrinkle free installations
• Combination of 3 color (field-apple-olive) mini S shaped yarns with enhanced bulk polypropylene thatch for vertical drainage and stand up, non directional blades
• Ideal lower pile height and more density as preferred by your pets and excellent for fringes and playgrounds
• Touch, aesthetics and functionality combined in one compact product: 15 year warranty

Gappsi is a complete one-stop-shop for all construction-related needs, providing a wide variety of services from home remodeling, home extensions, roofing and sidings, windows and doors, kitchens and baths, decks, railings, synthetic turf, sports courts, putting greens, basketball courts, bocce courts, landscape design, masonry work, pools, pool patios, copings, porches, basement entrances, stucco, holiday/landscape decorative lighting, and restoration of old paving stones like Cambridge and Nicolock.
We offer a wide variety of outdoor appliances including Twin Eagle, Delta, Primo, AMG, Summerset, Summit outdoor refrigerator, Fontana, and Alfa Ovens. We also offer our own line of Italian, handmade brick ovens, forged from volcanic clay, with many different models to choose from. Our showroom display also includes the most beautiful and unique imported natural stones for patios, walkways, and driveways.  We provide these services in the following areas of Nassau and Suffolk County. (Glen Cove, Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Southampton, Riverhead, East Hampton, Southold, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Mill Neck, Nissequogue, Lloyd Harbor, Muttontown, Coldspring Harbor, and East Norwich)
Gappsi’s knowledgeable and experienced personnel can help you create the yard of your dreams!