Providing Exceptional Landscaping Since 2010

975 Mid-Way Blvd
Mon-Sat: 07:00 - 17:00
01 Oct 2019

Which Decking Material is Best?

decking-installation

It can be hard to choose a material for your deck as there are so many choices and good options out there in today’s market.

Which decking material is best for you? When making your decision, you should consider factors such as durability, maintenance, price and design. You’ll want a quality material within your budget and something that goes with the look and feel that you want to achieve for your yard.

Let’s discuss the prime options available, including soft wood, hardwood, PVC and composite decking, to help you better decide.

Wood Decks

In general, wood decks are made out of durable wood material which comes in many rich natural colours and appealing textures. Easy to find and at an affordable price, many people choose wood decks to enhance their landscape and maintain a natural feel.

Wondering, “What type of wood should I use for a deck?” Overall, pressure-treated and cedar lumber is a good affordable option, and readily available. However, more unusual options like Massaranduba and Philippine mahogany are extremely durable and resistant to insects and rot.

Let’s take a closer look at the two main categories of wood decks, soft wood and hardwood.

Soft Wood Decks

Pros of Soft Wood Decks:

  • Commonly made from trees such as pine or spruce which are durable
  • Will last for many years especially when pressure treated
  • Easier to build with than hardwood
  • Tends to be cheaper than hardwood

Cons of Soft Wood Decks:

  • Limited natural colour options – needs to be stained if you prefer other colours
  • Soft wood tends to wear out faster than hardwood
  • Requires more regular maintenance as wood decks have a tendency to collect mould and mildew
  • Needs to be stained and sealed at least every 2-3 years to maintain its look
  • If you burn the wood, you can be exposed to chemicals that are embedded in it

Hardwood Decks

Pros of Hardwood Decks:

  • Commonly made from ipe and teak trees
  • Comes in a wide range of beautiful natural colours
  • Extremely durable material that can last up to 40 years or more, longer than soft wood
  • Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and scratches

Cons of Wood Decks:

  • More difficult to build with than soft wood
  • More expensive than soft wood
  • Similar to soft wood, it requires more regular cleaning and maintenance

How to Clean a Wood Deck

In order to clean a wood deck, you should use a reputable wood deck cleaning product. Afterwards, apply a sealer and toner. Soft wood decks especially should be cleaned at least twice a year with the appropriate solutions and protective treatments to enhance their durability and longevity.

PVC and Composite Decking

What is the best composite deck material? There’s no simple answer as it can depend widely on your personal tastes and the brand you choose.

Most composite decks are made from polyethylene or polyvinyl and come in a variety of styles and colours. Similarly, PVC decks, made from recycled plastic, are a great low-maintenance choice for homeowners who want a long-lasting deck without the hassle of constant upkeep.

Pros of PVC and Composite Decking

  • Low maintenance
  • Does not require sanding, staining or sealing
  • More durable than wood and resistant to warping and bug infestation
  • Resistant to mould which is especially ideal for locations close to water or with a lot of rainfall
  • Flexible enough to be curved into patterns and shapes, which may be too expensive when using wood.

Cons of PVC and Composite Decking

  • Lower priced options can sometimes look cheap with a plastic finish
  • Can also be susceptible to swelling and cupping
  • Difficult to repair if a section is damaged
  • The PVC coating found on composite decking can get hot in the sun, making it uncomfortable to walk on barefoot

How to Clean PVC and Composite Decking

Mild soap and water should do the trick. Apply the solution with a deck scrub or plastic bristle brush. Don’t use a natural fibre brush as it may dull the appearance of your decking.

Choosing the Right Deck Flooring

the-finished-garden

There are benefits and drawbacks to each of the above materials. Your preferences will determine which decking is best suited to you and your needs. You may want to go for the luxury of a natural wood, or maybe a recyclable and economical PVC or composite material is more up your alley.

Are you still having trouble deciding which decking material is best for you?  Let Green Scene Landscaping help find the right fit for you. Contact us today for help choosing and advice on how to calculate decking material.

