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Metro Detroit Brick Paver Gives Paver Patio Ideas

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Summer is just around the corner, and you may be thinking about getting a new brick patio paver for your outdoor living space. With endless pattern and color options, it can be overwhelming to choose the best design or style. To help you get started, here are some brick paver designs to inspire you.

Mix Patterns & Colors Why settle for just one pattern or color when you can mix and match? Try combining contrasting border colors with a Herringbone pattern for a unique look. You can also mix different materials, such as concrete, brick, and natural stone, for added texture and interest. A professional Metro Detroit brick paver contractor can help you create a custom design that complements your yard and home.

Add an Outdoor Fire Pit or Fireplace Extend your summer nights with an outdoor fire pit or fireplace. Choose the one that suits your preference, whether it’s a cozy, intimate setting with a fireplace or a social atmosphere with a fire pit. A fireplace provides privacy, while a fire pit allows for a campfire-like experience. Either way, a source of warmth is an excellent addition to your patio.

Add a Seat Wall A seat wall is a functional and aesthetic addition to your patio. It serves as a seating area for your guests and provides a beautiful border for your outdoor living space. If you opt for a fire pit, install the seat wall around it to create a comfortable and inviting space.

Add Landscaping Features Enhance the beauty of your patio with landscaping features such as shrubs and flowers. Consider adding a wall surrounding the outer part of the patio to create space for these elements. This addition will take your outdoor living space to a higher level and make your home more appealing.

In conclusion, a beautiful and functional patio can elevate your home’s appearance and provide a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space. These designs are just the beginning. Consult with a professional Metro Detroit Brick Paver for further guidance on the best design to implement for your home.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

If you have any questions regarding brick pavers or brick paver lighting, contact us today.  Please feel free to give JJW Brick a call today for your Metro-Detroit, MI home.  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We hope to hear from you soon!

NOTE:  JJWBrick.com is owned and operated by PMS Brick Pavers — We’re the Guys

5 Tips for Fall Paver Maintenance in Michigan

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Fall has arrived in Michigan, bringing along with-it vibrant colors and natural beauty to your outdoor living space.  The cooling temperatures are a perfect reminder that it’s time to do some maintenance on your hardscape products outside your home before the harsh winter arrives in a few short weeks.

If you kept up with our blog over the years, you have learned that brick pavers don’t require much maintenance if you have maintained them properly over the years.  Here is our paver maintenance guide to keep your outdoor living space looking and feeling like new.

Apply Sealers

The basic rule of thumb for reapplying paver sealer is every 3 – 5 years.  Remember, your outdoor living space was an investment, and you want to keep the surfaces looking beautiful for years to come.  Over time pavers may lose the initial color so, making sure they are sealed will help keep the color bright.  Sealing your pavers prevents dirt, mildew, mold, and other substances off your pavers.  If you decide to apply sealer, we do recommend that you place soft pads on any patio furniture to minimize scratching and possible rusting if you have metal furniture.

Blow or Sweep

We recommend that throughout the fall season, you make it a point to blow or sweep leaves off your pavers.  If left on your pavers for extended periods, it is possible that the dead leaves can seriously stain your brick pavers if not removed.

Remove Outdoor Furniture

Leaving your furniture out year-long could be hard on your brick pavers.  Over time pavers can sink and settle in spots which can cause your patio to drain poorly and create issues for snow removal.   Furniture should be moved to a place where settling and heaving will be minimal.

Pull Weeds

Weeds in between brick pavers are not only unsightly but can also cause structural damage to your brick pavers.  With proper maintenance, you can prevent this from occurring.  If you find you have a considerable number of weeds growing in your pavers it could be that your pavers were installed improperly to include the contractor not using polymetric sand.  Without proper maintenance you can expect some weeds to grow over time.  Searching the internet you will find several techniques for removing weeds from hand pulling, boiling water, and organic herbicides, to using a weed torch.  Research the best solution that fits your budget and the environment.

Fill the Paver Joints

Polymetric sand is the recommended material to use between your pavers.  The joints that are created from it are even and durable.   It also reduces or eliminates any risk of weeds growing along with ant infestation between your pavers.  When combined with sealing, this is a great solution to keeping your pavers firmly in place and looking pristine.

