Author: Stone Deck

Whether you’re designing your dream home or upgrading your existing outdoor living space, attractive landscaping and hardscaping are the jewels in the crown- drawing the eye and sparking envy amongst your neighbours. 

Every real estate agent will tell you how important curb appeal is. Sure, your front yard needs to make a great first impression but beautifying your entire property will pay dividends. You’ll enjoy your home more and have more living space and improve your home’s value at the same time. 

Before dipping your toe into hardscape design, you should know a few things before getting started. Here are a few key things to think about.

What is Hardscaping? 

Traditionally, when people think of landscaping, they are referring to softscapes like lawns, gardens, trees and other natural elements. Hardscaping, a part of the landscaping industry, refers to the “harder” parts of your outdoor living space. These are the structural elements that need to be constructed. Decks, patios, fences. Walkways, fountains, balconies, retaining walls, pool decks and rooftop environments are all examples of hardscapes. 

The most beautiful outdoor living spaces involve a balance between softscapes and hardscapes. This will prevent the area from feeling too artificially paved or too soft like a golf course. 

How to Budget for your Hardscaping Project

One of the most significant factors in hardscaping is budget. Before going any further, you need to assess what you can afford and how much you’re willing to spend. Fortunately, there are hardscaping options at most price points, so don’t feel you need to spend thousands of dollars on improving your yard. If you’re using a contractor, budget an extra 10 to 15 percent of the estimate to cover unforeseen expenses and cost overruns. Obtain quotes from at least three local contractors to understand a reasonable price range for your project. Finally, decide whether you prefer to make an upfront investment that will last for decades or even a lifetime, or if you would rather accept a lower-cost option now and deal with repairs and maintenance every year or two. 

Which Materials to Use in your Hardscaping Project

Once you decide on a project, a design and your budget, you need to decide on the hardscaping materials you want to use. Think about your project’s functionality, which will be the final determiner of most of your material decisions. For example, if you’re constructing a rooftop deck, you must plan for things like drainage, noise below, and protecting your roofing membrane. This probably rules out materials like wood and concrete. It also points to a pedestal system as the ideal way to accomplish everything you want. 

Another great example is a patio. Sure, you can dig down two feet, excavate and replace with aggregate, level and then pour concrete or install interlock, keeping your fingers crossed that the project doesn’t shift in the spring. Alternatively, you could use a soil grid system and save yourself a lot of work and money. 

Long-lasting materials like porcelain pavers offer functionality and aesthetics and are virtually maintenance-free. They are also exceptionally durable and won’t require you to sand & stain every couple of years. 

When building a pool deck, functionality comes into play in a big way. You need materials that can be cut on a curve around the pool. Slip resistance is another crucial aspect – look into porcelain pavers for this one; they’re exceptionally slip-resistant. Perhaps a raised floor built with pedestals is the right choice, one that offers an additional benefit of disguising plumbing and electrical conduits below. 

Aesthetics, durability, maintenance, functionality and cost are all essential things to consider when planning a hardscape project. Determine the look you want, how long you want it to last, how much time you’re willing to put into maintaining it, how you want it to work and how much you want to spend – now and in the future. Choosing materials that save you time, labour and money is always a sure bet. Are you looking for high-quality, durable and innovative products for your hardscaping projects? Stone Deck Innovations offers Canada’s best hardscaping materials for your outdoor projects. Need help, materials or ideas? Visit Stone Deck Innovations – Canada’s deck life experts or contact us directly.

A deck is not just a deck. As people extend their living space to the exterior of their property, a deck becomes a way to express their personality while offering a fresh experience supported by the creature comforts they enjoy indoors. 

It’s not hard to imagine your deck as the focal point of your entertaining space. To really get people’s attention, you’ll need to combine form with function – ensuring your outdoor living space is where friends and family want to gather all season long. 

Here are a few great ways to take your deck to a whole new level, making it more comfortable, functional, and fun, whether for daily life or entertaining.

