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What is the Connection Between Winter and Retaining Walls?

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It’s the thick of winter. You look outside and whatever you see, it typically isn’t very pretty. You’re either looking at dirty, sloppy varying sized mounds of snow, or new mounds of snow accumulating. Maybe all the snow from the previous week is letting or has melted. In that case, you’re looking at muddy puddles and a very soggy lawn. And there’s still many more week to go before that picture in your rearview mirror.

But all doesn’t have to be disheartening. Take another lookout at your lawn and property. Do you have any steep sloping areas? IF so, what would it be like if you could actually convert that area into useable outdoor living space?

Now, before you wonder where this conversation is going, there is a connection. Basically, steep slopes, wintertime and winter conditions have a connection. And that connection is through retaining walls.

What is the retaining wall-winter connection?

First of all, winter is an ideal time to design your retaining wall, as long as you work with a professional. You are advised to never embark upon a retaining wall project on your own. This is one home improvement project that truly requires a professional. If for no other reason, depending on your state’s and municipality’s codes, retaining walls over a certain height can require a building permit.

But, aside from that, retaining walls involve a great deal of digging; the soil has to be moved to the correct location. Furthermore, the expertise a retaining wall designer brings to the project is critical to the retaining wall accurately and optimally performing its function.

And, once again we come back to winter. Winter is the ideal time of year to begin designing your retaining wall. Winter is the time of year when professional landscapers, especially those who specialize in retaining walls, have much lighter schedules. Winter is their slowest time of year. This gives them the time, energy, and dedicated attention to invest in your needs, circumstances, and preferences. And, once you have completed the design, your retaining wall job is at the top of their queue when the conditions are right for breaking ground on the job.

Why should you begin designing a retaining wall this winter?

It’s all about the steep sloping area on your property.  As it is now, it’s probably not useable. But a retaining wall will create a functional, useable space that you currently don’t have. There are many functions and applications for a retaining wall on the property with a sloping section.

You can create a terrace that can support a beautiful pathway leading to either a dedicated play area or additional plants and greenery.

Also, if placed correctly, a retaining wall can serve as a seating area or bench. The wall itself can become a relaxing, lovely area for additional seating. And this can now occur in an area of your yard that otherwise would go unused and unnoticed

Schedule a Free Retaining Wall Quote Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about our hardscape services, to include retaining walls at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We hope to work with you soon!

Why Are Hardscapes A Good Investment?

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When you see hardscapes in other people’s yards and throughout their outdoor living space, what is your impression?

Do you only give them a quick glance and then move your attention to the landscaping?

Do you notice how the two – hardscapes and landscapes – complement each other and when joined together – make the home and the entire property much more appealing?

Does hardscaping capture your attention and admiration?

When you look at hardscapes, do you see their functions, or do you see their aesthetics? Or maybe a combination of both?

As you can tell from these questions, hardscapes are terrific assets to any type of yard or outdoor living space.  Consisting of features that are man-made, hardscapes range from walls, decks, and walkways to patios, driveways, and fountains.  Constructed of materials like gravel, mulch, boulders, metal, stone, wood, brick and concrete, hardscapes are diverse in their designs and styles.

And, in addition to them being the opposite of landscaping in that hardscapes aren’t “alive”, hardscapes all share one common feature – through their incorporation into the architecture of landscaping, hardscapes functionally and aesthetically complement the home.

By offering tremendous advantages, hardscapes are a wise investment for many reasons; among them are:

Hardscapes elevate the value of the property.  It is widely recognized that adding a hardscape prompts an increase in your home’s value. Essentially, through their ability to extend your complete living space, hardscapes extend the quality of living to a home. By adding functionality to more square footage, you have enhanced the value and appeal of your home when you add a hardscape. It is reported that more than 80-% of home buyers seek an outdoor patio in the home they are considering buying.

Hardscapes don’t require maintenance. Once the hardscape is designed according to your preferences and budget, it’s in place and ready to perform for you year after year without costly maintenance or excessive attention. You don’t need to trim, mow, or water a hardscape. The only attention it needs from you is your enjoyment.

