Platinum Stabilized Pathway Mix

Great Landscaping Ideas: Different Ways to Edge Your Decomposed Granite Paths

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When it comes to your landscaping, the possibilities run as far as your imagination can. Whether you’re planning an entire landscape overhaul or simply want to improve upon existing landscape architecture, Kafka Granite can help with inspiration and the ideal materials for your project. One of our specialties is our broad variety of pathway materials. When creating a decomposed granite pathway, choosing your route, width, material, and color are only a few things to consider. 

Another element that will affect the overall look of your pathway is the edging. Luckily, there are several different viable options available. From blending into the natural surroundings to creating clean, crisp lines, choosing the proper edging for your project will help keep your pathway design looking sharp for years to come.

Why Would You Want Edging for Your Pathway?

There are many reasons why edging your pathway is not just an additional design element, but is actually a very functional feature. Aesthetically, edging your decomposed granite pathway will give it more structure and a finished look instead of a more natural, irregular edge. If you have an especially winding pathway, edging provides a crisper curve, especially when using metal edging. And natural stone edging delivers a distinct transition between your pathway and the surrounding landscape.

While edging will help your pathway’s structure look more distinct, it will also help keep everything in place. When you construct a decomposed granite pathway, although compacted, the top layer of stone is meant to be a loose, natural layer. Some of the loose aggregate may migrate with heavy foot traffic or natural causes such as wind and rain. While some clients are okay with this natural migration, others may want to prevent the loose top layer of pathway material from shifting to the surrounding landscape.

That’s the beauty in edging options – whether a nature path through a forest or a well manicured courtyard, your edging can play a significant role in the design. Edging just may take your path from natural to sophisticated, or anywhere in between, depending on your client’s preferences.


Imperial Gray Granite Sawn Edging

Natural Stone Sawn Edging

The beauty of Natural Stone Sawn Edging is that it is also produced by Kafka Granite, so you can easily coordinate the edging with your Kafka Granite Pathway Mix.  Sawn to consistent 4” heights, Sawn Edging stone is cut to create a distinct, cohesive aesthetic alongside pathways and gardens. Married well with our stone hardscape selections, this border stone also comes in three sophisticated colors and may be easily matched with a wide range of styles. 

Your client’s vision, whether they’re looking for professional aesthetics on a commercial property or a welcoming border on a residential pathway, is one step closer to fruition with the right stone edging. Kafka’s Sawn Edging is a great choice to help get them there.


Midnight Blue Stabilized Pathway Mix

Natural Edging

Natural edging is a good choice when your landscape design calls for a more rustic solution. While there isn’t a definitive barrier between the pathway material and the surrounding area, keeping a natural edge with clear delineation between the pathway and its surroundings is possible. It’s important to consider your environment when you go with a natural edge. A wooded surrounding, for example, may be a better suited area for this edge should some of the pathway material scatter.


Botticino Stabilized Pathway Mix

Grass Sod Edging

Using grass sod as your pathway’s edging material is a popular option if your goal is to maintain a natural look, but want the path surrounded by a manicured lawn. It’s a great looking edging alternative that butts pathways right up to the grass.


Stabilized Pathway Mix Brooklyn Bridge

Cobble/Boulder Edging

When you’re looking to strike the perfect balance between structure and nature, Kafka’s cobbles could be your ideal solution. Available from smaller sized solutions, 3- to 6-inch cobbles, to large boulders, you have a variety of options to suit the needs and scale of your pathway. If your project is being built into a natural environment—a pathway through a park, a woodsy clearing, or other natural terrain—using cobbles as edging could be just the right transition from pathway to nature’s surroundings while keeping people on the right track.

The mix of materials also creates visual interest. If looking to create more of a barrier between pathway and surroundings, consider larger boulders. They will create a clear demarcation of the pathway while appearing less obtrusive and restrictive than a fence would, for example.


Pathway Standard MCC

Paver Edging

These manufactured concrete pavers are built to connect with one another so that installation is relatively easy and foolproof. Depending on the product you choose, this landscape edging option can be a great budget-friendly option, or offer a high-end decorative finish. While manufactured pavers add a great texture and natural feel to a space, it isn’t as rustic as natural granite cobbles or sawn stone edging.

These stones are also a more substantial and durable option to cheap plastic edging. Be aware that bricks and pavers are not all made equally – and both the decorative finish and durability will be reflected in the quality of product used. If you’re hoping to maintain the curvature and cleanliness of your pathway with a neat stone solution, pavers could be the best choice for you.


Rustic Stabilized Pathway Mix

Metal Edging

When your landscape architecture calls for crisp, precise lines and superior aggregate control, metal edging may be your best option. Typically either steel or aluminum, metal edging will hold its shape and its versatility enables you to create any radius you need when it comes to garden beds or pathway curvature. With its strength, metal edging won’t crack in the cold, shift with maintenance, or erode over time.

How to Find the Perfect Pathway Edging for You

Before starting your pathway project, figure out how much edging you’ll need. And as always, consider your budget and desired finish.

If you are looking for a natural stone solution that will blend seamlessly with your decomposed granite pathway material, Kafka’s Natural Stone Sawn Edging is a great choice and we’d be happy to chat with you about the options! When it comes to landscape architecture and creating a sidewalk, courtyard, or natural trail within your environment, our variety of pathway solutions may be just what you’re looking for. We’d be happy to send you free samples and help you determine how much product is necessary for your area.

So think beyond the basic options of color, material, width, and route. The often overlooked detail in pathways – the right edging –  may add that perfect finishing touch on your next pathway project.

Pathway Material Technical Data

Quality Control 101: What Is a Sieve Analysis and Why Does It Matter?

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When selecting aggregate for commercial use, there are a number of tests the product goes through to evaluate its suitability for a certain application. Among these tests is a sieve analysis. A sieve analysis helps companies to evaluate aggregate for use as a quality product in pathway mixes, architectural and decorative precast concrete, epoxy resin applications, epoxy overlay, and much more. We’ve put together a quick summary that highlights the significance of sieve analysis and why it matters to the aggregate industry.   

Evaluating Aggregates for Their Intended Uses

The practice of sieve analysis is especially important for the performance of aggregates in their intended uses. Each of these uses will require a specific size or gradation of aggregate, including the percentage of material allowed for each sieve size in the gradation. This can be critical for the strength of the material, compaction of the aggregate, and the visual aesthetic and surface area of the stone.In other words, the process of sieve analysis assists with the gradation of aggregates.