Shade – Depending on your deck’s sun exposure, you’ll want some shade on your deck. From arbours to pergolas, there are plenty of options available to create shade and avoid the intensity of mid-afternoon sun. Try hanging plants from above – they’ll love the sunlight while protecting you from it. You might also consider sun shades or shade sails that offer UV protection and heat resistance. 

Privacy – A raised deck has a great view of all your neighbour’s backyards, but they can see you too. Deck privacy panels or screens will give you the privacy you need. These can be installed as permanent structures or portable options for more flexibility. In a pinch? Consider large plants positioned in key areas.   

Green Decks – You can quickly transform part or all of your deck into a green deck with the help of a pedestal system. These systems offer excellent drainage and the ability to integrate irrigation systems and are simple enough for any DIY’er to install. 

Built-In Features – Built-in features are more straightforward when implemented into a new deck build but not impossible. Depending on the size of your deck, you might consider a firepit, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, benches, or planter boxes installed. You’ll truly be making the most of your outdoor living area and extending your home’s usable space. 

New Surface – Your deck doesn’t need to be limited to boring wood planks. The latest innovations in decking materials make it relatively easy to resurface your deck with luxurious yet affordable porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are virtually maintenance-free and, just like new floors inside your home, can completely transform the look of your deck. If you are limited with space and cannot add larger features like an outdoor kitchen or firepit, perhaps resurfacing your deck will give you the change you’re looking for. 

Hot Tub – Useful all year round, your deck is a great place for a hot tub. Don’t forget to add some privacy features and maybe some outdoor lighting for moonlight soaks.

Winter Utility – There are a variety of things you can do to make your deck more useful during the winter months. Consider a heated floor system, an outdoor fireplace, and some protection from the wind. Your deck will be just as functional as an entertaining space on New Year’s Eve as it is on any summer weekend. Take your outdoor living space to new heights, and make your deck the crown jewel of your home. Need help, materials or ideas? Visit Stone Deck Innovations – Canada’s deck life experts or reach out to us directly.

When you’re building a patio, you have plenty of options- concrete, interlock, and porcelain tile are a few surface coverings that come to mind. You also have several things to remember when building it. If it’s not built correctly, Canadian freeze & thaw cycles can wreak havoc with a patio. 

The usual method of constructing a patio in Canada requires digging down below the frost line, excavating, and replacing with crushed stone. This method involves a lot of work, plus the aggregate, labour, disposal, and transportation expense, and you’re just getting started. 

What if we were to tell you that there’s a better way? One that is easier, less expensive, and kinder to your back. A solution that can have you constructing a new patio in a shorter amount of time. 

The Silca SoilGrid is an environmentally friendly and versatile system that allows quick ground reinforcement with modern paver design in a fully permeable manner. This system is perfect for not only patios but also parking, concrete replacement, accessible areas, driveways, and paths. Ideal for in-ground installation of porcelain pavers, concrete pavers, brick, or natural stone Silca Soil Grids allow you to build stronger hardscapes by stabilizing base materials and eliminating the disruption caused by heaving and settling pavers.

The Benefits of Silca SoilGrid

Easy Installation – Give your back a break and leave the digging behind. Silca SoilGrid can be installed at an (up to 100 m²| 1,076 ft²/h per person) pace. One person can install large areas as the weight of a layer is low, and the interlocking works quickly and easily. You could have your entire project completed in a weekend. 

Tight Spots – Soil Grids can be carried on-site by hand, making them a great solution in tight spots where a truck cannot gain access. 

An Environmentally Option – Concrete is one of the biggest polluters on the planet. Soil Grids are a much better solution when looking for sustainable materials. Grids are made of 100% recycled LDPE, which is also further recyclable. 

Durability – Weatherproof and unbreakable, Silca SoilGrid is built to last a lifetime and is backed by a 20-year warranty. It is also UV-resistant and frostproof.

Strength – Silca SoilGrid provides excellent surface weight distribution and high resilience. 

Low Maintenance – Forget about re-leveling things in the spring. With the right surface coverings, your patio might require nothing more than a quick powerwash to restore it to its freshly installed look. 

