Are popular Paver Block Firepits and Grills the thing of the past?

Once the toast of the Paver Patio, Firepits & Paver Block Grills lose their taste!

The past 15 years I have not had a customer who had us install, repair, or restore a brick paver patio who did not inquire about adding a firepit or paver block grill.  As most brick paver manufacturers searched for new uses of their products versatility, outdoor living spaces became the marketing focus.  Most Americans consider paver patios, decks, or four seasons rooms the "5th room" of the house. This is often referred to as the "outdoor living space" of the home.

Entertainment, family enjoyment, and functionality began to change in the back yard after the turn of the century. The past few years I have noticed a change in the choices for paver patio "add-ons" and "accents".  I am giving some recommendations below to consider as an option before having your brick pavers contractor install a firepit or paver block grill in and around your brick pavers patio.


FIREPITS
The single most enjoyment for most families in the back yard is a good ole fire.  As it mesmerizes the kids, warms the skin, lights the night, keeps the bugs at bay, and creates a camping trip smell, the paver block firepit was once the "golden nugget" of brick paver patio installation.  Whether roasting marsh mellows, skewing hot dogs, or setting the scene for long scary tales, firepits have brought bounds of enjoyment for family & friends.

I have recently began to advise my customers who request paver block firepits to consider the option of using the new portable firepit structures offered by outdoor living centers or home improvement centers like Lowes & Home Depot. The variety, costs, and flexibility of these portable firepits can not be matched by a permanent paver block firepit.

Flexibility of placement and cleaning are just a start. Accessory items, such as fitted covers, are a huge benefit.  The greatest advantage is cost! The minimum 5ft diameter paver block firepit installed is $700 ( alittle cheaper if combined with a new paver patio installed).  Portable firepits range from $75- $400 depending on the structure's material & size. There are even patio tables with a firepit in the middle that are a dazzling idea.

I, Mr. Brick Paver Contractor, personally uses a wrought iron & tile firepit and a chiminea on my pavers patio.  Cost was obviously not a factor in my decision but the flexibility of changing the location of the firepit seasonally or during events was the biggest draw. Having had a paver block firepit in the past, I was fully aware of the aggravating cleaning process too.


BLOCK GRILLS

Much like the firepits above, paver block grills have become out of favor due to the high cost of pre-fab and custom construction units.  Pre-fab or custom construction grills, fireplaces, & kitchenette paver block units with all the appliances pre-installed can range from $10,000-$12,000 each unit when purchased and installed. Though beautiful, these paver patios features are affordable to few.

Focusing just on the paver block grills, I have come up with a less and feasible cost application that we have implemented the last several years.  I refer to it as the "custom grill enclosure".  Basically, the homeowner purchases a new stainless steel grill with the features they desire, and we "enclose" the unit using paver blocks and/ or caps. We custom design & cut to fit the grill unit while creating added surface space. It is worth mentioning that the more round or curved your grill is, the more cost to custom enclose will be.

The custom grill enclosure runs about $2,500-$3,500 depending on the size & cost of the new grill.  We also are able to construct the custom grill enclosure so the unit can be easily removed if needed.  This application for a paver block grill has been a happy median of cost & appearance that our homeowners could afford and enjoy. This installation process really gives your pavers patio and outdoor living space the "wow" factor!


I know, I know, why would a respectable brick pavers contractor cut out profitable patio "add-ons" that customer's want & request. Well its simple, I always approach each and every paver bid, whether a new installation, repair, or cleaning & sealing project, with the mind set of "what I would want an honest and informative contractor to tell me". 
I like to analyze each paver project with a "cost / benefit" approach, offering the most economical products, design, & solutions that best meet the customers needs. Sometimes simple solutions to wants & needs can satisfy both customer and contractor. Most time customers just need to know what options or solutions can solve their needs at the best price.

Brick Pavers Patio Restored

Cleaning, Sanding, and Sealing performed on neglected Paver Patio

This past week we restored the original beauty of a brick paver patio in Ypsilanti. Due to unfortunate circumstances, the homeowner had not been able to maintain this paver patio the past few years.  Lack of attention and joint sand sweeping led to the ominous condition of the paver joints resulting in a neglected & unsightly appearance.