01 Aug 2019

Consolidating Landscape Projects with One Contractor

Backyard Landscape

When planning a new landscaping project for around your deck, pool, or elsewhere in your yard, hiring a single landscape contractor will take the hassle out of dealing with multiple companies and work processes, and help you build a solid relationship with one person or company that you trust to get your projects completed on time and to your expectations.

Contractors have the expertise and a broad network to utilize, that will help you make the best creative and practical decisions for your yard. Read on to see some of the ways that having one contractor can assist you in creating a beautiful space for your backyard.

Benefits of Using a Single Contractor for Your Landscaping

Expertise

Landscape contractors have a deep understanding of the science behind landscaping a yard. Contractors are familiar with current trends and have the knowledge of what works well with each specific property. Each yard has an individual design, size and different complexities, and landscapers know what works in certain situations and what does not.

Deck in a Backyard

If you’re looking to add landscaping around your deck for privacy, a contractor can plan a way to create a private space that reduces visibility and blocks out noise while maintaining its appeal. Landscaping around raised decks can be especially difficult to visualize but contractors are equipped with the knowledge of how to develop an effective design. Because of their expertise in the field, they can generate ideas that you may not have considered before.

Uniform Design

Having an individual contractor on your project will not only streamline the management aspect of the process from conceptual ideas to budget planning and construction, but it will also help maintain a uniform look to your space.

A contractor can develop an overall plan of ideas and designs that pull together all aspects of your yard (fence, pool, interlock, deck design, etc.) to complement each other.

Simplified Budget

Having a single contractor is cost-effective as it prevents redundant work. The contractor can create a cohesive strategy that pieces together all aspects of the landscaping project, which also makes billing a simpler process.

Because landscape professionals have experience in the field, they have an intimate understanding of associated costs and are equipped to ensure that your project stays within your desired budget.

Solid Relationship

Working with a single landscaper makes it easier to develop a strong working relationship and someone you trust to develop your vision. When a contractor is working closely with you to build a design, it’s easier to establish a foundation of trust and it’s likely that you will feel more comfortable with the development of the project when you can focus on this vision together. Additionally, it saves time and effort when one person is responsible for the organization and execution, and it’s clear who to communicate with every step of the way.

Contractors also have existing relationships with other reputable service providers that can assist with whatever additional requirements a project may have, while acting as a liaison to take care of the details for you.

Trust the Experts at Green Scene Landscaping

The team at Green Scene Landscaping would love to partner with you to create the backyard you have always dreamed of. Book a consultation with one of our experienced designers or contact us any time for assistance in planning your next landscaping project.

05 Jun 2019

Get Inspired with Great Front Entrance Interlock Ideas

interlock driveway contemporary home

What makes for great front entrance interlocking? You need to combine the right stone and pattern for your entryway to make a truly eye-catching statement. Although with so many interlocking and pattern options to choose from, making the right decision for your home can seem a little daunting.

To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve collected some examples of our most beautiful interlocking projects to inspire you and would be happy to chat with you further about customizing one of these ideas, or a combination, to suit your needs.

Combining Natural Stone to Create a Sleek Appearance

We laid the interlocking on this front entryway in a simple pattern, so it blends well with the natural stone steps and siding on this lovely home. We chose blueish grey interlocking to work with the slate-like tops of the stairs, giving it a clean, elegant look.

interlock and natural stone front

Use Large and Small Pavers for a Unique Look

Your interlocking pavers don’t all have to be the same size. In fact, by pairing a larger and smaller stone of the same colour and texture, you can add dynamic appeal to an otherwise plain front yard.
large and small paver walkway

The interlocking above boosts the beauty of the low maintenance landscaping, so this homeowner has a beautiful entryway they don’t have to weed.

