Another summer has come and gone and so has the opportunity to complete the landscaping projects you’ve been dreaming about. Building an outdoor oasis doesn’t just happen; you need to consider the design, the materials, the functionality, and the cost far in advance, so you can be ready to move forward once warm weather returns next spring.
Large scale landscaping projects often include carving a section of yard space for a cement stone patio, and that could mean either the installation of natural stone, manufactured patio concrete stones or a full pad of poured cement. Before you decide, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each product.
“A manufactured product is made in a controlled environment to meet CSA specifications,” said Aaron Vehkala, masonry and landscape specialist with Fisher Wavy Inc. in Sudbury. “Poured concrete is a living product with success based on many factors on the day of delivery. The weather, the mix itself and the concrete finisher’s ability to do the right thing with the concrete affect your finished product. Once it’s in place it’s one solid mass that’s permanent.”
In comparison, Vehkala said that choosing modular manufactured products can provide a large degree of versatility, a variety of colours and designs, and options not available with poured concrete. It also offers flexibility that you do not get with pouring a large concrete pad.
“A manufactured product is segmented so you can take apart a portion of it without having to cut out a section,” he said. “It’s easy to repair a patio built with a manufactured product if necessary. Also, the quality of the finish is just so can be much higher than poured concrete.”
Vehkala said that the options now available for contractors and DIY homeowners when it comes to manufactured products are vast.
“Modern manufacturing coupled with designer and architect demands have come together to create a much larger catalogue of products than what’s been available in the past. There’s a lot more than a grey patio stone available now to put together an outdoor living space. The quality and appearance of the products are equivalent to what you would buy for your homes interior but made to withstand our climate and the outdoor elements.”
Regardless of what product you might be considering for your hardscape and landscape project, Fisher Wavy Inc. is the place to go for projects in the Sudbury and greater Northern Ontario area.
“We’re a one-stop shop for landscaping and masonry projects. From base materials to your finished stone surface. We can help you find the right masonry and/or landscape contractor, too. If you’re building an outdoor kitchen, consider our Coyote line of grills and appliances. Smokeless firepits by Coulee are in-stock as well.”
Vehkala suggests the fall is a good time to start planning next year’s projects to ensure you’ve secured sourced your materials and lined up the contractors you require to complete the work. Fisher Wavy has a staff of seasoned industry experts at their store to help start planning your outdoor space and can refer qualified contractors to build it.
Learn more. Visit Fisher Wavy Inc. online here.