If you have any questions regarding brick paver sanding, sealing, and maintenance, give us a call today.  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  JJW Brick is owned by PMS Brick Pavers, We’re The Guys, located in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Here’s What You Should Know Before Getting an Outdoor Fireplace

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Every homeowner devotes a lot of time and effort to do their indoors. However, only a very few homeowners devote an equal amount of time to their outdoor space even when outdoor spaces offer so much scope in terms of what they can convert into as well as how they can increase the value of any property. One simple addition that can amplify your home’s curb appeal, as well as value, is a fireplace. A fireplace is a perfect outdoor space addition if you stay in an area that experiences long winters and you often have guests over. A fireplace is an investment that will certainly bring in returns. In this article, we discuss important things to consider when deciding to install an outdoor fireplace.

Here’s What You Should Know Before Getting a Fireplace

Getting a fireplace may seem like the easiest decision to make but there are important considerations to be taken into account. Here are a few things you should think about before getting a fireplace.

Decide the Type of Fireplace You Want

Once you decide to get an outdoor fireplace, the first thing you must decide is the type of fireplace you want. Wood and gas-burning fireplaces are the two most common choices. Gas-burning fireplaces require no permits and also cause less harm. However, the traditional wood fireplaces add a certain rustic charm that gas fireplaces cannot emulate. This is the reason why most homeowners prefer to go for wood fireplaces over gas-burning fireplaces. If you have decided to get a fireplace, do some research about the kind of fireplace that will work for you before committing to any one type.

Decide the Function You Want Your Fireplace to Perform

Getting clarity on what function you want your fireplace to perform will allow you to choose the right fireplace for you. It is important to answer important questions, such as: how much space do you have to install the fireplace? What function do you want the fireplace to perform? If you have a huge outdoor space and you want a fireplace to keep your large gatherings warm, you will have to invest in a big two-sided fireplace suitable for large spaces. However, if your backyard is small and you want a fireplace to keep an intimate gathering warm, even a medium or small-sized fireplace will do.

Your Fireplace Should Complement Your Home’s Interiors and Exteriors

Yet another important thing to keep in mind while designing a fireplace is that it is crucial to choose a design that complements the aesthetics as well as the interiors of your home. For instance, if the rest of your house has been done on traditional lines, the fireplace you choose must also be traditional so that it goes well with the rest of the house. Similarly, if you have chosen to go with clean and minimalist interiors, adding an over-imposing fireplace will actually destroy your home’s curb appeal. In case you decide to opt for a contrast between traditional interiors and contemporary fireplace, we recommend you to work with a home improvement expert. Creating the right contrast is always a tricky task and thus, homeowners can benefit from the opinion of experts.

Last, Ask Yourself: Do You Want Your Fireplace to Be Simply an Addition or Your Outdoor’s Focal Point?

This is an important question. When it comes to choosing a focal point for your outdoor living space, the options are many: fountains, statues, floral pedestals, etc. You can also use a fireplace as your outdoor focal point. However, if you choose to do that, you will have to make sure that the whole space is functional and your home’s outdoors has all the installations your fireplace would need.

Conclusion

A fireplace can accentuate your home’s curb appeal as well as functionality. However, the decision. to get a fireplace is one that should not be taken in a hurry — think well, do your research, get answers, and only then invest.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about installing an outdoor fireplace.  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

Tips for Maintaining Your Brick Paver Pool Deck

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Summer is upon us and with it comes the hot weather that is best spent at the beach or the pool. If you’re lucky enough to own a pool, you’re probably aware that owning a pool isn’t all luxury. Owning a pool can be hard work. Between the regular cleanings, staying on top of chlorine levels, and adding shock, owning a pool can be a project in and of itself. Maintaining your brick paver pool deck doesn’t have to be

Benefits of a Brick Paver Pool Deck

When it comes to deciding what type of pool decking material to go with, brick pavers stand out above other options. Opting for a brick paver pool deck allows you to completely customize the look of your pool. Brick pavers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors that allow you to create the backyard oasis of your dreams. Aesthetics aside, brick pavers are a durable option that ensures that your pool deck will be a great addition for years to come.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of having a brick paver pool deck is the added safety of its slip-resistant surface. Brick pavers are textured to allow a better grip on wet surfaces. This added texture can give you the peace of mind that when your children go back and forth between the pool that they won’t be as likely to slip and fall due to a slick surface.