Try Edging the Driveway with Interlocking

Not ready to commit your whole driveway to interlocking, but still want to add a high-class feel to your home’s exterior? No problem. You can simply edge the driveway and sidewalk with the same interlocking you’re using for the front steps, which helps to tie the entire look together.

interlock edging around driveway

Consider the Benefits of Herringbone

If you’re searching for a unique pattern that will help your entrance stand out, herringbone may be right option for you. This pattern looks sharp and withstands the pressure from vehicles better than other patterns, so it will also last longer.

herringbone pattern walkway

Though the front entrance above has herringbone laid out vertically, you can lay this pattern in different directions, including on an angle to the right or left as well as horizontally.

Utilize Dynamic Shapes

Have an unusually shaped front yard? Or are you looking to lay interlocking in a unique shape to make a statement or work with landscaping? Our experts can help you lay interlocking in curves, circles, and much more to create fun patterns that really stand out and differentiate you from the neighbors.

dynamic shape interlock pattern

Consider adding an edge stone to show off the shape of your curved interlocking even more, as we did in the yard above.

Interlocking Ideas from Green Scene Landscaping

Ready to get started? Our interlocking service takes all of the stress off your hands. We’ll help you choose your stone and pattern, then we’ll get to work laying it out for you. The final result is a leveled, beautiful, interlocking pathway that fits your needs and your home’s overall look.

Want more great front entrance interlocking ideas? Take a look at our gallery, or contact us directly to talk through your needs so we can help you come up with a customized idea.

 

28 Mar 2019

Latest Outdoor Kitchen Trends

outdoor kitchen

Summer may seem far off but enjoying a backyard kitchen in the warm weather is just around the corner. The new year offers the latest outdoor kitchen trends that can be utilized to enhance your existing outdoor kitchen or become part of planning a new one.

In past years, trends aimed more towards making your outdoor kitchen an extension of your indoor one, with the grill being the main focal point. In 2019, we’re seeing a slight twist on that. Outdoor kitchens will be more ‘outdoor’ in appearance and overall aesthetic, and the grill is no longer the focus.

Stainless steel cabinets, LED lighting, smokers, built-in seating and intertwining decks and porches are just some of the big trends for 2019. Pizza ovens are becoming more popular too, as are multiple cooking surfaces, including gas burners, charcoal grills and wood-burning or gas ovens.

outdoor kitchen stainless

Create the Outdoor Kitchen You Want

The only limitation to designing or transforming your outdoor kitchen is your own imagination. Green Scene Landscaping can help complete the outdoor kitchen of your dreams with an endless array of possibilities and combination of features.

Create the perfect bar space for entertaining family and friends with an eating area or island that can be custom designed to suit any sized kitchen and maximize space and flow. Does your family like taco Tuesdays or make your pizza Wednesdays? If they do, adding a serving station to your new kitchen will allow for a fun and interactive dinner.

The outdoor kitchen that you choose can be fitted with all of the appliances of your indoor kitchen using Green Scene Landscaping’s outdoor kitchen service. You can make it as much of a full kitchen as you like, complete with sinks, cupboards and a food refrigerator. And for the wine drinkers, consider adding a wine fridge into the mix.

To find out more about the latest outdoor kitchen trends or for a consultation for all of their services, contact the professionals at Green Scene Landscaping today.

25 Feb 2019

Rustic Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for 2019

fire pit

New Year is a time for change and reflection and also the perfect opportunity to update your surroundings. Your outdoor space is a great place to start. Outdoor fireplaces are a main contender, bringing with them a plethora of benefits. They can enhance your mood and turn your yard into a glorious outdoor haven.

Read on for their amazing qualities and new outdoor fireplace trends to transform your space in 2019.

5 Rustic Outdoor Fireplace Ideas

Whether fireplace or fire pit, there’s a rustic look suitable to everyone’s tastes. Fire adds a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to an outdoor space. It’s a natural element that creates a focal point and turns an ordinary space into something quite spectacular.

1. A Tiny Bit Traditional – A classical fireplace gets an update thanks to some clever design work. Bring the indoors outside with a traditional looking fireplace in natural stone. Create a living space to mimic the perfect, cozy family room. Use large cushions and throws to really enjoy your outdoor living space.