I assured the homeowner we could bring their brick paver patio back to life and create the original beauty they once enjoyed. This brick paver patio brought much joy and relaxation to her and husband in the past.  My team and I wanted them to once again let them experience the solitude & pride they cherished, especially during these tough personal times.

Repairs to the pavers were minimal but the cleaning & re-sanding was tedious and messy.  After the brick pavers and paver joints were dry a day & half later, we applied a generous coat of brick paver sealant to enhance the color and overall appearance. The paver sealer will temporarily keep the joint sand hard until needed touch-ups of sweeping the years to follow.  They should get about 3 years from the brick paver sealant but on-going joint sand sweeping will be needed.

As the homeowner became overwhelmed with emotion from this transformation, I explained to here that we offer at a small nominal charge a Spring Sweeping Maintenance service to maintain the beauty and function of interlocking pavers. This also gives us the opportunity to yearly inspect their pavers patio for any needed patio repair or signs of distress.

If you do not have the time or resolve to keep up with the minimal maintenance requirement need for joint sand sweeping, please set up a program with a brick paver contractor who can help you maintain the beauty & function of your brick pavers for years to come.  Something that may cost you $50 each Spring may save you $1,000's years later.

Raised Paver Patio Replaces Old Wooden Deck

Homeowner chooses lower maintenance & aesthetically pleasing advantages of Brick Pavers

Many of our installation projects are replacing old worn & high maintenance wooden decks with interlocking pavers and retaining wall blocks and caps.  With the versatility of paving stones & modular retaining wall blocks, multi-level or raised paver patios and steps are possible.  When properly installed and maintained, raised paver patios are unmatched in beauty, function, and long-term costs.

This homeowner was tired and frustrated from the continued maintenance costs & time of their wooden deck.  It was time to consider another option and my team and I were here to satisfy their need.  After reviewing the layout & heights, I was able to design a raised paver patio that met their need for function, space, and pleasing appearance.  My team executed a timely & detailed installation that will insure optimum performance for years to come.

Paving stones offer a variety of colors, shapes, and textures that will complement any home structure or yard.  After careful selection of products and colors, this plan came together with a shared vision of homeowner & contractor. The new pavers patio needed to be elegant and simple with a strong design and construction for long-term success.

We began by completely removing the existing wooden deck. We then began to construct the modular retaining wall blocks & caps, FENDT's Country Manor in Limestone color, to build the outside framing of the new raised paver patio while filling up the structure with base material, all along compacted in 4-5" each lifts.  A back wall was constructed along the elevated four seasons room to insure strength and avoid cave in.
   
Filter fabric was used behind the wall blocks to restrict any base material from filtering through the blocks.  This step of installing a geo-texile blanket behind walls is often missed by inexperienced landscape contractors who install raised paver patios or retaining walls.

Once the outside framing was complete and the base material was set at the proper height, we spread the bedding course material for screeding. After screeding the entire paver patio, the pavers, FENDT's Hollandstone Paver in Polar Ash color, were laid in a herringbone pattern with a soldier course border. The soldier course border is laid inside the wall caps and along all other edges butting up to the house or steps.  The diamond saw cutting piecing was completed, joint sand was swept in the paver joints, plate compaction was performed, and then another sweeping of joint sand was executed.

We completed the project by cleaning up the site & installing soil around the new raised paver patio until the homeowner can properly landscape. Landscaping around paver patios is crucial to long-term success by reducing or preventing any erosion that may compromise the installation.  We left the homeowner an extra bag of joint sand for future touch-ups of paver joints and explained the expectations for on-going low maintenance needs.

These homeowner's were originally reluctant to bring a brick paver patio into their landscape but were now ecstatic with their decision.  I was confident we would meet or exceed their expectations and needs.  This combination of four seasons room and raised paver patio is now the envy of this condo development.  So when you finally have had it with your old high-maintenance wooden deck, consider the option of installing a raised brick paver patio.

