Ways to Add Hardscape to Your Michigan Home

April 14, 2023 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Summer is the perfect time to transform your outdoor living spaces by adding hardscape features. Hardscaping involves the use of non-living elements, such as concrete, stone, brick, or wood, to create functional and aesthetic outdoor areas. Here are some ways to add hardscape to your home this summer:

Patios and Decks: Patios and decks are popular hardscaping features that can provide a comfortable and functional space for outdoor activities, dining, and entertaining. Patios can be made of various materials, such as concrete, flagstone, or pavers, and can be designed in different shapes and sizes to fit your space and style. Decks can be made of wood, composite materials, or PVC, and can be customized with railings, stairs, and lighting.
Retaining Walls: Retaining walls are functional and decorative hardscape features that can help control erosion, manage water drainage, and add visual interest to your landscape. Retaining walls can be made of various materials, such as concrete blocks, natural stone, or brick, and can be designed in different heights and shapes to fit your site and purpose. Retaining walls can also be combined with other hardscape features, such as stairs, seating, or planting beds, to create a cohesive and functional design.
Outdoor Kitchens: Outdoor kitchens are becoming more popular as homeowners seek to extend their indoor living spaces to the outdoors. Outdoor kitchens can be designed to include various features, such as grills, cooktops, sinks, refrigerators, and storage, and can be made of various materials, such as stone, brick, or concrete. Outdoor kitchens can provide a convenient and comfortable space for cooking, dining, and entertaining, while also adding value to your home.
Fire Features: Fire features, such as fire pits or fireplaces, can add warmth, ambiance, and functionality to your outdoor living spaces. Fire pits can be made of various materials, such as stone, metal, or concrete, and can be designed in different sizes and shapes to fit your space and style. Fireplaces can be built-in or freestanding and can be made of various materials, such as stone, brick, or stucco. Fire features can be combined with seating, lighting, and other hardscape features to create a cozy and inviting outdoor space.
Water Features: Water features, such as fountains, ponds, or waterfalls, can add tranquility, beauty, and biodiversity to your outdoor living spaces. Water features can be designed to fit your site and style, and can be made of various materials, such as stone, concrete, or ceramic. Water features can also attract wildlife, such as birds, frogs, or fish, and provide a natural sound and visual backdrop for your outdoor activities.

In conclusion, adding hardscape features to your home this summer can enhance your outdoor living spaces and increase your property value. Whether you are looking to create a functional patio, a cozy fire pit, or a serene water feature, there are many hardscaping options available to fit your budget, style, and needs. Consult with a professional hardscaping contractor to help you design and build your dream outdoor space.

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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

Planning to Get an Outdoor Fireplace? Here’s What You Need to Know

January 15, 2022 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Outdoor fireplaces have been popular with homeowners in Bloomfield, MI, for many decades now. However, of late, certain variance has been noted in the designs of these beautiful accessories. These days, outdoor fireplace bowls have gathered huge popularity. An outdoor fireplace bowl not only amplifies the overall look and feel of a home but also serves as the perfect accessory around which friends and family members can gather on chilly winter evenings and create and share fond memories.

Though bowl fireplaces have gained immense popularity, these are not the only fireplaces currently available in the Bloomfield, MI, market. One can find fireplaces in many different designs and patterns. So, how does one find the right fireplace for them? Keeping these factors in mind will certainly help.

Decide Why Do You Want a Fireplace

If you are planning to get an outdoor fireplace, the first thing you must do is figure out why do you want to get a fireplace. This will help you find the right fireplace for you. If you are getting a fireplace because you plan to put your Bloomfield, MI, house on the market, then you must get the most magnificent and beautiful fireplace available. If you plan to get a fireplace to entertain your guests, you can consider installing a small fireplace in a small area or buying a portable one.

Next, choose a fireplace that compliments the size of your home. If your outdoor area is too big, a small outdoor fireplace will prove to be useless. Similarly, if you often entertain large gatherings, you will have to invest in a big fireplace, most likely a double-sided one. However, keep in mind that double-sided fireplaces work only in big areas. So, buy one only if your home can accommodate one.

