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What Is Hardscape Construction?

May 13, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Landscape design consists of two main components. Softscape design consists of elements that are fluid and change as they age. In comparison, hardscape is about solid and unchanging elements that make up the landscape.

So what really is hardscape construction about? Well, hardscape refers to the immobile parts of an architectural structure that make up the exterior. The land is paved and topped with other building materials to create an outdoor space. During hardscape construction, professionals like asphalt paving companies pave the area and enhance its features using large slabs of building material to create an exterior.

Why Do We Need Hardscape Construction?

Hardscape landscaping is extremely important for any architectural structure. Unlike softscaping which adds aesthetic appeal, hardscape construction adds structure, sturdiness and organization to any building or structure.

It helps to hold the building materials together and shapes architecture to form a livable space. In other words, hardscape construction enhances and strengthens the foundation of a building.

The Features of Hardscape Construction

The features of hardscape design are usually permanent and never-changing. These are features that are hard to touch and are taken care of by professionals.

For example, rock design, patios and decks, water features, driveways, pavements and walkways are some examples of hardscape construction. In comparison, the softscape features like plants, bushes or shrubbery can be uprooted and replanted, categorizing themselves as movable.

What Materials Are Used In Hardscape Construction?

Unlike softscaping where bushes, shrubbery, and other soft aesthetic materials are used, hardscape is different.

As the word suggests, the material used is hard. Solid stone, bricks, concrete, tiles, rocks, gravel and wood are some of the materials utilized in hardscape construction.

What Are The Main Areas Involved In Hardscape Construction?

In hardscaping, the exterior of a home is the central focus. Hardscape construction, therefore, caters to any exterior structures of a home or building.

For example, if you’re looking to construct a patio or re-do your driveway, or even construct a mini waterfall at the end of your garden, you will hire a contractor that deals in hardscape construction.

The Professionals Involved In Hardscaping

Taken care of by trained professionals, hardscape construction is no easy task. The designing is quite complex and to ensure that a structure is fully functional and strong, professionals undergo rigorous training.

While softscaping can be taken care of by homeowners or even semi-professional gardeners, Hardscaping is a different story. Some of the most common professionals who take care of hardscape construction are driveway pavers, patio pavers, and driveway contractors.

Hardscape construction can also add aesthetic value to your home or property. In fact, the better the construction, the better the value.

When constructing or renovating new or existing properties, it’s essential to plan the hardscape quite well. It’s also essential to use the right material that will fare through climate and wear and tear.

A great hardscape is indeed an important component of architecture! To learn more about hardscaping, give the experts at JJW Brick a call today! We can answer any questions that you may have, and would love the opportunity to help you on your next hardscaping project this summer! We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS. We look forward to your call!

Everything You Need to Know About Retaining Walls

May 13, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Retaining walls, can be found at both residential and commercial properties but somehow remain unnoticed. These walls, can serve as a valuable extension to your outdoor living spaces. Retaining walls provide support to other architectural features like sidewalks and patios. In this post, we discuss everything that you need to know about retaining walls.

What Are the Benefits of Retaining Walls?

The warm spring season is the perfect time when you can invest in hardscaping or landscaping projects. If you want to add a focal point to your home, you might want to have a retaining wall first. Here are some key benefits of having a retaining wall on your property.

Provides Support

If your property has slopes or is situated in a hilly area, the best thing you can do it to have a retaining wall. The best thing about having a retaining wall is that is keeps the soil in its place and keeps it from entering your home. During a rainstorm, the soil can easily landslide into your home, causing a mess and more clean-up that you shouldn’t have to worry about.

Ads to the Aesthetics

Apart from being an excellent support system, a retaining wall adds to the aesthetics of your property. It enhances the overall look of your property. Its visual appeal depends heavily upon the material it has been built with. A retaining wall can serve as a focal point of your exterior living space and allows you to add other features around it.

Extra Space

By adding a retaining wall to your landscape you can add more features, and also make room for fun activities on your property. Another interesting feature of using a retaining wall is its ability to turn a slope into a flat surface. Flat pieces of land can be used as perfect gardening sites where plants can be grown. A retaining wall can be used for a beautiful summer garden where exotic and colorful flowers can be cultivated with lush green grass. Not only does a retaining wall beautify your space but also increase its functionality.

How to Build a Retaining Wall?

