Rock

Team, here’s how we handle our "Rock" materials to ensure top-notch installs and happy clients:

General Safety:  

• PPE: Wear gloves for sharp-edged rocks like Basalt or Obsidian; use steel-toe boots for heavy loads like 4-8” River Cobble. Dust masks are a must when cutting or spreading dusty shale or dry gravel.

Decorative Rock Installation:  

• Selection: Match the rock to the job—use 1-2” Pam’s Pizazz for colorful beds, 3/8” Pea Gravel for soft paths, or Red Flag Stone for flat patios. Check the work order for client specs.  
• Placement: Spread evenly—thin for beds (2-3”), thicker for paths (4-6”). Wet river rocks like Indian Sunset to confirm colors before final layout; dry tones shift.  
• Edging: Use metal or larger stones to contain loose rocks like Rainbow Blend—wind and runoff scatter them fast out here.

Structural Rock Installation:  

• Base Prep: For Road Base (3/4” or 1-1/2”), clear and level the site, then compact in 4” lifts with a plate compactor—aim for a firm, flat base.  
• Drainage: Use 1-1/2” Leach Rock under wet areas or dry creeks; layer smaller stones on top to hold shape. Test water flow post-install.  
• Compaction: Tamp shale like Trail Mix Red Shale tight for trails—add water if dry to bind it, but don’t soak; it mushes up.

Handling Specific Types:  

• Basalt (e.g., Lava Rock, Black Obsidian): Heavy and sharp—use the skid steer for big loads; wet-cut with diamond blades to curb dust.  
• Shale (e.g., Red Shale Sand): Fragile and dusty—stack low, keep dry till use, and warn clients it stains clothes.  
• River Rock (e.g., Potato Cobble): Smooth but bulky—wheelbarrow it; rake smooth after spreading for a clean finish.

Maintenance and Repair:  

• Refresh: Top off decorative beds yearly—sun fades colors, and wind steals gravel. Structural bases may need re-compaction after heavy use.  
• Weed Control: Lay fabric under decorative layers to block weeds; check shale trails for erosion—add more if it breaks down.  
• Inspection: Post-rain, check drainage rocks for settling or clogs; clear debris from leach layers.

General Tips:  

• Label Loads: Tag each delivery (e.g., “Whitewater 1-2” Round”) on the work order—pit variation matters for re-orders.  
• Client Education: Show clients how rocks weather—shale softens, river rock shifts—set expectations for upkeep.  
• Documentation: Note rock type, quantity, and placement in the system for future jobs or adjustments.

Post-Installation:  

• Test Run: Walk paths or load-test bases (e.g., drive over Road Base) to confirm stability. Hose decorative rocks to reveal true colors for client approval.  
• Client Walkthrough: Point out key features—like Flag Stone’s flat appeal or Leach Rock’s drainage—and tips like brushing off shale dust.

Emergency Procedures:  

• Washout Fix: If heavy rain shifts loose rock, re-edge and top off ASAP—keep extra bags handy for quick repairs.

Our goal is precision and durability—whether it’s a flashy garden or a solid foundation. Keep safety first, quality high, and let’s make every rock project a Brookstone standout!