What Is Gradation in Sieve Analysis?

The gradation of aggregates is the distribution of aggregate particles, by size, within a given sample. The purpose of gradation in this capacity is to enable compatibility of the aggregate with product control requirements, designs, and verification specifications.

Gradation via sieve analysis works particularly well for aggregates because of the shapes of the stones and particles. Material that is not somewhat spherical—say, closer to cylindrical—may not lend to successful sieve analysis.

Sieve Analysis: Step by Step

The procedure of sieve analysis starts with the stacking of sieves, or screens, from the largest to the smallest size. Typically, the mesh of these sizes can range from 1 inch or 25.4 mm to what’s known as the “No. 400” or .037 mm of an opening.

Then, the bulk aggregate is placed carefully on the top sieve and the material is screened through the various sieves and subsequently become separated by size. Aggregates that couldn’t pass through a ⅜” sieve screen, for example, will stay in that sieve while the others pass through until they’re caught in the proper sieve. However, simply dumping your aggregate through sieves is not enough for accurate parsing – that’s what sifters are for.  

Sifting Methods

Depending on your machinery, sifting can be a relatively painless and time-saving process. Mechanical sieve shakers will shake the stacked sieves, causing each stone and particle to fall to its coinciding sieve screen. Note that there are different methods for sifting, common methods include:

  • Horizontal sifting: where the sieves are sifted in a horizontal motion
  • Throw-action: a sieve method whereby vertical force combined with circular motions is applied
  • Air jet: uses a vacuum or other means of creating an air stream to transport and separate finer particles
  • Tap: circular, horizontal motions with frequent tapping  
  • Wet: uses water to support the sieving process, but is a far less common practice than the traditional dry methods  

Once sifted, each sized aggregate is weighed and noted as a percentage of the overall sample—that is, the percent of aggregate retained per sieve is noted as well as the percentage passed through that size (known as the passing aggregate). These details are then recorded, and the quality aggregate is sent for distribution where it will then await its new home. 

An Example: How to Read a Sieve Analysis

In general, specialty crushed stone products must have consistent sizes and fall within acceptable tolerances. For a real-life example of the sieve test as it relates to Kafka’s quality control, we’ll unpack the sieve tests as they pertain to our stabilized pathway mix.

Kafka Granite’s Stabilized Pathway Mix must adhere to specifications as outlined by the binder manufacturer, Organic-Lock.  With the gradation specification, there is an acceptable range and distribution of particle sizes that is to exist within the stone sample. While each sample and sieve will vary slightly, it’s vital that the samples for stabilized pathway mix fall within this range because a success ensures one of two things: the pathway mix is consistently well-graded, and it will compact properly.

Let’s take a closer look at the gradation specification for Stabilized Pathway Mix and how it works. First we must understand what U.S. Mesh sizing is. U.S. Mesh Sizing is defined as the number of openings per one square inch of a screen. Therefore, the larger the number, the smaller the screen size. The example below shows each sieve size translated to metric sizing, but you can also use a helpful screen size / sieve conversion chart. 

The first pass calls for 80-100% passing the #4 mesh screen. In other words, 80-100% of stone particles must fall through a #4 mesh screen. Then, 65-90% of the stone particles should pass through an #8 mesh screen. You can see the rest of the required pass percentages in the below table. Once you reach the bottom of the chart, you’ll see that 5-15% of the stone particles should fall through the #200 mesh screen, which is an extremely fine, dust-like material.. If this were a “clean” or “chip” aggregate, there would not be such fine material included in the mix. 

Sieve Sieve Size (mm) Percent Passing
4 4.75 80%-100%
8 2.36 65%-90%
16 1.18 40%-65%
30 0.6 25%-55%
50 0.3 15%-35%
100 0.15 10%-20%
200 0.075 5%-15%

 

It is important that the pathway mix meets the gradation requirement above; it is vital for the product’s functionality. In order for the binder to work properly, the surface to compact, and rain water to drain, the gradation must be consistent and within the defined tolerances.

This is, of course, just one of many sieve analyses we run at Kafka to check a product’s gradation, and only one of many tests used to analyze quality. Contact us to request a sieve analysis or other product information.

Autumn Blend Wax Polymer Pathway Mix

Golf Course Design: Natural Looking, Erosion Resistant Cart Paths

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There are several factors that can compromise the integrity of a golf course cart path. When using a crushed stone, extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and ice may lead to erosion. Debris left unchecked can accumulate and compromise the quality of the pathway. Even everyday foot and cart traffic has the wear-and-tear potential to negatively affect the path’s visual appeal as well as its functionality. 

Asphalt or concrete paths will combat the issues of mud, dust, and erosion, but at what cost? Hardscape paths often require special equipment or contractors to lay, and never look as good as the day they were first installed. Freeze thaw cycles, tree roots, and wear and tear cause the surface to crack and crumble overtime, resulting in costly patching or replacement. From a design perspective, the inclusion of asphalt or concrete is often obtrusive when surrounded by well manicured greens and softly blowing fescue. 

With the right makeup, however, a crushed stone cart path can combat and prevent these pitfalls. Kafka Granite Wax Polymer Pathway Mix was designed with this in mind: to create a natural looking, easy to install pathway mix that eliminates mud, dust, and erosion. 

Erosion Resistance

Erosion is an enemy of both form and function. The degradation of a golf course cart path shouldn’t be a concern for golfers or a priority for maintenance crews. Unfortunately, oftentimes grounds crews spend valuable hours maintaining crushed stone paths due to erosion due to rainfall, wind, freeze/thaw cycles, or traffic.

Our pathway mixes are designed to create a beautiful, natural looking walking surface that compacts well, but when mixed with our patented wax polymer technology, the combination resists the material degradation that occurs via water in the erosion process. 

No Dust

That’s right, Kafka’s patented Wax Polymer Pathway Mix is dustless; providing a cleaner look while still delivering the natural appeal and feel you’d expect from a golf course’s crushed stone pathway. And it doesn’t get muddy, either, which means a cleaner surface that requires less upkeep than other options. Eliminating mud and dust is a game changer for guest experience, especially when tens of thousands flock for tournament play or other special events.

