KRC Rock

The Day was a Success!!

2011-10-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Customer Appreciation Day was a success!

On Saturday October 8^th, KRC Rock San Marcosorganized and hosted our annual Customer Appreciation Day. The festivitiesstarted early and lasted through the afternoon. We fired up the Pizza oven and grillfor a pizza and hot dog lunch. We also invited some popular vendor’s andlandscape professional’s to come out and introduced themselves to ourcustomers. We had Glaze n’ Seal, StonebrookLandscape, FinishingTouch, and HarmonyLandscape. We also unveiled the Palapa display in our garden. It was a hugehit! KRC Rock raffled prizes through out the day and many people entered for achance to win KRCRock'n Buck’s gift cards, Best Buy gift cards, and Restaurant gift cards.If you didn’t make it out this time, we are sure to have many more events tocome! The best way to stay informed of upcoming events is by signing up on ouremail list.

Wes of Harmony Landscape enjoying his display.

The water feature to complete the Palapa display.

Palapa Display grand opening!

Love this Mosaic design!

Bob Orcutt KRC Architectural Manager & Danny Tolken of L & W Stone

Dave Garcia enjoying the day @ KRC Rock

Finishing Touch came by to help out. Thanks!

Harmony Landscape Crew. Great Job guys!

Some of the day's winners! Congratulations!

Enjoying good food!

Lot's of customer's to appreciate. Thank you!

Palapa display was a big hit!

Thank you Juan from Stonebrook!


Wresy Water Recycling Systems mascot. What a cutie!

Contact us at 1-800-KRC-ROCK or visit us online at KRCrock.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook for special discounts and updates.

Rock star of the month!

2011-09-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

KRC's Rock Star of the Month!!

Seferino Angeles alone is responsible for supplying allbagged products for all three KRC Rock locations, which in itself is a demandingtask!! Seferino never slows down; he continually works in a fast steady paceand never shows signs of fatigue. He also loads bulk material for our customersin the San Marcos yard and is always on top of his game. Seferino comes to workeveryday he is scheduled as well as willing to work on his days off.
Seferino is a team player and always willing to give a helping hand to thosewho
need it. Thank you Seferino for your hard work and dedication to ourcompany!!!

Nominated by: Art Lewis, Operations Manager

Boulders! Boulders! Boulders!

2011-07-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Does adding Boulders to your landscape seem overwhelming and hard to imagine?

Many people don’t know where to start when it comes to incorporating big rocks into there landscape.

So why use them?

Boulders provide variety and character that keep a landscape interesting and unique. Successfully integrating rocks into your landscape turns them into a focal point - each rock being placed to create a specific look and feel. Boulders complete the natural element of the outdoors. Let’s not forget… the greatest advantage of using rocks in your garden is they will never need watering, trimming, or maintenance.

Now that you have decided to add boulders to your landscape the next step is choosing a size, shape, and color of the boulders you want in your landscape.

Shape:

Simply put, boulders are generally available in two styles:

1. Round, such as water washed or river run granite and surface stone generally decomposing granite and sandstones.

2. Angular, which have jagged, blasted edges and flat faces, columnar, boxy or rectangular shapes and may be composed of but not limited to granite, quartzite, sandstone and basalt.

Color:

Boulders are available in many colors, including various shades of pink, gold, brown, gray, tan, green and many combinations in between. To make things a littler easier perhaps, not all colors are available in every style, so finding a combination of colors and shape/style that suits your needs will narrow your choices.

Size:

The next ‘big’ question is, “How Big?” This is also an important factor to consider. If the boulders you chose are too small, they may be lost once surrounding plants reach their mature size or your boulders may look insignificant compared to other features of the landscape. Conversely, if you choose boulders that are too big, they may dwarf other landscape features or just look out of place.

So, how can you determine what size boulder will work best for your landscape? We’ve developed a simple, yet effective way to “size up” your landscape rock. ~ Before you come out to our yard, fill plastic trash bags of various sizes with crumpled newspaper creating ‘boulders’ of the size you think would work into your landscape design. Place these in the areas where you would like to have the boulders. This will give you a very good idea of what various size boulders will look like in your yard as well as how many boulders you need and where you actually want them to be placed.

A good rule of thumb is placing your boulders in odd numbers and groupings. And vary your sizes. Be sure to record the dimensions, (height, width and depth) of your ‘boulders’ and bring these with you when making your selections at our yard.

The potential combinations are only limited by the space available, the budget and your imagination.

Contact one of our knowledgeable KRC Rock sales associates at 1-800-KRC-ROCK or visit us online at KRCRock.com for more information about boulders, natural stone and masonry materials.

FREE Dry Stream Bed Workshop

2011-06-15T09:31:00.000-07:00

Join KRC Rock San Marcos for a Do-It-Yourself Dry Stream Bed Seminar on Saturday, June 25th, 2011. Professional Landscape designer Calvin Brirers of Advanced Waterscapes will be on site to demonstrate the making of a Dry River Bed. This seminar will show you how to create a beautiful Dry Stream Bed that will inspire, mesmerize, and delight. So join us Saturday and learn how to build your own dry stream bed, Or learn how to use one of our pre-made kits to make your job even easier!!

When: Saturday, June 25th, 2011
9:00 a.m.
Where: KRC Rock San Marcos
700 North Twin Oaks.
San Marcos, CA. 92069

Contact us at 1-800-KRC-ROCK or visit us online at KRCRock.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook for more D.I.Y tips, information and specials.

KRC Rock Star of the Month!

2011-05-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

KRC Rock is proud to present Danny Ojeda as Rock Star of the Month!

Danny has been in the building industry for over 10 years and has been the San Marcos Assistant Manager for over 2 years. Danny has extensive product and application knowledge. He has a great attitude and is a team player!

Danny is also recognized by his customers; "Danny was very helpful", "Even though I had a small order, Danny treated me like I was spending Thousands", and
"Danny provided me with the highest level of personalized customer service that no other establishment was willing to provide."

Danny's expertise and first-rate customer service are qualities KRC Rock values in its employees. Thank you Danny for your positive efforts! You Rock!

June Kelley - April Rock Star!

2011-04-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

KRC Rock star of the month is June Kelley, the Assistant Manager for KRC Rock Lakeside.

June's unwavering efforts to complete a new pond display at Lakeside Middle School certainly deserves the praise and recognition she has received from the community! With the awesome support of Advanced Waterscapes, owned by Calvin Brier, the pond project was flawless. Having the pond running in time for the grand opening was truly a success! Staff members, parents and especially the children who will benefit from this agriculture class project, thanked June along with KRC Rock and Advanced Waterscapes.

DIY -INSTALLING ROCK MULCH

2011-02-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

Rock mulch will reduce water evaporation from soil, help control weed growth and beautify your landscape. It is a natural product, long lasting and easy to maintain when properly installed. Following these suggestions should help insure a successful installation.

1. PREPARE THE AREA:

Prepare the area to be covered with mulch. Remove debris and smooth soil to a level 2” (or other desired mulch depth) below finish grade (the top of the mulch when finished).

2. INSTALL EDGING:

Larger stones, brick, concrete, or plastic manufactured edgings are all suitable products to contain your mulch. Be sure to consider maintenance when selecting an edging. A smooth edge to run the wheels of a mower works best next to lawn areas.