Pre-Connected Sheets – The Grids are 13” x 13” x 1 1/2” thick (1.17 sq ft) and come in pre-connected 52” x 39” sheets for quick and easy installation.  

Other advantages of using Silca SoilGrid to Construct a Patio

• Up to 50% base reduction in excavation
• Up to 30% in labour savings
• No edging required
• As a contractor, you’ll have fewer warranty call-backs from shifting & sinking
• Fewer settling issues
• Installation without heavy construction equipment
• Permeable ground reinforcement
• Low handling and transportation costs

When you’re looking to build a patio, look to the solution that will save you time, labour and money. Used for residential and commercial applications, Silca SoilGrid offers a variety of advantages that other solutions simply cannot match. Stone Deck Innovations has everything you need to construct beautiful hardscapes and enhance your outdoor living space. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of Silca SoilGrid when building a new patio.

Design versatility and low maintenance are making make porcelain tiles an increasingly popular hardscaping material these days.

However, some homeowners are still reluctant to choose these tiles due to a perception that they are slippery. But this is an antiquated notion; the latest innovations in porcelain tile manufacture make them one of the safest outdoor flooring options available. Whether you have young children running around or planning to install near a pool or other water feature, porcelain tiles will impress you with their slip resistance. 

What Makes Porcelain Tiles Slip-Resistant?

Conventional tiles with smooth finishes are indeed prone to slipperiness. Upscale and aesthetically pleasing outdoor porcelain tiles offer a variety of slip-resistant properties that will have you upgrading your outdoor living space without fear of slips or falls. 

Porcelain is far less porous than natural stone, meaning it absorbs less moisture than other hardscaping surface materials. The anti-slip and moisture resistant properties of porcelain tiles ensure a maximum level of safety in the areas prone to wet conditions. Their low moisture absorption ensures no mildew, mould or lichen, common culprits in slippery outdoor surfaces. 

The surface texture of porcelain tiles is designed to be slip-resistant, even when wet. The beauty and nearly unlimited design options that we enjoy about porcelain tile usually come from a colour, pattern or design that has been printed on the tile. Even porcelain tiles that mimic wood or natural stone look have been printed. This printing adds moderate texture to the tile surface and increases its slip resistance. The surface texture largely determines the slipperiness of porcelain. Some porcelain tiles also have an anti-slip coating for additional peace of mind. 

How to Find Anti-Slip Porcelain Tiles for Outdoor Flooring?

While no tile or other outdoor flooring can be entirely “slip-proof,” there are industry standards and tests that determine the slip resistance of tiles. 

The DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction value) is the industry standard, setting the minimum standard for interior floor tile at ≥ .42 DCOF. 

For exterior applications, whether walkways or around the pool, the minimum standard is set at ≥ .60 DCOF.

Reviewing the DCOF rating of porcelain tiles is advised to ensure you’re choosing a product that is safe for outdoor use. 

Known for their exceptional slip resistance, outdoor porcelain tiles from Kronos Ceramiche have been rated at ≥ .60 DCOF, proving exceptionally safe for outdoor living spaces. Del Conca porcelain pavers are also rated at ≥ .60 DCOF

Landmark Ceramics, the maker of Frontier20 porcelain pavers, has created the Anti-slip Surface Project, an initiative that provides four different levels of safety for commercial and residential applications for both indoor and outdoor installations. Landmark’s porcelain pavers are offered with DCOF ratings that include ≥ 0.42 (Standard Finish) for indoor, ≥ 0.55 (Safe Step Finish) for residential & commercial, ≥0.65 (Safe Step Plus Finish) for residential & commercial, and ≥ 0.70 (Grip Finish) for outdoor residential and commercial spaces, as well as for indoor installation wherever the highest anti-slip performances are required.

Other Benefits of Porcelain Tiles

In addition to their exceptional slip-resistance, porcelain tiles offer a variety of benefits you’re sure to appreciate when designing a deck, patio or other hardscapes. 

• Porcelain tiles offer impressive strength and durability, withstanding the ravages of Canadian winters, and engineered to last decades. 