Natural Look and Feel

Speaking of natural look and feel, nothing beats the look of nature than nature itself. All of our pathway products are made of natural stone, and although they are meticulously blended with an engineered polymeric wax, it was Kafka’s design goal to maintain a natural crushed stone look. When we manufacture our pathway mixes, we do so without compromising the inherent look of these stones. We do not want our product to look like concrete, asphalt, or another hardscape. The goal is to have a natural looking path that is easy to install and maintain. Kafka’s Wax Polymer Pathway Mix blends in seamlessly with a variety of golf course styles. 

Easy Installation 

Kafka’s Wax Polymer Pathway Mix was designed to be easy to install and maintain. No need for special equipment or specially trained contactors; golf courses generally have the tools and skills needed to install the product in-house. Unlike Kafka’s Standard and Stabilized Pathway Mix, the Wax Polymer Pathway Mix requires no water for installation. All that’s required is that you lay the material over your prepared base, level the surface, and compact. The product has no working time or shelf life, which means material can be stockpiled and work can be phased, if needed. Additionally, if there comes a need to access utilities or modify site plans, the material can even be dug up and re-laid if needed!

Adaptability = More Design Possibilities 

Unlike other crushed stone pathway options, wax polymer mixed pathways may be installed at a steeper degree slope without terrain and/or environmental influences compromising the pathway’s integrity. 

What does this mean for a golf course? Well, the design of a golf course becomes less restricted with a more adaptable pathway product. With Kafka’s Wax Polymer Pathway Mix, you can achieve one cohesive, natural looking, and long-lasting solution throughout the entire grounds, regardless of terrain.

Little-to-No Maintenance

When there’s a demand for regular maintenance on a cart path, owners and managers can lose extensive hours of labor (that could be spent elsewhere) and a blow to their bottom line. Wax polymer pathways, however, require little to no maintenance. If an area is damaged or a refresh is desired, a quick scarifying of the surface at 1/8” with a nail drag (exposing fresh underlying material) and a recompaction is generally all that is needed. This maintenance is best performed on a hot sunny day, when the surface is more malleable. 

A Leader in Natural Stone Solutions for Over 40 Years 

Since 1979, Kafka Granite has provided natural stone solutions to manufacturers, architects, and contractors. We harvest our stone from a network of quarries throughout North America and custom produce Central Wisconsin. Kafka Granite may be a new name in the golf industry, but we have a long history of solving problems using natural stone. We are eager to help golf clubs across the country achieve beautiful, low maintenance cart and walking paths. Give us a call or contact us online to learn more.

Pathway Wax Erin Hills

4 Pathway Problems and How to Deal With Them

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Decomposed granite (DG) and crushed stone are excellent options for creating natural-looking nature trails, golf course pathways, garden paths, and other landscaped routes. But like any pathway material, poor maintenance, harsh weather, and other issues can compromise the integrity of a DG installation. Let’s take a look at some of the problems that affect pathways—and how to handle them.

Watch Out for These Decomposed Granite Pathway Issues

1. Muddiness

The inherent promise of a pathway is that it will provide a clear route from point A to point B. That promise is quickly broken when visitors or guests have to tramp over a muddy expanse to get where they’re going.

What causes decomposed granite pathways to get muddy? For the most part, the culprit is inadequate drainage, poor design, or subpar installation. Improper compaction and excess water can make a mess—particularly as ground thaws and snow melts in the spring. To avoid this issue, decomposed granite pathways should be installed with drainage flow in mind. A stabilized pathway will remain permeable, but has an additive that absorbs water. Alternatively, you can opt for a wax polymer pathway, which is impermeable and will never get muddy.

2. Erosion

Decomposed granite pathways are made of aggregate screened to a specific size and compacted to create a firm pathway. However, the surface is still designed to have a natural look and feel, with a loose layer of material on top. Forces like rainfall and heavy traffic can exacerbate this movement further.

Again, it’s important to be aware of drainage flow near your pathway. If water is the primary source of erosion, you might want to install drains or diverters to control the flow and reduce the damage to the pathway. For new pathways that need to withstand significant erosion, consider opting for a stabilized or wax polymer pathway mix. 

3. Debris

Thanks to nature, decomposed granite or crushed stone pathways will inevitably end up covered in things that don’t belong in a pathway mix—namely debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt. Depending on the location of the pathway, you may find that it remains relatively clear for long periods. Other areas, like those under trees or downwind, may end up covered in debris. Whatever the case, you’ll need to routinely remove these materials by raking the area. 

4. Poor Maintenance

No pathway is entirely maintenance-free. A lack of routine care can actually end up costing more in the long run.

So how can you keep a pathway looking good? What do you do if you’re hired on for a maintenance project and find a deteriorated wreck once you arrive? 

Ideally, there will be a solid maintenance plan already in place. Regular upkeep, including raking and occasional hydrating and recompacting, will be enough to refresh a decomposed granite pathway already in good condition—keeping it functional for years to come. Severe damage, on the other hand, will likely require excavating the area, rototilling, and possibly top dressing or tilling in new mix. Ultimately, the type of pathway mix you’re dealing with will determine the specific maintenance and replacement needs of the pathway system.

Selecting the Right Pathway Material

Even the most robust maintenance plan won’t do much good if you’re starting with a low-quality pathway. Selecting the best material for your project and installing it correctly will create a beautiful, natural-looking pathway that stands the test of time. 

At Kafka Granite, we understand how important both color and performance are to choosing a mix. We’re pleased to offer over 40 colors of decomposed granite and crushed stone, ensuring that you find the perfect match for your landscape. Here’s some insight into the benefits of our various pathway mixes.

Standard Pathway Mix

A decomposed granite pathway makes an attractive alternative to hardscape materials like concrete and asphalt. Our Standard Pathway Mix consists of aggregate screened to ¼” with fines. This is an excellent choice for low-traffic walkways, bike trails, garden trails, and other flat areas.

Stabilized Pathway Mix

Our Stabilized Pathway Mix blends our standard aggregate with a stabilizing binder. The addition of the binder creates a more durable pathway that stands up under traffic, extreme weather, and other erosive forces. Stabilized pathways are appropriate for a wide range of projects, from nature trails, corporate walking paths, courtyards, and more.