When it comes to the construction of a retaining wall, the contractor must first lay the base material in order to build a surface over it. To construct a retaining wall that is long lasting and strong, around 10% of the wall will have to stay beneath the ground. In order to avoid erosion, the drainage stone needs to be installed around 4 feet behind the retaining wall. The excavated slope should be as stable as possible, so as to ensure a longer life for the retaining wall. In order to keep the property safe, the backfill must have the proper wall materials.

How Many Kinds of Retaining Walls Are There?

Following are three of the most common types of retaining walls.

Natural Stone

This material works best with smaller walls and provides your walls with a natural look.

Segmented Retaining Walls/ Brick Retaining Walls

These walls are made up of building blocks that interlock with one another and fortify the structure of the wall.

Wood Timbers

This material too provides natural aesthetics and works well with smaller walls. However, unlike stone this wood will rot overtime.

If you want to extend and beautify you exterior living space with a retaining wall, call JJW Brick today! We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS and would love to answer any questions about adding or replacing a retaining wall at your home this summer!

4 Best Hardscaping Ideas for Your Home

April 26, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

The term “hardscaping “refers to the non-living elements of a landscape. This includes, in particular, sidewalks, patios and brick paving. Depending on the type of your home, hardscaping can be formal or informal. Using only one texture can be dull and boring. Similarly, using too many textures can make the area appear cluttered. So how do you find the balance?

Here are some hardscaping ideas to enhance the beauty of your outdoors.

1. Build a Patio

Regardless of what season it is, a patio never seizes to be of use. It provides you with a space where you can sit, eat and relax. It allows you to have fun parties and gathering with family and friends. Everyone likes to make use of their backyard space but unfortunately some houses are built on a slope. If you have such a house, then a split patio can help. A split patio can be divided into levels. One level can have an outdoor kitchen whereas you can have a fire pit on the next one.

2. Paver Driveways and Walkways

Do you want something stronger than a driveway or a walkway made out of asphalt or concrete? Consider using brick paving. Brick paving is the perfect patio material for people who want to have a stone-like look to their patios yet do not want to skimp on functionality and durability. Brick paving has the ability to sustain heavy loads and not get damaged. It is easy to repair and maintain. Even if it gets damaged the repair process is cheap and does not consume too much time. Brick pavers are slip resistant and are completely safe to walk on even if they are wet.

3. Add Water Features

One of the most effective ways of adding some flavor to your outdoor space is the addition of water features. The presence of water features enhances the serene and tranquil effect of the whole place. A pond with small fish or a small swimming pool can do wonders when it comes to outdoor landscaping. The presence of water can make your backyard appear as a mini oasis. Water features can make your outdoor space appear inviting and hospitable.

4. Outdoor Kitchen

This feature never goes out of style. An outdoor kitchen works best during the summer season when you plan barbeques with your friends and family. It can extend your living space and add an intimate feel to it. Adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard can come in handy during picnics as well. It spares you the hassle of running inside to grab things from the kitchen.

If you want your outdoors to be appealing and comfortable, then follow the above mentioned tips promptly or contact our experts at JJW Brick today! We would love to answer any questions you may have regarding any hardscape designs. We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS. Call us today!

Brick Paving Stone Makeovers Can Increase Property Value – Here’s How

February 22, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

What could be better for homeowners than a home remodeling project that actually pays back? While paving stones are commonly used to improve a house’s appearance, they can actually increase the worth of the properties in which they are introduced.

There are several ways you can use brick pavestones to decorate your house and increase its worth at the same time.

More commonly used in driveways to make homes look welcoming and pristine, brick paving stones are also used in making entryways and creating brick pavestone borders around swimming pools. Brick paving stones add to the attractiveness and beauty of the places they are used at.

A lot of homes even have their patios given a paving stone makeover. Who knew something as basic as adding pavestones can actually compel you to cook and spend a relaxing time with the family without having to spend to go to lavish places or staying indoors?

Pavers are known to add a welcoming element and lovely appeal to outdoor areas. However, increasing the beauty of your home and its exterior isn’t the only benefit that these brick pavestones have to offer. They even increase home value like no other remodeling job can.

Here are some benefits of giving your home a brick paving stone makeover.

Benefits of Brick Paver Makeover

Well, who wouldn’t like to get a higher property value when it’s time to resell their home? That’s exactly what paving stones do for you.

Your home’s exterior creates the first impression on everyone who visits you and this includes prospective buyers. Beautiful walkways, driveways, patios, and swimming pools adorned with brick pavestones tend to compel buyers to make a purchase before someone else calls dibs. Buyers will be ready to buy your property at a higher rate because of both added beauty due to paving stones and increased demand.

