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hardscape

Throwing shade: Patio options for summer sun

Sitting outside in the summer is one of life’s simple pleasures. A few clever and well-placed shade providers can make your patio an even cooler place to hang out. While some people still love to bask for hours in the sun’s hot rays, many of us prefer to enjoy the outdoors in a cooler, shady

Hardscape hearth: Get the outdoor fireplace of your dreams

Entertaining always seems to happen in certain areas in the house. Kitchens and fireplaces are welcoming spaces that signify warmth and welcome, and the crowds tend to gather around them. An outdoor fireplace may be the hearth your yard needs to feel more like home. While a fire pit is a lovely addition to any

Turn your patio into an outdoor living room with a patio conversation set

Sitting in a quiet outdoor space is a great stress reliever. Visiting with friends on the patio can be even more relaxing. Having the right outdoor furniture helps in creating the right environment for serene experiences. A table and chairs is the typical choice for seating, but the latest trend is to create an outdoor

Portico: A stately entrance or a small place to pause

A portico is an area with a roof by the front door of a home. Either columned or roof-only, porticos are places to prepare for going out or coming in from the elements. The roof allows one to open an umbrella before stepping into the rain. It gives a guest a place to brush off

Slopes and steps: Landscaping your hill

In the breathtaking catalog spreads on home and garden sites, page after page display perfectly level yards with expertly installed plantings. If you’re lucky enough to have a magazine-ready, flat area as our outdoor space, you have a great start. But if you are facing the seemingly Sisyphean task of beautifying a hill, it can

Dream of Sunnier Plains: Southwestern inspiration for the patio

Many stone traditions are available to emulate in your patio design. The architecture of the Italian Renaissance or an American Colonial theme inspire many homeowners. But what about a little taste of the American Southwest? When visiting the Southwest, you understand why the ancients worshipped the sun. The light is bright and the heat is

You in stone: Personalize your patio design

A new patio is a fantastic home improvement. It will likely increase the value of your property. A new Hardscape is an entirely new living space and most importantly, contributes to your overall enjoyment of being outside. Installing a Hardscape is like adding another room to your house. We don’t call them “outdoor rooms” for

Salt and your pavers – what you need to know

Winter is here. Snow and sleet are coming. Before you scatter the de-icing salt on your Hardscape, read up on how to best care for your pavers during these cold months. The most important thing to do for Hardscape throughout the winter is to quickly clear it of as much snow as possible using gentle

Fire from the hearth: Which type of fire pit is right for your hardscape?

The cooler nights, the changing leaves, the crackling of a fire… the wonderful sights and sounds of the Fall season are back in full swing. Sitting together “out back”, faces lit only by the warm glow of a fire and enjoying each other’s company is the cozy scene we all love. One fire pit can

Outdoor rooms can have ceilings, too

“Outdoor room” doesn’t have to mean “out in the open.” There are many options for covering your patio space. Summer officially ended this week, but you still can catch some rays. While you’re admiring a beautiful sunset and reminiscing on a hot season well spent, lend some thought to the coming summer’s heat. The time