Wax Polymer Pathway Mix

Working with hilly terrain? Our Wax Polymer Pathway Mix is the perfect solution for steep grades. An innovative combination of engineered polymers creates a dustless, waterless, non-permeable pathway that stays dry and performs beautifully under stress. We’ve seen this mix used in projects ranging from nature preserves to private residences. Erin Hills even replaced a number of their highly erosive paths with wax polymer pathways ahead of the 2017 U.S. Open. Our Wax Polymer Pathways have been most popular for golf courses, horse trails, driveways, and other demanding projects.

Create Lasting Pathways with Kafka Granite

Whether you’re looking to install wax polymer pathways that will reduce golf course maintenance needs or you’re on the hunt for the perfect color of aggregate for a new pathway system, Kafka Granite has you covered with a wide range of choices. Not quite sure what you’re looking for yet? We can help you there, too. Our sales team is eager to work with you and identify the correct solution for your project, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Resources

Wisconsin Natural Stone

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Kafka Granite began in 1979 when Wisconsin native Glenn Kafka bought a backhoe at a local auction and started laying tile for local farmers. Shortly thereafter, he took advantage of an opportunity to purchase a granite pit and found himself taking his next steps toward a multifaceted natural stone company.

Flashing forward to the present day – Kafka Granite utilizes quarry sites in both the United States and Canada. But the heart of our business remains in Central Wisconsin, where we manufacture our diverse aggregates for a wide variety of client needs and specifications.  

Wisconsin Is Our Home and Is Perfect for Our Industry

To find the right spot for Kafka Granite, Glenn Kafka never had to go far. Much of Wisconsin consists of a unique geological makeup which makes it a perfect home for us. The varying granite, marble, and quartzite available helps Kafka Granite acquire its large variance in natural stone colors.

In fact, our immediate area is rich in mineral deposits – providing us with the opportunity to have numerous hues on hand. Other states in our country offer less variance in natural stone. Within just a hundred miles of our Wisconsin location, you can find pink, blue, red, green, gray, and black granite, beige and gray limestone, and gold, gray, and purple quartzite.

Get to Know Our Products

Our range of materials can serve the demands of various industries and project types. From indoor commercial remodeling to outdoor siding and decorative landscapes, our 60+ color options and dynamic natural stone products are perfect for nearly any endeavor. Here are just a few of our products.

Specialty Aggregates

Aggregates for Precast Concrete Applications

Our precast aggregates come in a wide spectrum of colors and can be used for a variety of purposes, including architectural wall panels, pavers, pour in place concrete, and site amenities. These products featuring Kafka’s specialty aggregates are commonly used in hospitals, office buildings, stadiums, and other commercial locations.

Aggregates for Epoxy Resin Applications

We manufacture and supply specialty aggregates for terrazzo flooring, epoxy stone flooring, and manufactured quartz countertops, These customers need stone that meets specific specifications, while also being dry and dust free, allowing them to produce high-quality floors and countertops for residential and commercial applications. 

Aggregates for High Friction Surfacing and Demarcation

Kafka Granite produces specialty aggregates for use in epoxy overlays – perfect for roads, bridges, curves, crosswalks, bike lanes, bus lanes, and various streetscapes in need of better traction on surfaces. Our high-friction surfacing aggregates can withstand the harshest of Wisconsin’s weather conditions, providing efficient traction for your surface year-round.

Natural Thin Stone Veneer

Our natural thin stone veneer is a durable, nonstructural product that can be used in both outdoor and indoor projects. Benefits of choosing thin stone veneer include:

  • Lightweight: The lightweight nature of thin stone veneer makes it cost-effective and easier to ship in bulk. Its weight also makes for an easier installation – in fact, it can be installed without footings or support ledges.
  • Versatile and long-lasting: You can use thin stone veneer for a fireplace in a lobby or as a facade on a multi-story office building. Its natural durability also prevents excessive wear and tear from harsh weather and temperatures.
  • Easy application: While we still recommend hiring a professional for installation, note that thin stone veneer can make for a relatively easy application. With the right preparation, it can be installed over various surfaces, including concrete, metal, and plywood.  

Our thin stone veneer will look just as natural and beautiful as full stone veneer, and it comes in classic colors perfect for commercial and residential endeavors. 

Sports Turf Solutions

From our Wax Polymer Pathway Mix to Stabilized Ballyard Mixes, we are proud to manufacture a selection of softball, baseball, and golf course materials. Our ballyard materials enable safe footing and consistent ball hops, while our golf course solutions are designed to create easy to install, low-maintenance, erosion resistant, and dust-free pathways and out of play bunkers. 

Pathway Materials

We also offer alternatives to hardscape for pathway needs. We manufacture materials fit for garden paths, bike paths, courtyards, nature trails, and more. Not only do our pathway materials come in over 40 colors and have a natural look and feel, but they are designed to reduce mud, dust, and erosion. 

Landscape Supply

Looking to add to the beauty of your outdoor landscape? Our natural stone hardscapes include cut steps, drywall, and flagstones that will help you design a lasting landscape oasis, while our landscape stone, boulders, and rip raps are the perfect accent to round out your project. 

Learn More About What Kafka Granite Can Provide for You

For decades, Kafka Granite has helped local and nationwide businesses and contractors find the material they need to achieve their goals. Whatever your project, our state-of-the-art process allows us to crush and screen aggregates to meet the needs of your design or specification.

Thanks to our extensive selection, architects, stonemasons, designers, and contractors from various industries come to Kafka Granite with thin stone veneer, aggregate, and other natural stone needs. We offer a broad range of specialty natural stone products for an array of project demands and are always expanding our offering to meet the needs of our customers.

Whatever your situation, we can steer you toward the right product. Contact us today – our knowledgeable sales team is happy to chat through your project or provide you with samples.