Brick Pavers Porch & Steps Installed

Another transformation in Ann Arbor to a new Brick Paver Porch and Steps

In 2011, we have installed over 15 porch & step replacements in Ann Arbor alone.  As homes begin to reach almost 50 years old, porches & steps are beginning to show their age. Aside from their unsightly appearance, old deteriorating porch & steps begin to create water and safety issues that homeowners can no longer ignore.

In early posts on this Blog, I have described the options we discuss with homeowners when considering replacement, enclosure, or overlays of Brick Paver Porches and Steps.  Many factors are in play when considering which option makes both functional and economical sense. Paver Porches and Step are installed best by a qualified & experienced brick paver contractor.

This particular porch slab had sunk, cracked, and pitched back towards the home foundation. The mason bricks had begun to pop & crack, causing leaning and large gaps of missing mortar. The step had sunk creating steep rises and trip hazzards.  It was time for the homeowner to address these issues and create some new curb appeal.

We completely removed the old porch slab, brick framing walls, step, and debris.  We built over the existing footings and created a more functional design that increased the width of the porch in the space allowed.  By bowing out the porch face, we not only improved the appearance, but we increased the landing space for a more comfortable & safer entrance into the front door. We also added an additonal Paver Step to reduce the riser heights for a safer and more comfortable transition to the walk.

It is amazing how a new Paver Porch and Step can immediately change the curb appeal of a home when properly designed and installed.  Though the front porch & steps are one of the most functional & visible aspects of a home, they are often ignored until their appearance and structure have failed.  Bring back that "smile" for your home! Improve or replace that old crumbling porch or steps with brick pavers and modular retaining wall blocks & caps.

Completion of Boulder Raised Paver Patio and Steps

Raised Brick Paver Patios have many options to choose from for construction

When designing a Raised Brick Paver Patio, a good qualified brick paver specialist will consider many options for materials & products to achieve a homeowner's needs & appearance. This homeowner in Ypsilanti, MI wanted a more natural and random appearance to their paver patio & steps. The combination of fieldstone boulders, tumbled pavers, sienna steps, and modular retaining wall blocks & caps achieved this objective.

A properly installed raised paver patio & paver steps begin literally "from the ground up".  The first setting of the bottom wall block, boulder, or step stone must be determined properly because it will set the finished height of the doorwall step, brick paver patio, or interior planting beds.  Through continued checking, forethought, and calculations, an experienced & knowledgeable brick paver contractor will be able to achieve success.

Brick Pavers require proper compaction of base materials to help insure long-term success & appearance.  I have witnessed many landscape contractors just filling up the gravel behind the modular retaining wall system or boulder walls without compacting in 4-5" lifts.  When they complete the job, everything looks fine. But over several months & years, the entire paver patio will begin to settle resulting in negative water flow, erosion, gapping, and in some severe conditions, collapsing. 

Whether you use a modular retaining wall block & cap system, boulders, timbers, or stacked flagstone, for a raised paver patio installation, it is imperative that a geo-textile blanket be installed behind the patio retaining wall.  This filter fabric material should allow moisture to go through but help reduce any base material from seeping through the walls.  If base materials seep through the walls, settling & erosion will quickly deteriorate the performance of your paver patio installation.

This raised boulder wall patio is a common concept in the industry but is usually poorly executed by many contractors.  Boulders or stacked stone offer their own unique challenges of construction.  Unlike modular retaining wall blocks & caps, natural stone does not have set measurements to go by when constructing such a challenging patio installation.  One must channel their "artistic" mind instead of their "engineering" self.  The beauty is that the two mind sets can achieve a functional, unique, and ascetically pleasing result.

Most of the raised brick paver patio repair work we perform daily is from the complete disregard by installing contractors from properly compacting and using the right materials for the job.  Blocks & caps are not used properly or incorrectly made to fit resulting in poor cuts, appearance, function, strength, and performance.

