PAVING THE WAY FOR YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Custom brick patio & pool deck

Hardscaping is an important part of any residential landscape to create visual balance and functional surfaces. Because of their durability, easy maintenance, and cost efficiency, pavers have become the popular choice for achieving a stunning outdoor surface. Pavers come in a variety of material options, including concrete, natural stone, and brick, and each is available in different colors, shapes, and patterns. Whether you are looking to create a walkway, patio, or pool deck, see which type of paver fits your budget and best complements the style of your home.

Concrete Pavers 

Common in residential and commercial applications, concrete pavers are made with a strong mix of cement and aggregate and often used for driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks.  Concrete pavers are manufactured according to firm dimensional standards and offer endless design possibilities. They are available in a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures, and can even be made to look like natural stone or clay brick.

Patio & stairs with lighted columns - Frederick, MD

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers convey a statement of timeless elegance and Old-World charm to any home. Their hard surface and durability make them suitable for heavily used areas but they are also a great choice around pools because their porous texture provides a non-slip surface.  Additionally, bricks will not fade or erode if exposed to large amounts of water or chlorine.  Since brick pavers are natural products made from clay, water, and fire, their colors tend to be in the earth tone range, consisting mostly of red, brown, greenish gray, tan, and beige. A major advantage of brick pavers is that they have countless design options. Patterns can be created using bricks of various sizes, shapes, textures, and colors.  Because pigments are not added, bricks are not affected by ultraviolet light and will preserve their color.  

Patio & retaining wall - New Market, MD

Natural Stone Pavers

If you’re looking for a truly authentic hardscaping material, consider natural stone. Natural stone pavers are cut from many different types of stones, including sandstone, limestone, granite, bluestone, marble, slate, and travertine. These stones are hard-wearing, long-lasting, and weather resistant, which makes them perfect for any outdoor application. In particular, granite, travertine, and bluestone pavers are known to have a non-slip surface, which is ideal for around pools. Additionally, travertine and flagstone have very low heat absorption, so the surface stays cool on your feet.  One of the main highlights of natural stone pavers is their wide variations in color, texture, shape, and size. Stone pavers range in shades of blue, red, brown, and gray. They also can be finished to have a smooth matte, high gloss, or ultra rough texture to match the style of your home. While stone pavers will not fade, initial sealing is advised to enhance colors and preserve luster. 

Paver pricing and installation can vary depending on materials used.  Have a question about which pavers are right for your project?  Contact us, we are happy to answer your questions.

Dress Up Your Deck or Patio

Now that spring is officially here, it is time to “beautify” your deck or patio with color and texture.  Container gardens are the perfect way to add a finished and cozy look to outdoor living areas.    There are dozens of types of outdoor containers ranging from a standard wooden window box to custom built deck rail planters.  You can spend a little or lot on deck and patio containers; it all depends on your budget and how much area your space covers.  A large deck with just a few rail containers looks sparse and uninviting while a smaller space completely surrounded by planters is a bit overwhelming.  And don’t forget pots!  A nice grouping of planted pots can add height, texture and bring butterflies or hummingbirds right to you.

A quick Google search on “deck plant containers” yields many websites you can review to see all the various types of containers available.  They can be made of wood, metal, composite materials or plastic.  Rail type planters are typically attached with some sort of bracket but there are some that will sit directly on top of the railing. You need to take certain measurements before buying the planters, especially the width of the deck railing. Since, planters come in various sizes, it is necessary that the planter you select should fit perfectly on the deck railing. Most importantly make sure your railing is sturdy enough to bear the weight of planters. Watering the planters makes them even heavier, so your railing should be strong enough to support this additional weight.

Deck rail planters are a great way of organizing your outdoor space.  There are also many types of free standing plant carts and shelves which when placed against a wall provide a great focal point for pots of blooming annuals.

For large containers and pots, I recommend purchasing some rolling plant caddies.  These caddies make moving your pots around much easier and they have the added benefit of keeping the pots off your deck surface, reducing the possibility of stains or other damage.

To assist you in your searching I’ve listed some websites below that have unique or unusual containers and deck rail boxes.  Whether you buy from these sites or just gather inspiration, the important thing is to enjoy your outdoor space.  Nothing makes that space for inviting than a few comfortable chairs and blooming color all around you!

Windowbox.com

www.hooksandlattice.com

 
Interesting and affordable rolling caddies here:  http://www.windowbox.com/brackets-container-accessories/plant-stands-caddies.html

Spring Projects & Homeshows - Join Us!

I see daylight...

As soon as I begin to notice more daylight at the end of the day, I know we are heading toward the sun and the end of winter.  Sure we will have more cold days, maybe more snow and ice but each day gets a little longer and the sun a little brighter.  That’s all I need to know spring isn’t far away.  

With spring approaching perhaps your mind turns to outdoor projects.  Is it time to prune the roses?  Do you need to put down some pre-emergent for all those pesky weeds that are starting to green up?  Is this the year you finally build that deck you have been thinking about?   The mid-Atlantic region is ideal for outdoor living.  Spring in our region is so beautiful with all the flowering trees, shrubs and bulbs.  A great outdoor space provides a get-away where you can enjoy the coming season  - with just a step out your back door.

If you have spring projects circling in your head I have a great suggestion on where to get help with creative ideas on design, materials, budget and timelines.  The Frederick County Builders Association Homeshow is a great place to gather all kinds of ideas for home & garden projects.  CedarbrookOutdoor Design/Build will be hosting a booth at the homeshow March 16^th & 17^th at the Frederick county fairgrounds.  We invite you to come to the show and stop by our booth in building 12 (#10-12).  We will have sample decks and patios on display as well as experts from some of the top decking material vendors.  

Come talk with us, get your questions answered and see some great design ideas for creating a true outdoor living space for you and your family.

If you live closer to Carroll County – never fear.  Cedarbrook will also have a display at the Carroll County Homeshow on March 23^rd & 24^th, Carroll County Agricultural Center (booth P1-P2).  

Catch some spring fever and  join us for one of these terrific homeshows.  Remember daylight savings time is only a few weeks away.  Spring is coming, get out there and enjoy it!

 - Mike