Specialty Aggregate Colors

A Simple Guide to Kafka Granite’s Commercial Offerings

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From specialty crushed stone in over sixty different colors for manufacturing, to beautiful multi-colored, naturally round granite boulders for landscaping, Kafka Granite is one of the largest and most specialized producers of landscape and architectural aggregates. Having been a leading and established supplier of granite, quartz, marble and recycled materials for over three decades, many of the top architects, landscape architects, contractors, and manufacturers turn to Kafka Granite aggregates for variety of projects, including:

  • Architectural precast aggregates for exposed precast concrete office buildings, medical complexes, skyscrapers, sports stadiums, etc.
  • Specialty crushed aggregates and manufactured sands for manufacturing decorative precast concrete pavers, or bricks, and precast concrete amenities such as trash cans, tables, planters, etc.
  • Contemporary natural thin stone veneer in a wide variety of cuts and colors for both commercial and residential design
  • Over 60 colors of granite, quartz, marble, and recycled materials crushed, dried, and bagged for use in manufacturing epoxy resin countertops, tile, and terrazzo flooring.
  • Epoxy Overlay Aggregates for High Friction surfacing applications that provide high-friction, non-skid surfaces for bridge decks, entrance/exit ramps, curves, bike paths, and pedestrian crosswalks.
  • Bulk quantities of decorative landscape stone that includes various colors and sizes of crushed stone, round pebbles, multi-colored granite boulders, and decorative rip rap boulders.
  • Natural stone hardscapes including thermal-top steps, sawn cut drywall, and thermal flagstone, for a variety of functions and applications that elevate the beauty of commercial and residential properties 
  • Decomposed Granite pathway materials for a more natural alternative to traditional hardscape solutions such as asphalt, concrete or pavers.
  • Reduce golf course maintenance with Kafka’s erosion resistant Wax Polymer Pathway Mix and Bunker Sand 
  • Premiere ball yard infield mix, warning track mix, and mound clay available at a variety of price points to provide lower maintenance, better drainage, safer footings, and consistent ball hops.

With so many products available, sometimes it’s difficult to understand all of the choices, but we are here to help! The Kafka sales team is standing by to help with your next project, but this short guide might be a simple first step in answering many of your questions. Let us break it down:

Architectural Precast Aggregates

Architectural precast is one of the most durable materials used in the exterior construction of commercial buildings today. But it is the exposed precast stone aggregate that truly gives the final product its unique aesthetic. Architectural precasters are looking for the perfect combination of aggregate with a very specific combination of stone size, color, and strength to create the perfect end product. With a massive network of stone quarries throughout North America and the unique ability to meet any size specification, Kafka Granite has the perfect aggregate and will work with you to make your next project a success.

Decorative Precast Concrete Aggregates for Decorative Paver and Amenities Manufacturing

Concrete bricks and pavers are always a popular decorative hardscape solution. However, adding Kafka Granite’s naturally colored aggregates to your precast concrete mix has the power to make them even more unique, by adding visual interest to the face-mix. Many of the top producers of decorative precast concrete pavers, bricks, and amenities trust Kafka Granite as their aggregate supplier–especially for the specialized colors, sizes, and recycled content not found anywhere else. With the rise in popularity of permeable pavers, we also offer complimentary permeable paver grit that’s crushed to size to ensure proper drainage and durability in freeze/thaw conditions.

Thin Stone Veneer 

An elegant, nonstructural stone product fit for numerous applications, natural thin stone veneer can be used in indoor and outdoor renovations. Lighter in weight than full stone veneer, thin stone veneer is also cheaper to ship in bulk and can be easily installed without support ledges or footings. With proper preparation and installation by a professional mason, this product may also be adhered to a variety of existing surfaces such as plywood, paneling, concrete, metal, and more. Kafka Granite thin stone veneer comes in dozens of natural color choices and will hold up to weather and wear much better than manufactured, artificial stone alternatives. 

Epoxy Resin Aggregates for Countertop, Tile, and Terrazzo Floor Manufacturing

With the ability to crush, dry, and bag 60 different colors of granite, quartz, marble, and recycled materials, Kafka Granite has a long history of supplying crushed stone chips for manufactured countertops, tiles, terrazzo flooring, and other epoxy resin-based manufacturing. Many of the top producers of Manufactured Quartz Countertops use a variety of Kafka’s aggregates and recycled materials in their production. Furthermore, Kafka has a longstanding relationship with T&M Supply, who distributes Kafka’s aggregates for stunning terrazzo flooring solutions throughout the world.

Epoxy Overlay Aggregates for High-Friction Roads and Non-Slip Pedestrian Walkways

There are many times when traditional concrete and asphalt are simply unsafe for high traffic roadways and walkways.  During certain times of the year, these surfaces can become extremely slippery and unsafe, especially on bridge decks, sharp curves, and entrance/exit ramps. High Friction Surfacing is the perfect solution, with Kafka Granite’s Epoxy Overlay aggregates offering a high level of traction in all kinds of weather, while also being durable enough to withstand harsh freeze/thaw conditions. The epoxy overlay aggregates can also be used for Streetscape applications such as crosswalks, medians, sidewalks, and bike lanes to create a non-slip surface for pedestrians while also enhancing the aesthetics of the pre-existing hardscape.

Landscaping Stones and Boulders

Kafka offers a wide variety of decorative landscape stone and boulders that will provide the perfect solution for landscape designers and contractors. Offered in a variety of colors and sizes, use Kafka’s Decorative Landscape Stone to define walkways and driveways, to enhance gardens and flower beds, or to brighten heavily shaded areas. Kafka Granite also offers a beautiful array of naturally round, glacially deposited multi-colored boulders that range in size from 3-6-inch cobbles to massive boulders over 60-inches in diameter. Use round boulders, or consider the variety of Decorative Rip Rap boulders, for retaining walls, water features, ponds, shorelines, or simple, yet effective, accent pieces in your landscape design.

Natural Stone Hardscapes

Thanks to a wide range of uses and sleek, natural colors, stone hardscapes have the ability to seriously elevate the beauty of your property. From flagstone to retaining walls and stone steps, Kafka Granite is proud to offer stone hardscapes that serve your project needs. Some of our hardscape products include Sawn Cut Drywall, Thermal Flagstone, and Thermal-Top Steps. A thermal finish on the top surface of your hardscape can increase traction while maintaining the natural integrity of your stone. 

Pathway Materials

For pathways, bike paths, and other trail systems where a more natural look and feel is desired, consider a more organic material that is both aesthetically appealing and durable. Sometimes traditional concrete or asphalt just won’t do. The Standard Pathway Mix is made from decomposed granite or crushed stone, screened to a specific size to ensure a maximum compacted surface that retains firmness, flexibility, and permeability. Kafka also offers two additional levels of durability. The Stabilized Pathway Mix includes an organic binding agent for a stronger, more stable, and less erosive surface. Meanwhile, the Wax Polymer Pathway Mix is the best pathway solution for extremely high traffic areas or steep inclines, as it’s non-permeable surface allows water to bead off the surface, eliminating mud, dust, and erosion.