If you are a new parent, you must buy a fireplace that is child-friendly. Look for features, such as an automatic power-off feature in case of an accidental knock or the very handy cool-to-the-touch surface feature.

Decide Between Wood-Burning and Gas-Burning Fireplaces

When it comes to fireplaces, there are two popular options: wood-burning fireplaces and gas-burning fireplaces. While wood-burning fireplaces bring with themselves a certain kind of charm and are ideal for large gatherings, gas-burning fireplaces are far safer than wood-burning fireplaces. Further, gas fireplaces do not require a permit and therefore, it’s far easier to get them installed.

Lastly, make sure your fireplace matches the vibe of your home. If you are someone who loves the traditional vibe and have done your house in the same fashion, a wood-burning fireplace will look better in your home. However, if you are someone who loves contemporary interiors, a gas-burning fireplace would be a better choice for you.

Summing Up

If you are planning to get a fireplace, we suggest taking the help of an expert in your area. Though an expert will charge you a small fee, they will most certainly help you reach the right decision. Further, since experts are well-connected, they will be able to help you find the right fireplace within the right budget.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

If you have any questions regarding brick pavers or hardscape design, 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!

Simple Things to Keep in Mind When Getting a Fireplace for Your Home

September 28, 2021 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

In Chesterfield, MI, more and more homeowners are deciding to invest in a fireplace. It makes sense too — after all, a fireplace is not a heavy investment. It is a low-cost addition that makes a huge difference to your home. However, in Chesterfield, MI, homeowners planning to include a fireplace in their homes must do their research before making final decisions. There are several factors to be considered while deciding which type of fireplace would be the right choice for you. In this article, we focus on these factors.

Decide Why Do You Want a Fireplace in the First Place

Before beginning your research and checking options, sit down and decide why do you even want a fireplace. Here are some common reasons:

In Chesterfield, MI, many homeowners choose to add a fireplace to enhance the value of their property. This is especially true of properties that are already on the market for sale.
Many Chesterfield, MI, homeowners choose to add an outdoor fireplace simply because they think it is an accessory capable of tying all the elements of their garden or yard together.
Some homeowners choose to get an outdoor fireplace because they want to use it to create a comfy atmosphere and a snug and warm place where they can sit with their friends and family members and enjoy a good chat.

Understanding your requirement is crucial. If you want to add a fireplace to create a cozy and comfortable sitting area, a small fireplace would do a good job. However, if you have a huge yard and want to use a fireplace to bring about all the elements of your yard together, you will need to invest in a big fireplace that can work as your home’s focal point. Thus, understanding your requirement is crucial.

Talk to an Interior Designer

Choosing the right fireplace is difficult than you think. This is because the right fireplace compliments your home’s outdoors and aesthetic charm. A contemporary fireplace will look odd if you have done outdoors the Victorian way. Similarly, a traditional fireplace will look odd in a traditional house. You must, therefore, take the help of a fireplace expert or an interior designer while deciding which fireplace will go well in your home.

Decide the Type of Fireplace You Want

Once you have taken care of the above-mentioned things, you must now decide the type of fireplace you want. While wood-burning fireplaces look ethereal, Chesterfield, MI, homeowners must know that they must seek approval from their local governing body before they can install such a fireplace. Gas-burning fireplaces are easier to maintain and environment-friendly too. Further, installing them does not require any prior approval. However, gas-burning fireplaces are ideal for small gatherings and cannot keep too many people warm at the same time. In simple words, choosing the type of fireplace takes some time and consideration — make sure you give your decision ample thought.