Though we started with a scaled drawing as our beginning reference, many adjustments are needed due to the variances in products.  This is one main reason why experienced and knowledgeable brick paver contractors are needed for your interlocking brick paver & retaining wall installations.  There is no better value than foresight & perseverance.  Repair, installation, cleaning & sealing of brick pavers, retaining walls, and pavers steps ALL have unique & custom challenges.

This raised brick paver patio was installed in 4 days by an experienced crew, proper tools & equipment, efficient site planning, and a functional & aesthetically pleasing design.  Most contractors can do "flat work" (on the ground) installations, but when it comes to more complex raised paver patios & paver steps, a qualified brick paver specialist is a must!

Raised paver patios & steps require some minimal maintenance over time, but the aesthetic and functional value out weighs any other products in the patio market.  Poor contractor installation and homeowner neglect are the only things to fear.  Start with a qualified brick paver specialist to design, install, and perform on-going maintenance services. Then as a diligent homeowner, keep an eye on signs of movement & failure and address them as they appear and most of all, keep your paver joints filled with joint sand!

Ground Level Brick Pavers Patio, Step, and Walk Restored

Neglected for over 12 years, these Pavers are Restored by Repairs, Cleaning, & Sealing

Last week in Canton, Michigan, my team and I completed a total restoration of a ground level Brick Pavers Patio, Step, & Walkway. Daily I see these interlocking brick paver patios & walks that have been neglected & ignored until they become unsightly & unsafe.  Since these pavers have been installed over 12 years ago, no pavers maintenance or joint sand sweeping had been performed.  The pictures to the right is the results that you can expect from neglecting your brick pavers.

We started by performing necessary paving stone repairs that had sunk, lifted, and gapped.  Due to riding lawn mower damage, we also reset the outer 2 rows of paving stones for the entire paver patio & areas of the pavers walk that had tilted.  It is important to keep riding lawn movers off your paving stones. You or your hired lawn service contractor needs to weed whip approx. 1ft out from the outside edge of pavers to keep the mower tires off. Also, sprinkler heads need to be adjusted to keep water from spraying over or onto the paving stones.

The most immediate need was to repair the small curved Paver Step at the doorwall. This was not only an eye sore, but it had become unsafe for foot traffic.  We completely rebuilt the Paver Step by re-using the same materials but with a stronger construction.  As soon as Step caps or blocks come loose, it is important to address the issue before it quickly deteriorates.

After performing touch-up repairs to the paver walkway, we cleaned & power washed all paving stones and paver joints freeing them of moss, dirt, weeds, and grass.  We completed the process by sweeping in paver joint sand after the paving stones had dried. We cleaned up the job site and scheduled our return for Sealing all the pavers.

A few days later when all the pavers & paver joints where dry, we returned and applied an approved brick paver sealant over the pavers patio, step, and walkway.  The transformation of this interlocking paver project was tremendous!  The homeowner was ecstatic and I took the time to educate her on the minimal maintenance requirements for long-term performance & appearance.

This total restoration was just under $1,300 which included the repairs, cleaning, & sealing costs for this particular size & needs.  I explained the importance of keeping the paver joints filled with joint sand each Spring and if she did not have the time or inkling to perform, we offer seasonal  paver sweeping services at an affordable cost.

It is important to not blame brick pavers for failure, in most cases I see like this one, it was homeowner's neglect. It's not always the homeowner's fault because they were not properly educated by the installing contractor.  This is why it is important to select a brick paver specialist who offers ongoing advice & maintenance services.  Address the issues early to avoid high costs of repair and frustrations.

Brick Paver Patio Steps Repair

Paver Patio Steps need some expertise performed by a brick paver specialist

One of the most common Paver Patio Step repairs that we perform is the restoration & releveling of Brick Patio Steps.  Pavers Steps require knowledge & expertise to be installed or repaired properly. Every day I am amazed by the inferior layout and construction by inexperienced landscape and brick paver contractors.

Brick Paver Steps require a sound design for strength and longevity. After properly designing a safe & sound layout, the execution of properly installing is crucial.  The set of Patio Steps above where installed only 3 years ago and required us to totally rebuild them from the ground up.  The wall blocks had leaned, the coping caps where gapped and loose, and the brick paver inlay had drastically sunk.