Golf Course Solutions

Kafka Granite has developed solutions specifically for golf courses. These products are designed to provide a natural look while being incredibly easy to install. They drastically reduce maintenance, mud, dust, and erosion. Durable, long lasting and lightweight, Kafka’s Wax Polymer Pathway Mix is perfect for golf course pathways. Not only is it appealing to the eye, it’s erosion resistant, easy to install, and dustless. Developed with the same technology, our wax polymer bunker sand was designed for out of play or target bunkers, and may be installed easily over preexisting bunker sand. It allows water to shed into draining systems without erosion. 

Ballyard Materials

Finding the proper materials for baseball or softball diamonds can be a nightmare; most of the traditional materials are too muddy, too dusty, and too high maintenance, which all take valuable time away from both the groundskeepers and players. However, Kafka Granite specializes in low maintenance, high drainage products that minimize mud and dust, while retaining the natural playing surface that players know and love. From standard high-drainage top dressings, to high-quality, professional-grade infield mixes and warning track mixes, Kafka Granite offers a variety of solutions for any price point: from the little league to the major league.

Kafka Granite Does It All!

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Just ask! After all, most of Kafka Granite’s products were originally developed to meet customer requests, and we are not limited to the product lines you just read about. We are a custom-orientated company, so whether your firm is trying to match an aggregate used in a pre-existing structure, meeting a unique size specification for your manufacturing process, or just making a statement with a completely unique, custom color combination, Kafka Granite will work with your team to make it happen.

Kafka Architectural Aggregates Color Chart

How Does Natural Stone Get Its Color?

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No two pieces of natural stone look alike—even if you’re comparing two pieces of granite extracted from the same quarry. This variation of color, pattern, and texture is part of what makes natural stone so unique and so highly prized as a building and landscaping material. If you’re on the lookout, you’ll notice it in a variety of projects, from chimney facades to public pathways. Currently, thin stone veneer is a particularly popular natural stone product for both commercial and residential projects.

But how, exactly, does natural stone get those striking colors, and why can’t you find the color you’re looking for in your area? Geology holds the answer to these and further questions.

What Causes Color Variations in Natural Stone?

When it comes to color variations in natural stone, it’s all about minerals. Take Wisconsin, for example. Kafka Granite’s home state has glacially deposited minerals to thank for the wide range of colors we see in our local stone quarries.

Minerals and other organic components that were present when rocks were being formed resulted in the rainbow of different colors that we see today. The exact arrangement and abundance of said components are what create the beautiful graining, textures, and varied hues that natural stone is so well known for.

Those various minerals and organic compounds all have different properties and chemical makeups, meaning that they all affect natural stone in different ways. Iron oxide, for example, creates a vivid red color, while serpentine can create a green coloration in stones like marble. The abundance of the mineral deposit will also determine how varied the colors are in a particular stone. You might be able to clearly see a mineral deposit in stone extracted from a certain part of a quarry, while other areas contain lesser amounts of the mineral and therefore fewer bursts of color.

Here’s a look at how minerals affect the hues of several common types of natural stone.

Granite

Granite, primarily composed of minerals and rocks like quartz and mica, is found in a wide range of colors across the country. An abundance of potassium feldspar will give a deposit of granite a warm, pink hue, while the presence of quartz will create that classic, milky-white tone. Thanks to its glistening tones, granite is an excellent option for interior and exterior thin stone veneer projects.

Marble

With zero impurities present, marble is largely white and uniform—but you’d be hard pressed to find any significant amount of naturally occurring marble that doesn’t contain color variations. The striking veined patterns that make marble such a popular natural stone are caused by deposits like feldspar and iron oxide.

Quartz

Quartz is a naturally clear stone, so the presence of any impurities will change its appearance. You’ll find this stone in just about every color you can imagine, although some are more common than others. Purple, yellow, and gray are just some of the hues you’ll come across when purchasing quartz stone products. 

Why Can’t I Find a Specific Color of Stone in My Area?

If you’re looking for a specific color of natural stone for your project, the good news is that there’s an immense variety of colors out there. The bad news is that you might find your own options somewhat limited, depending on the area from which you’re trying to source materials. 

Wisconsin’s unique geology makes it rich in naturally occurring decomposed granite, along with quartz and feldspar. But other areas of the country may lack some types of natural stone entirely, or they may have an overabundance of one color. The solution, then, is to locate a supplier of high-quality natural stone products, one who can source the color that matches your design.

Kafka Granite’s Natural Stone Products

Kafka Granite is proud to offer natural stone products in dozens of dazzling colors. We have so many hues on hand because our immediate area is rich in the mineral deposits that create them. As we mentioned, our state of Wisconsin is known for its naturally occurring decomposed granite in fiery reds and golds—but that’s not all we have to offer. We’ve spent over 40 years scouring the country for different colors of natural stone. 

Today, we source our natural stone products from quarries across North America. This allows us to offer a color and product selection that you simply won’t find anywhere else. So if you’re wondering why you can’t find pink granite or anything other than gray limestone when sourcing materials for your next project, now you know: your area likely doesn’t have any deposits of the type or color of natural stone you’re on the hunt for. But if you have your heart set on a specific color for your installation, we’d be happy to help. 

Looking for the Perfect Color of Natural Stone for Your Next Project?

If you’re having a hard time finding the right natural stone for your project, don’t settle. Instead, contact Kafka Granite today. Architects, designers, stonemasons, and more come to us for our extensive selection of specialty aggregates, thin stone veneer, and other natural stone products. If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, our knowledgeable sales team is here to help. We look forward to helping you incorporate the beauty of natural stone into your next project.

Beige Blend Stabilized Pathway Mix - North Coast Harbor - Cleveland, OH

How to Maintain a Stabilized Pathway

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Preventative upkeep and regular maintenance will go a long way towards keeping your pathways in good shape. But what are the specific steps you should be taking, and how do you fix a pathway once it’s been damaged? We’ve got the answers.

Kafka Granite’s Stabilized Pathway Mix is a combination of decomposed granite or crushed stone screenings blended with a stabilizing binder. Not only does it offer a natural, effortless look, but it also resists erosion and holds up well under traffic. But like all other outdoor installations, a stabilized pathway requires routine maintenance. Here’s a quick guide to keeping yours looking pristine.