3. USE A WEED BARRIER/SOIL SEPARATOR:

TYPAR® is an excellent product, especially in planter areas as it allows water and air to pass through the soil. A 6 mil or 4 mil plastic is good for controlling weeds, but does not allow surface water to seep into the soil.

Weed barrier should be installed flat with all “folds” either cut or pinned down so they don’t work their way to the surface of the mulch. Overlap adjoining sheets a minimum of 2”. Nails may be used to pin down the corners if wind becomes a problem before mulch is installed.

4. SPREAD ROCK MULCH:

Spread rock mulch uniformly over the weed barrier. A heavy garden rake is a good tool for spreading and a 2” high board laid on the weed barrier works as a gage for uniform depth. It’s best to start in the corner furthest from the mulch stockpile so you don’t have a travel over the new rock mulch. Use the rake to work dust or “fines” to the bottom of the mulch layer (sometimes water is needed to wash off the dust). Be careful not to cut or pull-up the weed barrier when spreading the mulch.

5. STEPPING STONES:

Stepping-stones in the mulch area should be installed while spreading the mulch. Mulch placed under the stepping-stones helps to adjust them to the desired height. If the stepping-stones are thicker than the mulch layer, cut an “X” in the weed barrier and remove some soil to create a depression for the stone to set in. The stones must be uniformly supported to be stable. Too much rock under the middle causes the stone to “rock”, not enough center support may result in cracked or broken stones.

KRC Rock's Rock Star of the Month

2011-02-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

This month's rock star of the month is Anatolio Zamora.

Anatolio first started with KRC Rock at the main location in San Marcos, but when Poway needed help he jumped into action and is now a key member to the Poway team. Anatolio is a seasoned Material Handler and is a huge support to the sales team. In only a few months of being in Poway he has already made all the difference! Anatolio reorganized the yard, revamped the entry display, and has organized stock material to improve the yards overall appearance. Poway has never looked so good! Keep up the good work Anatolio and congratulations!

‘Tis the Season for Fireplaces!

2010-12-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

As outdoor living areas become increasingly popular among homeowners in Southern California, the addition of an outdoor fireplace will be sure to ignite evening conversation and fun within your friends, family and party guests. Beautiful and functional, fireplaces are a great focal point for any entertainment area while keeping its observers warm and comfortable.

KRC Rock can help you install your own fireplace this holiday season, with pre-engineered kits and an array of additional building materials. With a variety of different designs to choose from, KRC Rock’s Fire Rock Pre-Engineered Masonry Fireplace and Chimney System Kits (marshmallows and graham crackers not include) are easy to assemble and available as natural wood burning or with a gas line. With the addition of your choice of natural-thin veneers, your fireplace can match any landscape design with unique elegance.

Check out this fantastic How-To video and get building!

Contact one of our knowledgeable KRC Rock sales associates at 1-800-KRC-ROCK or visit us online at KRCRock.com for more information about our fireplace kits, natural thin veneers and masonry materials.

KRC Rock Presents...

2010-12-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

“Romancing the Stone”

Featuring: Yellow Osage

At KRC Rock we are passionate about our products and believe that each of our stones have a unique story to tell. Utilizing natural stone forged from the earth itself adds a primal beauty to your home and landscape that can be as unique as a fingerprint. Knowing the type of rock, its origin and the process by which it has entered your landscaping or countertops is an amazing story that goes beyond the name on the label.

This month KRC Rock presents… Yellow Osage

Where the sun kisses the earth, you will find the bright radiance of the Yellow Osage stone. The Yellow Osage is a much harder limestone due to its deep quartzite base properties, making it a great building product. As if it were scorched by the rays of the sun, the stone’s color is a vibrant and warm mixture of yellows and oranges. With a rough surface texture and chopped edges, the Yellow Osage works very well in thin veneer applications. It is a perfect application for achieving a Tuscan or Mediterranean look with your home and provides stunning curb appeal. Yellow Osage is an exclusive product to KRC Rock and is available in sizes of thin veneer of up to 10” high and no less than 4” wide.

Unique Holiday Gifts from KRC Rock!

2010-12-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

While you’re driving around the mall searching for the perfect gift for that picky person on your list, consider some unique gift ideas from KRC Rock! We have some incredible gift options that are sure to help that person jumpstart their landscape projects for the new year.

1. Dry Steambed Kit: Perfect for anyone who wants a low maintenance solution for their front yard.

2. Pondless Waterfall Kit: Pondless waterfall kits are a great and inexpensive way to add a water feature to any outdoor area.

3. Fireplace Kits: Add warmth and comfort to their home by gifting them with an indoor or outdoor fireplace kit. Added bonus: You can save up to 40% this month on supplies!

4. Fire Ring Kit: For those who like to spend time outdoors, roasting marshmallows around a warm fire, a fire ring kit is a perfect gift.

5. Pizza Ovens: Have a friend or family member who loves to entertain? Gift them an outdoor pizza oven to take their entertaining to the next level.

6. Stone Care Products: These make perfect gifts for people who have just had some rockwork done in their yard. Our products will help their investment last longer while keeping it beautiful and clean.

7. Gift Cards: A perfect solution for someone looking to tackle a landscape project, but not quite sure what they want to include.

Our expert staff can also help with gift ideas, as well as find items to complement your purchases and delight your gift recipients.

Happy Holidays from all of us at KRC Rock!

KRC Rock’s Rock Star of the Month

2010-12-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

KRC Rock is proud of all our employees that work hard to make us the industry leader in customer service and product support. Each month, we will highlight one of our “Rock Stars” via our social communities to give you a glimpse into our KRC Rock family.

December Rock Star- Art Lewis

As the old proverb goes, “The devil is in the details.” And nobody on the KRC Rock team understands this better than transportation and logistics supervisor, Art Lewis. Art’s attention to detail and integrity continually keeps KRC Rock’s fleet of trucks and drivers safe. Recently receiving a perfect score on his inspection, Art works hard to keep KRC Rock trucks and transportation operations in compliance with all California Highway Patrol mandates. An experienced team leader, Art effectively works with the KRC Rock yard staff to keep the San Marcos rock yard clean and organized for efficient sales and optimal customer service. His natural organizational skills and dedication allows customers at KRC Rock to easily explore different options and find what they need in a timely and efficient manner. Art Lewis is a truly appreciated Rock Star here at KRC Rock!

Spark Holiday Cheer with KRC Rock Fireplaces

2010-12-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

Impress Santa Claus as he slides down the chimney this holiday season with a renovated indoor stone fireplace. Ignite your worn brick or cement fireplace by resurfacing it with elegant, natural-thin veneers or install a new stone fireplace in your den, outdoor living area or living room with one of our easy to assemble fireplace kits.

A focal point of any home, fireplaces represents story telling, hot chocolate, family gatherings, Christmas stockings, romance and great conversation. Enjoy this and more this December with the help of KRC Rock fireplace kits and materials, interior stone veneer and masonry tools.

Contact one of our knowledgeable KRC Rock sales associates at 1-800-KRC-ROCK or visit us online at KRCRock.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, “Like” us on Facebook for holiday D.I.Y tips, information and specials.