• Porcelain tiles are a long-term investment that requires no eventual replacement. Often porcelain tiles are produced with recycled materials too. They require no adhesives and their dry installation also significantly reduces the creation of dust and pollutants in the environment.

• You can’t beat porcelain tiles for their low maintenance. Instead of sanding, staining and sealing your deck every couple of years, simply give it a good powerwash in the spring to return your porcelain deck to its freshly-installed good looks. 

If you need help choosing the right porcelain tile for your deck, patio or other hardscapes, Stone Deck Innovations has the products and know-how to help you get the most out of your outdoor living space. Contact us now!

With working from home becoming the new normal for many people, some have realized that their home is not the ideal place to get work done. Whether noisy kids in the background of a Zoom call to cramped living quarters and having to set up shop on the kitchen table, the challenges of working from home take some getting used to. 

Before the pandemic, many people did not have a home office. It didn’t take long to discover that the key to getting work done is a quiet place that they enjoyed, and they would need to find better solutions to make the WFH lifestyle work for them. 

Finding enough space and a quiet zone to concentrate has become a priority. Renovating or building an addition isn’t an option for most, so people are turning their attention to their outdoor living space. Working from your deck or patio beats an office with a window on any day, and your colleagues are sure to notice during daily virtual meetings. 

Time spent in green spaces has been shown to improve attention and mood while promoting physical activity. Other benefits of working from your deck or patio include peace & quiet, a sense of well-being and a nice breeze. Suddenly work becomes something to look forward to. 

If your home does not already have a pleasant outdoor living area, you’ll need to create one. After all, working from a lawn chair in the yard is sure to cause neck and back pain and lose its appeal quickly. Constructing a proper workspace on your deck or patio is crucial to making it work long term. 

Transforming your existing space into an attractive and efficient outdoor office is a worthwhile, easily achievable goal. After hours, your deck or patio then becomes available for other activities. From a comfortable place for your family to gather to a fun place to entertain, you’re sure to enjoy this additional living space. 

Working from home suddenly becomes much more enjoyable from your deck or patio. You can even extend the season with some shielding from the weather. Consider adding a roof, a way to block the wind or even a propane heater. It is not unreasonable to think you could use this extra office space three seasons a year with these additional features. Suddenly your deck has become your new company headquarters, three seasons a year. 

The latest innovations in hardscaping construction materials make it relatively easy for those still thinking about adding a backyard patio or deck to their outdoor living space. 

When constructing a new patio, soil grid products like GatorBase can help you build a level patio that resists freeze & thaw cycles in a weekend. GatorBase eliminates the need for deep excavation, reducing your workload and saving you money at the same time. 

If you’re looking to build a deck, we have some helpful ideas. Consider using PaverDeck Plank, which can help you overhaul your existing deck or quickly create a maintenance-free deck.

For a stylish, slip-free, and low-maintenance surface option, Porcelain pavers like the Frontier20 Porcelain Pavers from Landmark Ceramics can be just the thing you need.  If you’re dealing with an uneven surface or considering using rooftop space, adjustable pedestals like the Uptec system by Profilitec can make what was previously unthinkable remarkably easy. 

When working from home, almost anything goes when creating office space. Why not take your office outdoors? When your office is on your deck or patio, that 5-second commute is sure to grow on you. If working from home is becoming a long-term situation, investing in your surroundings and creating the perfect outdoor workspace will pay dividends, increasing the value of your home and your enjoyment of it too. 

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that our homes are not large enough for home offices, remote learning and the entire family at home all day, every day. For those not working from home, staycations can be dull in a boring back yard. To rectify the situation, many homeowners are upgrading their outdoor living spaces, making them more functional, relaxing and desirable places to escape to. 

Decks and patios are becoming extensions of the home in ways we’ve never quite seen before. From outdoor offices to rooftop patios, there is a lot to get excited about when it comes to patio and deck design. We’ve outlined the top 7 trends in deck and patio design for 2022; trends that are guaranteed to inspire your next project. 