So What Exactly Goes Into Maintaining Your Brick Paver Pool Deck?

Even the best pool deck will need a little maintenance to keep it in great shape throughout the years. The good news is that maintaining your brick paver pool deck is relatively simple.  Here are a few tips that will help keep your pool deck looking new for years to come.

  1. Make sure to apply sealant at least 24 hours after your brick paver pool deck has been set. Sealant is a guard against stains and discoloration that generally lasts two to three years after the initial application.
  2. If any spills occur that result in a stain, simply pressure wash them away. Your sealant should make this a quick and easy process.
  3. Routinely inspect for any cracked or broken brick pavers. If throughout the years you start to notice damaged brick pavers, it’s a simple fix.  Only the damaged bricks need to be replaced, rather than replacing your entire pool deck.
  4. Don’t forget to inspect the stairs to your pool deck if you have them. Make sure to check for broken or wobbly brick pavers on the stairs of your pool deck to prevent slips or falls.  Generally, this won’t happen for years due to the durability of the brick pavers, but it’s important to keep your pool deck and stairs up to code.

Having a brick paver pool deck is a wonderful addition to any yard that is easy to maintain.  That maintenance is made easier with the help of our brick paver repair team.  Give us a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS to learn how we can help with your brick paver pool deck maintenance.

Reasons to Choose Brick Paver Driveway over a Concrete Driveway

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A majority of homeowners choose concrete as the standard material for driveways. However, there are several downsides to using concrete for driveways. Cracks and stains are just some of the disadvantages of using concrete. On the other hand, brick paving is a durable option that can be used to make a driveway.

Here are some reasons why brick paving is a better option than concrete.

Stain Resistance

One of the most common problems with concrete is staining. If oil or some other substance spills over concrete, it will get stained for life and cleaning can be difficult. On the other hand, bricks are easy to clean. If a similar oil spill takes place on brick paving, it can be washed as bricks are not prone to staining. You can even remove the dirty bricks and replace them with new ones.

Easy Repairing

A common problem with concrete is the fact that it gets chipped and cracked. Unlike bricks, repairing concrete is difficult and expensive. It also consumes a lot of time as the whole driveway needs to be replaced. On the contrary, damaged brick paving can be repaired quite easily. All you have to do is remove the damaged bricks and install new ones in their space. Repairing brick paving is affordable and does not require time.

Slip Resistance

Wet concrete is slippery and dangerous to walk on. Slipping and falling over wet concrete can cause wounds and injuries. Bricks, on the other hand, are naturally slip-resistant. These textured and abrasive surfaces are completely safe to walk on even when they are wet. For people living in areas where it rains heavily, brick paving is the best option for a driveway.

Environmental Friendliness

If you are an individual who cares about the environment, then use brick paving for your driveway.  Concrete requires other materials to be added to its mixture before it is applied. Reusing existing materials, brick paving is a safer option for the environment. Another interesting aspect of using brick pavers is reusability. Just in case you plan to change your brick paver driveway, the bricks from your driveway can be used in another project.

Flexibility

One of the major factors that set bricks apart from concrete is flexibility. The reason why concrete cracks, is the moving and shifting of the land underneath. However, driveways made out of bricks have the ability to interlock with the ground beneath them. Unlike a slab, a collection of closely connected bricks adapts to the movement underneath and maintains a structural integrity. Concrete can never adapt to its foundation in the same way that a brick does.

Brick paver driveways are stronger than concrete driveways. They can sustain heavy loads and are slip- resistant even on rainy days. They can last for a long time and are worth the investment.

For more information on brick paver driveways, contact 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!