Even if you don’t intend to sell your home right now, giving the exterior a paving stone makeover is a good idea. It’ll give you and your family a designated area to have some quality time together whenever needed.

Brick Paver Options

When opting to give your home a pavestone makeover, you have a variety of stone styles and textures to choose from including embossed stone, tumbled stone, cobblestone, and flagstone. Moreover, you also get to choose from an amazing range of neutral stone colors such as earth tones, cream brown, charcoal gray, terracotta brown, sandstone and so on.

You can even choose to create a mix-and-match pattern using different types of stone colors or textures. The stones can then be arranged in a random pattern, a geometrical design, or any other way you like. With paving stones, you can satiate all your wild creativity cravings!

Installing brick paving stones is nothing short of a full-flash investment. Don’t forget to get professional help regarding their maintenance and installation. In case you are already on the lookout, our experts at JJW Brick are waiting to serve you. Connect now by giving us a call at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

How to Design a Spectacular Outdoor Kitchen

February 1, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Outdoor kitchen has a certain charm that you can’t deny. Now that the summer season is almost upon us, it is time to pack up those jackets and say hello to the sun. One of the things that are amazing about summer is the thrill of preparing your food outside. Well, frankly speaking, we love cooking outdoors whether it is summer or winter.

The cool breeze, the smell of firewood, and the amazing outdoor environment will elevate everyone’s spirits. Are you ready to enjoy this pure bliss as well? How about you invest in an outdoor kitchen?

The sheer number of ideas on outdoor kitchen can easily overwhelm you. Lucky for you, we are here for you. This helpful guide will help you design the most spectacular outdoor kitchen.

Keep Your Budget in Mind

The first thing you have to do is set up a budget for the hardscape. Are you going to get brick pavers or stamped concrete? What kind of design are you going to go for? The prices of different materials vary. Not to mention the maintenance costs.

Hire a professional contractor to help you figure out which design or material will fall under your budget.

Appliances

Once you have figured out the budget, it is time for you to move on to more exciting things – appliances. You have to decide what kind of appliances is necessary for your outdoor kitchen. The first thing to choose is the grill. There are multiple choices for that, so look around a bit before you make the final decision.

Also, keep the environment in mind. If you live in a humid environment, select the appliances that will work well with it. Don’t forget to get a cooler for the drinks. No one likes hot beer.

Don’t Forget the Roof Covers

Roof covers are a necessity for an outdoor kitchen. They allow you to extend the grilling time even when it is pouring rain outside. Not to mention the fact that you will have the chance to enjoy great food with an amazing view of the rain. When you have a roof cover, you will not have to shift your party indoors because of rain or drizzle. Make sure you have an electric heater so that you will remain comfy when it is chilly out.

Seating Arrangement

Have you thought about the seating arrangement for your outdoor kitchen? Will you get a dining table or opt for a bar seating? They are both a great idea. A dining table is perfect for an intimate evening with your family. You can have a candlelight dinner and enjoy the warm summer breeze.

If you like to host BBQ parties and invite a lot of people over, then the bar setting would be the perfect choice for you. You can all sit by the countertop and enjoy steaks with beer while having a lively conversation.

Make sure you look into the logistics and permits before you start working on your kitchen. Once you are through that, you can break ground on your dream outdoor kitchen. If you’re looking for a professional hardscape company, give JJW Brick a call today. We would love to meet with you to discuss your dream outdoor kitchen! Our number is 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

All You Need to Know About Hardscape Design

January 29, 2019 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

If you are unsure what hardscape design is, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about hardscape design. Before we move any further, let us begin by telling you what hardscape design really is.

The permanent structural elements of your house’s landscape are the hardscape. Sheds, decks, walls, arbors, patios, paths, and walkways all come under hardscape. The hardscape design of your house can beautify your property and increase its curb appeal.

Styles

The style of your hardscape depends on your preference as well as your budget. Some people go towards brick, while others prefer stamped concrete. Stones and marble are also very popular materials for hardscape design. All these materials differ in texture, price, and look. The material you choose will define the ambiance of your house. Make sure that the material you choose matches your house’s existing features.

Select Your Design Preference

There are two types of designs you can choose from – naturalistic and formal. The formal design is symmetrical to the last stone, while the naturalistic design allows you to combine different ideas into a single hardscape design.

The selection depends solely on your personal preference.