Hardscapes don’t increase your water bill. Closely related to the above, because hardscape doesn’t’ require watering, they don’t cost you any additional money in terms or utilities or water.

Hardscapes can preempt problems in areas at risk of erosion. While requiring professional, effective planning, hardscaping materials can help mitigate the risk of erosion on your property. Stone or concrete barriers, for example. can help solidify your ground for many years in areas where erosion is a potential threat.

Hardscapes give your property varying levels. With edges and walkways distinctly defined, you can add new dimension and layers to your property that otherwise would appear flat and far too open to the eye.  Other ways of creating this effect through hardscaping are installing a pergola, a courtyard wall, or boundary lines composed of stone.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about hardscape at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Here’s How Hardscape Is Different from Softscape

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A home’s outdoor living space consists of two elements: hardscape and softscape. As the name suggests, hardscape refers to the hard things present in your yard, such as brick, concrete, stone, etc. Softscape, on the other hand, includes soft stuff, such as bushes, plants, trees, etc. Softscape is made of living things, whereas the hardscape consists of non-living materials. Beautiful homes are those that can strike a balance between the hardscape and softscape. People fond of cars often turn their hardscape into magnificent driveways. While these driveways may seem impressive, they give a residential property a commercial flavor. Similarly, people fond of gardening fill up their outdoor space with gigantic trees and imposing bushes and shrubs, making their home look like a jungle. It is, thus, essential to not only strike the right balance between the hardscape and softscape, but care must also be taken to ensure one is not going over the top.

What Are Some of the Hardscape Elements?

To understand the clear difference between the two, let us dig a little deeper. Here are some of the things that fall under the purview of hardscape elements.

  • Hardscape refers to hard but movable things, such as paving, gravel, stones, etc. that fill the outdoor space.
  • Hardscape constitutes inanimate and non-living objects and thus, does not change with time.
  • Different types of hardscape materials impact the environment differently. For instance, pavements and stones do not let water get soaked into the soil and thus, increase runoffs, thereby increasing the chances of contaminants entering the water streams. Porous materials, on the other hand, allow water to get soaked into the soil and thus, reduce runoffs.
  • Other than stone, gravel, and pavings, patios, gazebos, decks, outdoor kitchens, and driveways are other common hardscape elements.
  • Hardscape elements can be both natural or humanmade.

What Are Some of the Softscape Elements?

Let us try and understand a little more about softscape elements.

  • Unlike hardscape elements, softscape elements are soft to touch.
  • Flowers, ground covers, shrubs, and trees make excellent softscape elements. However, since they are living objects, they evolve and change with time and thus, need proper care.
  • Softscape elements, such as trees and shrubs, are available in different sizes, textures, and shapes

Tips on How to Incorporate Hardscape and Softscape Features into Your Home

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while adding hardscape or softscape features to your home.

  • If you have a small house, use the vertical spaces for adding softscape features.
  • Add pedestals and container gardens to create the illusion of space in smaller homes.
  • Use hardscaping elements, such as a low retaining wall, to create extra space.
  • If you live in an area where the government has restricted water use, compelling you to reassess your outdoor softscape features, do not worry. You can continue to enjoy a beautiful garden by only making a few minor changes, For instance, if the water supply is an issue, consider replacing a few softscape features with hardscape elements. For example, you can replace the grass patch in your garden with hardscape materials, such as concrete, pavers, or granite. Add to this, some drought-tolerant plants. This way, you will be able to maintain a beautiful garden without needing too much water.

The Final Word

Softscape and hardscape features do not only add to the beauty of a home but also enhance its commercial value. We hope you will find our simple tips handy while adding hardscape and softscape features to your yard.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about hardscape at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Here’s What You Must Know Before Sealing Pavers

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If you are planning to seal your pavers, you are doing yourself a favor. Sealants protect pavers against all kinds of harmful elements, including rain, snow, and UV rays. Further, the sealant also makes paver stain-resistant and minimizes any chances of stain or weed growth. Thus, the small step of paving sealers will save you a lot of money in the long run. However, before you start with the actual process, there are a few things you must know. Read on to know about these things in detail.