Benefits of Brick Pavers for the Swimming Pool Deck

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There are many different paving materials that you can use for your swimming pool deck, but they don’t come close to bricks. Brick pavers are a really popular material to make the swimming pool deck with. This is because they have multiple benefits that increase the overall value of your home. It is an ideal material for commercial and residential use since it can make your swimming pool stand out more than it already does.

Here are some major benefits that will ensure you choose brick pavers for your swimming pool deck.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Brick paving looks absolutely stunning around the swimming pool. It is a classic look that will ensure your home looks sophisticated. It is also a unique way to customize your deck. A professional builder will be able to ensure that the deck looks perfect when completed.

Long-Lasting

The biggest advantage of the brick paver is that it is a seriously cost-effective option. They are practically permanent materials that will not fade or diminish with time. They are made with natural materials that grow even more retro-looking with time.

Installing the Pool

A brick paver swimming pool deck is one of the easiest to install. You won’t have to dig a foundation or cut up planks to the right size if you choose bricks; you can even lay it directly over your old dull concrete pool deck, and it will look fantastic. Repairs will also be easy to manage as the task is pretty straightforward. It will be installed with excellent results without much effort from your side.

Maintaining the Pool

You won’t have to do much at all to ensure that your swimming pool deck stays in top-notch condition. They don’t require much maintenance since they have low absorption properties, so they act as the perfect material for swimming pools. They don’t even absorb dirt that easily and stay clean without requiring much sweeping or washing. Brick pavers are made from durable material, which means they need minimum maintenance.

Flexibility

The brick paver is also able to maintain the inter-lock format way better than concrete. Even if the underlying foundation moves with the material, the clay is flexible enough to adjust itself accordingly. It accommodates the soil, which prevents cracking or wrapping of the shape.

No Slipping

Using brick pavers for your swimming pool deck is the best idea since they provide your home with a slip-resistant surface. They reduce the risk of accidents near wet areas like the pool. The texture on the surface has abrasive qualities that increase grip. The high level of safety and security is one of the biggest reasons that homeowners prefer brick pavers.

Eco-Friendly

Brick pavers are made from natural materials like clay. This makes it an eco-friendly option since it doesn’t really hurt the environment at all. The natural properties of the finish and the color also last for a long time. This means that you don’t have to use inorganic ways to make the brick look good.

Brick pavers have several benefits that they provide to those residing in the space, which is why it is a great option for homeowners to use for their swimming pool deck.

Do make sure that you hire a professional to lay the groundwork so that you can have a lovely pool deck.  The experts at JJW Brick are waiting to build you the brick paver pool deck of your dreams.  Call us today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

Maintaining Your Clinton Township Brick Pavers This Winter

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While the first official day of winter isn’t upon us yet, the ice, snow, and cold weather are already hitting our Clinton Township homes. You may think it’s too late in the fall to have any new additions to your yard due to the weather. That simply isn’t the case.

Using brick pavers to for your new addition is a great way to boost your curb appeal during all seasons. If you choose to update the hardscape of your yard in the fall and winter months, those additions will be ready for you in the spring and summer months. Properly maintaining your brick pavers this winter is key to a smooth transition to the warmer months.

The Benefits of Choosing Brick Pavers

There are many benefits to choosing brick pavers for your new additions. Brick pavers can be used to update driveways, walkways, pool decks, patios, and more! Understanding the benefits of choosing brick pavers may help you understand why so many homeowners are choosing brick pavers for their own homes!

Brick pavers are a durable, slip-resistant material that can last for years without needing to be replaced. They are low maintenance and the repairs associated with them are often simple. In fact, in the case where a brick paver is cracked or damaged, only the damaged brick paver needs to be replaced. Other building materials require the entire structure be replaced when one area is damaged.

Another reason that homeowners choose brick pavers for their home additions is that brick pavers are customizable and can help create almost any design you desire. This beautiful and customizable building material is a great way to boost the value of your home.

Tips for Winter Maintenance

Once homeowners understand the benefits of brick pavers, they often want to do everything possible to maintain their new addition. The great news is that brick pavers are low maintenance, even in the winter months. Here are just a few tips to get help keep your brick pavers in the best condition possible this winter!