Outdoor Offices – People who have transitioned to a Work From Home (WFH) situation are discovering the joys of outdoor office space. By investing in their outdoor living space and upgrading their decks and patios, that coveted corner office with a window just got trumped by a great view of the entire backyard. Be prepared for jealous co-workers as they enviously eye your new office during Zoom meetings. 

Outdoor Kitchens – This trend from 2021 continues to build momentum! More than just your everyday BBQ, outdoor kitchens come in a variety of flavours. From outdoor bread or pizza ovens to completely independent outdoor kitchens, in 2022 we’re taking the indoors outside for some much-needed breathing room. Pro Tip: Outdoor kitchens look best on a natural stone, ceramic or porcelain deck surface. 

Gardens – Between the rapidly increasing cost of food and the sheer bliss & satisfaction of growing your own, Canadians are turning to gardening in droves. Don’t have much outdoor living space? Don’t worry! You can garden almost anywhere, including vertical gardens, containers even rooftops. For 2022, people are building planters & permanent raised beds, many right into their deck or patio. Pro Tip: This works best when your patio is constructed of materials that will not rot, such as porcelain tiles with metal decking underneath it all. 

Rooftop Patios – When your outdoor space is limited, look up! Thanks to the magic of adjustable pedestals, constructing a rooftop deck or patio has never been so easy, even on a sloped roof. Your rooftop patio will be the envy of the neighbourhood, with the best views of the city. Pedestals also make it possible to combine two of 2022’s hottest trends and create a rooftop garden. 

Longer-Lasting Materials – In this age of sustainability, constructing your outdoor living space with longer-lasting, more durable materials is on-trend. From environmentally-sustainable products like metal and natural stone to materials that do not to be replaced every fifteen years, decks and patios can now be built with minimal environmental imprint. 

Four-Season Retreats – Summer in Canada is short, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your outdoor living space year-round. Stone decks and patios offer exceptional slip resistance, are perfect around an outdoor fireplace or hot tub and can be constructed with snow-melting capabilities. Add a roof, and your patio or deck life can be extended throughout all four seasons, even in Canada. 

High-Quality Materials – One major trend in 2022 is the use of high-quality traditional landscaping materials including granites and natural stone. These are being used in conjunction with tough, man-made and engineered materials like steel. The goal is a timeless, natural aesthetic, constructed on a foundation that will outlast and outperform previous trends like wood; which can rot, bow or shift. Looking for more great deck and patio design ideas? Check out StoneDeck.ca for smart solutions that will help you to improve your outdoor living space while saving time, labour and money.

Like most Canadians, you’re probably sick of shovelling snow already. Whether you’re looking to give your back a break, or simply seeking safer walkways and outdoor surfaces, it might be time to consider snow-melting hardscapes around your home. 

Thanks to a variety of innovations in the driveway, decking and hardscape industries, it is now easy to create heated outdoor surfaces on your property. The current design and engineering now make what was previously impossible, relatively straightforward while saving you money and reducing associated labour too.  If the idea of decreased workloads and lower costs grabs your attention, read on. 

When one imagines a new deck or driveway, one usually imagines it in use during the summer months. By planning ahead and using the right materials, you can now envision them in use all year round. With the right plan, you can prepare to leave shovelling behind, and even make use of your deck or patio during the winter months. 

A deck, patio, walkway or driveway constructed with a pedestal & porcelain tile system offers the ability to integrate a heating system into your hardscapes. Thanks to the functional and accessible space below, created by the pedestal system, you’ll find it easy to run insulated electrical heating cables or hydronic PEX tubing with aluminum heat plates. Pedestal systems offer plenty of clearance so that you can customize your heating project to your liking, without compromise. Whether you’re heating an entire space or merely a path, you’ll have the flexibility to choose. They can even be installed as a DIY project, with no need for a licensed electrician until your final connection to the electrical panel. 

Even if you don’t install one right from the start, you can add a heating system later because pedestals make access easy, leaving no tell-tale signs of repairs. Quite different from systems of old, a pedestal system offers easy access when you need to access the equipment below. If you need to repair a heating element or other component, simply lift the porcelain tile above.