Do Your Research

If you are planning to do the job on your own, make sure you have ample time to take care of all the directions and instructions. Do some research and create a list of all the things you will need while doing the job. More importantly, before you finally go shopping, take out the manufacturer’s instructions and read the directions carefully. The instruction book will give you an idea of what needs to be done and how. You will also gain some understanding of the kind of products you will need and the type of products you should avoid buying. This may seem like a tedious task, but it’s essential and should not be ignored. Remember that when it comes to paving pavers, there are no shortcuts.

Wait for the Right Weather Conditions

Before you start with the process of sealing your pavers, make sure you have chosen the right weather to do the job. Pavers should not be sealed during harsh weather conditions — rain and high temperatures can completely ruin even a perfect job. Temperatures around 35 degrees are ideal for sealing pavers and ensure that chances of rain are zero for at least 24 hours after sealing. Further, give the pavers at least 24 hours to dry before applying the sealer. Following these simple directions will give your sealed pavers long life.

Follow the Right Process

It is important you follow the right process and take care of all the details. Make sure you have completely removed any contaminated sand from the joints and replaced it with polymeric sand before beginning with the process of sealing pavers. The right process for the job is: replace contaminated sand, get rid of efflorescence, and seal pavers after efflorescence has been done.

Clean the Pavers Before Sealing Them

Yet another essential thing to do before sealing pavers is cleaning them thoroughly. Unclean pavers keep the sealer from adhering well with the pavers. Thus, all stains and marks should be taken care of before the process of sealing is initiated.

The Final Word

Paving sealers is a simple job, and if you enjoy spending time around your home, it’s a good idea to do a DIY task out of it. If you decide to do the job on your own, read this article again and ensure you are mandatorily following all the instructions stipulated here. However, if you lack time, it is a good idea to hire professional experts to do the job. These days, many companies offer paver sealing services. All you have to do is find a company you can trust.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today to learn more about hardscape at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Brick Paver Maintenance Company in Rochester Explains When to Seal Brick Pavers

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Sealing your brick pavers is a crucial part of caring for your patio or driveway.  Sealing pavers will help protect them from everyday foot traffic, dirt and debris, and harsh winter weather.

Another benefit of sealing your brick pavers is to deter mold growth as the sealant prevents water from getting into the pores of the brick.

There are even some sealants that will enhance the color of the brick or leave a shiny finish. But, when is the right time to seal your brick pavers?

Wait Awhile After Installation

It is a common misconception that you should seal your patio or driveway immediately after it is installed. But in reality you should wait for 2-3 months to allow time for minor shifting and adjustments after the installation. Otherwise, if you seal too soon, you may end up having to pull up pavers, add more sand and relevel the paver structure.

Plan for the Weather

Heavy snowfall, extreme cold, ice that thaws and then refreezes – Michigan winters can be tough on your brick pavers. For this reason, you should seal your paver surface before winter weather hits. But what if you just installed your patio or driveway in the fall? In this particular case, you would not want to wait the whole 3 months before sealing, as stated earlier.

Weather related sinking and cracking is a much costlier repair than re-leveling a few sealed bricks. So go ahead and seal to protect your pavers from the winter weather even if your patio was installed a few weeks ago.

With that being said, the best time of year to install pavers would be spring or summer. This will allow you enough time to give your driveway or patio time to settle and still seal it before winter hits.

Clean Thoroughly Before Sealing

Before you apply sealant, you will want to remove any existing dirt and grime. Thoroughly clean your pavers with a power washer if possible. If you skip the cleaning process, any dirt or stains will be sealed in.

There are some stain removers available for specific stains such as rust and oil. Consult with a Rochester brick paver professional for more information on the best products.

Once you’ve cleaned your pavers, and they have dried completely, then apply a sealant to ensure that your paver surface stays clean and stain free for as long as possible.

You will want to clean and reseal your brick paver surfaces at least every 24 months.  When resealing your pavers, you will need to use a stripper to remove the old product before applying the new sealant.

