Get matched with top stone and gravel pros in Van Meter, IA

Q: Can you lay bricks directly on dirt?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn&rsquo;t lay bricks directly on dirt. While it might seem like a shortcut, it leads to a patio that shifts, sinks, and becomes a maintenance headache. Dirt expands, contracts, and erodes&mdash;none of which mix well with long-term stability. To build something that lasts, excavate the topsoil, compact a layer of crushed gravel, and add a coarse sand-setting bed. This layered base gives your bricks proper support, allows drainage, and helps block weeds from creeping through. Cutting corners here just means you&rsquo;ll spend more time&mdash;and money&mdash;<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-repair-brick-patio.htm">repairing your brick patio</a> later. </p></div>

Q: Does painted brick need to be sealed?

• <div><p>Painted exterior brick does not usually need sealing. Brick is a porous material, so you don&rsquo;t want to apply a sealant that could trap moisture inside the bricks and cause erosion and structural damage. The risk of moisture-induced damage after sealing is higher in colder climates where trapped moisture can expand if it freezes. On the other hand, it makes sense to seal really old brick or kitchen backsplashes, where moisture from cooking can weaken the brick.</p></div>

Q: Why is masonry work so expensive?

• <div><p>Masonry work tends to be more expensive because the materials can be costly, such as natural stone and brick. Masonry is also very labor intensive, typically making up 50% or more of the final project cost. In addition, quality masonry work requires years of training and experience, as with any skilled trade.</p></div>

Q: What does mortar do?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-most-common-masonry-materials.htm">Mortar is a mixture of sand and cement</a> that binds materials, such as bricks, stones, and concrete blocks, together. Think of it as the glue that fills in the gaps between bricks and stones, then seals them in place to prevent damage or deterioration. Mortar also helps spread the load across a wall or structure, keeping cracks and shifting at bay. </p></div>

Q: Can you use a power sander to clean mortar from bricks?

• <div><p>No, using a power sander on brick is not recommended because the force of the sander can destroy brick's fragile outer layer. Even using sandpaper on brick is discouraged because of the damage its abrasiveness can cause. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Stone And Gravel Service pros in Van Meter, IA

*The Angi rating for Stone And Gravel Service companies in Van Meter, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Stone And Gravel Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Stone And Gravel Service companies in Van Meter, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Stone And Gravel Service needs.

Last update on November 22, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Sunshine Landscaping did an amazing job! They were responsive, professional and fast. The quality of the work was excellent! Thank you so much Sunshine Landscaping- the stone repair looks brand new!
Sunshine Landscaping Designs
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Reviewed in July 2023
Had 3 large ash trees removed. Very nice large hard working crew of about 10 who got the job done quickly (a day and a half) BUT quite sloppy with how they dropped the limbs and trunk leaving significant impact damage to our yard and equipment damage to yard and landscaping stones. We have...
The Tree Network, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2019
Charlie and Keshia are great. They are experts in the putting up stacked stone tile. They were easy to work with,very professional, and very affordable. They even took the time of sorting out thinner stone tiles to put around the window in the kitchen to make the tile and window trim smooth and...
CNKtileworks
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Reviewed in July 2017
This is the worst quality home we've ever purchased and we bought with Kimberley because they led us to believe it would be the complete opposite. One would think the house would have been very well put together since the foundation was dug on December 9th 2015, poured December 16th, 2015, and...
KIMBERLEY DEVELOPMENT
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Reviewed in November 2015
We have stone block patio steps that had begun to settle unevenly given incorrect installation by the previous owner of the home, which included installing the steps directly on top of the bottom siding board of our home. As a result of this, water/snow got behind the steps and damaged our...
Buresh Home Solutions, Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2013
Granite Counter Tops, Stone Backsplash, Sink, Faucet and Disposal. |They installers were pleasant, professional and courteous. We consider Jeff Honest and Trustworthy to stand behind his work.
GRANITE MARBLE & TILE SOLUTIONS LLC
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Reviewed in March 2013
We have used Iowa Home Crafters for all of our home remodel projects and have been exceptionally pleased. Dave met with us and listened carefully to our wish list and dreams. He creatively designed plans for our mission/arts and crafts style that exceeded our hopes. We also met with Eldon,...
IOWA HOME CRAFTERS INC
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Reviewed in September 2012
Mark was very punctual and even finished ahead of time. He took extra steps to make sure all lines between the stones are as invisible as possible. It looks amazing. Very professional look and very professional experience.
BAYSINGER TILE
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Reviewed in May 2012
We purchased a home from them that was under construction. The roof, sheeting and interior floor plan had already been determined. We were able to make changes and upgrades to both the interior and exterior to meet our desires. We were able to chose colors, fixtures, stone, garage doors,...
Jerry's Homes Inc
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Find Stone and gravel pros in Van Meter