Hire a Professional

Once you have selected the design and the materials, it is time for you to hire a professional to execute your ideas. You can make a rough draft to show your contractors the design you are looking for.

Remember, don’t hop on the DIY train. If you are not experienced in hardscape design, you may end up ruining the exterior of your house, costing you time as well as money.

Don’t Forget the Softscape

When you are planning your house’s hardscape design, remember to keep the softscape in mind as well. Let us start by telling you what softscape is. the plants, soils, and flowers make the softscape.

In order to make your house the best in the neighborhood, you have to balance out the hardscape and the softscape. You have to keep the visual appeal in mind. too much softscape can steal attention away from your hardscape design, while too much hardscape will not give your house the welcoming and green look you are looking for.

Your contractor will be able to guide you on how to balance the hardscape and the softscape of your house so that they may complement each other.

Maintenance

To order to increase the lifespan of your hardscape design, it is essential that you keep an eye on the maintenance. The maintenance of your hardscape depends on the material you choose. However, here are some general guidelines that will help you maintain your hardscape:

Keep the hardscape clean and free from debris
Don’t let the snow and ice settle
Clean the stains before they have a chance to set
Regularly inspect for signs of erosion and cracks

Now that you know all about hardscape designs, are you ready to beautify your house? Perfect! Give JJW Brick a call today. 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS; we look forward to hearing from you!

Improve Your House’s Curb Appeal With Hardscape Design

December 21, 2018 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Being a homeowner, you must always be looking for new ways to make your house more beautiful and improve its curb appeal. Decorating the interior of your house is not enough, you have to make the exterior attractive as well. One of the ways to do that is by installing a new and beautiful walkway as it as a great way to improve the hardscape of your house.

An elegant walkway will give your house the curb appeal it deserves. Trust us, your house will be the most beautiful one in the entire neighborhood.

How to Get Started

Now that you have made the decision on improving the look of your house with hardscape design, it is time to get started. The first thing that you have to do is select a material for the walkway. There are several different materials you can choose. Each varies in texture, durability, maintenance, and price. Choosing the material is a personal choice. You can choose the one that describes your personality or matches the overall look of your property. If you already have a hardscape design, maybe you can choose the same material for the walkway. Remember to set your budget as the prices for the material and installation vary from one another.

A few materials you can choose from are gravel, marble, brick, natural stone, and concrete. Once you have chosen the material, you can start working on the design.

Choosing the Design

When it comes to design, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many choices and ideas that homeowners often get confused. You can seek help from professionals to guide you in this process. They can tell you what design will suit your property best and give you the oomph factor you are looking for.

It is important that your walkway matches the décor and design of your current hardscape. You don’t want it to be the odd one out. That is why it is important that you get assistance from professionals.

Installation

Being a homeowner, you must have a certain look in your mind on how the finished walkway should look like. Residents often believe that they are the only ones who will be able to execute that look and decide to go the DIY route.

Let us stop you right there because it is not a good idea. One mistake and the entire project can go down the drain. When it comes to hardscape design, you should always turn to professionals. They have knowledge and expertise on how to construct the perfect walkway. Not only will this save you time, but also your hard-earned money.

Don’t Forget the Surroundings

Once your hardscape design is complete, start thinking on how you can make it even more appealing. Well, we are here to help you out with that as well.

You can add bushes, plants, and colorful flowers to make your walkway more appealing. You can even light it up using solar lighting. That way, your walkway will be bright in the night as well as in the morning.

Are you ready to improve your house’s curb appeal with hardscape design? Great! Give JJW Brick a call today! You can reach us at our office at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

Selecting from the Best Variety of Hardscape Materials

October 26, 2018 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

We know that hardscape elements are just as essential as softscape elements in your garden. With just the right balance of both the elements, you can enhance the whole look of your garden.

The hardscape in your garden can be light or heavy, informal or formal, small or big, natural or man-made. The point is, there has to be some hardscape in your garden in order to add dimension to it and for decorative purposes. A garden without hardscape looks as if something vital is missing. With a patio, pool surround, walkway, gazebo, and a variety of rocks and stones, your garden can become a highlight of your neighborhood.

When it comes to choosing from the variety of hardscape materials, homeowners often get confused. However, this article will help them select the most ideal variety for their gardens.

1. Bricks

Brick is the oldest hardscape material used to make walls, structures, and pathways in gardens. With bricks, homeowners can give their gardens a vintage look. The best thing about using brick hardscape is that it can make the surface look formal or informal. It means homeowners can use bricks to provide either formal or informal look to their gardens.

