August 26, 2019 | Homeownership
Are your patio and driveway beginning to look a bit tired? Perhaps it’s time to replace that well-served driveway or create a patio or walk-out area at ground level. Before you begin, you could be well-served by investigating your options prior to settling on the traditional surface material, such as asphalt or concrete slabs. There are more design options than you might think when it comes to re-landscaping. You’ll need to choose materials that go beyond making your patio look like it’s straight out of a magazine. A patio built with materials that are strong and durable will give you a patio that’s made to last.
For instance, if you like the look of real stone, but are wary of the cost, you might be surprised to learn that concrete can be cut, tumbled and treated to give off that “stone-like” appearance, at a fraction of the cost. Concrete comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours. Different textures and finishes can be applied to concrete, like rock salt, aggregate, faux finishes, etchings, stamping, and hand carving.
Interlocking stone bricks or cobblestone blocks are also a popular choice, and various shapes and colours can be combined to create a unique and attractive look. Popular types of stone include:
– Flagstone
– Cut Stone
– Cobblestones
– Veneer Stone
On a more inventive and environmental level, you might want to consider materials made of recycled glass, rubber, or even crushed seashells, presuming you can source them responsibly. For those Mother Nature supporters out there, another intriguing surface option that is environmentally friendly is a grid pattern of brick, stone, or concrete that leaves space for gravel, wood chips, grass or exposed earth to promote water absorption into the ground. These designs help to prevent excessive runoff issues as well as puddles in low areas. For example, your pavers can be simple concrete squares, evenly spaced for a modern look and placed evenly into a bed of pea gravel, or using bands of bluestone with black pebbles.
Whichever choice best represents your style, be sure the surface is stable enough to support the vehicle(s) or foot traffic it is intended to serve.
Remember, curb appeal is important! Not only does it entice prospective buyers to look inside a house, but it helps your home sell from the inside out! Spending some time and money on your home’s on curb appeal can be well worth it. Improving your home’s curb appeal may help your home sell faster and for more money. Call us today and we can help you get your home ready to sell!