Final Thoughts

Fireplaces instantly add to the beauty of a home. However, they do so when chosen carefully. If you are confused about what type of fireplace would be the right choice for your Chesterfield, MI, home, do not hesitate to take the help of a professional.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Things to Keep in Mind While Planning an Outdoor Kitchen

August 2, 2021 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Homeowners enhance the aesthetic appeal and utilitarian value of their spaces by installing outdoor kitchens. And Birmingham, MI homeowners know well that an outdoor kitchen also adds up to the overall appeal of their homes. An outdoor kitchen, therefore, must be well-planned and properly cared for.

Usually, homeowners end up spending way too much money when they install outdoor kitchens. Being a homeowner in Birmingham, MI, the first thing you should follow while planning your outdoor kitchen is:

Decide your budget beforehand and stick to it.

Always install those accessories first, which your family needs the most. For instance- it’s not necessary for you to install patio kitchens if you’re on a tight budget, as patio kitchens are expensive. So, if your primary motivation for installing an outdoor kitchen is to organize barbeque parties with your family, simply add burners, a grill, and a comfy seating space. More importantly, you do not always need to hire a contractor to install outdoor kitchens, if you know a few things.

So, in this article, we will tell you things you need to do while planning, designing, or installing your outdoor kitchen.

Choose a Strong foundation

Foundations should always be strong, here too it is necessary that the place where you install your kitchen is sturdy. We recommend you set up your kitchen over textured concrete, or paving stone patios, as both are excellent choices. Moreover, walls are not usually required, but it won’t hurt if you use them as they can help segregate your leisure area from the yard, and also add to the privacy of your guests.

Complement Your Home

Sure, your kitchen adds utilitarian value, but it can also add up to the beauty of your home. It will also increase your property’s price if it is built in an aesthetically pleasing way. Thus, choosing the right materials and the right colours for the outdoor kitchen can be a pragmatic step. Remember, that your house’s look would be adversely affected if your kitchen looks segregated. For instance, if your house has contemporary interiors, and you have installed a rustic kitchen, it would look off-putting.

Enhance with Right Accessories

Apart from the basic structure of your outdoor kitchen, you must also add a few complimentary things to give it a unique look. Most people prefer plants and other decorative items for this purpose. However, we recommend you adorn this area with furniture coupled with throws and pillows. Alternatively, adding a unique water feature would also be a great idea.

Spend generously on Grill

Save on the other things, but do not compromise on this one! This is the most basic necessity of an outdoor kitchen; without it the kitchen is incomplete. So, make sure that you buy the best possible grill for your outdoor kitchen.

Apart from the grill, if your budget allows you to, then we recommend you to get some add-ons, such as a pizza oven, or a music system. These add-ons will make a world of difference to your outdoor kitchen.

To Conclude

As a Birmingham, MI owner, installing an outdoor kitchen is a smart step, if done in the right way and in a systematic manner. We hope that this article would be useful for you in making the right decision in installing your outdoor kitchen.

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All You Need to Know Before Installing an Outdoor Fireplace in Utica, MI

April 18, 2021 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

An outdoor fireplace, bowl, or any other similar feature is a wonderful addition to any home. It brings comfort and coziness, especially during evenings and colder months. These features offer a great space for a family get-together. Gather in a circle, enjoy a few drinks, roast a few marshmallows, and bask in the warmth coming from your newly added stylish heating feature. Doesn’t it sound great?

There is an array of fireplace options available and we have described them all in detail in this article. But before elaborating on each type, let’s take a look at the essential factors you need to consider before choosing a fireplace.

Factors to Consider Before Installing a Fireplace

The function of the fireplace

An outdoor fireplace can serve multiple purposes. If you plan to sell off your home, adding an outdoor fireplace can increase the resale value of the property. If you have a relatively small outdoor space, opt for a smaller fireplace. Some Utica, MI homeowners want to use a fireplace to create a focal point for their outdoor design. If you want a fireplace to only provide warmth when your guests come over, you can consider a portable fireplace.

Size and the safety factor

The area and space where you will install the fireplace matter a lot. An outdoor fireplace should be proportional to your home. You would not wish to burden your home with a fireplace that is too tiny or too big for a family gathering. If your guests usually arrive in large groups, consider a space that can accommodate a double-sided fireplace.