2. Minimal Masterpiece – Concrete is a must and a real staple for honing in on the minimalism trend. Try a low, wide fireplace and play around with different textures and finishes. A darker contrasting mantle showcases a bespoke look. Create an opening and place fresh cut logs. Matching concrete seating and dining options brings the whole look together.

3. Classic Country – A red brick work fireplace frames the perfect country scene. Incorporate wrought iron, brick or stone fittings, and marry them with contrasting tables and chairs. Woven or beaded materials adds an extra element and creates a sense of care-free relaxation.

4. Awesome Open Pit – To really appreciate the flames on a fire, an open fire pit is the best choice. Choose a masonry brick pit to take yourself back to memories of camping trips. Use reclaimed logs and wood to create bespoke details and furniture pieces. Huge throw pillows and lanterns add a touch of glamour to your rugged outdoor spot.

5. Beautiful Bonfire Pit – Keep all of the focus on your fire pit. Try a teak-and-steel lava-rock fire pit. Showcase the flames and use a wood surround seating bench. Keep colours natural and clean to create a blank canvas.

Benefits of Having an Outdoor Fireplace

• A fire pit/fireplace adds ambience to an outdoor space and, due to the heat and light it emits, allows you to use your deck/yard into the later evening and the colder months.
• The living room may not be the most favoured place in the home anymore. An outdoor fire allows you to sit with loved ones and create new, special memories.
• Toast marshmallows and sit around singing – no longer are fire pits reserved for holidays and camping. Enjoy special times all year round.
• Increase your property value with a fireplace and beautiful outdoor living space.
• Give yourself an extra space to cook and enjoy meals.

Come to Green Scene Landscaping for your new outdoor fireplace. We create beautiful custom masonry fireplaces comprised of a variety of materials such as:

• Brick
• Natural Stone
• Flagstone
• River Rock
• Sandstone

Contact us today and let us help your turn your yard into the place to be in 2019.

14 Dec 2018

Everything You Need to Consider About Your Pool This Winter

Pools Add Value to Your Home, Despite the Season

Don’t let winter hold you back from getting the pool of your dreams. A pool is a great addition to any landscape, no matter the season. Pools add value to your home and provide a source of fun and relaxation for your family.

For pool owners, winter means a shift in pool care and maintenance, which is important to protect your investment in your home and landscaping. Here are some tips on how to take care of your pool during the cold winter months so that it’s in good condition when you’re ready to open it again in the spring:

Caring for Your Pool During the Winter:

  1. Winterize Your Pool 

If you have a pool, you’ve probably already shut it down for winter. Closing your pool is the first thing you should do once the weather starts to dip.

Tip: Purchase a pool chemical kit – they come with all the chemicals you need to close your pool.

  1. Choose the Right Cover

Properly covering your pool is essential to ensuring it has a long lifespan. While most pool owners use bags filled with water or sand to secure the pool cover, this method can be an unsightly eyesore for your winter landscape. 

Instead, consider purchasing a pool safety cover. These covers are more securely fastened to your pool deck and are designed to withstand heavy weight – so if a child accidentally steps on the pool cover they won’t fall in.

The added safety of this type of pool cover will give you peace of mind, but it’s also a great way to protect your pool from heavy snowfalls. Plus, because it’s anchored to your pool deck it looks sleek and won’t impede on the beauty of your yard.

  1. Keep Your Cover Clear During Winter 

Winter pool maintenance doesn’t end with closing your pool. Keep your pool cover clear to ensure it doesn’t rip or sag from snow buildup. If ice builds up on the cover of your pool, allow it to melt before pumping it off the cover.  Keep an eye on the snow and ice levels and routinely clear away what you can to protect your pool over the winter months.

  1. Get a Jump on Spring

When the first signs of spring finally roll around and the water starts to thaw, lift a corner of your pool cover and add some liquid chlorine. This will give the water an added boost when you go to open the pool once stable, warmer temperatures arrive.

Considering installing a pool for your home? At Green Scene Landscaping we take care of every detail of your pool – from design to installation. Find inspiration in our pool gallery and then give us a call to get started.

01 Nov 2018

Winter is Almost Here. Now What?

