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The material you use depends on how hard-wearing your steps need to be and what you want them to look like. The most common stone for exterior steps is bluestone. It’s hard-wearing and durable, and bluestone steps cost between $15 and $30 per linear foot. Limestone is also a popular option and is mid-range, costing $25 to $50 per linear foot. You should always consider the specific requirements of your project before ordering any materials.

The difference between river rock and landscaping rocks is size, smoothness, and use. River rocks are smooth and flat, as if polished by water, and come in diameters between 1 and 8 inches. Landscape rock can vary in size from small pea gravel installations to car-sized boulders. However, landscaping and river rocks are interchangeable in many situations. River rock is best for pathways, walkways, garden bed mulch, water features, and planting accents, while small landscape rocks can serve as a walkway base, gravel playground areas, and filler between pavers.

To stain brick, you should use a product specifically formulated for brick, concrete, or other masonry surfaces. These stains are designed to penetrate the porous surface of the brick and bond with it. This is different from paint, which sits on the surface and is prone to peeling, flaking, and trapping moisture that can cause damage. Water-based brick stains are often recommended because they are easy to apply, even for DIYers, and they allow the brick to breathe. Avoid using regular paint on brick, as it will not adhere properly and can lead to future maintenance problems.

A fireplace hearth is a fireproof flooring material that extends out from the base of the fireplace and into the room. Hearths can be made of brick, ceramic, marble, limestone, and more. A hearth serves the purpose of decreasing the fire risk in the area directly around the fireplace. If flying embers hit carpet or wood, they’ll spark and create a fire. But if they hit something like tile or granite, they’ll simply go out.