Step 1 – Preparation:

The first thing you should do is remove any existing weeds by digging them out or spraying them with a weed killer. Next, you want to make sure that the area is perfectly level so when you put your stones down they look more precise and professional.

Step 2 – Borders:

Now you must decide what type of border to use around your area or just to separate the colors should you choose to use more than one color in your design. The problem is that Zorock looks great with all types of borders around it, so to pick one is difficult, but different people like different things.

Natural Borders:

 If you like a natural border, you can do many things. You can simply place small natural boulders side-by-side around the area or in-between the colors.  This adds a nice natural look to the landscape and really makes the colors of the Zorock stand out. Another natural border one can use is a flat stacking stone or fieldstone. For this one, make sure the ground is perfectly level and lay the wall stones end to end around the area. This will be your base course and once the base course is down, you can just simply stack the fieldstones one on top of the other until your desired height is reached. For larger walls, you may need to fill in the area with dirt or topsoil so you can easily see the Zorock from any angle. One can also use this fieldstone to separate colors in their landscape by laying them end to end in place either horizontally or vertically. These are just a few of the natural borders a person can use.

Artificial Borders:

There are several different artificial borders one can use as a border around their Zorock or to separate the colors. One of the newer and more popular choices is a plastic brick edge. This is an “L” shaped plastic edging that is bendable and easy to use and install. To use it, all you have to do is place the edging where you want it, then hammer the metal stakes into the holes in the bottom half of the edging. Use one stake every three to five feet to ensure your design will stay in place. Similar to brick edging is landscape edging. This is a flat piece of pliable edging, made of either plastic or metal, that can be installed easily. The only difference between brick edge and landscape edging is that the stakes for landscape edging have a hook on the top that goes over the top of the edging to hold it in place. Just like the brick edge, you want to use a stake every three to five feet to hole it in place.

Step 3 – Weed Prevention

Once your borders are in place, you want to make sure that no weeds grow through your design and ruin it. For this I always recommend mesh weed stopper sheeting. The mesh allows for water to pass through the layer and get to plants that need it. Plastic weed stoppers do not allow for water to pass through and the water collects on the surface, which causes the blocker to rot and decay so you are left with no protection. Most weed stoppers will tell you one layer is enough to stop 99% of weeds but I always like to use two or three layers to make sure no weeds get through. To install the weed blocker, simply roll the fabric over your desired area and cut it down to size and around any plants. Most weed stoppers are sold with plastic stakes to hole the mesh down and make sure that it does not move when tampered with. Now that the weed stopper is down, you are ready to add your Zorock

Step 4 – Install your Zorock

Finally, you are ready to add some color to your landscaping. Zorock is sold only in bags, which makes it easy to handle and install. The stones in the bag may be wet due to stockpiling, so make sure to wear your gloves when spreading your stones. Simply cut open your bag of Zorock and spread it out in the area you want it to go. Repeat this step until you have a covering of about two to three inches of stone and your entire area is filled in to your liking. Once your area is covered, you are going to want to level off the stones to give it that manicured look. For this you can either use a rake, a shovel, or just do it by hand. Due to the fact that the stones are wet when you lay them down, you only want to install Zorock on a sunny day to allow for the colors to dry thoroughly and permanently adhere to the stones. Wait at least 24 hours for the colorants to dry completely.

Step 5 – Seal you Zorock

Just like any man made product, the sun can fade the color of your Zorock. To prevent this from happening, you must protect your rocks. The same as you would seal your pavers, brick, and cement to protect them; you want to seal your Zorock. We have specially formulated our own brand of sealer that can be used on concrete, brick, and pavers, but is specifically designed to protect Zorock Decorative Stones. Once you stones are completely dry, pour our Zorock brand sealer into a pump sprayer bottle. After that, simply spray the sealer generously over the stones. Also, our sealer will not hurt plant or animals, so don’t worry if you get the sealer on you plants. Now your design is protected. To elongate the life on your stones, you should reseal your Zorock once or twice a year depending on location.

Step 6 – Send us your Zorock Pictures

Now that you are done and love your landscaping, please visit our website, www.getzorock.com, and send us some pictures of your design. We love getting new ideas and feedback from our customers.

Step 7 – Enjoy a job well done