Upon reconstructing these Paver Patio Steps, we noticed the lack of using filter fabric materials, lack of filling all holes & gaps of the blocks, the lack of compacting in 4inch lifts, and the use of inferior adhesives for the caps. These block steps & caps never had a chance to properly perform.

This all resulted in this homeowner having to get a qualified brick paver specialist to repair.  The most disappointing thing for the homeowner was that the original installing contractor was not interested in servicing his needs.  The homeowner was thankful he was able to contact us and get his Paver Step repair done correctly and in a timely manner. Brick Doctor Bill and crew are restoring "one step at a time!"

Brick Paver Porch & Steps Transforms Curb Appeal!

Once coined ugliest Porch & Steps in town now is the envy of the neighborhood

The challenge for homeowners these days is the tremendous need for repair & replacement of dilapidated Porches & Steps. Much like the process 50 years ago, a new age of construction has emerged for the every popular need for function & curb appeal...the Brick Paver and Modular Retaining Wall Porch & Steps.

Before

This past week, my team and I performed a complete transformation of a Porch & Steps in Ann Arbor. As you can see in the "before" picture, the curb appeal of this home was lacking.  We designed and installed a beautiful, functional, & safe Porch, Steps, and Front Walkway that the homeowner could now be proud of. The "after" picture shows just one possibility of the curb appeal your home can experience.

After

There are a few ways to approach the transformation of porches and steps. In an earlier post on this Blog, Porch & Steps replacement, I explain the major options for improving the appearance, function, and curb appeal of porches. Every porch & step project is custom & unique so different applications need to be considered. A cost / benefit analysis is determined so a homeowner can make the best decision for their needs.

Before

Porch & Steps replacement, overlay, and enclosures are on the rise and so far each week in 2011 we have performed this porch repair service throughout Ann Arbor,Canton, Plymouth, & Ypsilanti.  Most porches and steps were and are an after thought in the design & construction of homes.  I am finding that homeowners who are building or buying a new home for the second time, are aware of this past neglect and more proactive in addressing the need for a functional & appealing porch & steps. The winter freeze thaw cycle that is so prominent in the Detroit Metro Area also poses long-term challenges.

After

In this blog post, I wanted to show you the "before & after" pictures to give you a visual of the extreme transformation that brick pavers and modular retaining wall blocks & caps can perform. The long term benefit of this brick paver system is that repair costs in the future are minimal and the appearance, properly maintained, can last for several decades.

Before

Porch & Step replacement, overlay, or enclosures are best performed by a qualified & experienced brick pavers contractor who's sole business is installing, repairing, and servicing brick pavers and modular retaining walls.  Anybody can lay flat work but Porch & Step applications require foresight, experience, and knowledge of the building codes.

After

Make sure your brick paver contractor has a valid Michigan's Builder License when performing your Porch & Steps project.  Most porch improvements or replacements do not require a permit but the codes set forth some guidelines to insure safety & proper function.  An experienced and building code educated contractor will give you the best construction and attention to detail.

New Life for Raised Brick Paver Patio

Raised Paver Patio in Canton Restored

Each day we are restoring Raised Brick Paver Patios in Canton that need immediate attention. Mainly due to the lack of routine long-term maintenance by homeowners over the last 15+ years, these interlocking paving stone patios have shifted & loosened over years of neglect & lack of joint sand sweepings. My team and I not only perform repair, cleaning, & sealing services, but we take the time to educate the homeowner on avoiding future costly repair costs.

If the paving stones, wall blocks, and caps are loose or drastically shifted, then the paver patio is in much need of attention.  Often the first sign of trouble is lack of paver joint sand in the paving joints. Weeds, dirt, moss, and grass take over the joints which are the most important function of interlocking brick pavers.

Another sign of distress is the "leaning out" of modular retaining wall blocks & caps that retain the patio.  Much of the "leaning" is caused by the settling of the paving stones behind the cap. When these paving stones settle below the top of the cap, water flowing over the patio begins to channel behind the wall blocks.  This slow long-term erosion and freeze thaw cycle pressure puts alot of hydrostatic pressure on the strength of the wall.  Mother nature will always win out so it is important to address these signs in a timely manner.

