Concrete, Walls, & Hardscaping
Concrete and Hardscapes refers to the areas of your front and or backyards whereby you either utilize them for gathering purposes, convenient access pathways, and or storage uses. They can be made of flagstone, pavers, concrete, or just about anything that is considered to be “permanent.” In the pictures below, you will see a variety of all of the afore mentioned products (as well as some combinations – we are only limited by our budget and imaginations!).
NOTE: We are NOT just concrete contractors. We consider your needs now and into the future, whether you have a design or not, we include access points under the concrete (commonly referred to as ‘sleeves’) for irrigation, lighting, electrical, and drainage. The most common mistake a homeowner makes when hiring a ‘concrete contractor’ is having tunnel vision; being fixated on what their needs are now. Tearing something out to put something else in can be a costly endeavor. Plan ahead!
Concrete, although the most common selection for your back / front yard patios, driveways, and pathways, isn’t always your only choice…depending on what you need and what you are trying to achieve. There are a number alternatives that work well. However, as with all things, there are pros and cons (strengths and weaknesses) as well as cost considerations to each material selection. We will review a handful of those options to help give you an idea of what may be best for you. We will also include dollar signs “$” in a range of 1 to 5 so you may have a better understanding of how one is more or less expensive than the other (as prices change rapidly these days, giving exact quotes isn’t feasible).
Concrete: $$ to $$$$$
Concrete, on average, “covers the bases” because it is the most cost effective, durable, and practical in terms of usability / functionality. There are also a wide variety of “finishes” (what the top of the concrete looks like – stamped, broom finished, colored, etc.) that have an impact on costs and functionality. Although it falls in the middle to high areas in terms of costs, it is our number one selection because of its long-term durability. In theory, it will be as functional on year 50 as it was at year 1. The one weakness of concrete is best described as, “There are two types of concrete: one that has cracked and one that hasn’t cracked yet!” Despite our efforts in base prep, steel reinforcement, and placement of expansion joints, concrete will likely crack. To minimize the risk of unsightly cracking, we place control / expansion joints strategically within the concrete. Like the perforations in a Graham Cracker, expansion joints are designed to deliberately weaken the concrete in certain areas so that cracks will occur within those joints so they are not as visible.
Pavers: $$$$ to $$$$$
Pavers / Pavestones come in a variety of shapes and sizes; cobblestone, brick, travertine, flagstone, etc. Although their individual costs will vary wildly, their installations are very similar. Generally, pavers require a minimum of 4 to 6 inches of base preparation that requires a fair amount of excavation and removal. Also, the type of design you choose has an impact on the costs; curves require a tremendous amount of cutting whereas straight lines minimize the complexities and therefor the costs. Irrespective of the design type you choose, do not try to save money on the “grouting” or “jointing.” Go with a polymeric sand (a mixture of fine sand and crystalline silica) like Gator Dust by Alliance or its equivalent. This seals out the elements and helps anchor the pavers in place.
Decks: $$$$$
Decks are most commonly made out of wood or composites (a combination of wood and, commonly, recycled plastics). Both require framing, however, the composite decking requires a tightening of the joist spacing as the material doesn’t have the same vertical deflection capabilities as wood (the ability to span the distance from joist to joist without feeling soft or spongey). Composite decking, in very hot environments, are also subject to thermal expansions (slight warping, in plain English) which requires more fasteners to secure the deck boards to the framing and to each other. A significant upside to synthetic decking is, with a proper installation, they are maintenance free, won’t splinter, and can last for decades.
The most common decks are framed with pressure treated lumber and finished with S4S (smooth on four sides) Redwood 2×6 boards. Because of the tannins that naturally exist within Redwood, they are insect and rot resistant; meaning that they do not require staining or treatments. However, Redwood, when exposed to water and sunlight over time, will “weather” (age) into a driftwood gray color. There are seals and treatments that can be applied to preserve (or alter) the color of your Redwood.
Flagstone: $$ to $$$$$
Flagstone, typically, has two presentations (types of installations); a chaos pattern with random joint thicknesses OR a mosaic whereby all the pieces fit together perfectly with equal joint thicknesses (similar to setting tile). Although the materials may be the same in terms of costs, the labor between the two are significantly different with the mosaic being far more expensive. Flagstone may also be installed as a ‘soft-set’ (at grade with minimal base prep), or similarly to pavers (with compacted base rock and grouted with a polymeric sand), or for long term durability, mortared into place over concrete (commonly referred to as a veneer). Each type of installation has a place within a landscape – depending on what you are trying to achieve.
Lastly, flagstone – the rock itself – comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, thicknesses, and textures. The last one, textures, is important when choosing a flagstone. Some, when wet, can be slick. Others can be highly irregular on the surface (varying surface heights – which makes it difficult to wheel over and or set tables and chairs on without rocking). Whichever you choose, be sure that it suits your needs!
Other Materials: $
There are a host of other products / materials that will serve your purposes that are better than doing nothing or wading through mud. However, you’ll be compromising a lot in terms of aesthetics and, more importantly, functionality. If you’ve ever hauled a small wheeled object through thick sand, you already know that it is a miserable experience. Never-the-less, there are many viable options to create patios, pathways, and storage areas that are better than dirt or mud.
Walls (Retaining Walls and Seat Walls)
Walls have many uses and can be made out of just about anything. If you have a small space and like to entertain, consider building seat-walls. They’re typically about 18 to 20 inches tall and do not take up as much space as a bunch of chairs. Other types of walls may be for retaining a hillside or be used to create a boundary.
Beautiful & Affordable
Call us at 707-761-4231 or contact us for your free quote.