Discussing the Versatility of Wet-Cast Concrete Pavers

Pavers are durable and come in a variety of options, which make them an easy choice for many hardscaping projects. However, not all pavers are created equal, and things like aesthetic and price can weigh heavily on the decision.

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4 Backyard Projects You Can Complete This Winter

Just because winter is almost here doesn’t mean that the backyard you worked on all summer has to go dormant. There are still plenty of projects you can do throughout the colder months that will make your garden functional and beautiful through the winter while prepping for next summer. Below are a few of our favorite projects to work on in the off season.

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Perfect Patio Possibilities

The perfect patio isn’t just a fun space to hang out outdoors – it’s also an extension of your home. Building the perfect patio is just as much a labor of love as designing the interior of your house. From flooring to colors to furniture, paying attention to the little details and making sure they coordinate with each other and the rest of your house is crucial to creating the outdoor living space of your dreams. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of our favorite trends for designing the perfect patio.

 

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7 Pool Trends You Don't Want to Miss

Extravagant pools are no longer just things to be featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. With the boom of the luxury building materials industry, homeowners have more access than ever to great materials to build the pool of their dreams. With a little inspiration and creativity, you can create your own luxury pool that is sure to make your neighbors jealous. Here are our favorite pool trends to help get you started.

1. Unique Shapes

Unique ShapeFeaturing FireRock Clay Pavers

Don’t be square when it’s time to start building your pool. Plain rectangular pools, while popular, are boring. The easiest way to create a one-of-a-kind pool is to pick a unique shape. Choose something that fits your yard or something that reflects your own aesthetics.

2. Swim-Up Bars

Swim Up Bar"Swimming pool bar, Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Bangkok" by David McKelvey is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you’re still in the beginning design phases of your pool, consider opting for a swim-up bar. If you plan on having adults over to swim, a poolside bar is a fun and easy way to keep the party going while providing that “wow” factor that is sure to make your friends jealous. And if a permanent bar isn’t in the budget, you can always opt for a moveable cart once your pool is built.

3. Flowing Patios

Flowing PatiosFeaturing FireRock Steel Pavers

Blending your patio and poolscape together is a great way to make your backyard feel even bigger and more impressive. Choose a material like pavers with a high solar reflectance index that can incorporate easily into both a patio and a pool deck. Using the same material throughout the entire space helps create a cohesive design that will let the beauty of your pool shine.

4. Fire Features

Fire FeaturesFeaturing FireRock Outdoor Fireplace

If you’re really looking to up the “wow” factor of your pool, think about playing with fire. More and more pool designers are installing fire pits or even fireplaces along the perimeter pool. It’s a great way to provide warmth and natural light while you swim as well as a striking visual element.

5. Water Features

Water FeaturesFeaturing FireRock Steel Pavers

If fire features aren’t your style, you can get a similar effect with waterfalls and fountains. Adding a water feature to your pool is an easy way to add dimension to your space. Plus, the gentle sound of running water can create a calming space for you to relax and enjoy your pool.

6. Colored Lighting

Colored LIghting"Pool" by David Mertl is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Another simple upgrade that you can add after your pool is built is colored lights. Whether you incorporate uplighting on the perimeter of your pool or use a colored bulb in your pool’s light fixture, colored lighting adds visual interest to your poolscape.

7. Plush Seating

Plush SeatingFeaturing FireRock Ore Pavers

What’s a pool without some poolside lounging? Budget now to buy comfortable chairs, benches or even a hammock. Investing in a few good pieces of patio furniture is an easy way to make sure people actually enjoy lounging poolside.

Whether you’re in the design phase of building your own pool, or just looking for a few ways to spruce yours up, these 7 pool trends are a sure fire way to take your pool to the next level

Help! My Patio is an Eyesore...

Sure, at its most basic, a patio is a concrete slab or paved area adjoining your house, but that doesn’t mean it has to be ugly or Plain Jane. In fact, the days of having a plain concrete patio with some outdoor furniture are firmly in the rearview window.

The best patios are an extension of the home, turning the outdoors into a comfortable living space. With a little planning, it’s easy to take your patio from drab to a fun gathering space. Here are a few tips:

Give Your Patio a Focal Point

Focal Point

Good interior design says that every room should have a focal point, and your patio is no different. Luckily, there are a ton of options. While firepits are a perennial favorite, outdoor fireplaces and kitchens are a popular, and impressive choice. Even a beautiful table can give your space a strong focal point and draw everyone together. Just make sure that the piece you choose doesn't overwhelm the space.