Wintertime comes with a variety of challenges. Driving, having to wear layers and even taking an evening stroll all offer issues that we don’t face in the warmer months.

Well, for your plants and landscaping, the winter offers them their own list of challenges. But Green Scene Landscaping has some tips to help.

Plants and shrubs

A great place to start is to remove any dead plants or annuals. They will take nutrients away from your perennials and other plants that you want to make it through the winter.

Next, add around two to three inches of mulch to all your flower beds. The mulch adds a blanket of warmth and protects your plants during the frigid months. Mulch also helps your plants retain moisture during the cold, dry winter.

Heavy snow and winds can seriously harm your shrubs and plants. Help protect them by wrapping them in burlap.

For smaller and more delicate plants, cover them in overturned buckets or pots for an added layer of protection.

Get your lawn winter-ready

Make sure to cut your grass on a 10-14-day cycle until the ground completely freezes. This helps make sure that anything on your lawn, such as leaves, will be kept at a minimum, so nothing smothers your lawn and causes brown spots.

  • Also, when snow falls, the short height of your grass can reduce the chances of fungus damage.

Besides making a pile and jumping into them, you should do be doing something with your leaves. You can either mulch them with your mower, making sure that they pile up to less than ½ inch on your lawn, or you can rake and put them into yard bags.

  • Though this is a labour-intensive practice it’ll be well worth it come spring.

Getting your yard aerated and fertilized is always a good idea. This process will promote a better environment for your lawn, help the roots of your grass prepare for the harsh winter, and encourage better growth in the springtime.

Prepare all your landscape fixtures

As with your plants, all your outdoor fixtures need to be protected as well. These items are generally pricey, delicate and add a lot of character to your yard, so you need to take extra special care of them.

Anything that is cement or brick should be kept free of ice and water build up, such as sidewalks or patios.

The following fixtures should be covered with tarps that are tightly secured:

  • Fountain
  • Statues
  • Decorative pieces

Ice, water and snow should also be kept off them, as the heavy force they can produce could damage your fixtures.

If you have a pool, make sure to get a professional pool cleaning company to shut down and winterize it for you. Working with a professional not only saves time and energy but ensures that your pool closing is done correctly.

Invest in a high-quality pool cover that can withstand the weight of snow, and even with that, try and keep the pool cover as clear as possible to cut down on the chances of someone or something walking on it.

Hot tubs and spas are especially useful in the winter. Make sure that the heater and pump on them are functioning properly. If they are not, water could potentially freeze in the pump, pipes or the unit itself, causing some major damage.

Some other ways to prepare your yard

  • Gather and tie up any large branches or sticks. These could fly around and cause damage on your property.
  • Put away any other yard items, such as garden accessories, sculptures or hanging baskets, that could get damaged over the winter.
  • Move your winter accessories – shovels, snow blower, salt etc. to the front of your garage or shed. This will save you having to dig through things to find what you need come snowfall.

Winters can be harsh on your plants, landscaping, and outdoor space but if you give them the tools they need to survive, they will be fine. Like us, they are stronger than we think. Stay warm out there!

16 Oct 2018

Fall Jobs For Your Outdoor Stone Landscaping

Setting your home apart from your neighbours and creating an outdoor space where friends and family can gather to create memories is every homeowner’s goal.

Something else that’s important to homeowners? Increasing home value with features that are aesthetically pleasing and serve functional purposes.

The best way to accomplish all of this is with outdoor stone landscaping.

Outdoor Stone Hardscaping for Exquisite Outdoor Living

At Green Scene Landscaping, we design and install using the most premium natural and man-made materials that will bring a new and unique experience to your outdoor lifestyle.

A natural, outdoor stone landscape adds appeal and value to your property, whether it’s used for:

  • Driveways
  • Garden footpaths
  • Patios
  • Retaining walls
  • Design accents
  • Swimming pool waterfalls

Natural stone brings depth, variety and unique colour to your home’s landscaping. But how can you keep your stone looking as great as it did when it was first installed? How can you protect your hardscape from the harsh Canadian elements?