Give your Home Interior a Face-Lift with Natural Stone Veneers

2010-11-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

Hidden deep under ground for thousands of years transforming into unique shapes and colors from intense pressure and heat, natural stone is an earthly marvel whose beauty can bring elegance and uniqueness to any home interior design. Long-lasting and versatile, natural stone is perfect for anything from flooring to walls to countertops.

One way to incorporate a natural stone look into your home décor is by adding natural stone veneers to a variety of surfaces. Natural stone thin veneer is real stone that has been fabricated to only ¾”-1” and can be added to many surfaces such as wood, concrete, brick or block. Thin veneers can accentuate living room and bathroom walls, fireplaces, floors or kitchen splash backs, walls and islands. Thin veneers come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, making color matching and small renovations easy.

Check out these step-by-step instructions on how to install your own thin veneers and some fantastic interior photos to spark your interest!

Have you incorporated natural stone veneers into your home interior? Share below!

KRC Rock’s Rock Star of the Month

2010-11-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

November Rock Star- Eric Ramirez

A full-time customer service representative, Eric has made enormous strides for the KRC Rock, Poway location. An enthusiastic and down-right hard worker, Eric has helped increase both revenue and customer satisfaction. Eric is a self-starter who continually monitors the yard to make sure that it is replenished with inventory so customers can find what they’re looking for. With Eric strives to give great customer service and with his extensive product knowledge, he’s very helpful. Eric continues to be a great asset to the KRC Rock team and is a true Rock Star!

Rockin’ Home Interiors by KRC Rock

2010-11-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Open your doors to nature this November by incorporating natural stone into your interior decoration. Elegant, country, Tuscan or modern-no matter what your style, infusing natural stone looks into your home interior design is the perfect final touch.

Whether you are looking to install natural stone tile flooring, re-face an unappealing fireplace, or add natural thin veneers to your plain plaster walls, KRC Rock is your solution to all stone interior applications. Come discover the many decorating possibilities natural stone can provide for simple interior remodels and renovations.

Contact one of our knowledgeable KRC Rock sales associates at 1-800-KRC-ROCK for more information. Or follow our blog, Facebook and Twitter page for daily D.I.Y tips and information or to inspire ideas for your own home.

6 Ways To Protect Your Home From Flood And Soil Erosion

2010-10-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

With thousands of homes being victim to wildfires in San Diego County, it is sometimes hard to see the effects of a deadly fire past the impending flames. In the fire’s aftermath, the threat of floods and erosion increases and can be disastrous for your home and property. The plants and vegetation whose roots help stabilize soil can become damaged or completely destroyed, leaving loose soil vulnerable to erosion and runoff. Erosion can destroy your landscaping and gardens, and can promote polluted runoff into storm drains and surrounding property. Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your home from post-fire hazards.

Ideally, you would want to prevent the effects of erosion by immediately re-planting the areas that have been destroyed. Also, by incorporating a well-planned landscape design that utilizes drainage systems, stone retaining walls and stone rip rap. KRC Rock has all the materials you need to permanently address any flood and erosion issues. However, if you’re looking for a temporary solution, San Diego County has provided some tips that can help protect your home:

Hydraulic Mulching: Hydraulic mulching consists of applying a mixture of shredded wood fiber to a hydraulic matrix. Mulching temporarily protects exposed soil from erosion by raindrop impact or wind.

Fiber Roll: Fiber rolls consist of straw, flax, or other similar materials bound into a tight tubular roll. When placed at the toe and on the face of slopes, these devices intercept runoff, reduce its flow velocity and provide removal of sediment from runoff. Fiber rolls are only effective when trenched.

Silt Fences: Silt fences are made of a filter fabric that has been entrenched, attached to supporting poles, and sometimes backed by a plastic or wire mesh for support. These fences are good for perimeter control, detaining sediment-laden water and promoting sedimentation behind the fence.

Straw Matting: Straw matting is used to cover the soil surface to reduce erosion from rainfall impact, hold in place, and absorb and hold moisture near the soil surface. Matting is commonly applied to short steep slopes where erosion hazard is high and vegetation will be slow to establish.

Straw or Wood Chip Mulching: Straw or wood chips can be used to hold soil in place.

Sand and Gravel Bags: Properly filled sandbags are useful for redirecting storm water and debris away from home and property. They are effective when stacked in a pyramid formation to act as a temporary wall. Gravel bags are similar to sand bags except they are made of burlap and filled with small rocks. Gravel bags are useful for erosion preventions when placed on the face of a slope, as the storm water will pass through the bag while trapping the sediment behind it.

KRC Rock is pleased to be a resource to the residents of San Diego County for all natural stone solutions for protection against fire and post-fire hazards. For more information visit the County of San Diego website for specific zoning requirements and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips and do-it-yourself solutions.

FYI: KRC Rock has D.I.Y. Dry Stack Retaining Walls

2010-10-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Natural stone walls and barriers date back hundreds of years, and have been used to defend against everything from enemy invasions and floods and fires to wild animals and neighbors. Although you may not need to defend your landscaping from an enemy hoard, you may need to defend it against dangerous floods and erosion. KRC Rock is prepared to help you build your own dry stack stone retaining wall to reduce soil erosion, stop polluted runoff, and create a beautifully primal stone accent to your garden landscape. Dry stack retaining walls are mortar-less, easy to build and allow for natural, slow drainage. If your house is built near or on a slope, a stone retaining wall can help defend against flooding and precious soil erosion.

Use these steps to build your own dry stack stone wall:

1. Check local codes before you begin digging (you may need a permit), although often you will not be bothered if you keep the retaining wall 3’ high or less.

2. The benefit of stone retaining walls is that they are mortar-less and that your “drainage system” comes built-in: water will usually seep through the cracks between the stones. Another advantage in building dry stack walls is that you do not have to sink a “footing” as you do when using concrete or stone and mortar.

3. Select stones that have at least two sides that are flat. The heavier the stones, the more stability you’ll have.

4. Plot out where the retaining wall will sit at the bottom of the slope, using stakes and string for a straight terrace, a garden hose for a curved one.

5. Dig a trench about 8”-10” deep, so that the first course of stone is fully or mostly submerged.

6. To calculate the necessary width of the trench, just remember the base of the retaining wall should be half the wall’s height. Angle the trench so that it inclines back slightly into the slope (2” for every 1’ of terrace height) – this will provide greater stability.

7. When you’ve almost penetrated down to the required depth, use a skimming motion to remove the remaining soil.

8. Terraces of natural stone are laid in “courses,” i.e., a horizontal row at a time. The first course of stones will consist of your largest, widest, longest, flattest stones (but save some for the final course, the “capstones”). Take the time to fit them as closely together as possible.

9. In terms of the height of the first course of stones and the following courses, you have two choices. If you’re aiming for a look of uniform rows, choose stones of the same height when laying a particular course. The other option is a more random look, in which you play each course by ear, using filler stones wherever necessary to make up for a difference in heights.

10. Check to ensure that the stones run level left to right. But because you’ve built a slight backwards slope into the trench’s base, your stones will slope down slightly from front to back. After completing this first course backfill with some of your excavated soil and any stones too small to use for building the retaining wall, and tamp it down.

11. In laying the next course of stones and those that follow, avoid lining up the joints over the joints of the course underneath. Again, backfill and tamp down after completing the course. As you place each stone, check that there’s as little wobble as possible. To counteract any wobbling, you may have to use small, flat rocks as “shims.” Use a mason's hammer to knick off stone fragments so as to achieve a better fit where possible.