I Need Brick Paver Maintenance in Rochester, Michigan

We hope you liked this article and learned something from it.  If you would prefer to have a professional brick paver maintenance company apply your sealant, or if you have any questions about paver maintenance, contact JJW Brick at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

 

5 Tips to Protect Your Pavers from Harsh Weather

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Many countries across the US are experiencing snow these days. The frigid weather is expected to last for the next couple of months. This can take a toll on pavers by reducing their life. However, by taking a few preventive steps, the life of the pavers can be extended.

Here are some tips that can help protect pavers during the cold winter months.

1. Avoid Using Deicing Agents

Many deicing agents are harmful for pavers. Apart from damaging them, they can kill the surrounding plants and grass due to a higher concentration of salt.

Instead of using a deicing agent such as rock salt or others, you should simply clean the driveway and then use sand. Sand is not only cheaper but also environmentally friendly. Moreover, it will give greater traction to your pavers.

2. Seal the Pavers

Pavers should be sealed to avoid damage. Water that enters through cracks can expand and damage them. By sealing the pavers, you can provide added protection to them. As a result, the water will stay on the surface.

Experts recommend sealing pavers every five years. The cost of sealing will be a lot less in the long run than the repair costs due to winter damage.

3. Use a Composite Decking Material

A composite decking material should be used for building outdoor decks. This will ensure that water does not slip and damage the pavers. Moreover, using a composite decking material can also prevent damage to the deck surface.

The deck should also be sealed to avoid water running off the surface, thereby preventing pavers from getting damaged during the winter season.

4. Paver Design

In areas that receive a lot of snowfall, it’s important to design a driveway that accommodates heavy objects such as snow plows. The forethought can prevent costly repairs later on.

If your pavers are not made from a high quality material, they may get scratched or cracked due to regular plowing. While cracks and chips may not affect the life of pavers, they may decrease their aesthetic appeal. To avoid damage, choose pavers that are not made out of aggressive textures.

5. Paver Color

Apart from design, the color of a paver also affects the degradation level during winters. Darker color tends to attract a lot of heat due to which snow can melt faster. So, this is something you should consider when selecting pavers for your driveway.

On a final note, make sure that the pavers are made of high-quality materials. While quality pavers may be costly, they can save you a lot of money in the long term since you will pay less in repairs. A higher quality paver can last for decades without any problems.

The concrete material used should have a high PSI since it will be less likely to be affected by deicing agents during winter. The PSI strength determines the concrete’s strength, as well as the porosity and absorption level. This will less likely result in pavers getting damaged due to snow.

Give JJW Brick a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS to for more tips on how to maintain your brick pavers this Michigan winter.

Why You Should Choose Brick Pavers for Driveways

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For thousands of years, clay brick has been the most favored building materials. Everything from walls to pathways, courtyards to paving roads were made from bricks. In modern times, people prefer concrete and cobblestones pavers as they are more durable as well as harder than clay bricks. But the brick pavers give a classic and gorgeous look to your driveways. If you take care of your brick paver driveway and keep it maintained, it will thrive. It is also important that the base of the driveway is well established.

What are Brick Pavers?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – what are brick pavers? Brick pavers are made from clay that is heated at a high temperature to give it its shape. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, are made using Portland cement and aggregate, while cobblestones are natural stones cut in the shape of pavers.

Brick pavers have a smooth surface and solid. They are usually rectangular in shape and are clay-colored, but now you can even get other colors and shapes.  The best part about having brick paver driveway is that you can make it look however old or new you like. If you are going for an antique look, you can get brick pavers that have an old and dingy look. On the other hand, if you want a more modern look, your brick pavers will look sleek and modern.

Installation of Brick Pavers

There are two types of bases that can be used for the installation of brick pavers – mortar and sand. The first thing your contractor will do is remove all the debris and dirt from your driveway. Any previous driveway will also have to be torn down.