3 Things to Do to Protect Your Stone Landscape This Winter

Natural outdoor stone hardscaping and landscaping is an investment that will provide you and your family with endless opportunities for entertainment.

To keep these surfaces looking their best, you’ll need to do routine maintenance. Here are our top tips for regular hardscape maintenance—just in time for the colder, harsher months!

1. Regular Upkeep

Sweep the surfaces of your natural stone regularly to keep it clear of leaves and other debris. This is especially important during fall when leaves start to decompose, leaving behind stains and mold.

If leaves have already begun to leave marks on your stone hardscape, use a hose to wash the surface, along with a strong cleaning solution to lift the stain.

If weeds, grass or other plants have made their way in between cracks in the tiles, be sure to remove the roots completely to prevent your tiles from separating and getting damaged.

2. Seal Your Outdoor Stone

If you have not already, sealing your outdoor stone surfaces has many benefits that will keep your hardscape looking its best.

Sealing your stone can:

  • Extend the lifespan of your outdoor stone
  • Prevent fading
  • Protect the stone from damage
  • Simplify maintenance and care

3. Use Sand to Prevent Plants

It is recommended to sweep polymeric sand into the joints or cracks of your outdoor stone.

This special type of sand works to help hold the pavers and tiles in place. It also helps prevent weeds from growing between the stones, which is essential to ensure the stones don’t shift or crack.

Need Outdoor Stone Landscaping? Now Is the Time

When it comes to building outdoor stone patios or decks, many people think spring and summer are the best seasons to do so. However, fall is a great time to install new outdoor stone landscaping. Why? Well…

  • During the fall, you are less likely to be using your outdoor space as much as you would in the warmer months like spring and summer.
  • You don’t need to worry about vegetation or insect pests interfering, because they will most likely already be dormant.
  • Once spring rolls around, you will be able to enjoy your outdoor stone landscaping instead of waiting for construction to be completed.

Let Us Help You With Your Stonework

Need help or more tips about how to keep your outdoor natural stone looking great? Give us a call, and speak with one of our professionals. We’re always happy to help!

And, if you’re ready to give your home an upgraded curb appeal, we can help you with design and installation.

13 Sep 2018

How to Take Care of Your Stone Paver Driveway, Walkway or Patio

You invested in an attractive, unique stone driveway. It looks natural, fresh and clean today, but how will it look 5 years from now? 10?

Making that just-installed look last takes a little regular work, but it’s worth it for the continued beauty a stone driveway and walkway gives your property.

Your pavers can look as good a decade from now as they do today, as long as you…

Cleaning pavers

Clean the surface of your pavers regularly

Dirt and debris dull the finish of your pavers.

Wet leaves cause staining on pavers. The stains can be washed off, but it takes a lot more elbow grease than simply cleaning the leaves away before rain.

A quick sweep or a wash with your hose preserves the finish of your stone pavers for decades.

Update sealing regularly

You don’t have to seal your pavers, unless you want to keep them looking new and cared-for.

Your stone driveway will last for a long, long time without sealing, but the finish will fade and gradually dull to an unattractive shade of its former beauty.

Seal your pavers annually.

  • Power wash or thoroughly sweep your pavers clean.
  • Let the surface dry completely.
  • Apply a stone paver sealer with a roller or sprayer (we like the roller because it gives you precise control of your application depth).
  • Stay off the pavers for at least 12 hours while the sealer dries.

Don’t let stains settle

Your in-laws show up unannounced for the weekend and park that leaky old gremlin of a car on your pristine driveway. Surprise, surprise, it leaks some sort of grease or gas in a thick puddle.

If you keep up with your sealing, removing the stain is easy, but you aren’t out of luck if you’re a little behind on your sealing either.

To clean it off, find a simple powder dish detergent and mix it into a thick paste. Spread the paste onto the stain and scrub with a brush (a cheap scrub brush from your nearest collar store works). Allow to sit for 20 minutes before hosing away the wash.