Titan Excavating, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Titan Excavating, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

5 years of experience

Titan Excavating is your local company you can trust. We have all the equipment necessary for any job you could ask for. No job too big or too small for us. We do everything from site clearing , driveways, grading , demolition and much more. We service a 100 mile radius and are open to working within the entire state. If you need us call today.

"Titan did a magnificent job on my property during the past week. I needed the following done: Grading work on my 3 acre property and three different types of rocks delivered. I also needed additional black dirt brought in to make it perfect. From start to finish the communication was excellent with Will. He let me know what time they would get to my job and everything that was going on during the work process. This is something that a lot of contractors just fail to do in my past experiences. They provide top notch equipment, with many different attachments for various types of jobs during the entire process. This ensures that the job is done correctly, the first time! Lastly, customer service could not be better. They (Will and Tim) stayed with the job until I was completely satisfied. Always keeping a great attitude no matter how many questions I asked. Even going the extra nine yards finishing the job better than I expected. "

John B on September 2025

"Titan did a magnificent job on my property during the past week. I needed the following done: Grading work on my 3 acre property and three different types of rocks delivered. I also needed additional black dirt brought in to make it perfect. From start to finish the communication was excellent with Will. He let me know what time they would get to my job and everything that was going on during the work process. This is something that a lot of contractors just fail to do in my past experiences. They provide top notch equipment, with many different attachments for various types of jobs during the entire process. This ensures that the job is done correctly, the first time! Lastly, customer service could not be better. They (Will and Tim) stayed with the job until I was completely satisfied. Always keeping a great attitude no matter how many questions I asked. Even going the extra nine yards finishing the job better than I expected. "

John B on September 2025

Sunshine Landscaping Designs

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Sunshine Landscaping Designs

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

48 local quotes requested

We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in landscaping services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today!

"Sunshine Landscaping did an amazing job! They were responsive, professional and fast. The quality of the work was excellent! Thank you so much Sunshine Landscaping- the stone repair looks brand new!"

Emily H on October 2025

"Sunshine Landscaping did an amazing job! They were responsive, professional and fast. The quality of the work was excellent! Thank you so much Sunshine Landscaping- the stone repair looks brand new!"

Emily H on October 2025

Get matched with top stone and gravel pros in Van Meter, IA

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Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Asphalt Paving Installation

Verified Reviews for Stone And Gravel Service pros in Van Meter, IA

Find Stone and gravel pros in Van Meter

Titan Excavating, LLC

Titan Excavating, LLC

Sunshine Landscaping Designs

Sunshine Landscaping Designs

Handsaker Construction, LLC

Handsaker Construction, LLC

Mcfarlands Hawkeyepaving co llc

Mcfarlands Hawkeyepaving co llc

Nugent Excavating

Nugent Excavating

BluGrade Earthworks

BluGrade Earthworks

G&A Professional Landscaping

G&A Professional Landscaping

Andersen Home and Land Improvement

Andersen Home and Land Improvement

Winward property improvements

Winward property improvements

Dirty Farmer Construction

Dirty Farmer Construction

The Van Meter, IA homeowners’ guide to stone and gravel services

How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does a Gravel Pad for a Shed Cost? [2025 Data]

6 Questions to Ask About Gravel and Loose Fill Paving

Pea Gravel Sizes: A Guide to Standard Dimensions

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

What’s the Difference Between Crushed Stone and Gravel?

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