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Why choose interlocking pavers?

Winnipeg Landscaper

Pavers Vs Concrete…

Are you thinking of replacing your driveway, sidewalk, or patio? Usually you will consider two very different materials; pavers and concrete. In this blog post we will discuss the benefits of selecting pavers when considering your landscape needs.

 

Winnipeg Landscaper

Durability…

The obvious issue with concrete material is that the concrete can be greatly affected by ground movement, in particular huge swings in temperature that we experience here in Manitoba. This can cause the concrete to split and leave unfortunate cracks in the concrete. If the ground continues to move over time, the concrete slabs will no longer remain level and could provide multiple hazards and potential drainage issues.

Interlocking pavers are designed to withstand ground movement and can tolerate the change in climate throughout the year. Generally when the ground moves, the pavers will flex and move together. When the ground beneath them re-settles the pavers usually return to their original position with no obvious issue. Any pavers that do require adjusting can easily be removed and installed again, the same cannot be said for a huge piece of concrete cracked in two.

Maintenance…

After durability, the next question for homeowners is ongoing maintenance after installation. The initial install of concrete will provide a generally low level of maintenance. Once the concrete cracks after install the initial cost is quickly forgotten.  Weeds can grow up through cracks in the slabs, while there is also ongoing safety concerns with potential trip hazards. If concrete doesn’t crack it can often settle over time, causing issues when the driveway meets the garage or city street.

Along with the cracking of concrete, problems can arise with staining of the concrete. Power washing can sometimes remove stains, and patching cracks offers a short band aid, but these types of minor eyesores usually grow over the lifespan of your concrete.

Interlocking stones are also a concrete product so they too can crack given the right conditions. Any pavers that do crack or need adjusting due to shifting can easily be lifted/removed from the impacted area and replaced. At Stonehenge the installation of pavers always comes with a 2 year warranty. As a homeowner it is comforting to know that multiple years down the line you do have a alternative solution with pavers. While with concrete your only choice is to pay a contractor thousands of dollars to break out and remove your cracked concrete driveway or sidewalk.

 

Winnipeg landscaper

 

Cost & Value…

When starting with cost it is important to look past upfront costs and consider long term investment. Plain concrete will cost less upfront but higher costs for repairs and potential removal will far outweigh any initial savings. Interlocking stones are incredibly durable and as discussed easy to remove and replace if required. The lifespan of pavers will always surpass a poured concrete pad.

In terms of adding value to your home, you should always choose stone pavers over concrete. Concrete generally doesn’t add to your curb appeal and rarely increases property value. Pavers will nearly always increase curb appeal and if so desired attract potential home buyers, so they do add significant value to your property.

Appearance…

Its widely accepted that pavers are considered more attractive than concrete and add more curb appeal to your home. They are also available in many different styles, sizes, patterns, and colors, which provides various options when looking at design. As discussed previously it is also very easy to fix, clean or replace interlocking stones. Concrete costs can be high when making alterations or fixing issues.

Making the choice…

Every home owner will have their own priorities when it comes to landscaping. This choice usually includes concrete or pavers. Factors like durability, maintenance, cost, value and appearance will all factor into making that choice. Concrete is an option chosen by many, but pavers will always offer the best value in the long term if you’re willing to invest the upfront cost. Stonehenge has been serving Winnipeg and the surrounding areas for many years, we would love to help you in your paver installations and all you landscaping needs.

Feel free to contact us with any further questions or to book a free consultation.

 

Winnipeg Landscaper

 

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Choosing a landscaper

landscaper

Hiring a landscaper…

Choosing the right landscaper for your project requires careful thought. The design stage of the landscaping process directly affects everything that follows. Whether you’re considering a complete landscape overhaul or a small sidewalk install, finding the right landscaper for your project is critical.

 

landscaper

Basic checklist…

Any company you are considering employing should have no trouble in providing evidence of the following;

  • Bonded & Fully insured
  • In good standing with Workers Compensation Board
  • How many years they have been trading under their current company name (Companies House)

Don’t forget that sadly many businesses don’t survive, they often leave customers with warranty issues and contracts unfulfilled and will simply start a new business under a new name and continue trading.

