Chinook Landscaping and Design – Landscaping Calgary Specialists
Calgary, Alberta
403-452-8552
Mon-Fri 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM.
06 May 2019

Modern patio Ideas

Techo bloc modern patio slabs

The landscaping industry has come a long way and now there are more modern patio ideas than ever to choose from. You can choose from pouring concrete slabs. large slab pavers and architectural slab, Composite or hardwood decking or traditional cedar decking.  Paving stones used to be only available in small bricks with very little options for styles and colours.  Now, that has all changed.  Manufacturers are now creating larger and multi sized paving stone patterns that come in a wide variety of styles and colours.

Paving stones and patio slabs

Modern great interlocking patio with rectangular fire pit and flame burning
Dakota paving stones with linear fire pit

Paving stone manufacturers such as Techo Bloc and Rinox are coming up with more and more styles and colours every season.  Many of the new styles of pavers are actually throwbacks to many many years ago yet they are returning as popular landscaping trends in Calgary.  You will see similar paving stones in older European cities such as London, England. You can even find pre cast paving stones that look like natural stone.  Large slab pavers or architectural slabs are also becoming more and more popular for modern patio ideas. Landscaping trends are definitely leaning towards larger paver slabs.  The patio slabs can be installed tightly together to create a solid patio.  They can also be laid out in a linear fashion with either crushed decorative stone in between or inset directly into sod.  This modern patio look goes best with modern homes.  The linear lines really compliment this style of home.  You can also use the patio slabs for walkways to continue the modern look throughout your front or back yard.  We do not recommend installing these patio slabs as a walkway unless they are installed tightly together.  If they are not installed tightly together and there are spaces in-between them, you will find your walkway will not be shovel friendly.

Poured concrete benches and patios.

Using concrete as you main structure for benches and patio will give your patio a very modern look.  Concrete benches can be poured in many shapes and sizes depending on your needs.  The poured concrete look gives your patio a clean and sleek modern feel. The concrete itself can be dyed in various different colours and can even be blended to give you a mix of colour throughout your patio and benches.  Concrete patios are nothing new but there are many different styles that are new.  The California look is based on modern homes in places like Palm Springs.  The California style is lighter concrete that is white or off white.  Traditional concrete patios can be poured using exposed aggregate or stamped concrete.  Stamped is still a good option and there are now more patterns and colours than ever to choose from.  We do not recommend stamped concrete for busy walkways around your home because they can tend to be slippery

Soften your modern patio with wood accents and plantings

warm arbor wood structure
Warm up your patio with a cedar arbor

If you plan on using large slabs or poured concrete for your patios and walkways it is important to soften the look.  Large areas of concrete can tend to look too industrial and cold and although these paver slabs are modern looking this landscaping trend needs to be softened with wood or plantings,  So you can choose to warm these areas up by incorporating warm wood accents.  For example a concrete bench looks fantastic if you add cedar or meranti hardwood seating area.  Adding these wood benches will installing warm up your patio.  You can also choose to add a wood pergola or arbor above or beside your modern patio.  These wood structures will make your patio setting more intimate and cozy.  There is nothing like natural plantings to warm up the cold look of concrete.  You can add plantings to your patio are by using them as border plantings along the permitter.  You can also choose to add cedar planters on top your patio and plant your plantings right into the planters.  If you plan on having concrete benches installed on your patio then you can incorporate planters right into the benches and plant your shrubs, perennials or annuals into the planters.

 

 

 

31 Mar 2019

Paving stone repair

We get a lot of calls from Calgary homeowners asking us about paving stone repair.  Paving stone patios and walkways or paving stone driveways are common in Calgary.  Over time the paving stones can heave due to frost heaves, drainage issues or tree roots.  Many of these paving stone structures have been there for many, many years so the paving stones themselves are old and outdated.

How to repair paving stones

For paving stone repair to be done properly you have to start by creating a proper base. As with all landscaping components, preparation is the most important part of the project.  Simply removing the paving stones and adding or removing a little of the base is not sufficient.  The best way to repair your paving stones is to remove the paving stones from the heaved or sunken area.  Also remove the paving stone from a portion of the affected area even if they are not in need of repair.  Then remove the sand and check to make sure there is an existing compacted gravel base.  If there is not an existing gravel base then that is likely the cause of your paving stone issue.  To properly re-install the paving stones you will need to add a compacted gravel base.  This gravel base will prevent frost heaves and damage from drainage issues.  IF you are looking for a quick fix then you can simply add or remove some sand but this won’t be a good long term fix.

Are roots the cause of your paving stone issue?

Tree roots are often the cause of paving stones heaving and they can cause real damage to patios, walkways and driveways.  You many be dealing with a city tree that cannot be removed.  Or, you like the look of the tree but you don’t like the damage it is doing to your paving stones.  If tree roots are the cause of the paving stone damage, then notching out the tree root might be your best solution.  Spruce tree and poplar roots are the most common culprits and their roots can be cut or notched out with a hand or power saw.  If the root is very large then notching out a piece is probably better than cutting through the entire root. Then, cover the notched out area with sand or a compacted base.  The root will likely continue to grow and will eventually lift your paving stones again in the future.  Removing the root entirely reduce the chances of the heaving returning in the future.

Should you consider new paving stones?

If your paving stones are very old and outdated it is probably best to start fresh with new modern paving stones.  Paving stones have come a long way and there are now so many great styles and colours to choose from.  It often costs the same to repair your old paving stones as it does to install entirely new paving stones.  Paving stone repair is an extensive process and most of the costs are in preparation of a proper base. You can add real value to your property by adding new modern paving stones.  We always recommend completely replacing your paving stones if they are older and outdated.

Call Chinook Landscaping and design today for your free paving stone consultation and estimate.

Ph:  403-452-8552

Or visit our estimates page