Why Oakfield Stone is the Choice of Enduring Landscapes
Oakfield Stone’s reputation is built on the inherent quality of its quarried material and its commitment to precise manufacturing processes.
- Source-Direct Quality Operates quarries across Wisconsin, primarily the Fond du Lac Stone Quarry, ensuring direct control over the quality, color, and physical characteristics of the stone from extraction to delivery.
- Technical Superiority Focuses on Dolomite Limestone, a material known in the industry for being harder, less absorbent, and more resistant to weathering than conventional limestone.
- Architectural Expertise Offers comprehensive resources, including ASTM physical properties testing and seamless texture images, to support precise architectural planning and design visualization.
What Sets Oakfield Stone Apart
Unmatched Durability
The dolomite composition provides superior compressive strength and greater resistance to the freeze-thaw cycles common in northern climates, ensuring the stone will not spall or break down.
Low Absorption Rate
Dolomite’s low porosity significantly reduces the absorption of water, minimizing the risk of staining and making it virtually maintenance-free compared to other stone types.
Natural Aesthetic Range
Products like Fond du Lac Stonegate and Oakfield Rockwood utilize a rich color spectrum (grays, silvers, buffs, and browns) that offers both rugged texture and sophisticated natural elegance.
Trusted Performance
Reliable solutions backed by Landscape Material & Firewood Sales, Inc. expertise.
Accessories
FAQs
Dolomite is a durable stone but requires non-acidic cleaners. For general landscape stone (outcropping, steps), a simple rinse with a garden hose or a mild dish soap and water solution with a soft brush is usually sufficient. Never use acidic cleaners like vinegar or strong commercial cleaners, as the calcium carbonate in the stone will react, causing etching or surface damage.
The primary difference is structural support. Full-Bed Veneer (typically 3″ to 5″ thick, 40-60 lbs/sq ft) is a structural material that requires a dedicated concrete footing, foundation, or substantial ledge to support its weight. Thin Veneer (typically under 1.5″ thick, under 15 lbs/sq ft) is non-structural and can be adhered directly to a properly prepared masonry or cement board substrate using specialized mortar, making it ideal for lighter constructions and vertical retrofits.
While dolomite’s low absorption rate makes it less prone to efflorescence than higher-porosity stone, it can still occur, especially in new installations or highly saturated conditions. Efflorescence appears as a white, powdery salt deposit on the stone surface. It is caused by moisture drawing mineral salts from the stone, mortar, or base material. It is typically a temporary condition. To treat it, use a specialized, non-acidic efflorescence cleaner formulated for natural stone, as traditional cleaners will damage the material.
For a traditional look using our Building Stone Veneer (Full-Bed or Thin), a standard mortar joint width typically ranges from 1/2 to 3/4. The exact width will depend on the installation style (e.g., a “dry-stacked” look uses the smallest possible joint, while a “wet joint” look allows for a wider, more visible mortar line) and the size of the stone pieces being used.
Need Help Choosing the Right Product?
Designing with natural stone requires selecting the ideal cut and color blend to match your project’s aesthetic and structural needs. Whether you require the clean lines of a Dimensional Cut or the rustic charm of a Webwall blend, our stone specialists can help. Contact us today for material samples or to review the technical data sheets to ensure you select the perfect, enduring Oakfield Stone product.