Hardscape Design Explained

February 6, 2023 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Hardscape design is the process of planning, designing, and constructing the non-plant elements of a landscape, such as walkways, patios, retaining walls, and other features made of materials such as concrete, stone, brick, wood, or metal. Hardscape elements are used to define and enhance outdoor spaces, adding both functional and aesthetic value to a property.

The first step in hardscape design is to consider the intended use of the space. For example, if the area is intended for outdoor dining and entertaining, a patio or deck may be the main feature of the design. If the space is intended for relaxation, a seating area or fire pit may be the primary focus. A professional hardscape designer will also take into account the surrounding environment, such as the slope of the terrain and the availability of sunlight, to create a design that works in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Once the intended use of the space has been determined, the next step is to choose the materials for the hardscape elements. The choice of materials will depend on a number of factors, such as the style of the property, the desired aesthetic, and the budget. Some common hardscape materials include concrete, natural stone, pavers, brick, wood, and metal.

Concrete is a popular choice for hardscape elements due to its durability and versatility. It can be poured in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it ideal for creating patios, walkways, and retaining walls. Natural stone, such as granite or slate, adds a timeless elegance to hardscape designs and can be used to create features such as walls, steps, and water features. Pavers, made from materials such as brick or concrete, are a popular choice for walkways and patios, as they can be arranged in a variety of patterns and colors to create a unique look. Wood is another popular hardscape material, often used for features such as decks, pergolas, and fences, as it adds a natural warmth to outdoor spaces. Metal, such as steel or aluminum, can be used to create features such as planters or decorative sculptures, adding a modern touch to hardscape designs.

In addition to selecting the materials, a hardscape designer will also consider the layout and arrangement of the elements. The goal is to create a design that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and works in harmony with the natural surroundings. This may involve creating a pathway that leads to a seating area or positioning a water feature to take advantage of the natural slope of the terrain.

Another important aspect of hardscape design is the use of lighting. Lighting can be used to highlight hardscape features, create ambiance, and increase safety. A hardscape designer will consider the placement and type of lighting to ensure that it enhances the overall design.

In conclusion, hardscape design is an essential aspect of landscape design, adding both functional and aesthetic value to outdoor spaces. With the right materials, layout, and lighting, a well-designed hardscape can create a beautiful and functional outdoor living area that enhances the value and enjoyment of any property.

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How To Find The Best Brick Paver Repair Company?

October 8, 2021 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

A brick paver repair project with a contractor can only lead to either of these two scenarios; you get an output that’s highly satisfactory and worth all the money spent or you get an output that will leave you scratching your head.

Beware of so-called professionals who can’t even deliver work that’s tantamount to their fees. In this write-up, we will teach you how to find the best brick paver repair company.

Nothing Beats Personal Recommendations

The first thing we want you to do is to look for personal recommendations. You do this by texting or emailing friends or peers who had their brick pavers repaired before. You then ask how the project went.

You can always trust personal recommendations because they’re unbiased and don’t have any tinge of marketing limbo. Consumers have no reason to lie about getting the service of a particular company since there’s nothing to gain from doing so.

Consult Brick Paver Repair Companies Near You

You can also get the best brick paver repair by visiting all landscaping firms near you. This is very useful especially if you’re planning to work with a local paver repair service to save time.

By the way, don’t forget to ask for a sample quotation or any exact details of the repair service from each brick paver company you visit. You need this so that you can cross-reference and find the one company with the best deals in terms of price, quality of work, and time efficiency.

Use The Internet

Many brick paver repair companies are operating their websites now. Through these websites, you can take a glimpse of the services, the quality of the output, and pricing. Of course, to visit these websites, you’ll have to use a browser and the internet.

Just type “brick paver repair near me” in Google and you’re all set. Upon clicking the search button, thousands of websites will pop up. Of course, having a website doesn’t mean that a company is already good. So how do you filter the genuine from the fake?

What you should do is look for testimonials or reviews. Testimonials and reviews are insights of the previous clients about a service the brick paver repair company provided. These will let you see if clients were satisfied or not.

But here’s the catch; some testimonials and reviews are fake. Sometimes, they’re from people paid to testify or review the brick paver repair company in a positive light. You know that a testimonial or review is fake if the website fails to show the address, occupation, name, and age of the reference.

Parting Words

As an ending to this discussion, don’t work with a brick paver repair company that does these :

Provides you with confusing quotations. Remember that good quotes are simple to understand and only convey prices and features related to the service you want to avail.
Doesn’t offer any warranties
Asks for payment first. Service should always come first and payment second to avoid getting scammed
Leaves the job to subcontractors
Doesn’t possess any license or insurance
Can’t provide a summary of their previous projects

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!

Here’s Why Hardscaping and Landscaping Elements Are Not an Expense but an Investment Opportunity

June 1, 2021 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

Realtors and landscaping experts are always singing songs about landscaping and hardscaping elements. One may think that these praises come because these elements help realtors and landscaping experts put money in their pockets. While that is true to some extent, there is no denying that landscaping and hardscaping elements profit homeowners more than they profit the experts. How? Hardscaping and landscaping elements accentuate the beauty of a home, thereby helping the owner fetch a competent price once the house is up on the real estate resale market.