But not all is lost!  This particular raised paver patio in Canton was restored by my team and I for just under $2,000. We had to completely relay ALL the paving stones inside the wall blocks & caps, adjust an area of wall blocks, adhere all loose caps, and reconstruct the step at the doorwall.  We power wash cleaned the entire paver patio and swept in regular paver joint sand to prep for sealing with an approved brick paver sealant.

This particular homeowner inherited this distressed raised paver patio a few years ago when he purchased the home.  Had the original homeowner been diligent in maintaining the patio over the years, the enormous cost of repairs could have been minimal. Like any outdoor structures or pavements, touch-ups and routine maintenance is required.

If properly installed & maintained over the years, Brick Paver Patios still outperform wooden decks and stamped concreted.  A half hour of your time or paying as little as $50 each Spring to have paver joint sand swept in the paver joints can save $1000's and years of frustration & angst.

If you are experiencing the same signs or results of this once distressed paver patio, call a brick paver specialist, not a landscaper, before the winter freeze to avoid unnecessary costly repairs. Do not lose hope that your brick paver installation whether it be a patio, walkway, driveway, or porch can be restored to its original beauty & function!

Brick Pavers and Steps Create Usable Space

Interlocking Pavers & Modular Retaining Wall Steps improve Landscape

Unsightly areas of your Landscape can be transformed to a beautiful & functional space. This client in Ypsilanti had a unsavory area that grass would not grow. They needed access to their garage side door and as you can see, their existing RR Tie Steps had deteriorated and where unsafe. The client contacted us for an economical & appealing solution to the problem.

We designed this space using Fendt Holland Paver laid in a simple basket weave pattern and framed with a soldier course row of pavers. The client wanted a "traditional" laying pattern and for them, the herringbone pattern was a bit too busy. Though I am an advocate of selecting a blended color, this client wanted a solid "Copper" color of paving stones that matched the clay pavers in the front walkway.

The Steps leading into the garage side door where replaced using Fendt Country Manor wall & cap system. Steps are the biggest challenge for brick paver contractors and nothing can replace experience & knowledge.  Often the cost of constructing Paver Steps is more because of the due diligence and time required to construct them properly. Steps are the biggest failure of inexperienced landscape contractors.

I often receive calls from potential clients who "can not grow grass" in a area and want to have brick pavers installed.  Unless you are going to functionally use this newly created paver patio or walkway area, it does not make financial sense to use brick pavers.  Mulch or creating a landscape bed would be a more reasonable economical solution.  Using a simple "Cost / Benefit" analysis should be considered before selecting paving stones for unsightly & un-kept spaces in your yard.

Brick Paver Raised Patio Restored in Canton

Paver Patio Walls and Paving Stones repaired & cleaned for new life!

After 15 years, this Raised Brick Paver Patio in Canton was in much need of restoration. The homeowner was not the original owner but the need for using their paver patio became a priority when they began to work out of their home.  With some aggressive repair techniques & surface cleaning of the wall blocks, caps, and paving stones, my crew and I where able to renew this homeowner's passion for morning breakfast on the patio.

In so many reconstructions of raised paver patios, the wall blocks & caps needed stretches rebuilt to retain the pavers properly.  The wall caps were removed, cleaned of glue & dirt, and re-adhered after we completely re-leveled the wall blocks that had dipped and leaned out. 

We removed all the paving stones, removed any contaminated base, re-compacted the existing base material, and added additional base as needed.  We relaid the pavers in the same herringbone pattern and then power wash cleaned them.  We finished as always by sweeping in paver joint sand, compacting, and then sweeping again.

The new homeowners were amazed by the transformation.  They had just avoided using this raised paver patio for the last couple of years due to its state of distress.  Embarrassed to have family or friends over, it was time for them to take action.
There is no reason to be discouraged, embarrassed, or scared to use your brick paver patio.  There is no reason you can't enjoy morning coffee on a pristine pavers patio that can be newly restored.