Materials are the design foundation.
Learn about the building blocks for your hardscaping dreams.
Materials for Hardscape Design Projects
Options for hardscape projects are nearly endless and can be overwhelming at times. There is SO much to choose from!
Natural Stone
Natural Stone lends itself to being more spontaneous and earthy. Available in a wide range of colors, textures, and forms, we can blend Natural Stone into existing landscapes easily, or make it stand out in contrast to the landscape. Flagstone slabs used as pavers can be cut to shape or used as irregular pieces. Fieldstone or granite boulders can be used for retaining walls, as can snapped or cut natural wall stone.
NATURAL FLAGSTONE
Flagstone is generally thinner material that can be used for stepping paths, or grouped together in a larger area to create a patio space. Textures and shapes vary with the type of flagstone. Stone can be left with natural edges for random shapes, or can be sawn or cut to shape and thickness to provide a more uniform look. We can source flagstone in a rich variety of colors.
WALL STONE
Wall stone is typically 3-6” thick and is available in various lengths, depending on how it comes out of the quarry. It can be ordered to size (thickness), depending on intended use or the desired finished look. Like flagstone, wall stone is also available in many colors and textures. In some cases this type of stone can also be used as bed edging to define a garden area.
BOULDERS
Local fieldstone or granite boulders are also commonly used for walls. Boulders are available in a wide range of sizes; the size we use often depends on the scale of the wall.
Fabricated Blocks & Pavers
Man-made blocks and pavers are generally more linear and uniform. They offer cleaner and, sometimes, more modern lines in a Landscape Design. Recently, block and paver options and styles have become nearly endless; they are available in myriad patterns, colors, shapes and sizes, which allow them to blend seamlessly into most Landscapes. Blocks and Pavers have color and texture as with Natural Stone, but also maintain their linear strength throughout the years.
All of our concrete paver products are 3-4 times stronger than any poured-in-place concrete. Some premier products are even stronger than that. Our manufacturers use the latest technologies to ensure paver durability.
STANDARD CONCRETE PAVERS
This is “"baseline” concrete paver or wall material, the least expensive option on the material cost side. Available in many colors, shapes, sizes, textures. Our concrete pavers are produced by manufacturers with long histories and top-notch reputations.
PREMIER FINISH
Many of our manufacturers have developed higher-end finishes on their paver products. These can include pre-sealed pavers or a two-step manufacturing process that uses smaller aggregates and better color pigments on the surface. Many of these products are also warrantied against ice melt or salt use in the winter. A couple examples for reference include Rochester KolorLast and Techo-Bloc HD2.
WETCAST
These pavers are formed with concrete with a higher water content. The result is a very smooth finish compared to dry cast pavers. Typically colors are deeper and more resistant to the elements (although recent technology in dry cast pavers is amazing also). Achieving a look of natural stone is easier with wet cast pavers, with the added benefit of uniform sizes and thicknesses, making them easy to work with.
PORCELAIN
Porcelain tiles have been on the market for several years and have earned a strong reputation. They are a very thin, strong product, making them great for overlays in areas where there is not a lot room for a paver of traditional thickness. Because porcelain tiles are so thin, they can be used indoors as well, and can create a seamless look transitioning from a screen porch to an outdoor space. Available in many shapes, sizes, textures.
Wall Block
STANDARD CONCRETE
This is the most common and time-tested material when building an SRW (segmental retaining wall). It is a dry cast product providing strength and controlled dimensions to provide uniform heights, which is very important when building and stacking the wall.
WETCAST
More textures are available in wetcast wall product than in standard dry cast concrete. This process is most often used to create the look of natural stone and provides a smoother, cleaner finish. There are even wetcast products that look just like wood timbers… wood that won’t rot.
COMBINATION
Some newer wall systems use a dry cast block as the structure of the wall, then fascia panels can be hung or attached to the structure. This provides a high end look and many more options for the final look of the wall. It is easy to run accent colors or different textures throughout the wall. The panels are extremely strong; they are manufactured like a paver, which allows all the same technology that has been developed for pavers to be on the face of the wall. These panels are also great for building outdoor kitchens and bars.