Tips for Dry Days:

  • Repair or replace damaged or broken brick pavers. Uneven surfaces can be a hazard in the winter months.
  • Remove leaves from the surface of your brick pavers. Leaves that are allowed to decompose on your brick pavers can stain and require extra work in the spring months to clean.
  • Add sealant to help protect the surface of your brick pavers.

Tips for Snowy Days:

  • Avoid using de-icing agents and use rock salt instead.
  • Use a plastic shovel when possible. Metal shovels can scratch the surface of your brick pavers.
  • Cover the blades of your snow plows and snow blowers with a plastic blade protector for added protection against scratches.

Whether you’re thinking about having a new addition placed in your Clinton Township yard or you already have one you’re trying to maintain, JJW Brick can help you with all your brick paver maintenance needs. Give us a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS to get started today!

 

 

Benefits of Using Brick Pavers for Pool Decks

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Brick pavers can look beautiful as a hardscape around the home. They are usually used to make driveways, retaining walls with small flowers and plants, cozy fireplaces and fire pits, natural patios, and gorgeous pool decks. They come in many different colors and look amazing in any home. They are highly durable, as you don’t have to replace them after some time; even their colors don’t fade over time. They have low maintenance costs, increase the value of the property, and are easy to clean. They have a lot of benefits that include:

1. They Look Amazing

Brick pool decks can look really sophisticated and classy. They present a unique way to increase the class of your whole swimming pool.

2. Colors and Varieties

They come in a lot of different patterns and sizes so you can pick the one that you like the best. Since they also come in different colors, you can choose one that fits the style of your home. They can be installed with either mortar or sand so you can pick the easiest option.

When installing brick pool decks, make sure you pick the smoother option. Around the pool, most people roam barefoot. If the brick isn’t smooth, it can be quite uncomfortable.

3. Durable

Brick pavers are essentially permanent fixtures if you use them for pool decks. They do not diminish or fade over time which keeps them at a distinct advantage. All the materials in brick pavers are completely natural made at a high temperature of 10, 000 C. This method can create little color variations in the brick, but this makes it look more natural in the landscape setting. They blend well into the area and don’t show scuffing or dirt.

4. They Don’t Absorb a Lot

When creating a pool deck, you want a material that won’t absorb a lot of water, dirt or spills. If moisture in the foundation increases, it can make the ground shift and crack. Brick pavers limit such things from happening.

5. Low Maintenance

Brick paver pool decks are really easy to look after. They don’t absorb dirt very easily so they look nice for quite some time. They are also very durable so you won’t have to invest in a lot of repairs for cracks or scuffing.

6. Easy to Fix

Brick pavers can develop a white crystalline finish. This is called efflorescence which occurs when salt rises from the ground and breaks through the surface. The sun dries and crystallizes the salt on the ground which can be very unappealing to look it. There are some readily available products you can use to remove the salt. Even scrubbing with a stiff brush or damp cloth will fix the issue.

Make sure you use a sand foundation when installing the new pool deck. This will act as a barrier against the salt and reduce any chance of this problem from occurring.

For more information about brick paver pool decks, give JJW Brick a call!  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

 

All About Brick Pavers

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Pavers are one of the most popular flooring options for nearly every type of outdoor space. Whether its patio, driveway or simple walkway, pavers can seamlessly fit into every landscape design and surface. Brick pavers come in different material and construction types.

Among the most popular options, paving bricks top the list. These masonry constructions are made of natural clay and other reinforcement materials. Home and business owners usually pick brick pavers for the construction of patios and driveways. Let’s have a look at some of the noteworthy features of patios and driveways made of brick pavers.

Patios made of brick pavers

For homeowners who want to go with classic constructions motifs for their outdoor retreats, brick pavers are deemed as the best option. Brick pavers can easily give ethnic and earthy elegance to the patio. A combination of different flowering plants and brick pavers in the patio will turn its appearance into a worldly heaven.