The next step is to compact the soil. After that, your contractor will add gravel and sand and make sure that it is level. Once the base is ready, it is time for the brick pavers to be added. The bricks on the parameter are set in concrete so that they remain in place.

After that, remove the sand from the joints and compact the surface. Repeat this step twice and you will be the proud new owner of a brick paver driveway.

Maintenance

Because they are not as durable as concrete, you will have to pay extra attention to its maintenance. With regular maintenance, your prick paver driveway can last up to 25 years, even more. But the heart wants what it wants, so let’s get onto it.

The ultraviolet rays from the sun and the weather can gradually have an impact on your brick paver driveway.

Use a pressure washer to wash your brick paver driveway twice every year. Check regularly for wild weeds and remove it. Make sure that the dirt does not get settled on your driveway. If you notice any cracks, get them repaired right away.

Make sure that after you are done washing the brick paver driveway, you seal the bricks. If you don’t do this, the bricks can peel off and flake over time.

Correct installation is the key here. Make sure you hire professionals to install your brick paver driveway.  Give JJW Brick a call for all of your hardscape design needs!  Our phone number is 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.  Call today!

Preparing Your Warren Yard For the Winter Months

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You may think it’s too late to prepare your Warren yard for the winter months because the cold is already upon us. That simply isn’t the case because there are still certain steps you can take to prepare and protect your yard this winter. The weather is only going to get worse and leaving your yard unattended can cause problems for you in the spring and summer months. If you haven’t prepared your Warren yard for the winter yet, that’s all the more reason to act with a sense of urgency and start preparing your yard now.

Areas to Focus On

Many homeowners minds are already on snow removal and winter maintenance tasks. But if you haven’t prepared your yard for the winter, those maintenance tasks will be that much harder. Here are some areas to focus on when preparing your Warren yard for the winter.

  • Focus on any areas with cracked or damaged brick pavers. It’s important to have any broken brick pavers replaced before the winter hits. Cracked brick pavers can split as water turns into ice and extends the cracked surface. Not only will the winter months exasperate the damage, but the inclement weather associated with the winter can create fall risks on uneven surfaces.
  • Have your sprinkler system winterized. One area of your yard you don’t want to forget is your sprinkler system. It’s important to have your sprinkler system winterized to ensure that your pipes don’t freeze and burst. Repairing or replacing your sprinkler system can become costly, especially if those repairs could have been prevented.
  • Protect your trees. Protect your trees this winter by covering the base of your trees with mulch. Mulch works much like a blanket to protect the roots of your trees from the harsh cold of the winter. By having mulch spread around the base of your trees, you not only create a clean look for your yard, but you also help your trees survive the harsh weather.
  • Clean leaves and debris from the surface of your hardscape. Letting leaves and debris become covered with ice and snow can create dirty surfaces in the spring. Decomposing leaves can stain the surface of your hardscape and cost you time and money to remove those stains. Even though brick pavers are stain resistant, debris that is left to rot in the winter months will need to be pressure washed to restore your hardscape to its previous glory.

The One Stop Shop For Your Warren Yard

Here at JJW Brick, we’re known for our beautiful additions that we create for homes using brick pavers. However, that isn’t all that we can help you with. We are experienced with landscaping, hardscaping, design, and maintenance options. This means that if you haven’t prepared your Warren yard for the winter yet, you can call the one shop stop to get great results. See for yourself what we can do for your Warren yard by giving JJW Brick a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS!

Paver Lightning: Everything You Need To Know

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Paver lighting is becoming steadily more popular among property owners. It can drastically increase the aesthetic appeal of the whole area. It even creates a unique and functional outdoor area that makes an overall softer look, unlike overhead lights. It has countless benefits that make them popular among residential, commercial, and public areas.

They can be installed directly into any concrete paver and come in many different colors. They can delineate and color wash the landscape around you. Paver lighting accentuates the tones of wood decks, architectural characteristics, natural surroundings, and step materials.