2. Composite Decking

Decking that’s not made of either wood or aluminum is called composite decking. The best feature of this type of decking is that it’s highly durable. Aside from that, composite decking has other benefits as well, like it resists mold growth, it is insect repellant, it won’t splinter, it provides perfect traction, and it doesn’t have to be sanded. This eco-friendly hardscape material is made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, which is why it can be expensive for homeowners on a budget.

3. Concrete

Nobody wants the plain gray colored concrete in their gardens. Our suggestion would relate to stained, textured, and stamped concrete that can be embedded with a variety of other materials like sea glass and pebbles. All in all, concrete can provide a high-end look to your garden if that’s what you’re looking for. Don’t make the mistake of thinking gray, plain concrete is the only option.

4. Small Stones

Small stones actually fall under the category of loose hardscape material, which also includes recycled glass, gravel, pebbles, and Mexican river rocks. Mostly used for decorative purposes, stones, and rocks can make your garden look extremely elite.

5. Natural Stone and Flagstone

Flagstone and natural stone is an amazing variety that can add value to courtyards, patios, and other outdoor areas that need hardscaping. Neatly cut and geometric shapes of flagstone provide the exterior of a house a more formal look, while irregular pieces provide a more artistic look.

6. Tiles

Tile is also a hardscape material that has been around for centuries. Tiled patios and courtyards are quite common because of the unique look they provide, especially if you’ve used small tiles with artistic designs.

7. Wood

Homeowners love to build outdoor decks with wood. The variety of wood available is quite diverse. You can get local wood that is more affordable than the imported variety of exotic hardwood. If you want to add a rich and warm look to the exterior of your house, then nothing works better than wood.

These seven hardscape materials can provide distinct looks to your garden, and all of these looks are appealing. Depending on your unique taste, you can choose from these hardscape materials to add a touch of class and beauty to your garden. For more details about hardscape materials, contact JJW Brick today. Please give us a call at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

What Is A Hardscape?

September 21, 2018 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

The non-living features of landscapes are called hardscape. They can include a pergola, brick patio, wood arbor, stone wall, or fountain. They are decorative or practical structures that can enhance the landscape. It creates a sense of organization and functionality in the garden and provides some definition to the surrounding area of the home.

Types of Hardscape

There are lots of different things you can do with the landscape around your home.

Common Hardscape Elements

There are many ways in which hardscape can enhance your home and surrounding landscape such as:

Concrete patios are a versatile and a low maintenance option to install in the yard space
Brick patios can give the garden a more natural and elegant look
Tile patios can be a great upgrade for concrete slabs
Flagstone patios offer a natural stone floor at a low cost
Stone walkways are perfect as a path in the garden
For a softer look, gravel paths can be used as an alternative to solid stone, concrete, or brick
Metal Fences can give a modern and sleek look. An option to coated steel is iron
Wooden fences give a rustic look and are a versatile option
Wooden decks can be a great place to have a hot mug of coffee
Stone retaining walls can be a creative option to grow small plants
Beautiful outdoor steps can be created from heavier stone slabs
Pergolas can be a beautiful fixture to read or enjoy a meal in

Water Fixtures in Hardscape

Water fixtures can be quite calming and relaxing to have in your garden. They create a more natural setting for the area. They include a large variety like:

Stone fountains that give an authentic setting
Ceramic fountains that can create a more modern look
Ponds with beautiful wildlife like fish, birds, and frogs
Clay pot fountains that provide an aesthetic look
Waterfalls that make a soothing sound in the background
Spa options like a rock hot tub can be very relaxing

Fire Elements in Hardscape

It can be a great evening if you sit around a crackling fire and enjoy. Different fire elements encourage a different kind of mood so you can choose the one you prefer from the following:

Fire pits that encourage great memories of making s’mores
Fire grills that influence outdoor cooking and great BBQs
Fire tables that set the mood for a relaxing evening
Fireplaces that are romantic fixtures in the garden

Hardscape Projects

Completing hardscape projects can be hard work since dividing the landscape properly is a tough job. Make sure you attempt to start hardscape projects in favorable weather otherwise such projects can be very demanding.

Some projects can also be very labor intensive and require hard manual work. They may also require heavy equipment to install properly. It can be costly to install such elements if make mistakes. Make sure you hire a good team to execute the task or learn how to complete it properly on your own.

Give us a call at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS today!

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