13. Continue in the same manner with the third course and succeeding courses. By the time your terrace is half its planned height, you should start incorporating what are known as “deadmen.” The term refers to long stones laid perpendicularly across the wall, rather than parallel to all the other stones. Deadmen stones tie the retaining wall into the slope.

14. A hole is first dug into the slope to incorporate a deadman. Then one end of the deadman is set on the terrace, and the other end placed into the hole you’ve just created in the slope. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least one deadman per 16 square feet of exposed wall face.

15. When you’ve almost reached the desired height for your terrace, it’s time to place the capstones on top. Capstones serve both to help hold the stones under them in place and to provide a finished look to the retaining wall.

For more D.I.Y tips be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter or visit us online at www.KRCRock.com !

KRC Rock Presents…

2010-10-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

“Romancing the Stone”

Featuring: Bitterroot Stone

This month KRC Rock presents…Bitterroot Stone from Montana

Hailing from the great North-West United States, Bitterroot is a hard, natural stone that has proven suitable for a variety of applications. Each individual piece of Bitterroot stone carries unique characteristics along is surface that if they could speak, would whisper about a history long ago. With base grays infused gold, tan, or light green splashes, this stone works well with many different color schemes. Fern-like dendrites elegantly sprawl across the surface of the Bitterroot stone giving it a warm, rustic look–perfect for both interior and exterior veneer applications.

KRC Rock's Rock Star of the Month

2010-10-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

October Rock Star- Noe Lugo

Noe is our full-time cashier and customer service representative at KRC Rock San Marcos. Mastering the KRC Rock product line, Noe is a knowledgeable natural stone expert who continues to learn more about his trade. His large customer base continually relies on his exceptional customer service and product knowledge. As the face and front line of KRC Rock, Noe’s genuine enthusiasm about the natural stone industry shows on his big smile and positive outlook while on the job. KRC Rock is truly lucky to have such a stellar “Rock Star.”

KRC Rock is D-Fence against Soil Erosion!

2010-10-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Decorative, protective and sustainable…retaining walls are an important landscaping feature that usually is upstaged by the beautiful plants and flowers for which they help provide growing areas.

This month KRC Rock is bringing retaining walls and the importance of erosion prevention into the limelight with a crusade to help homeowners do-it-themselves through natural stone solutions.

From building simple garden planters to safeguarding your home from floods and mudslides, a retaining wall can be a decorative and practical addition to your landscaping. Large or small, stone or block, KRC Rock is prepared with the materials to help you defend against precious soil erosion and landscape destruction.

Learn how KRC Rock’s building products are not only beautiful but also sustainable. To preserve your natural soil and surrounding environments call 1-800-KRCRock or visit www.KRCRock.com.

Be sure to follow our blog and also our Facebook and Twitter pages for all the latest on KRC Rock.

FYI: KRC Rock has D.I.Y. Boulder Placement

2010-09-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

The addition of natural stone boulders provides variety and character to any style of outdoor landscaping. With KRC Rock’s transportation and precision boulder placement services, you can pick out the boulders of your choice and have them placed where you desire.

Here are some helpful tips to picking out boulders that are right for your landscape!

Shape

Simply put, boulders are generally available in two shapes:

1. Round, such as water-washed or river run granite. The surface stone is generally decomposing granite and sandstones.

2. Angular, which have jagged, blasted edges and flat faces. With columnar, boxy or rectangular shapes, these boulders may be composed of, but not limited to, granite, quartzite, sandstone and basalt.

Color

Contrary to what you might think, boulders are available in many colors, including various shades of pink, gold, brown, gray, tan, green and many combinations in between.

Size

We’ve developed a simple, yet effective way to “size up” your landscape rock. Before you come out to our yard,

· Fill plastic trash bags of various sizes with crumpled newspaper creating ‘boulders’ of the size you think would work into your landscape design

· Place these in the areas where you would like to have the boulders. A good rule of thumb is placing your boulders in odd numbers and groupings, with varying sizes

· Record the dimensions, (height, width and depth) of your ‘boulders’ and bring these with you when making your selections at our yard

Placement

It’s important that your stones and boulders be stable and secure. The general rule is to place approximately 1/3 of the boulder below grade.

Transportation

If the boulders are small enough you may be able to use a wheelbarrow or one of our “Rock Dollies.” For larger boulders, KRC Rock’s experienced equipment operators will deliver and place the boulders in your landscape using our custom boulder placement cranes.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.krcrock.comor

Call 1-800-KRC-ROCK.

KRC Rock Presents…

2010-09-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

“Romancing the Stone”

Featuring: Honey Quartz Boulder

Honey Quartz Boulder

The origin of the Honey Quartz boulder is a savagely guarded secret. But it is known that the same area it is derived from was once mined for its gold! Yes, real genuine gold! Hosting an array of decadent colors such as honey, creams, gold, and splashes of rose and purple tones, the honey quartz boulder is a color coordinating dream for landscape artists. With sizing ranging from 12 inches to 6 feet, honey quartz is one of the finest boulder materials around for landscaping purposes. Its angular appearance and quartzite base properties also make this stone great for water feature applications like pondless waterfalls.

F.Y.I: KRC Rock has D.I.Y Dry Streambeds

2010-09-20T14:07:00.001-07:00

Add excitement and uniqueness to your landscape with your own do-it-yourself dry streambed. Take a water guzzling, grass-filled area or a dull flowerless landscape and transform it into breathtaking, natural-looking riverbed. Dry streambeds add the perfect amount of creativity to anyone’s yard. In just 7 easy steps, you can transform your yard into an awe-inspiring landscape.

1. Plan Your Streambed: Streambeds should suggest a purpose. When determining the path of the stream, keep in mind that water, real or imagined, should flow from higher elevations to lower. For a natural look, cut the stream diagonal across your property and ad variation in width, course (direction) and slope.

2. Select Material: For natural looking streambeds, variation in rock size is important. Ranging from large boulders to small pebbles, you want to select a variety of sizes that are complimentary in color. Also, in natural streams rushing water smoothes the rough edges of the rocks. To build a more authentic looking streambed, you should try choosing round rocks, or angular rocks with smooth edges.

3. Site Preparation: Remove any unwanted vegetation, sprinklers, pipes, wiring and debris from the area. Lay out the streambed on the ground with powdered gypsum, lime or marking paint.

4. Grading: Grade the area to establish the stream channel. Natural streams are narrow in steep areas and wider on flat areas. Allow for the extra soil you will generate when digging and remember to take drainage and boulder size into consideration.

5. Install Filter Cloth: Fit the filter cloth/weed barrier to conform to the streambed. Lap joints no less than 2” and cut irregular edges around boulders or other objects. Nails (8d) are great to hold down the edges of the fabric.

6. Install Boulder: Most boulders are found at the edge of natural streams or in the stream as an island. No matter where they are placed, boulders should be buried a portion of their depth to give them a natural appearance.

7. Install River Rock: Dump a mixture of rock sizes in the streambed and spread them across the width of the bed by moving the largest rocks to the outer edges. Fill the voids with smaller rock. Remember larger rock has a “nestled in” appearance so surround boulders with smaller rock. Spray the streambed with water to eliminate dust and settle fine materials.