Maintaining Your Stabilized Pathway

For Organic-Lock™ blended aggregates, we recommend doing a thorough analysis one week after installation, followed by monthly evaluations. These regular checks will allow you to identify damage and potential problem areas before they get out of hand.

Erosion

Erosion (usually from rainfall) is one of the most significant causes of damage. Fortunately, the stabilizing binders used in Kafka Granite’s mix allow pathways to resist erosion and hold up significantly better under heavy traffic than a standard or non-stabilized mix. If you do notice erosion damage to your pathway, the best course of action will be to figure out where the water is coming from and then divert it around the pathway. This can be accomplished by installing features such as drains, culverts, and diverters. Once you’ve successfully dealt with the source of the water issue, you can go about replacing any lost material.

Excess Loose Material

While Stabilized Pathways are designed to have some loose material on top, you may find that overtime the installation has more loose material than desired. As your stabilized pathway is exposed to foot traffic, the elements, and the passage of time, pieces of aggregate will eventually loosen on the surface of the installation. If the depth of these particles exceeds ¼ inch, it’s time to either sweep or shovel and remove them. Depending on how much material is removed, it may be recommended to replenish your pathway with new material.

Debris

In addition to excess loose material, debris will likely build up on your pathway. Depending on the location of the installation, that might include soil, gravel, grass clippings, or other organic material. You can remove debris from your stabilized pathway by hand raking or mechanically blowing the area.

Snow

If your stabilized pathway will be exposed to snow at any point during the year, it’s essential to understand how to properly plow it. The blade of the plow will need to be lifted ¼ inch off the surface of the pathway, which can be accomplished with either a shoe lift or rubber baffle. This small amount of space will allow you to plow snow without damaging the pathway beneath it.

Mixing Patch Material for a Stabilized Pathway

Even stabilized pathways that are diligently cared for may eventually require new material. We recommend keeping a small amount of the Organic-Lock blended aggregate on hand as attic stock. When the time comes to patch an area, you’ll have all the supplies you need to address the issue quickly and efficiently.

The Snowball or Step Test

Ideally, your mixture should reach a moisture content of 8-10%, which you can assess using the following techniques. If you can easily form a snowball-shaped handful with your material, it’s ready to go. But if it crumbles or has a wet sheen to it, you’ll need to add more water or more dry material. You can also test your mixture’s readiness by forming a rough ball and stepping on it. You should see a perfect impression of your bootprint, without any crumbling or noticeable wet sheen.

Too Wet

Too Dry

Just Right

Left foot print: too wet | Right foot print: ideal

Fixing Slightly Damaged Areas

If the pathway material below the loose surface particles is damaged, it will need to be fixed—because it can no longer stand up to erosion or traffic. Light damage can be reversed without excavating the area: simply soak the site, scarify with a rake to 1-2 inches, and then use a hand tamper or roller to compact the area.

Fixing Severe Damage to a Stabilized Pathway

Severe damage to your stabilized pathway will require a more in-depth fix. First, excavate the area to a depth of 2 inches to approximately a 50% increase in surface area. Evaluate and add an appropriate amount of stabilized pathway mix to the area. Finally, you’ll need to blend the new mix into the existing site. You have two options for this step:

  • Using multiple passes, rototill to a depth of 2 inches. Take care not to exceed the depth of the blended aggregate. To blend the existing and new material, spray the surface of the area lightly and begin to till. If needed, add water until you achieve the correct moisture content.
  • Remove the existing material and blend in new material on a clean pad. Depending on the size of your installation, you may use either a shovel or a front end loader to turn the material until you’ve created a homogenous blend. Finally, spread your mixture back over the excavated area, and add water until your mixture reaches its ideal consistency.

Pathway Mixes From Kafka Granite

When properly cared for, your stabilized pathway can last for years to come, offering a beautiful and functional route for public or private use. Kafka Granite is proud to provide the products and expert knowledge you need to make a project successful and maintain its integrity over time. If you have any questions about maintaining a stabilized pathway, don’t hesitate to contact us.

The Geology of Natural Stone

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Designers, architects, and stone masons get to see quite a variety of stone products, from specialty aggregates to natural stone veneer. Even more people get to see the end results of Kafka Granite’s products—in the form of building facades, bridge overpasses, golf cart pathways, and more. But have you ever wondered about where that stone comes from, and how it came to be? Where, exactly, do we get these striking colors and high-quality material? 

Today, we’re backing up a few steps to take a look at the geology of natural stone. And don’t worry if you don’t remember anything from your middle school geology class—we’ve got you covered with this peek into the rock-solid foundation of our industry.

Where Does Natural Stone Come From?

Geology is an earth science that deals with understanding the structure of the planet. It also holds the key to every natural stone product out there. Before the Earth was a solid mass dotted with features like oceans and volcanoes, it was a ball of mineral gases. Natural stone is the result of those mineral gases solidifying and being compressed over millions of years. 

As the Earth’s crust solidified, heavier minerals were pushed towards the core of the planet, where they were subjected to intense pressure and high temperatures. Eventually, these newly solidified minerals were pushed upwards towards the surface, where they formed rock beds. Some of these deposits became the very quarries from which we extract our own natural stone today. 

3 Rock Types to Know

Quartz, granite, limestone, and marble are just some of the natural stones that we use in our products, but these various kinds of rocks can all be classified into three main types.

Igneous

To put it simply, igneous rocks were here first. This type of rock is created when liquid magma or lava cools down and becomes solid. If that process takes place below the surface of the Earth, it results in intrusive igneous rocks, like granite. But if the lava erupts and cools on the surface, we’re left with extrusive igneous rocks, such as basalt. You’ll find these kinds of rocks everywhere from basins to deep in the oceanic crust.

Sedimentary

Sedimentary rocks are fairly self-explanatory: they’re formed by solidifying sediments, such as volcanic ash. The distinctive mesas that litter the landscape of the American Southwest are a prolific example of sedimentary rock. The exact nature of the sediment determines the type of rock that is formed. Clastic sedimentary rocks, such as shale and sandstone, are created from pieces of pre-existing rocks that become compacted. Organic sedimentary rocks form from plant and animal debris being compacted over millions of years, while chemical sedimentary rock is created by dissolved minerals depositing and solidifying from water.

Metamorphic

Again, the name offers a hint: metamorphic rocks were once igneous or sedimentary rocks that underwent a transformation. That transformation involved extreme conditions, like high heat and pressure, that changed the chemical composition of the rocks. Metamorphic rocks include marble and quartzite, two popular choices for specialty aggregate and stone product manufacturers.

