Planning an outdoor space begins with an idea. A fun picnic on a friend’s Hardscape or a relaxing time at a poolside bar on vacation inspires us to recreate those feelings in our own backyards. So you want an outdoor space. What’s the next step in the planning process?

“We tell our customers to look through the EP Henry catalog for ideas,” said 30+ year patio installation veteran Dan Sevic, owner of Sevic Landscape Supply in New Kensington, PA. “They produce a beautiful catalog that has a lot of ideas.” Real-size installations help, too. Dan’s business, Sevic Landscape Supply, has a showroom area where customers can see large areas of decks, patios, walls and other Hardscapes.

Don’t forget about Pinterest. Sharing sites are great for customers and Dan’s business. “Pinterest gets them excited about the product,” he said. That excitement and interest in EP Henry’s stone and brick pavers will bring homeowners to Dan’s door.

https://www.pinterest.com/ephenryusa/

Customers gather ideas and images, then work with a contractor to determine if their ideas will fit in their outdoor space. The overall square footage is an obvious concern, but homeowners aren’t always prepared for other details like drainage and buried gas lines. The mere logistics of delivering pavers to an inaccessible backyard can also be a challenge. “Customers sometimes have unrealistic expectations,” said Dan. To help manage those expectations and get everyone on the same page, Dan and his crew will often visit the property and do a walk-through with the homeowner. These onsite visits can also identify situations such as where installing a retaining wall can increase the area of usable space for the homeowner’s patio or outdoor room.

Reputable contractors will come to your home to do a walk-though. This can also help the designer determine how the homeowner plans to use the space. Experienced Hardscape designers like Dan know the right questions to ask. For example, Dan asks if any steps will be used at night, and if so, he’ll suggest incorporating foot path lighting into the design. Homeowners usually haven’t thought about lighting at all. They often take Dan’s suggestions. “Running plastic conduit for the wires isn’t expensive. Plus, [footpath lighting] gives such a rich look,” Dan said. Conduit can be run for gas lines for grills and fire pits, too. Another inexpensive design element that adds extra elegance to the space is a border of differently-shaded pavers. Dan likes to line walkways with border pavers in a darker, complementary color to the main pavers. It’s a simple addition that adds a high level of sophistication.

Dan has design programs that he and other landscapers use so customers don’t need to buy that software or sit with the designer at his or her computer. “It’s a long process that can take hours,” said Dan. “It’s better for customers to look through the EP Henry catalog.” Why EP Henry? “They make superior products,” he said. As the western-most distributor for EP Henry, Dan has had orders from as far away as Wisconsin and Indiana. So word is getting out – EP Henry’s unique manufacturing process builds pavers that last.

Feeling inspired yet? Get your free catalog today and begin to live the dream.

http://ephenry.com/request-a-catalog

And when you are ready, we can help you find reputable contractors and landscape designers we know you’ll love. http://ephenry.com/services

If you are in the western part of PA or parts beyond, contact Dan Sevic, at website http://seviclandscapeandsupply.com/