FYI: KRC Rock has D.I.Y. Water Features!

2010-09-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

Bring life to your landscaping with the sounds of trickling water from your own unique water feature. Water features are a great way to add movement and character to any landscape design. Embrace the peace and tranquility of a Zen fountain, reflect within a still backyard pond, or listen to the crashing water of a pondless waterfall. With a full line of pumps, liners, predrilled stone fountains, and a variety of natural stone options, our experts at KRC Rock can help your do-it-yourself water feature come alive.

Center your chi by following these simple instructions on how to build your own Zen fountain.

1. To set-up your Zen Fountain the first thing to do is establish the desired location. If using large stone and a large basin, this is were you will actually want to put the fountain together.

2. Place the pump in the bottom of the bowl and extend the electrical cord to make sure you are close enough to an electrical outlet.

3. Fill the bowl with enough gravel to cover the pump inside the bowl. (Keep in mind; you’ll want to camouflage the hose, pump and connections with the gravel and topping pebble).

4. Place the drilled stone fountain on the gravel and situate it so that the hose can be connected to the submersible pump.

5. Fill the rest of the bowl with the gravel and topping pebble to cover the equipment as much as possible.

6. Now its time for the water! Add just enough to bring the water level up about two inches below the surface or upper rim of the bowl.

KRC Rock’s Rock Star of the Month

2010-09-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

September Rock Star- Jacob Sutherland

Jacob works in KRC Rock’s full-service transportation/dispatch department where he maintains the integrity of KRC Rock’s shipments and deliveries through his effective communication skills and “whatever it takes” attitude. KRC Rock’s excellent customer service stems from Jacob’s positive and professional approach to incoming customer requests and inquiries. With a genuine enthusiasm for the business and always willing to take the initiative, Jacob is a valued member of the KRC Rock team.

FYI: DIY at KRC Rock!

2010-09-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Become your own landscape artist this September as KRC Rock pays tribute to the “Do-It-Yourself Homeowner.”

Push up your sleeves and roll out your plans as we highlight various cost-effective, DIY hardscaping projects. No need to own a pick-up truck or be able to lift a ton of stone. KRC Rock’s comprehensive services provide boulder placement, transportation of your natural stone kits, and knowledgeable experts who are available to answer any questions regarding your project.

Whether you want to build your own dry streambed, replace that dying grass with rock mulch or even build a unique water feature, KRC Rock is here to help you Do-It-Yourself.

Be sure to follow our blog and also our Facebook and Twitter pages for all the latest on KRC Rock.

KRC Rock Presents...

2010-08-23T12:44:00.003-07:00

“Romancing the Stone”

Featuring: Quartz Sweet Water Gold

At KRC Rock, we are passionate about our products and believe that each stone has a unique story to tell. Utilizing natural stone forged from the earth itself adds a primal beauty to your home and landscape that can be as unique as a fingerprint. Knowing the type of rock, its origin and the process by which it has entered your landscaping or countertops is an amazing story that goes beyond the name on the label.

This month KRC Rock presents…

Quartz Sweet Water Gold ¾”

It has been once said that Sweet Water Gold Quartzite is the perfect stone. Quarried from deep in the high elevation mountains of Northern Idaho, there are not many other types of stone that match the quality of Sweet Water Gold. This stone is a rare beauty, with shimmering textures and splashes of brilliant gold and white colors that dance across its surface. The Quartz Sweet Water stone’s balanced colors and exceptionally flat surface makes it an excellent choice for many stone applications. The consistency of thickness also allows for approximately 200-250 square feet of coverage per ton.

Quartzite:

A hard metamorphic rock transformed from sandstone. The sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure usually related to tectonic compression within orogenic belts. Pure quartzite is usually white to grey. Quartzite often occurs in various shades of pink and red due to varying amounts of iron oxide. Other colors are due to impurities of minor amounts of other materials.

Just Remeber F.I.R.E

2010-08-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

It is safe to say the heat, as well as fire season is upon us. Ranging from July to October, the California fire season is a constant concern for property owners. To help protect your family and home during the summer season, here are some fire-wise landscaping tips and guidelines to help insure the safety of your property and family. There is a great deal of useful information across various experts and fire departments, however, to help you recall the tips, simply remember…FIRE.

Fuel Brakes are barriers designed throughout your landscape that will help keep a fire from spreading. Include stone driveways, walkways, patios, parking areas, dry streambeds and retaining walls to reduce fuel loads and create space between vegetation.

Introduce well-irrigated, low-growing, fire-smart plants in the first 30 feet around your home. Keep it “lean, clean, and green.”

Remove dead or dying vegetation around your home. Do not remove all of the vegetation leaving bare ground, which can cause soil erosion.

Experts are available at KRC Rock to assist you in creating a beautiful, fire-safe landscape.

By implementing these four simple guidelines into your landscaping projects you can reduce your house and property vulnerability to wildfires.

For more information about wildfire safety, visit the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection website at http://www.fire.ca.gov/.

A Tribute to Fire Fighters

2010-08-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

KRC Rock would like to pay tribute to the men and women fire fighters of San Diego, CA who risk their life every day to keep us safe. We are grateful for all of your efforts and for being a guiding light in our city.

This month KRC Rock is promoting fire-wise landscaping and the awareness of defensible space initiatives. With proper maintenance and practices, you can keep your home safe and help reduce the spread of wildfire. The fire fighters of San Diego are dedicated to fire prevention and have established many landscaping rules and regulations to keep your home and the surrounding community safe from the threats of wildfire.

KRC Rock is here to help you become knowledgeable about all current rules and regulations. We can help you defend your home from the risk of wildfire through the incorporation of natural stone and boulders in your fire-wise landscaping.

Below are some great resources to learn more about defensible areas from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date on this month’s fire prevention tips and information.

Cal Fire Home:

http://www.fire.ca.gov/index.php

Defensible Areas:

http://www.fire.ca.gov/CDFBOFDB/pdfs/Copyof4291finalguidelines9_29_06.pdf

Simple Steps to Wildfire Prevention:

http://www.readyforwildfire.org/

KRC Rock’s Rock Star of the Month

2010-08-10T09:13:00.001-07:00

August Rock Star- June Kelley

June Kelley is KRC Rock’s Assistant Manager and oversees the daily operations of the Lakeside location. Originally from Tuscon, Arizona, June brings over 10 years of business management experience. Her love for the outdoors and passion for the natural stone industry makes her a guiding light at the forefront of the KRC Rock family.

An action sport enthusiast, June can be found on her free time repelling down mountainsides, 4-wheeling, skiing or parachuting out of a plane. June also enjoys spending time with her three grandchildren and carving stone crosses and sculptures.

KRC Rock Salutes Fire Safety!

2010-08-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Rising San Diego temperatures create an increased danger of wildfires. This August, protect your home and family from potential fire hazards through “firescaping” and creating defensible spaces.

KRC Rock specialists are here to help you keep your residence “lean, clean and green” in preparation for fire season. By integrating natural rock and fire-smart plants with defensible space initiatives, your landscape can be both beautiful and safe!

Get creative with your firescaping by adding fire resistant elements such as boulders, driveway and patio pavers, rock mulch and unique water features to help distance your house from impending flames.

