Spring is the perfect time to get started with some new projects for your backyard. If you want to transform your space in just one weekend, consider adding in a circular stone island to your yard. This can create some visual interest and create spaces for separate activities within the area. While the kids are playing on the grass, you can have your own dedicated space for socializing, grilling, a fire pit, and more. Learn more about creating a circular stone island as the centerpiece of your yard this spring using fill dirt.
Creating a Circular Stone Island Step By Step
Before you begin, think about how large you want your island to be and mark the space accordingly. Once you know the size of your island, start by collecting the necessary materials:
- Landscapers cloth
- Limestone screening
- Edging stones, like brick
- Tamper
- Limestone pieces
- Fill dirt
- Pea stone
- Spray paint
The amount of each material needed will depend on the size your island and the size of the stones you are planning to use to fill it. Make note of the measurements for each item and plan accordingly.
Once you have obtained the correct materials, you can proceed with the project. Here is a step by step guide to creating a circular stone island:
Preparing Your Space Using Fill Dirt
Once you have all of your materials, you can begin creating your circular stone island. First, draw a circle on your lawn using spray paint and then dig out a shallow channel to create the base of your island’s edge. Then, carefully examine your space to determine how much fill dirt you will need to level out the area.
Fill dirt settles after it is compacted, meaning that you might need more dirt than initially anticipated to properly fill your space. To get an estimate, measure the diameter of your circle. Then, determine the area of the circle and convert that measurement into square footage. Fill dirt is sold in cubic yards, so divide that measurement by 1,000 and multiply by three to get the proper amount. This number will cover your area with a one inch layer of fill dirt, so multiply by the number of inches needed to adequately level your yard.
If the area within the circle is not even, you risk creating a lopsided and uneven surface on which to place your furniture and other decorative elements. Using fill dirt to level the land that will serve as the base for your island ensures that all of the stones and items placed over them will lay flat. This can help you avoid tripping on uneven stones and creates a safe space on which to place a grill or fire pit, which should always be on an even surface to prevent accidents and other injuries.
Building Your Base
After using fill dirt to create an even surface for your island, lay down a layer of landscapers cloth. This layer prevents weeds from growing through the cracks in your island, helping keep the feature a low-maintenance one in your yard. Then, sprinkle the area with a layer of limestone screening. This mixture of small limestone chips and dust creates a second foundation layer for your stones and helps ensure that the stones will settle into place instead of slipping around.
Next, fill in the channel you created in the first steps with bricks, wood, or another wall material to form a wall around the interior circle. This border will help ensure that all of the island elements will stay in place during wet weather and prevent them from shifting. Add another layer of screening to bring the foundation almost level with the top of the wall.
Laying the Stones
You can now begin laying the stones inside of the walled off circle. Limestone pieces are often cut with jagged edges that do not interlock, so don’t worry about aligning them perfectly. Place the pieces near each other without letting the edges touch for a creative and natural look. Interlocking stones can also be purchased if you would prefer a sharper appearance. Tamp the stones into the screening to ensure that they are secured, then sprinkle the area in between the stones with pea stone to complete the island and create a smoother surface.
Depending on your personal style, you can decorate your island floor with limestone, decorative tile, brick, or concrete. You may also choose to fill the area with garden soil to create a raised island garden bed instead. Depending on the types of plants you’d like to grow, you may choose to remove the landscapers cloth and increase the height of the barrier wall to allow for proper root growth and water drainage.
Finishing Touches
With your circular stone island now complete, decorate the space with potted plants, a hedge border, lighting elements, and patio furniture. A 12-foot island can accommodate a small fire pit and two to four patio chairs, depending on how much unoccupied space you’d like on the island. You can also place a barbecue, umbrella, small table, and cooler on the island to create a small outdoor kitchen area for your next summer party. With these finishing touches, your patio is now ready for a long summer of relaxing and enjoying your backyard.
Receiving Help from Virginia Fill Dirt Contractors
Speak with the Virginia fill dirt contractors at Dirt Connections for more information about how to use fill dirt appropriately or to schedule your free fill dirt delivery. The firm’s experienced contractors can assist you in determining how much fill dirt you’ll need for your circular stone island project and schedule a delivery at a convenient time.
When you’re finished with your backyard project, Dirt Connections can haul away any leftover dirt to leave your yard clean and ready for your next relaxing afternoon or social event. In addition to providing Virginia area homeowners with free fill dirt delivery, Dirt Connections can assist with residential and commercial construction, pipeline work, pool removal, asphalt millings, construction plans, and dump truck hauling. Contact us today to learn more!