 Thermally efficient and extremely heat-conductive, porcelain tiles offer lower energy costs than concrete alternatives. In addition, they provide anti-slip properties for added safety along with extreme weather and wear resistance. Strong enough to bear enormous weight, porcelain pavers are ideal for driveways, walkways and patios alike. Non-porous, porcelain tiles will keep your projects looking as good as the day they were installed. 

When you choose to build with a pedestal/porcelain solution, you’ll enjoy a variety of other benefits, which will also save you money and labour. Forget about needing a truck and/or heavy equipment access, lightweight porcelain tiles can be carried and installed almost anywhere. Use them to build a patio or deck in places that were once unthinkable, even on your rooftop; those rooftop patio dreams come to life easier than you’d imagine.

Owners of investment properties are finding heated outdoor surfaces exceptionally useful. Lowering commercial snow removal service costs, these systems pay off over time in both labour and money. With a heated patio, deck, or even an outdoor fireplace, your outdoor living space will become a place for your family to gather all year round, adding to your home’s value and your enjoyment of it. 

As well as leaving the chore of shovelling snow behind, hardscapes constructed with pedestal systems are safer, making them ideal for walkways, decks & patios and driveways. Because porcelain pavers & tiles drain quickly, they leave behind no standing water.

 Easy to install, versatile and economical, say goodbye to shoveling snow and hello to pedestal & porcelain paver systems. Contact StoneDeck today to learn more about our products that can help you to eliminate snow and ice removal from your winter routine, and enjoy your deck or patio all year round. 

As many of us work towards building a more sustainable lifestyle, other aspects of our lives are viewed in a new light. Decisions about everything from the clothing we wear to our home improvements are now made with environmental elements considered. Even outdoor living spaces can now be constructed with sustainable, eco-friendly building materials that are superior to more traditional alternatives. Here are a few things to consider when building an eco-friendlier outdoor space. 

Chemicals – That pressure-treated deck you love to spend your summers on has probably been treated with insecticides. Sure, nobody wants their deck boards to become a rotted wasp hotel, but those chemicals leach into the surrounding soil. Since 2004, pressure-treated wood in Canada has been coated with alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole (CA-B), or micronized copper azole (MCA). Once your pressure-treated deck has reached the end of its lifespan, the wood cannot be burned, lest you release these chemicals into the air and rotted wood is seldom useful. For those with composite wood decks, while these materials are often constructed from recycled materials, composite can emit formaldehyde. 

Longevity – Long-lasting decking materials of any kind reduce environmental impact. Replacing your deck every 10-15 years means more landfill waste, more trees, more work, and more money. By choosing a longer-lasting solution, you’ll save yourself time, trouble and generate less waste in the process. Recent innovations in the deck-building industry are providing great decking products, many of which will last a lifetime. From natural stone surface coverings to rot-, insect- and fire-resistant steel joists and footings, your deck will not only be more environmentally friendly, but you’ll spend more time enjoying it.

Recyclability – Because most traditional decking materials have been treated with toxic chemicals or contain plastic, their recyclability is limited. Metal decking products are 100% recyclable, and many are made using recycled steel. Stone deck surfaces are often made with recycled materials and can be further recycled or crushed into aggregate once you’re finished with them.

Eco-friendly deck building should also factor in the use of sustainable materials, including those which require less energy to produce and those which do not negatively impact the environment in their sourcing. Look for products that have a long lifespan with minimal or no maintenance, require less energy to produce, and do not release toxic chemicals or off-gassing of toxic fumes. 

If you’re looking to build a more eco-friendly deck, consider the following products:

BAILEY TRUEDECK™ is made of steel certified to Environment Canada’s Environmental Choice Program. Steel is not required to be treated with chemicals and insecticides that may be harmful to the environment. Be assured, you will be building an environmentally responsible deck.

Del Conca Porcelain Tiles – From unparalleled durability to zero-waste manufacturing, porcelain tile is the healthiest and most ecologically beneficial product on the market. All Del Conca USA products are covered by the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The EPD recognizes that North American-made tile has the lowest environmental impact across all impact categories. This includes the lowest Global Warming Potential and the lowest Fossil Fuel Resource Depletion.

