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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.