In simple words, landscaping and hardscaping elements present an investment opportunity that homeowners can use to their advantage and increase the value of their property. If you are someone who understands the value of these elements, you are making a choice you won’t regret. However, before you get these elements, sit down and think about the utility associated with the elements you plan to get — what do you plan to do when you are outside in the open? Do you plan to have people over? Will you be having large gatherings or small ones? Other than figuring out answers to these questions, also study your home’s specifications properly. See how much free space do you have available with you and how much more can you free up for the elements that you wish to incorporate.

Unfortunately, many homeowners continue to stay away from these elements as they think of only the short-term and find such ideas a waste of money. If you are someone who is thinking of the short term, don’t. Your home deserves to look beautiful. In this article, we give you some solid reasons why you must consider incorporating landscaping and hardscaping elements into your home.

Landscaping Elements Protect Your Property Against External Damages

Landscaping elements can provide protection against external harmful elements. To elaborate further, suppose you live in a sloppy area and water and debris have damaged your home’s foundation, you can use a retaining wall to protect your water against the damaging effect of dirt and water. A retaining wall will not only add to the charm of your house but will also help you keep water away from your home’s foundation. Landscaping elements, such as retaining walls, make a lot of sense in areas that are prone to erosion.

Thus, once you decide to go with landscaping and hardscaping elements, talk to your landscaping expert and ask them to help you find pieces that will not only add aesthetic charm to your home but also serve some practical purpose.

They Help Homeowners Get a Competent Price for Their Property

If you have ever been in the market for a resale property, you would know that real estate agents love the words curb appeal. What is curb appeal? Curb appeal denotes a home’s aesthetic charm. Real estate agents are obsessed with the words curb appeal because homes that are good to look at leave the resale market almost immediately. Thus, if you plan to sell your home someday and hope to get a decent price for it, you must consider incorporating landscaping features, such as pavers, stone patio, retainer walls, etc.

The Final Word

If you are not in favor of hardscaping elements, think again — you are letting go of a great investment opportunity. However, we understand that decisions concerning homes are always tough. So, talk to other homeowners as well as realtors and landscaping experts and make your opinion after hearing every side.

Schedule a Quote from JJW Brick Today!

Planning an Outdoor Kitchen? Keep These Things in Mind

May 19, 2020 by PMS Brick Pavers – We’re the Guys

The summer season is the perfect time to host gatherings in the outdoors — your guests will never forget an afternoon they spent gobbling down delectable food with a chilled beer in their hand while sunbathing in your garden. This popularity of summer parties is also the reason behind the unmatched popularity of outdoor kitchens.

Unfortunately, this great demand for outdoor kitchens has also led to manufacturers around the world coming with new options every day, which can leave buyers confused and overwhelmed. More importantly, there are several important things homeowners must take into consideration while deciding to get an outdoor kitchen installed.

In this article, we discuss the steps to be followed and some of the practical considerations to be taken into while getting an outdoor kitchen installed.

Creating a Budget Will Help You Safeguard Your Financial Situation

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, the choices are abundant. Homeowners can choose to go with outdoor kitchens made from different materials, including brick pavers and concrete. However, keep in mind that the installation price, as well as the maintenance cost of different kitchens, depends on the material used. Thus, before you go out shopping for your kitchen, sit down and sketch out a budget that works best for you. If you are unsure about how to budget things out, you can take help from any professional and reliable contractor — they should be able to advise you well.

Decide What You Want to Put in Your Outdoor Kitchen

Once you have decided on your budget, the next thing to do is decide the things you want in your outdoor kitchen. If your budget allows you to splurge money on anything you want, go ahead and shop whatever you like. However, if you are operating on a constricted budget, we recommend getting these two things first: a grill and a refrigerator. When it comes to summer gatherings, no party is complete with a griller and a refrigerator.

Figure out the Seating Arrangement

Though you can choose to go ahead with different kinds of settings, the two most popular options among homeowners are dining table setting and bar setting. If you are someone who throws large parties and invites more than just a few people, a bar setting is a perfect choice for you. However, if you like being with only a few close people, the dining table seating arrangement is the right choice for you.

Buying Roof Covers Is Not an Option

Within your budget, make sure to set aside some money for roof covers. Summers are often accompanied by pleasant showers that create the mood but ruin parties. You do not want yourself drenched while serving beers. Thus, roof covers are a must. There are many options available in the market, pick one that best suits your budget. If you have money left in your budget, you can also allocate some of it to an electric heater as it will make your outdoor kitchen open during winters as well.

Takeaway

Outdoor kitchens are beautiful and functional. While shopping for them, you may feel a definite urge to buy as much as you can fit in the small space you have allocated for your outdoor kitchen. When that happens, remember: less is more. Buy only the things that you will need. If you find yourself over-splurging, take your contractor along with you — they will help you stay within your budget.