Be sure to follow our blog and also our Facebook and Twitter pages to for all the latest on KRC Rock.

Del Mar Backyard Getaway

2010-07-27T09:53:00.001-07:00

Check out some before and after photos of a recent backyard renovation with natural stone provided by KRC Rock. AAA Landscape Specialists, Inc. did an amazing job with all the design and construction. A special thank you also goes out to the Hong residence for allowing us into their beautiful backyard “resort.”

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Home Is Where The Fun Is!

2010-07-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Is your home the neighborhood “it” spot? Or, do you find yourself peeking over the fence as your neighbor hosts all the neighborhood social gatherings? This summer, make your house the place to be by transforming your backyard into a family fun center or a versatile venue for any party or event.

Bring the family together with an endless amount of entertainment by installing an artificial turf putting green and bocce ball court. Or, turn your concrete patio into a classically tiled courtyard for a fantastic area to host elegant evening parties or Sunday family brunches. Possibilities are endless as KRC Rock specialists are here to help you find the perfect stone and turf combination for any backyard additions. From unique flagstone and pavers to colorful stone veneers, the inclusion of natural stone adds an air of sophistication and creativity to any backyard play area.

What would be your dream backyard look like? Comment and share below!

KRC Rock Presents...

2010-07-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

“Romancing the Stone”

Featuring: Three Rivers Stone

This month KRC Rock presents…

Three Rivers Stone/Flagstone

This argillite stone was formed high in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. Three Rivers Stone contains a rich, earthy blend of golds, browns, tans, whites, beiges and plums that combine to create a one of a kind look. This best-selling stone has an array of applications such as standup flagstone, ledge, thin veneer, wall rock, slabs, pavers, pool coping and boulders.

For more information about Three Rivers Stone or any of our other various products, contact us through Facebook and Twitter or on our website.

*Argillite: A compact metamorphic rock composed mainly of clay and aluminum silicate minerals. It is similar to slate in appearance and splitting properties, but usually much harder.

KRC Rock Kiddy Corner!

2010-07-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

Backyards have always been the new frontier for children of all ages…a place of adventure and imagination. Whether they are trying to discover buried treasure as pirates, soaring through the air as super heroes or having afternoon tea parties with their favorite stuffed animals, backyards are the perfect catalyst for children’s laughter. This summer, create a safe and fun backyard play area for your children. KRC Rock’s facilities house numerous materials for creating the perfect play area with endless do-it-yourself options. Our extensive catalog of sand and decomposed granite is perfect for sand boxes, artificial kid pools and around swing sets. Whether you need mulch for around a jungle gym or stone for a multipurpose court, KRC Rock will help you discover innovative ways to transform your backyard into a child’s Neverland.

“Coping” with your Summer Pool Renovations

2010-07-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

Swimming pools are backyard staples and vital extensions to outdoor play areas in Southern California. A swimming pool can turn any backyard into a mini oasis for families and friends to escape the summer heat. Highlighting the pool’s border (the pool coping or wall cap) adds a decorative appeal that makes your pool fun and unique. Flagstone pool coping and wall caps have become increasingly popular. The subtle, natural power of the rock creates a one-of-a-kind look in any environment, while the textured, slip-resistant surface makes it a safer choice. KRC Rock is ready to help you make a splash this summer with all your pool renovations and repairs. Our expert staff can help you with everything from design and picking out stone options to reliable installation. KRC Rock wishes everyone a fun and safe summer staycation!

KRC Rock'd the 2010 San Diego County Fair!

2010-07-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

KRC Rock'd the San Diego Fair this year winning the San Diego Water Smart Award for the best drought tolerant and water smart landscape design. Check out some of these pictures of the award-winning display we worked on with Stonebrook landscapes.

KRC Rock’s “Rock Star” of the Month

2010-07-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

July “Rock Star” - David Garcia

David Garcia is KRC Rock’s General Manager and the “rock” of the company. Being a part of the KRC Rock family for the past 15 years, David is a confident leader with extensive trade knowledge and experience. His passion for working with stone and boulders has helped keep KRC Rock on the cutting edge of the industry. David’s industry and management experience has helped him become a respected and vital part of KRC Rock’s management team that he is today.

When David is not lifting boulders at KRC Rock, he is lifting weights at the gym. An former body builder, David has always had a passion for fitness. David also enjoys playing the guitar and hanging out with his family.

Home Paver Installation Project Complete!

2010-07-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Remember when we posted pictures for a home installation project back in March? Well, the project is now complete-and it looks amazing! Kudos to Jamie Lievers of MAC Design, the Hilligas family and the KRC Rock team!

July is Outdoor Play Areas Month!

2010-07-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the beginning of summer, KRC Rock will focus on outdoor play areas during the month of July. Whether you want to renovate your backyard pool or install a bocce and volleyball court. KRC Rock will provide expert tips, pricing specials and updates on everything you’ll need to enjoy your backyard in time for the summer sun.

Be sure to follow our blog, and also our Facebook and Twitter pages for all the latest at KRC Rock !

Where Pebble Meets Patio

2010-06-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

You have your perfect outdoor hardscape all set up: a waterfall just waiting to be turned on to garner the sounds of flowing water. A dry streambed with colors complementing your house. A pebble rock garden on the patio under a shady deck. But now what?

Now it’s time to think about sealing your rock features to ensure long-lasting results and protection from harsh outdoor elements like the sun, foot-traffic, wind and rain. KRC Rock has a wide range of sealants and cleaning products all targeted to protect your outdoor rockwork. We offer a wide variety of sealant finishes, ranging from glossy to matte. Once your rock elements are sealed, keeping them clean with rock-specific products will guarantee lasting hardscapes.

Check out some pictures of completed patio projects using KRC Rock materials and finishing products!

Rock Your Garden!

2010-06-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Rock gardens are becoming increasingly popular as San Diego county water restrictions continue to escalate. By incorporating rocks in various sizes, colors and textures with select drought-tolerant plants, you can maximize your outdoor space on a minimal budget.

Rock types that are great for rock gardens are round, flat slab or angular boulders, rubble rock, river rock, and waterwashed or tumbled flagstone, which can all be found in KRC Rock’s rockyard.

There are many types of rock gardens that can adhere to different tastes, spaces and budgets, but rock gardens are only limited by your imagination! One idea? Create a raised planter bed out of stucco and concrete blocks. Cover the planter bed with decorative natural thin veneer stone. Fill the planter with large rocks and plants like lavender, Parry’s Beardtongue and California Sunflower.

Looking for some more ideas? Here’s a great article describing different types of rock gardens.

When the River Runs Dry-On Purpose!

2010-06-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Popular features in desert gardens and innovative landscapes, non-functional dry streambeds are a striking alternative for the water-conscious backyard. With varying rock sizes and color-coordinated palettes, this decorative path can be an excellent addition to your front or back yard. Complement the dry streambed with an assortment of low-water plants, and you’ll have a gorgeous drought-tolerant outdoor space.

With KRC Rock’s Dry Streambed Kit, this eye-catching feature can be yours without the hassle of contractors and other third parties. All of the materials needed to build a beautiful dry streambed are assembled on pallets that can be delivered or picked up from any of our locations.

For some installation tips and how tos, check out this helpful video on our website. And check out our FlipVideo from our free seminar this past Saturday!

KRC Rock at the San Diego County Fair!