Add Planters

Planters

Your patio is outside, so make sure to incorporate some nature! Planters are an easy choice, and they come in many varieties. You can even design your very own with built in benches if you'd like. Planters also serve as a natural boundary between the rest of your yard and the private, cozy space on your patio. Even simple plants can help clearly define your patio space and give it a more homey feel.

Don't Skimp on Chairs

Chairs

If you truly want to enjoy your outdoor patio, you simply can't settle for cheap patio furniture. Budget now to buy comfortable chairs, benches or even a hammock. Investing in a few good pieces of outdoor furniture is the best way to make sure you actually want to spend time hanging out on the patio. Too often we see people buy uncomfortable chairs and then realize that they don't even like their own patio space.

Go Bold

Go Bold

If you love the idea of bold design choices, but you've been too scared to test them out inside your house, incorporating them into your patio is a great choice! Paint your patio furniture to bring a bright pop of color or install pavers in a complex pattern to give your patio a unique, but elegant look. The sky is literally the limit here, so your creative juices flowing and have some fun with it.

Add Art

Art

Most of the time, people think of art as paintings that they hang on their walls. But there’s plenty of art that you can incorporate into your outdoor space. Look for things like statues, fountain, or even wind chimes to bring a little whimsy or elegance to your patio.

Consider an Outdoor Rug

Outdoor Rug

Just like living room can be brought together with the perfect area rug, so can your patio. A great outdoor rug can turn a shapeless space into a more structured seating area. It can also add a little texture and interest if you just have a flat concrete pad to work with. Remember to go bold!

Taking your patio from blah to amazing is as simple as choosing a few key pieces to help define and add interest to your space. With our easy tips above, you're well on your way to creating an outdoor space everyone in the family is sure to love.

What to Keep in Mind When Budgeting for Concrete Pavers

How Much Do Pavers Cost? 

Concrete pavers are a beautiful addition to any home renovation or new build project. They are a more affordable way to get the look of natural stone, versatile to be used indoors and out, and most have third-party testing results to back up their performance. But they aren't free. One of the most common questions asked by homeowners looking to install concrete pavers is “how much is it going to cost me?” And you ask it for good reason as there are a lot of pieces you need to keep in mind when pulling your full budget together.

FireRock Pavers bring elegant, durable style to any space

Here are a few tips from the Paver Pros at FireRock to keep in mind when thinking about paver costs:

Materials

Perhaps the most obvious cost is the actual material itself, which may vary based on who you purchase from and where in the country you are located. The most cost efficient way to purchase is to choose standard sizes, color and thickness available from the manufacturer. Costs will increase if your project requires custom sizes, custom colors, or rounded or square coping.

Foundation

In addition to the materials you can see, you also need to consider the materials you can’t see – the foundation. Most paver manufacturers can accommodate a few different foundation options by offering multiple thicknesses. FireRock, for instance, has 3 thicknesses – 1”, 1 ¾” and 2 ¾” – in a number of standard sizes. The thinner 1” paver is best when used on a concrete slab foundation whereas the thicker paver sizes require a polymeric sand base. When pavers are laid on a concrete slab, you will also need to account for grout to run between the paving stones to secure them together.

Shipping & Delivery

As you can imagine, a pallet of concrete pavers can be pretty heavy, so shipping costs must be considered as part of your overall budget. Your shipping costs will vary based on overall size of the order as well as the distance they need to travel from the manufacturer, so be sure to ask about this when getting a quote. In addition to the costs to get materials to your jobsite, you’ll also need to consider how to unload them from the truck. For example, a single pallet of FireRock 1” pavers weighs approximately 3,200 lbs. and requires a forklift to move as it is too heavy to raise/lower with a lift gate or moffett.   

Installation

While it is possible to lay paver stones yourself, we do recommend getting the help of a professional, especially if your project requires any cutting or custom work done on site. Professional installers have ample experience with these types of stones and are skilled at laying a perfectly level space you are sure to love. Installation can cost as much as 2x your material cost, but oftentimes you can lean on your installer for assistance with delivery and for bringing required materials such as grout, sand, sealer, etc.

Sealer

It is imperative that you seal your finished paver project in order to keep it looking good for years to come. There are a number of sealers on the market you can consider, such as SEK Surebond that protect the surface from everyday wear and tear and damage caused by UV rays, water penetration, stains and mildew among other things. Keep in mind that sealer will wear off over time, so it is recommended you reseal every 2-3 years.

Maintenance

In addition to sealing your paver installation, think about developing a regular cleaning schedule (especially for those outdoor projects) to keep them looking great.

So there you have it.

When thinking about budgeting for concrete pavers or any stone project, consider the above to ensure there are no surprises in your budget.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us at 888-876-1025.