Paverdeck Plank – Paverdeck is sustainable and will not compromise future generations. Steel is the most recycled material in the world, more than all other materials combined. Paverdeck structures are made from 95% recycled steel. With no required maintenance, the Paverdeck structure does not rely on chemicals or cleaners and has a zero-carbon footprint during its use. 

As environmentally responsible decking material companies develop new ways to use existing materials in new and innovative products, we are on our way to a brighter, cleaner future. Consider the benefits of eco-friendly decking products and learn more at StoneDeck.ca

When constructing a new patio, the two most popular materials used are concrete and pavers. When you’re considering building a new patio, you might be wondering about the differences between them and the benefits of each. While both concrete and pavers offer advantages and are attractive choices, you’ll likely want to make your decision based on criteria like the overall finished look, cost, and how you plan to use your new patio. Here is a tutorial on the pros and cons of concrete vs. pavers, along with answers to frequently asked questions. 

What is the Difference Between Concrete and Pavers?

Concrete is mixed and poured on-site in uniform grey slabs for strength. Fairly drab aesthetically, people sometimes upgrade to a stamped concrete finish which adds texture and a little more appeal. 

Pavers, usually made from natural stone or porcelain arrive in individual blocks or bricks which are then arranged to create a unique layout or space. Design options are virtually unlimited because they are offered in a variety of patterns and colours, allowing you to create a personalized feel for your space. 

Durability: Concrete vs. Pavers 

To resist the freeze/thaw cycles typical of Canadian winters, concrete must be poured to a depth of 4-6 inches over a prepared base. If the ground beneath your patio shifts, concrete slabs can crack or split, and at some point in the future you will need to replace it. Concrete can stain due to its porosity and repairs are obvious, impacting its appearance. 

Alternatively, the durability of a paver stone patio comes down to your installation process, in particular, the base underneath them. Pavers themselves can last a lifetime and can withstand weather, heavyweight, and almost anything you can throw at them. If pavers are installed with a thermally protected product such as GatorBase beneath, your patio will remain level year after year, resisting the ravages of Canadian weather. Should a paver somehow become stained or damaged, simply replace the individual paver and no one will be the wiser? 

When it comes to load-bearing strength, pavers are the clear winner. While concrete is indeed strong, pavers can withstand up to 4X the weight that concrete can handle. 

Safety: Concrete vs. Pavers 

Concrete slabs can be very slippery when wet or icy and both pavers and concrete are easily damaged by rock salt. This presents a safety issue. If your concrete patio will receive foot traffic during the winter months, you will need to consider upgrading to stamped concrete to add texture for safety or apply products for slip resistance. On the other hand, pavers have built-in texture making them a safer choice. In wet conditions, pavers have inherent drainage, while concrete needs to be properly graded to avoid pooling on its surface. 

Ease of Installation: Concrete vs. Pavers 

Installing a concrete patio requires an advanced skill set to ensure a proper base and grading. The space needs to be accessible by a large truck, and minimum order requirements may necessitate ordering and paying for more concrete than you need. 

Installing pavers is relatively straightforward and most DIY’ers have no trouble installing them, particularly when using an uncomplicated base product like GatorBase underneath. No large components or equipment are required, and a patio constructed of pavers can be installed nearly anywhere. As a bonus, easier installation results in lower labour costs too. 

What Types of Pavers Can I Use For My Patio?

Pavers are offered in an assortment of styles and materials, colours, and shapes. Porcelain pavers are incredibly versatile, offer unlimited design options, and are ideal for projects that demand total visual continuity. Natural stone pavers are a popular choice for patios and decks and are available at a variety of price points. Interlocking pavers offer a structured look and are often the easiest to install, however, these are more expensive. Concrete pavers, constructed of a blend of materials including concrete, are topped with a sealant. You may also find pavers made of marble, brick, and other materials.

Whether your preference is pavers or concrete, a patio is sure to enhance your enjoyment of your outdoor living space, while simultaneously improving your home’s value.