2010-06-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

KRC Rock will have its annual display up at this year’s San Diego County Fair! We’re working hard on developing our display, which features a water-conscious outdoor living space, designed to inspire ideas of your own! Come see us at the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower & Garden Show displays near the fair entrance. The fair will be open from Friday, June 11, through Monday, July 5. For detailed fair hours, click here.

Hardscape Design is Easy!

2010-06-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

When you’re developing your outdoor living space, it’s important to keep elements of hardscape in mind. Do you have a slope that needs retaining? Do you want to add a water feature? Do you need to reduce your water bill? Do you want an outdoor space that conducive to entertaining or relaxation? Do you want a rustic or a more polished look?

While keeping these key questions in mind, it’s important to research your materials and procedures. Also, if you’re working with a small space, make sure you only have one key focal element-like a waterfall or dry streambed. Consider the substantial design features that are important to you. If you crave the soothing noise of a water feature, try a pondless waterfall or fountain. Remember to limit your design features. Too many focal elements can be visually competitive and may look tacky.

Check out HGTV’s article on Hardscaping Design Dos and Don’ts for some ideas and tips. And remember, at KRC Rock, we have experts that are happy to answer questions and offer suggestions on your project. Be sure to come to our San Marcos location to get inspiration from our brand new outdoor living display! And come to our free seminar on June 12^th to learn some great tips and tricks.

Water Woes

2010-06-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Though we’re lucky to live in an amazing city like San Diego, water is becoming more scarce, which makes it difficult to have lush landscapes that require gallons and gallons of water. With the San Diego County Water Authority continuing stage 2 drought alerts, San Diegans are responsible for reducing their monthly water usage. However, this doesn’t restrict you from having a beautiful, inviting and personalized back and front yard!

This month, we’ll be blogging with tips and tricks on ways to make your landscape more drought-tolerant by installing simple rockscapes and using low-water plants. Be sure to check out our free seminars and the discounts we’ll be offering at KRC Rock this month!

Our Outdoor Living Spaces Seminar Rocked!

2010-05-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, KRC Rock, San Marcos hosted a free seminar and cooking demonstration on outdoor living spaces.We were able to show off our newly remodeled outdoor living demo area, complete with a pizza oven, outdoor fireplace, fire pit and BBQ. Attendees were able to learn useful tips, sample delicious pizza cooked in our pizza oven and score some major discounts on essential outdoor living supplies. Don't miss our Flip videos from our seminar and be sure to check out our pictures!

KRC Rock will host a free seminar once a month. Be sure to check our blog, join our email list, or follow our Facebook and Twitter updates for the latest info about all that's happening at KRC Rock!

Relax-Take the Party Outdoors!

2010-05-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re an avid entertainer or a relaxation seeker, now’s the time to create your ideal outdoor living space with endless options from KRC Rock. Do you want to create something out of the ordinary that will impress your friends and family? Here’s a list of ideas to get you started.

Outdoor entertaining areas:

Fire pit to roast marshmallows on a warm summer night
Outdoor bar covered in custom, one-of-a-kind designs made from rock and pebbles
Outdoor pizza oven with long countertops to assemble your pizza
Pebble-covered outdoor shower to rinse off after dips in the pool
Plants with year round blooms and easy maintenance
Manufactured waterfall and waterslide pool feature with natural rock incorporated

Outdoor relaxation areas:

Carve grooves out of boulder and rock to provide a discrete yet comfortable seating area
Install a pondless waterfall for soothing and peaceful sounds with hassle-free maintenance
Create a zen garden with choice plants, rocks and water features
Incorporate an outdoor sound system to play calming music or relaxing sounds
Suspend a hammock in a quiet area with lots of shade

Do you have any unique ideas you’d like to contribute? Please post them below!

Outdoor Cooking Backyard Style

2010-05-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Summer will soon be here, which means it's almost time for BBQs, pool parties and outdoor entertaining!

If you're going to be cooking in the backyard, why not let your imagination go wild about the "kitchen" you can create beyond your kitchen window? Your outdoor cooking doesn't have to be a portable grill stuck inconveniently in a corner. It can be an entire outdoor room complete with grill, outdoor oven, countertops, seating areas-even a floor created from attractive pavers!

Looking for ideas? Search no further than the gallery of ideas on the KRC Rock website. May is the perfect time for building that outdoor cooking area, with specials throughout the month on all the materials you'll need.

On Saturday, May 22, join us at our store in San Marcos at 9:00 to get the expert's input on your own building project. RSVP to 1-800-KRC-Rock. Space is limited.

Create Your Outdoor Living Space!

2010-05-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

With some of the world’s best weather in San Diego, our patios, gardens and outdoor hideaways are a natural extension of your living space. The folks at KRC Rock are your outdoor living space experts.

As with most designs for living, form needs to follow function. Your outdoor areas can be used for cooking, eating, lounging or entertaining. Your back yard can be a great room, or it can be divided into smaller, separate functions. You can decide if the living area needs a floor, perhaps pavers, or if it needs walls, either greenery or some unique dividers created from rocks and boulders.

KRC Rock will be building a new outdoor living space throughout the month of May, complete with fireplace, barbecue, pizza oven, and bar with a refrigerator. Watch the progress throughout the month on our blog, or come to our seminar on May 22 to learn how to create your own space. For all your materials, KRC Rock has special pricing throughout May to make your remodel a breeze.

KRC ROCKS!

2010-04-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, KRC Rock Lakeside was involved in the Lakeside Rodeo. Each year, we load up our flatbed truck with our most attractive products, including the always popular Blue Ice, and parade down main street. We get the crowd to yell "KRC ROCKS!," and then we honk the horn on the truck, which makes the parade-goers go wild! This is a fun Lakeside tradition that KRC Rock has participated in for years, and we plan to participate in it for years to come!

Check out some pictures below!

Relax with a Zen Fountain!

2010-04-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

If you’re looking to add an element of feng shui to your outdoor living or garden area, try adding a zen fountain! Zen fountains achieve a perfect sense of balance and tranquility while requiring little maintenance and upkeep. By using one of our pondless waterfall kits, you can create a custom zen fountain that fits a wide range of outdoor spaces and looks.

Use our mini kit to create a zen fountain that’s up to 12 feet tall, or our signature series to create one that’s up to 16 feet tall. KRC Rock has an infinite array of stone, rock and pebble options to build an aesthetically pleasing exterior on your fountain. Come in to any KRC Rock location and tour our inventory. Any of our staff members would be happy to assist you in selecting the right rock materials that fit your needs.

Are you installing your zen fountains yourself? Here are some helpful tips. And be sure to check out or gallery for ideas and inspiration!

Earth Rocks!

2010-04-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day from KRC Rock! When you shop with us and add rock to your landscaping, you can be confident that you’re doing your part in protecting planet earth and all of its natural resources. Our natural rock options provide an aesthetically pleasing addition to your home’s landscaping and outdoor living areas.

We’re celebrating Earth Day this year by offering discounts on some of our most sustainable and popular products. How are YOU celebrating?

An Easy Way to Add a Water Feature

2010-04-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Are you looking to add a striking water feature to your outdoor oasis? A pondless waterfall kit, combined with natural rock from KRC Rock, is the perfect inexpensive, easy and low maintenance option.