How Does Natural Stone Get Its Color?

If you’ve worked with natural stone before, you’ve likely noticed that no two pieces are exactly the same. In fact, this is one of the major draws of natural stone as a building material; the color variations add a kind of character that is difficult to replicate with man-made products. 

So, where does natural stone get its array of colors from? It’s all thanks to the nature of the minerals and other organic components that make up each type of stone. Depending on the exact minerals and the way in which they settle, blocks of stone extracted from the same quarry can vary greatly in color, texture, and pattern. Marble, for example, is widely known for its veined pattern. Those veins are caused by deposits like iron oxide and feldspar. The “purest” marble is largely white and free of color variation, but particular varieties are actually sought after to lend a certain look or color to a project.

Applications of Natural Stone

It’s worth noting that different types of rocks are useful for different building purposes, depending on their hardness and other key physical properties. There are ASTM Standards set out that describe the minimum and maximum specifications for a variety of natural stone types, which is invaluable for quality control. 

Today, natural stone is extracted from quarries around the world—Kafka Granite owns a number of them across North America. While our business isn’t nearly as old as the rocks that we crush into specialty aggregates, our decades in the industry have shown us that there are nearly endless uses for natural stone. The material is ideal for thin stone veneer products, where all the color variations of a stone can be put on display. Natural stone can also be used in the creation of retaining walls, accent pieces, pathway mixes, and a whole host of other applications. 

Incorporate the Beauty of Natural Stone Into Your Project

Whether you’re an architect seeking a solution for a large commercial project or a designer planning out a rustic, farmhouse-style home, Kafka Granite has the right product for your unique needs. We’re eager to help you find the ideal natural stone product for your project. Contact us today to speak to a knowledgeable sales representative.

The Unique Geology of Wisconsin

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Though Kafka Granite sources stone from quarries across the continent, we’re proud to call Wisconsin our home—and the wellspring of many of our beautiful products. But what, exactly, makes this great state the perfect spot for our business? 

Essentially, it’s all in the geology of the area. We’ve put together an overview of the thousands of years of history and natural forces that have made Wisconsin’s geology so unique today. Read on to learn more about this fascinating state.

Wisconsin Stone Over the Centuries

Wisconsin’s uncommon geology didn’t happen in a year—or even a century. It took hundreds of thousands of years for Earth’s cooling and heating patterns to transform the area into what it is today. More specifically, we have glaciers to thank for the vast majority of Wisconsin’s mineral deposits and topography.

The Wisconsin Glaciation

About every 100,000 years, the planet goes through a long period of cooling, followed by a shorter period of warmth. The last occurrence of this cycle, known as the Wisconsin Glaciation, began about that long ago—with the Laurentide Ice Sheet advancing across North America. Large swaths of Wisconsin became covered in ice, which was diverted and interrupted by the natural topography of the area. 

It took thousands of years for the ice to halt its approach and for the glaciers and sheets to melt or retreat from Wisconsin, but that slow process left us with a natural landscape unlike anything else seen in U.S. geology. The shrinking Laurentide Ice Sheet left behind the many lakes and rivers that characterize parts of the state, as well as a wide variety of glacially deposited minerals—the very minerals that create many of the colors in Kafka Granite’s collection!

A Wealth of Minerals

Wisconsin contains deep deposits of iron and other ores, which have characterized the state—just look at the University of Wisconsin’s mascot, Bucky Badger, an homage to the local lead miners of the early to mid-1800s. But you can also find deposits of minerals and gemstones from A to Z across the length of the state. Quartz and calcite are just two extremely common finds.

Decomposed Granite in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s unique geologic makeup, coupled with thousands of years of natural erosion, also resulted in large deposits of decomposed granite (DG) throughout the state. When feldspar, one of the main components of granite, breaks down, it results in flaking, crumbling material that can be further crushed for projects like pathways and baseball fields. Wisconsin boasts a variety of hues of naturally occurring decomposed granite, from bold reds to vibrant golds.

Decomposed granite mining is limited to certain geographical locations throughout the country, but Wisconsin is particularly rich in this material. Today, DG is extracted from the ground, then sent through a screening process. If needed, this natural resource can be crushed to specific sizes and gradations to meet specifications for a particular mix or project. 

What Does Wisconsin’s Geology Mean to Kafka Granite?

Thanks to the rich landscape created by the last Ice Age, Wisconsin offers an invaluable variety of materials, from natural round boulders to crushed quartz, granite, and marble in a startling range of colors. This selection enabled the rapid growth of Kafka Granite—because we were able to source and acquire so many different colors quickly, and in close proximity to our home base.

A Variety of Colors and Stone Products

This level of variety is not normal in much of the country. Head to another state, and you’ll see nothing but gray limestone for miles. Some areas of the country may not have any granite at all, or may only have one such deposit. It’s not easy to source all of these colors if you’re in the middle of Kentucky, for example. 

Wisconsin’s geology—and that of its surrounding states—allows Kafka Granite to source materials like black, pink, and gray granite, or gray limestone, all within 200 miles. In Pennsylvania, you’ll find more gray granite than you can use, but you won’t find the same range of other products and colors. 

It’s that level of convenience that has allowed us to meet the needs of architects, designers, and stonemasons around the country. In fact, about 85 percent of our colors are sourced from Wisconsin or the Upper Peninsula. 

We have an immense variety of naturally occurring materials, which you can even pick up on from the comfort of your car. The next time you’re in the area, take a drive around the state—notice the shoulders of the road, which are created from whatever stone is locally abundant. You’ll see shades like purple, gray, and green, all of which will tell you that there’s an abundance of stone that color in the area. Around our facility, you’ll notice plenty of gray and black granite.

Natural Stone Products From Kafka Granite

We’re immensely proud of the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit that has made Kafka Granite a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty aggregates and other building products. Clearly, beautiful, rugged Wisconsin has played a pivotal role in the growth of our company over the years. Not only is it home to our crushing facility; but Wisconsin’s geology means that it offers plenty of natural resources and mineral deposits to satisfy the high demand for unique colors and products.

If you’re looking for natural stone products in a wide variety of colors and sizes, you’ve come to the right place. Contact Kafka Granite today to speak to a knowledgeable sales rep about your project.