Questions…

Once you have established the company is in good standing and a possibility to become your contractor, you then need to decide which landscaper is best to provide the services you require. We recommend considering the following questions:

  • What kind of warranty do you offer? (how many years/written/inclusive)
  • Will I receive a written quotation/contract for the work?
  • What is the expected payment plan? (deposit %)
  • Are you able to provide a list of testimonials/referrals?
  • Can I look at examples of similar projects already completed? (addresses/contact numbers)
  • Do you have industry standard qualifications?
  • Do you have a supplier I can contact for a referral?

 

Investment…

Remember that whatever size project you are considering, you are making a significant investment in time and money and one that will affect your personal lifestyle for many years in a positive way. Take your time to ask the right questions and feel comfortable in the answers provided.

ICPI

Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials from your potential landscaper. Most certifications have websites available for you to check they are still valid.

 

As in all walks of life, the cheapest price isn’t always the best. Most companies within the same industry should provide similar pricing and quotations, a quote much lower than others is usually that way for a reason and is almost always too good to be true.

Referrals…

A large section of our work comes directly from referrals, people remember good work and good experiences with reliable contractors. Talk to your neighbours and friends to get trustworthy referrals. If you see a yard that looks especially nice, you may even ask that neighbour who did their landscape. There are many great tools you can also use online. Some of our previous clients have been kind enough to leave us a review of google. Click the icon to check them out.

google

Hopefully this blog will help give you the tools to make an informed choice when deciding which landscaper to trust with your project. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to book a free consultation.

 

 

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Bridgewood Pavers

Bridgewood Firepit

Bridgewood-the concrete wooden plank..

When it comes to landscaping your back yard, an early choice is between a wooden deck and a stone patio. We all love the look and feel of wood but not the maintenance involved.

Thankfully Barkman Concrete has created the Bridgewood paver. It’s one of their premium slabs with all the character of wood and the strength of concrete. Using actual wood planks to create the molds, it gives a great wood texture.

Bridgewood patio

Maintenance free..

Wood decks will always need to be stained or sealed at some point. Stamped concrete will always crack one day. The Bridgewood paver allows you to have the best of both worlds, the warm feel and a maintenance free back yard.

In our climate here in Winnipeg, wood surfaces always struggle with the weather. With the concrete Bridgewood you will never have to worry about slithers on bare feet.

Bridgewood insideVersatility..

The product comes in three different sizes and two different colours, providing so much versatility. Stonehenge can install the paver for sidewalks, pathways, patios, stepping stones and even inside your home.

It has fast become one of our favourite pavers to install. The possibilities are endless. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the product. Or to schedule a consultation for your own installation of this great product.

 

Bridgewood sidewalk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridgewood landscapebridgewood stepping stones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feel free to check out the spec sheet Barkman

provides for more detailed info on their product.

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Natural stone

Natural stone

Stonehenge

Lee River natural stone patio

Lee River is a beautiful part of Manitoba to create a natural stone patio. We used Arborg Buff stone, supplied by our friends at Mariash Quarry.

It has a natural smooth surface, top and bottom. The stone has a buff white colour. The quarry is located just north of Winnipeg in Stony Mountain. http://www.mariashquarry.com

Irregular steps

The complete design had four elements;

 

  • a pathway from the residence to the steps
  • the Rosetta irregular steps
  • the two patio areas
  • and the Dimensional steps at the river bank

We combined the natural stone with the Rosetta range supplied by Barkman. It creates a unique look and also provides the strength and versatility required to build a long lasting design.

The irregular steps allowed us to slightly curve the main steps. While the Dimensional steps gave us the structure required to build into the river bank.

 

Dimensional steps

River bank step’s

Some of the best designs are also the hardest to create. Our customer wanted to step straight into the water from his river bank, so we made it happen for him.

Working in the water to install the steps was not an easy task. Our experienced crew were able to complete the task.

Unique Design

Using various materials is what landscaping is all about. A great design that brings all the elements together is crucial. At Stonehenge we are proud to design and then build peoples dreams.

Riverfront patio

For more information or advice please to contact us

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Low maintenance

low maintenance

Stonehenge

The common theme and request when designing landscapes with our clients, is for low maintenance. With busy lives, families and careers, homeowners these days find it increasingly difficult to spend their precious free time maintaining their yards.