Application of Paver Lights

Paver lights can be installed in many different hardscape elements. They aren’t limited to horizontal fixtures but rest comfortably in vertical structures as well. Some residential applications include:

  • driveways fountains
  • walkways
  • stairways
  • patios
  • pool areas
  • terraces
  • decks
  • entrances
  • columns
  • archways

Some commercial applications include:

  • driveways
  • shopping malls
  • public parks
  • office buildings
  • school grounds
  • parking lots
  • roadways
  • facades
  • sidewalks

Flexible and Versatile

Property owners can easily change the lens of the lamp modules to a more suitable color palette. This allows owners to play around with paver lighting colors before finding the perfect color scheme. This also makes holiday décor more fun since colors can be changed when Halloween or Christmas arrives.

They can also be used for different appliances and provide stunning effects. If you already have existing indoor or outdoor structures or pavements, you can easily add paver lights to them.

Economical

When it comes to outdoor lighting, paver lights are very economical and environmentally friendly. They run on a low 12 volts and consume only 2 to 7 watts per unit which is very cost effective. If you invest in solar powered options than that is even better since there are no energy costs.

Durability

Paver lighting can withstand a lot of things without needing repair or replacement. Even if they are surrounded by water fixtures or exposed to heavy rain, they can stay intact. They are also completely sealed so they remain unaffected by weed or corrosion. They also do not crack if there is foot traffic on them. They can last up to a decade without needing replacement or repair. They don’t need any maintenance at all so there are no such added costs.

Installation

They come in universal sizes that can rest securely in any standard 2-8 inch thick concrete pavers. They can be installed into the ground with a core drill quite easily. They can even be installed into old pavements and driveways without any mess.

Safety

They are one of the safest lighting designs for a landscape. They have sturdy and durable materials and use low voltage electricity that can’t harm anyone. They are UV protected, scratch resistant, maintenance free, and waterproof.

Enhancing your landscape is really easy with paver lights. They provide an inexpensive way to give your whole property an aesthetically pleasing visual.

For more information about adding paver lighting to your property, please give JJW Brick a call!  We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

Pool Deck Pavers in Sterling Heights, Michigan

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Pool decks can have a huge impact on the entire pool area in the house. Since they have a huge influence on the experience of the pool, it is important to pick the perfect material for the pool deck. Old pool decks usually feel unpleasant and unappealing to look at. They can develop cracks and become slippery over time. Since slipping and tripping can be a huge hazard around the pool, you want to take care when building your pool deck.

Some services for pool decks can add value to your home. They allow homeowners to customize the pool environment in a beautiful, safe, and reliable way. The pool will become more comfortable and stylish after a pool deck upgrade.

Installing the New Pool Deck

Installing a new brick paver pool deck can be a good alternative to resurfacing or repairing your old concrete pool deck. If the pool deck is uneven or cracked, it can result in injuries as people can trip on it. A damage pool deck can also allow surface water to seep into the cracks and erode the foundation. This can cause shifts in the concrete slabs due to increased humidity, which can result in leaks and high bills. All of this can be prevented by installing a brick paver pool deck.

Renovating a pool deck also becomes easier if you replace it completely. Installing an expensive real stone pavement around the pool isn’t really cost effective. The same effect can be achieved if you choose the right color and styles for the pavers. A complimentary color with the right patterns and sizes creates a beautiful hardscape around the pool. It can be a great way to improve the area around the pool.

Soil Problems

It is important to make sure that soil problems don’t get in the way of a new and improved pool deck. It is important to do a full inspection before determining the design of the pavers. The needs and condition of the property can influence how you install the pool deck. The soil settlement issues need to be resolved properly before attempting to install the pool deck.

Small sinkholes, compacted weak fill soils, and clay soils can expand and contract when moisture and humidity levels change. This can create cracks and shifts in the pavers that can damage the pool deck. The foundation needs to be reliable and solid to support the pool deck properly.

Upgrading the Pool Deck

It is important to hire a creative and innovative team when attempting a project like installing a pool deck. You want to be proud of the project you started and spent good money on. Skilled workers can elevate the whole project so every step of the new project is handled with care and precision. Look for the best team in Sterling Heights, Michigan for your pool deck needs.

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

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