Artificial rock features can consist of many different shapes, sizes and textures. One of the more popular rock accents is the speaker cover, an artificial hollow rock that can cover your outdoor speakers to provide a natural-looking feel to your outdoor area. The speaker music is easily dispersed from the rock, as it usually will have a screened circle. Another artificial rock accent idea may be rocks that are placed to highlight a garden area. Some gardens look better with a large artificial boulder in the middle, usually a nod to a more mountain-inspired garden design.
Artificial rocks can also be used for storage. Most artificial rocks can be used to store gardening items outdoors, under the hollow rocks. These come in different sizes and shapes to store different materials; these artificial storage ideas are a helpful way to disguise gardening tools. There are also some successful tools to cover up the eyesores in your yard. You may also decide to use artificial rocks in your swimming pool or backyard fountain. In this respect, custom rock designs are best.
Artificial rocks can be made up of many different materials and come in different colors. Most hollow artificial rocks are made of fiberglass. The fiberglass is lighter and thinner, easy for transporting the artificial rocks. Other rocks can actually be made out of recycled asphalt and are colored with different paints and/or powders to make the asphalt look realistic. The artificial asphalt rocks can be easy to make yourself, however, they are not hollow and they can be very heavy to transport.
Colors in all artificial rocks include sandstone, gray, lichen covered, dark brown or even red. Take into considerations the native surrounding rocks to choose the most appropriate rock color for your yard.
You may decide on an artificial rock waterfall, pond or other water feature. An artificial rock waterfall is usually used to create a small, well-designed waterfall that directs water down a preformed hollow of the waterfall. The artificial rocks are better disguised by the water, as well as any nearby plants. The artificial rock waterfall also can be hollow; the rocks have an empty space underneath them, so the water pump can be hidden from view. Some landscaping companies prefer using asphalt to create a slope for the waterfall, using wire in between the concrete to stabilize it. Shape and mold the asphalt to fit the waterfall's specifications, including making small pools for the water to fill and overflow from. Use techniques from the artificial rock composition section to create a realistic effect with the asphalt. An artificial rock pond is best for ponds that are without lining, using the rocks for a pond bottom. The rocks can also be used around the pond, highlighting the water feature further.