If you have a toddler at home, the safety features are essential to consider. If you get a heater without properly checking, it may turn over and fall due to strong wind. To reduce the risk, get one that has safety features like a cool-to-the-touch surface. Some heaters have advanced features like automatic switches that shut off power if the heater gets an accidental knock or touch.

Types of outdoor fireplace

Most homeowners in Utica, MI install either a gas or a wood-burning fireplace. While there are other fuel options like ethanol and propane, we chose to discuss the most preferred ones.

● Wood-burning fireplaces bring a simple yet rustic feel to the outdoor space. They provide ample heat to accommodate the needs of large gatherings.

● Gas is a safer and low-maintenance alternative to a wood fireplace. With a gas fireplace, you will not need a permit to build it. This type of fireplace does not burn as hot as wood. For best results, we recommend you do some research and evaluate each type of fireplace.

Matching the style of your home and fireplace

Whether you add the fireplace to set the mood or just keep you warm, the design will remain an important aspect. Homeowners often forget to match the fireplaces with their homes’ outdoor design. In most cases, contrasting styles compromise aesthetics. If this sounds too complicated, work with a home improvement professional to determine the ideal fireplace that suits your home.

Seeking Professional Advice in Utica, MI

If you find it challenging to make a choice, speak to a home improvement expert. Our team of experts can help find an outdoor fireplace that meets your style, purpose, budget, and other requirements.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

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

Simple Fixes for Your Yard Before the Summer Season

April 7, 2021 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Macomb, MI, will soon be ready to welcome the beautiful summer season — trees will again look full of life and flowers will bloom to their full strength. But, are you prepared to welcome the summer season? Summer parties are the chicest trend, but if your yard is not in the best shape, you will be giving your visitors and guests a good chance to criticize you and your home.

So, before you start preparing for a summer pool party or a barbeque dinner, sit down and think about everything in your yard that needs fixing or must be upgraded. If you are clueless about where to start, we give you some ideas in this article. Here are some areas that require some work before the spring season.

Start with the Patio

Brick pavers patios are quite popular in Macomb, MI. Paver patios are easy to fix and in case of damage, one is required to change only the damaged part and not the entire patio. This makes paver patios a favorite of many Macomb, MI, homeowners.

If your paver patio has developed cracks, the first thing you must do is replace the damaged part before the summer season arrives. This will make your patio look new and beautiful again. Further, make sure to ask an expert to clean your patio. While paver patios are easy to clean and basic brooming and mopping is enough to keep these patios looking new and shiny, sometimes paver patios also develop stains and marks that refuse to go with basic cleaning. If you are dealing with stubborn marks and stains, do not hesitate to call a cleaning expert.

Move Your Attention to the Outdoor Fireplace

Once you are done cleaning and fixing your patio, move your attention to the outdoor fireplace as the fireplace will be the center of most of your gatherings. If you have a metal fire pit, you must get to work immediately. Metal firepits look beautiful but are prone to rust. They also get damaged rather quickly. If your metal fire pit has developed rust, the only option you have is to replace it. Opt for a brick paver fire pit. Brick paver fire pits are easy to repair and also give outdoor spaces an old-world charm and a traditional look that metal fire pits fail to provide.

Next, Fix the Retaining Wall

Retaining walls make a lot of sense for homes built on sloppy lands or those located in regions that receive excessive rainfall. Retaining walls do an excellent job of stopping soil erosion. However, not many Macomb, MI, homeowners know that retaining walls can also be used as decorative articles. Unfortunately, damaged and old-looking retaining walls do more harm than good. If your retaining walls have developed cracks or have started to look old, hire an expert and have them fix all the problems with it. Further, retaining walls also tend to shift a lot. If you have been seeing gaps, you must act immediately — hire a brick paver expert and ask them to re-cap the gaps.