As a homeowner who wouldn’t enjoy a vibrant and colorful garden just outside their window? But while a landscaped yard can definitely boost curb appeal, the low maintenance aspect becomes more critical.

There’s no such thing as a maintenance-free landscape, however introducing bark mulch or rock mulch to your landscape can be a quick and easy way to help with the maintenance of your yard, but it also provides a lot of other benefits.

Bark mulch in your landscape?

There are countless uses for mulch in any landscape build and design; around a fire pit area, alongside a patio,with swimming pool installs, in and around trees and shrubs and for almost every other area in your yard. Mulch cover is also highly recommended for winter protection in our climate, as it helps protect the roots of plants and shrubs from freezing temperatures and drying winds.

Benefits of bark mulch

Bark mulch essentially forms a weed barrier and conserves moisture, in shading roots so plants are protected- it often means you don’t have to water as often. In some landscapes bark mulch can provide a soft material in an otherwise hard landscape, while also adding organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.

Bark Mulch limitationsBark mulch stepping stone

There are a few reasons why bark mulch might not be right for your landscape. It often has to be replaced every few years because of the mulch decomposing, and the original bold color of bark mulch when first installed will fade in direct sunlight over time, and may not look the same six months later.

Rock Mulch – Benefits

Rock mulch has numerous good reasons for use in your landscape. It’s a material that can’t decompose into soil and therefore does not require regular replacement, so it can be more economical than bark mulch in the long run. The fact that it comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures is clearly its biggest selling point.

Rock Mulch – Drawbacks

Within soRock mulchme landscapes there can be areas created where leaf drop and plant debris are concerns. Rock mulch may not be the best choice as it can accumulate on top of the rock mulch. The initial expense up front for the rock mulch needs to be considered. As does its weight, making it more difficult and expensive to install. A weed barrier underneath to prevent weeds from growing up through the rock is also required. Edging to prevent the rock falling into surrounding grass is also required.

Rock mulch can also absorb sunlight on hot days and heat up the soil underneath. Therefore placing strain on any shrubs and trees planted within the rock mulch.

So which low maintenance method do I chose? Rock vs. Bark Mulch

When making a final choice of landscaping mulch, that choice will often depend on an overall landscape design. Then your budget, and the types of plants and shrubs. Living in Winnipeg we also have to consider snow removal. Mulch installations close to driveways and sidewalks may need to be replenished because of snow plow damage.

Bark mulch is generally better to use in garden beds and to protect plantings and shrubs. While rock mulches are good to use around building foundations and alongside driveways and walkways. Many raised beds or planted berms will often also feature rock mulch.

There is no right or wrong answer, but the undoubted benefits of using either towards a low maintenance landscape is very clear.

For more information or advice please contact us

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Pave your way to a Beautiful Home

Stonehenge

When you get down to it, whatever you decide to pave; the driveway, front walk, steps, patio and other pathways leading to your home are among the best ways to make a good first impression on guests, prospective buyers and yourself, every time you come home.

As an increasing number of homeowners are discovering, the best materials for such things are inter-locking concrete pavers. There are a great number of reasons behind the success of concrete pavers:

  1. They are beautiful. They come in many shapes and colors, patterns and formats.
  2. Don’t crack like asphalt or poured-in-place concrete. Each unit has joints that allow for a small amount of movement without cracking.
  3. Are easy to repair. You can remove and reinstate the same pavers with no ugly patches after repairs to the base or underground utilities.  Other pavements can’t make this claim.
  4. Resist deterioration from freeze-thaw cycles and deicing salts better than other surfaces. Snow removal is the same as with other pavements.
  5. Resist oil and antifreeze that leak from cars, making the pavers particularly good for driveways.
  6. Can accommodate lighting fixtures that fit right into the paver pattern. The lighting defines patios, walkways, and driveways at night, increasing safety and adding a bit of mystique to your home.
  7. Can define and enlarge space for planting beds.

Professional contractors can complete a high-quality job quickly and safely because they have the right equipment and materials.  In addition, when you use an ICPI Certified Installer, you know the project is built according to industry guidelines.

Finding a great product from a local supplier, also ensures you are investing in a product that meets industry standards and also helps the local economy. http://www.barkmanconcrete.com/products

Contact us today for your own free estimate and lets see how we can help pave a way to your own beautiful home.