Pondless waterfalls are easy to install. As demonstrated by our seminar this past Saturday, a waterfall can be installed and up and running in two hours. It’s a great option for the D-I-Yer or the professional. Once the waterfall is set up, it requires very little maintenance. Since there’s no pond or fish to take care of, the only necessary upkeep is occasionally cleaning the pump and refilling the water.

Pondless waterfalls are also the safest option for families with young children. There are no shallow ponds, attractive fish or sharp rocks to attract and harm young and curious explorers.

April is the perfect month to build your pondless waterfall. At KRC Rock, we encourage you to take advantage of our special pricing and discounts offered on products and pondless waterfall kits. If you’d like some advice, we’d be happy to assist you at any of our three locations!

KRC Rock Gives Back

2010-04-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

KRC Rock was recently involved in an interesting community project. Our Lakeside location donated more than $2,000 in stone, and a polished flagstone bench, to help revamp a veteran’s home. Under the direction of sponsors Barona Casino and United We Paint, volunteers were able to give back to a man who served our country for 27 years, and honor his heroism and American spirit.

Jim Bounds had a career in the Navy, including time during World War II. On Saturday, April 10th, Bounds’ dedication of service was recognized when volunteers gave his Santee home a free makeover. Jim and his wife, Ruby, have lived in the house for 40 years, and as they’ve aged, the house has become in need of changes and repairs.

The volunteers did a great job, and Jim and Ruby couldn’t be happier with the results! Check out the project pictures!

April is Pondless Water Feature Month!

2010-04-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

It’s April, and that means it’s Pondless Water Features month at KRC Rock! Features such as fountains, cascades, waterfalls and streams can be self contained, safe for the family, and easy to maintain. Today at KRC Rock, we can make it easy for anyone to have a water feature in their landscaping. Because the water is re-circulated and there is no large, standing body of water to evaporate, these pondless water features are perfect in our drought tolerant designs, creating a cooling feeling to the drier surroundings.

April is the ideal time to make a design change to your yard that includes adding the sound of running water. From free seminars to specials, KRC Rock has everything you need to make your fountain or waterfall a reality this month.

Home Paver Installation Project

2010-03-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

We recently visited the home of Karen Helligas to check on the paver installation progress. After purchasing the home with about an acre of bare land, Karen and her husband were able to create the hardscapes and landscapes of their dreams. They worked with designer Jamie Lievers of MAK Design, who often uses KRC Rock to supply pavers for his projects. They sand-set 3,000 square feet of tumbled walnut-colored Travertine pavers in the Versailles pattern for the back and pool areas, while choosing a classic pattern of Orco pavers for the front yard. Most of the pavers are set, and everything should be completed by mid-April. Check out the progress! We’ll post more pictures as soon as everything is completed.

The Benefits of Sand-Setting Pavers

2010-03-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

When laying your pavers, it’s important to set them in something that can endure any movements or shifting of the ground without cracking. That’s why we recommend setting them in a polymeric stabilizing sand. Not only is this method easier than a concrete set, but it also provides a more tolerant bond that is less susceptible to surface damage. Sand-setting allows for easy repair, adjustment and replacement of pavers, and the elasticity insures that the paver joints are properly filled. It also helps prevent water erosion, yet it easily set in place as soon as water is sprayed on it. An economical route to take when planning your paving stone projects, sand-setting can also help prevent weed sprouting and damages caused by insects.

Each step in the sand-setting process is critical. Come learn more at our FREE seminar on March 27 at KRC Rock San Marcos! Click here for more details.

KRC Rock's Seminar Series-Pavers

2010-03-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

If you've ever wanted to create a breathtaking patio or lay some stepping stones in your garden, then don't miss our March 27th seminar at KRC Rock, San Marcos! You'll be able to learn valuable tips from industry pros to make your DIY paver project easy! RSVP by calling 1-800-572-7625 or email KRCRock@KRCRock.com.

When: Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 9:30 am-12 pm
Location: Our San Marcos location (700 North Twin Oaks Valley Road)

Types of Pavers

2010-03-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

At KRC Rock, we know how overwhelming our large selection of pavers can be! Pavers are a great way to enhance the beauty and provide additional value to your home. There are so many options, colors and patterns available, that you’re guaranteed to find something unique and suitable for your tastes, home and lifestyle.
Here is a quick guide to simplify the selection process and help direct you to your perfect pattern of pavers. Of course, our friendly staff at KRC Rock is ready and willing to answer any questions you may have!

Benefits:

Aesthetically pleasing
Alternative to lawn
Strength and durability
Can survive any climate
Variety of colors and shapes offered
Versatility to be placed on any hard surface
Low in maintenance

Available finishes:

Polished-shiny gloss that helps bring out colors and gemstones
Honed-brings out color of stones with a matte finish
Flamed-jagged and uneven shapes with smooth edges
Thermal-rough finish with crystals on outer face. Most often used on walkways and pool decks

Paver types:

I. Stone

Granite: Polished, honed or flamed finish. Used on driveways, patios, pool decks and walkways
Limestone: Polished, honed or flamed finish. Used in light traffic areas like patios, pool decks, fireplaces and bathrooms
Marble: Polished, honed or flamed finish. (Used in light traffic areas like patios, pool decks, fireplaces and bathrooms
Porphyry: Thermal finish. Used in patios and walkways
Flagstone: Polished, honed or flamed finish. Used in light traffic areas like patios, pool decks, fireplaces and bathrooms
Bluestone: Thermal or natural finish. Used in patios, gardens, walkways and pool decks
Sandstone
Slate

II. Concrete
III. Brick

Shapes:

Square
Rectangle
Hexagon
Octagon
Circular
Diamond
Serpent
Oblong
Irregular

Colors:

Can range from a blue-gray color to more earthy and natural tones

Revitalize with Pavers!

2010-03-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking for an easy, affordable way to improve the look of your home’s exterior and landscape, pavers can be a great way to go. KRC Rock offers an endless array of natural or manufactured stone pavers in assorted colors, patterns and textures to fit every look and budget. You can find a pro on our website to assist you in the planning and installation, or you can do it yourself! Here are some paving stone trends to consider:

Large-format pavers are very popular. They exude an affluent feeling and look more up-to-date than the typical small-sized pavers. Also, they give off the illusion that the space covered is much larger than it actually is.
Popular paving stone pattern colors include charcoal, sandstone, terracotta and brown.
Chiseled Edges add texture and depth to paving stones and create an “old world”, natural look with a modern flair. Chiseled edges also help soften lines on manufactured stones.
The old-world look brings a sense of classic elegance to your home, and can be found in Monarch’s Versailles pattern or Belgard’s Mega-Bergerac pattern.

During the month of March, KRC Rock will offer specials and tips on pavers. Be sure to check our blog, Twitter and Facebook pages for updates!

March is Pavers Month at KRC Rock!

2010-03-04T15:25:00.000-08:00

March is the perfect time of year to enhance your outdoor environment with one or more of the paving solutions KRC Rock has to offer! From natural stone pavers to cultured products that provide old world beauty at a fraction of the cost, we offer solutions for every outdoor area including driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks. During the month of March, we’ll offer everything from do-it-yourself seminars to special pricing to help get you started on your paving projects. Check our blog throughout the month for updates and specials! Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest at KRC Rock!