The small fixes mentioned in this article won’t cost you a fortune. They also won’t take a lot of time. However, they will certainly give a new life to your yard and prepare it to welcome the summer season as well as the guests you plan to have over soon.

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What You Need To Know Before Buying A New Outdoor Fireplace For Your Waterford, MI Home

February 17, 2021 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Many Waterford, MI homeowners use fireplaces to accentuate the aesthetics of their accommodations. Some of them are fond of using a fireplace as a centerpiece while others use it to keep guests warm during an outdoor dinner under the stars. Fireplaces also increase the resale value of a house. In Waterford, MI properties with a fantastic outdoor area are sold at a better price. Here’s a guide on which fireplace to choose and why.

Decide On The Primary Purpose Of The Fireplace

Do you want a fireplace for the simple pleasure it brings? Or do you need it because you want to keep your guests warm during those winter house parties? Moreover, you must also be clear about how much you can afford to allocate to the fireplace. Having answers to such questions will help pick the ideal fireplace for the outdoor living area.

If you intend to keep several guests warm, do not opt for a medium-sized or small fireplace. You are likely to need a larger, two-sided fireplace. Here’s another thing you need to keep in mind: the amount of space that is there matters. The size of your fireplace must be determined by the space you already have.

Choosing The Right Fireplace: Wood-Burning Vs Gas-Burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces hold a special position in our hearts. When we imagine a cozy night by the fire with loved ones, the scene that typically comes to our mind is the sound of wood crackling in the firebox coupled with the gentle glow of the fire.

Several factors differentiate wood and gas fireplaces. When deciding whether to choose a wood or a gas fireplace, you’d want to consider which is more suited to satisfy your needs. Here’s one of the key deciding factors:

Despite the nostalgic charm, you can experience while sitting in front of a wood fireplace, gas fireplaces are now capable of giving the same gentle blaze. It is just as inviting and warm. What is even better is that it does not require the added effort or hassle.

In terms of energy savings when discussing a wood-burning versus a gas fireplace, the important factor to consider is wood management. In the case of the former, you will need to ensure that the wood is positioned well to start the flame. You will also need to keep manipulating the logs to maintain a gentle blaze.

With a gas fireplace, you will need to switch on the gas and bask in the warmth. If you operate your gas fireplace with remote control, it gets as easy as switching on the television.

Concluding Thoughts

Adding an outdoor fireplace to your Waterford, MI house can make it feel like a home. It is inviting and cozy and also adds warmth when the temperature outside starts dipping. Even if you are on a limited budget, you will be able to find an outdoor fireplace that suits your style and needs. Our guide will help you make the right decision when choosing an outdoor fireplace for your home.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

If you have any questions regarding outdoor fireplaces, contact us today. Please feel free to give JJW Brick a call today for your Waterford, MI home. We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS. We hope to hear from you soon!

Outdoor Fireplace Checklist for Clinton Township, MI Homes

October 2, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

During summers, we spend most of our time outside, entertaining friends and family, or even simply enjoying the weather by ourselves. Thus, Clinton Township, MI homeowners must improve their outside and immediately take care of the repairs as well as the upgrades that were long due.

In other words, residents of Clinton Township, MI should take a good look around your yard and check your hardscape for issues that may have escaped your eye. In this article, we tell you about the yard and hardscape areas that require the most attention.

Start by Taking Care of Your Patio

The patio is everyone’s favorite area to entertain guests and thus, it is also the area that sees very high foot traffic. Thus, patios undergo a good amount of wear and tear.

However, foot traffic does not harm patios as much as the harsh winter weather conditions that prevail in Clinton Township, MI do. It is common for yards to lose their charm after the winter season. The good news is bringing back this charm is easy — simply replace the chipped or broken bricks and your patio will look as good as new. The process of brick replacement and repair is quite easy and any good Clinton Township, MI brick paver expert will be able to do a good job.