Weeds in patio

Don’t let the weeds dig in

Weeds can pop up in soil accumulating between the seams in your pavers.

Keep the weeds from getting a foothold by filling the spaces with polymeric sand. Top up your polymeric sand every year.

Application is simple. Just buy a bag (or, for your driveway, many bags), dump it on your driveway and sweep it across the surface repeatedly until all your seams are full.

Always replace broken pavers

A cracked paver doesn’t have to deface your driveway for the rest of time.

You can dig out the sand around the edges with any thin implement. A thin slot screwdriver or even a utility knife is enough to dig out the sand in the seams.

Pull out the paver and make sure no sand fell in, making the base uneven.

Flatten out the base again if necessary, add a similar paver and replace the polymeric sand in the seams.

It’s always good to keep a few stones in storage after your new driveway, walkway or patio is installed, just for occasions like this. They are rare, but stones can break. Replacing a ruined stone maintains the quality of your entire surface.

Don’t have a stone driveway or patio? Maybe it’s time to upgrade

Stone is better than asphalt 100% of the time.

If you’re ready to give your home a more contemporary look and upgrade its curb appeal, we can help you with design and installation.

We have hundreds of patios, walkways and driveways in our portfolio, and you get the benefit of that experience.

Call us today to talk about your vision. We’ll help you make it real.

Contact us

01 Aug 2018

Why the warranty on your stone landscaping products matters

Beyond the obvious – you’re protected from any manufacturer defects – what benefit is there to a landscape stone warranty?

Landscape warranties indicate the quality of the product you buy.

Most stone products installed on your property come with some kind of warranty.

Manufacturers never want to absorb the cost of a broken or faulty product, so if your product is covered by a warranty, the manufacturer expects the product to last substantially longer than the warranty period.

Why substantially longer? They want a buffer. If they think the product will stay in perfect condition for 50 years, you might see a 35 year warranty.

That’s good for you!

Two of the most popular stone suppliers offer similar warranties:

  • Unilock
  • Permacon

Get the details here so in the rare instance of a warranty claim, you know what you’re entitled to.

What does your Unilock warranty protect you from?

Unilock pioneered the lifetime guarantee in the concrete paver industry. It covers more than 10 billion stones currently installed across the continent, and says a lot about the quality of the product.

Unilock’s transferable lifetime guarantee covers residential:

  • Paving stones
  • Slabs
  • Retaining wall units
  • Natural stone

As long as your stone is installed and maintained to Unilock’s guidelines, your warranty claim will be honoured without a hiccup.

Installation falls under the Green Scene warranty (a 5 year warranty on all workmanship – where the industry standard is 1 year). So your new stone patio, pool surrounds or other feature is as safe and smart an investment as you can make.

Make sure you register your Unilock stone pavers within 60 days of purchase.

How does a Permacon warranty measure up?

Permacon guarantees the structural integrity of concrete landscaping and masonry products for 50 years.

It’s not as long as Unilock’s warranty, but it is more than enough for any homeowner to feel adequately protected. Who lives in the same home for 50 years these days anyway?

The warranty applies to normal, non-abusive use of the product, and covers any abnormal deterioration of surfaces that may be caused by the use of sodium chloride for de-icing pavers, slabs or steps.

It is also transferable to any new property owners for the duration of the warranty. Like Unilock, you will have to discuss installation warranty with your contractor.

How do you know the manufacturer will honour claims honestly?

Landscaping manufacturers get by on word of mouth more than anything else.

Industry competition is fierce, and it’s in the manufacturer’s best interest to go above and beyond in all warranty claims.

We work with Unilock and Permacon often, and they’re leaders in the industry for a reason. While extremely rare, warranty claims are always handled quickly and professionally.

Combine these product warranties with the workmanship warranty we offer and you have a rock-solid guarantee of quality on your landscape.

If you want to talk about a specific manufacturer, give us a call. We’re happy to share what we know and help get your landscape project moving smoothly.

Of course, if you’re already loyal to a manufacturer, you can ask us to only use its products in your landscape renovation.

Give us a call today to get started.