Driveways made of brick pavers

The brick pavers made for driveways are considerably different than the rest. Since driveways have to bear the weights of hardwearing vehicles, therefore the material used to make brick pavers are chip-proof and doesn’t get cracked easily. However, it is recommended to only go to experienced contractors for the construction of driveways of brick pavers. There is a misconception that clay-based materials can’t withstand heavy loads. However, the truth is reinforced clay constructions are equivalent in their load-bearing capacity to any other hardscape material.

Besides these two particular outdoor spaces, brick paving can be used for the construction of every type of landscaping for these benefits.

Better interlocking system

Clay-based brick pavers have a better interlocking system as compared to many hardscape materials. Clay is able to adjust itself with the underlying surface in a better manner because of its innate flexibility, which makes its constructions crack-proof.

They have non-slip characteristics

The slip-resistant feature of brick pavers is second to none. Their inherent textured surface and highly abrasive quality make them a skid and slip-resistant surface. Therefore, they are suited well for the construction of driveways. Moreover, they are also good for wet outdoor surfaces such as the surroundings of swimming pools where the slip hazard is a recurrent issue.

Easy and reasonable to install

Like other pavers, brick tiles are also easy to install. You can have them in any region of moderate weather conditions and in a considerably reasonable budget. Moreover, their installation can be completed within a single day.

An eco-friendly option

Brick pavers are an environmentally friendly option since they are made of natural clay. Their construction poses the least threat to the environment. In other words, they can be termed as a recyclable material. For all the homeowners worried about the environment, they can have an untroubled conscience with the use of brick pavers.

Color

It is also important to mention that brick pavers don’t lose their natural shade. They can resist the ultraviolet rays of the sun without receiving any discoloration.

If you want to build a brick pavers-based outdoor surface, then get in touch with JJW Brick for their expertise in such constructions.  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS

The Beauty of Paver Walkways

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The Beauty of Brick Paver Walkways

For many homeowners, a paver walkway is what makes their landscape look complete and more beautiful. The reason for this mindset is simple – a paver walkway allows people to walk through a garden easily. It’s a structure that makes it easy for homeowners and visitors to navigate the outdoor area of your house with convenience. That’s why paver walkways are considered one of the most essential elements of landscape designing.

Paver walkways provide great traction and are a more suitable option to walk around your garden instead of walking on gravel, grass, or soil. Thus, you can say that the value a paver walkway adds to your landscape is truly remarkable.

This article will inform you why a paver walkway is such a popular choice for homeowners. Continue reading to find out the benefits of a paver walkway and how it enhances the overall look of your landscape.

The Designs of Paver Walkway

Homeowners have a wide variety of designs to choose from. That’s the reason why paver walkways are the most preferred variety of walkways. Homeowners can get it designed in various patterns and even in curves to make it look more appealing.

The Popularity of Paver Walkway

Paver walkways are great for all kinds of weather. They are even great for the cities where weather condition is always fluctuating; as we experience here in Michigan. Another feature of paver walkways that makes them so popular is that they require little to minimum care. But the best thing about paver walkways is that if it gets damaged, each piece can be replaced or repaired individually without having to replace the entire walkway.

The Best Quality to Go For

The best paver walkway quality is the one that matches your taste and is designed according to each individual homeowner’s preferences.  JJW Brick makes sure that the design of a paver walkway matches the personal taste of a homeowner and it’s compatible with the existing outdoor structures. With the best and most accomplished architects and masons at your service, JJW Brick always delivers more than what homeowners expect from us in terms of design and quality.

Why You Need a Paver Walkway

The reason why homeowners must think of building a paver walkway in their garden is simple – it improves the overall functionality of the landscape and it helps you move around the outer space of your house easily without damaging the softscape elements. Another reason why homeowners opt for a paver walkway is that it’s good for making stairs on the slopes in your garden without compromising the overall look of the landscape.

Hiring JJW Brick gives you certain benefits. We have the expertise for building a paver walkway with style, one that is durable and will last longer. Our skilled architects put in their best efforts to make sure that your outdoor space looks more aesthetically appealing and one of the best in your neighborhood. For high-quality paver walkways that are durable and beautiful, contact us at 1-800-Brick-Pavers and request a quote today!

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