It May Be Time to Replace Your Firepit

In Clinton Township, MI, fireplaces, and firepits have gained immense popularity. Many homeowners have fireplaces and firepits in their homes. It’s because these home accessories do not only serve as focal points and add to the aesthetic appeal of a home but also have utilitarian value.

Like any other component of a home, fire pits and fireplaces also become damaged over time. It is common for them to become rusted with age. If your fireplace or firepit has become rusted beyond repair, you should consider replacing it completely. Though this decision may seem slightly heavy on the pockets, it will certainly help to beautify your Clinton Township, MI home. If you are planning to replace your firepit, we recommend investing your money in a brick paver fire pit. Not only do these firepits bring to homes a rustic charm, but they are also far easier to maintain than metal firepits. Further, brick paver pits are sturdy and last a long time.

Lastly, Check If Your Retaining Wall Needs Any Repairs

If your Clinton Township, MI home has a retaining wall, it’s best to get it checked by an expert before the summer season starts. It is common for retaining walls to shift over time or develop gaps. When that happens, homeowners are required to act immediately. Hire an expert and get the wall re-leveled and re-capped.

Conclusion

You do not want the small repairs and adjustments your home requires to come in the way of you and your guests enjoying the beautiful weather we experience in Michigan. Thus remember to take care of all the repairs and adjustments you have already ignored for way too long.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Give JJW Brick a call today for your Oakland, MI home. We can be reached at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS.

Things to Know Before You Go Shopping for an Outdoor Fireplace

March 17, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

If you are planning to sell your estate or property, know that the outdoor space is the first thing visitors notice about any property. Smart homeowners, therefore, spend time and effort to beautify the exteriors to enhance a property’s value.

One of the easiest ways to accentuate the appeal of any outdoor space is to add a fireplace. More importantly, fireplaces also offer functionality and utility — they are the perfect addition to homes located in cold-weather areas. They also often become the focal point of parties and gatherings. In conclusion, it is safe to say that a fireplace is one of the safe and low-investment options that always give returns.

However, designing an appealing and functional outdoor fireplace design is not easy. This article aims to equip its readers with all the information they need at their disposal while devising an outdoor fireplace.

Think About for What Purposes Do You Want to Use Your Fireplace

Before you decide to go shopping for a fireplace, sit down and think about what do you want this fireplace to do? Do you want it to serve as a showpiece or a focus point in your outdoors? Or, do you also seek some use of it? If you plan to use your fireplace as your outdoor focal point, make sure there is ample area around the fireplace and the whole space is functional. It is also critical that you have answers to other important questions, such as where do you think the fireplace will go? How much area or space will it need? The answers to these questions will allow you to make the right choice while shopping for a fireplace. You don’t want to realize that the fireplace you have bought is too small for outdoor gatherings and find yourself regretting the purchase a few days after.

Decide Which Fireplace Type Is the Right Choice for You

When it comes to fireplaces, wood and gas fireplaces are the two most popular options currently available in the market. Homeowners often find it difficult to choose between the two, as both have their advantages. While gas fireplaces are safer, more convenient to use, and require no prior permit, wood fireplaces give properties a rustic charm that is hard to emulate. They also create the perfect setting for a romantic evening as well as large gatherings. Homeowners must do some research and choose a fireplace that fits their requirements and budget.

The Fireplace Must Compliment the Outdoors

Fireplaces are an excellent choice to beautify any property’s outdoor landscape. However, when chosen wrong, they can also diminish its aesthetic appeal. The fireplace you select for your home must complement the exteriors of the property. For instance, if your outdoor landscape pays homage to minimal aesthetics, choose a traditional place with a classic and elegant design. In the case, you want to use contrast to build interest; we recommend seeking the opinion of an expert. A home improvement contractor will be able to help you make the right choice.

The Final Word

Outdoor fireplaces have enjoyed immense popularity for decades now and for all the right reasons. However, buying an outdoor fireplace is harder than it looks. We hope these tips will come handy when you go shopping for a fireplace for your outdoors.