1. Lift the Offenders

The first step in remedying your sunken or shifted pavers is to gently lift them out of their current position. This might require a bit of elbow grease, but it’s crucial for setting the stage for a long-lasting fix.
To lift the paver, try using two flat-head screwdrivers or two putty knives on either side of the paver and pry the paver upwards. For larger stones you may need a shovel.

2. Level the Area

Once the pavers are removed, assess the underlying issue. Often, sunken pavers owe their dilemma to uneven, shifted, or inadequate bedding. Remove the old bedding to level out the depressed area, preparing it for new material.

3. Lay Down a Solid Foundation

Next, introduce new gravel bedding to the area you’ve just leveled. This step is vital for drainage and stability. Be sure to compact the gravel properly with a tamper; a well-tamped base is the secret to preventing future sinking.
If you’re unsure what type of gravel is best for your repair project, contact the team at Creative Landscape Depot: they are our source for our hardscaping product selection and have 2 convenient locations in St. Jacobs and Guelph.

4. Place, Sand, Secure

With your base ready, it’s time to put those pavers back into place. Position each stone carefully, ensuring alignment and even spacing. Then, apply new polymer sand between the joints, which helps lock the pavers together and prevents weed growth.

5. Consider Extra Support

For areas that seem to be repeat offenders, adding an edge restraint can offer additional stability and prevent future shifting. This optional step could save you a lot of headaches down the line.
For edging options, visit Creative Landscape Depot!

Let’s face it, in the grand theater of homeownership, your front yard is more than just a driveway space – it’s the red carpet leading to your castle. And with the right landscape construction company in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Guelph, it can seriously amp up your home’s value.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 92% of realtors recommend that sellers improve their curb appeal before listing their home.

When considering ways to revamp your front yard space, we recommend by starting with what you have. Modern landscape lighting and proper greenery can add a dramatic effect.

If you’re looking for a safe return on investment on your money and your time, an interlocking driveway and walkway can certainly add a sustainable statement to the face of your home. Typical asphalt driveways tend to sink and fade over a short amount of time versus interlocking. Even if there is some sinking, pavers can easily be lifted and adjusted to look just like new.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “large trees can increase the property value of a home from anywhere between 3% to 15%.” Landscape Ontario claims these numbers are even higher: 5% to 20%.

Our forte is clearly in hardscaping, but when it comes to incorporating greenery to your landscape construction project, we got you covered. Whether it’s through sourcing native plants or building around existing trees, we will integrate sustainable options to your landscape construction project.

As a homeowner, maximizing your property’s square footage isn’t limited to the confines of your indoor walls. Transforming your outdoor space can effectively extend your living area, especially during the winter months.

To start: laying down patio pavers creates a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing foundation, turning your backyard into a year-round haven perfect for entertaining and dining. Incorporating an outdoor kitchen allows for entertaining and cooking without feeling cramped indoors while adding so much more flavour to your food.

The real game-changer, however, is incorporating a fire feature, like a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Not only does it add a cozy, inviting ambiance, but it also provides warmth, making your outdoor area a perfect retreat even in colder weather. By creatively incorporating these landscape construction elements, you can significantly expand your usable living space, regardless of the season.

Building a private retreat in your own backyard is invaluable. Fencing is the most common yet effective solution for creating a personal haven, delineating your space while keeping prying eyes at bay. For longevity, we recommend opting for a composite wood fence. Though, there are plenty of ways to dress up a traditional wood fence such as opting for a horizontal-slat design.

For a more nuanced approach, privacy screens offer an elegant and versatile way to shield specific areas, providing seclusion without sacrificing style. These can come in a variety of options for steel statement pieces to modern statement walls.

Beyond these, outdoor structures like gazebos and pergolas not only add a touch of sophistication to your hardscaping project, but also serve as strategic hideaways. Adding curtains or an overhead option can create a lot of privacy and serve as shelter from the elements as well.

Landscape lighting is more than just a decorative touch; it’s a multifaceted enhancement to any outdoor space. Skillfully placed lights add a layer of sophistication, transforming a simple garden into an elegant nightscape. This illumination isn’t just about aesthetics, though – it also serves a functional purpose. Strategic lighting can create dramatic effects, highlighting architectural features and landscape details, thus elevating the overall ambiance of your property.

Additionally, well-lit areas act as a deterrent to potential intruders, adding an essential layer of security. Moreover, illuminating pathways and steps ensures safe navigation through your property, preventing accidents after dark. In essence, landscape lighting is a versatile solution that not only beautifies your space but also provides security and safety, making it a wise investment for any homeowner.

1. Patio Construction

A patio is more than an outdoor space: it’s a lifestyle extension of your home. Not to mention, potential for maximizing the square-footage of your home. Done correctly, it can even increase the property value of your home.
Techo-Bloc pavers bring a combination of elegance and endurance to patio construction for homeowners in Kitchener-Waterloo. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening outside, a Techo-Bloc patio creates the perfect setting.

Westmount paver in Shale Grey.
Image courtesy of Techo-Bloc.

Blu 80 paver in Greyed Nickel.
Image courtesy of Techo-Bloc.

2. Custom Stone Walkways

The path to your home should be as welcoming as the home itself. Custom stone walkways crafted with Techo-Bloc pavers add a touch of sophistication to your property. They’re not just pathways; they’re invitations to explore and enjoy your outdoor space.

3. Interlocking Driveway Construction

With Techo-Bloc interlocking pavers, your driveway can be a standout feature of your home’s exterior. Using these pavers ensures a durable, low-maintenance, and stylish approach to what was once just a place to park your car.

Diamond Smooth paver in Greyed Nickel and Onyx Black.
Image courtesy of Techo-Bloc.

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PAVER FOR YOUR NEXT INTERLOCKING PROJECT?

Download the 2023 Techo-Bloc paver catalog here.

#5: residential Custom Deck – Kitchener, ON

This is bound to happen from time-to-time – any hardscaper or homeowner may be familiar with this daunting process: getting city approval on a new structure.
Despite the small delays in approval while getting this new deck going, and the looming cold weather that should’ve already hit by November, we got the job done right on time.
The state of the grass says everything about working in the cold seasons.

#4: Commercial outdoor renovation – Elle, St. Jacobs, ON

We aren’t going to lie: everytime we see a picture of happy people enjoying this newly renovated outdoor space, we save it to a special album.
Watching newly married couples walk down the refreshed interlock isle brings us joy. Watching their friends and family sip wine outside on the custom composite deck makes us so happy.
Over the past two years, we’ve partnered with Elle to give them an entirely new outdoor space. A new deck, interlock patio, armour-stone steps, and a refreshed isle/walkway.

#3: Rural Residential outdoor makeover – Guelph, on

We had a lot of property to work with on this one, and we love a blank canvas!
We built these homeowners a timeless space they can enjoy with their family all year around. We started with a custom composite deck and interlocking patio built around their swim spa. This included a lounging area with plenty of seating space around a fire-feature. We then added the custom fence around the property to contain the little-ones without drawing too much attention away from the beautiful sunsets facing this yard.

#2: New-Build/small yard outdoor makeover – Breslau, ON

We looked forward to this one all season. This is the best example of how we can maximize your small outdoor living space, giving you extra square-footage to enjoy all year round. These homeowners love to entertain and wanted something that could host their gatherings and fit their friends and family. We added: a custom composite deck, a custom interlock patio, a fire-feature, a custom fence featuring a torii-gate, and an outdoor kitchen. By the time we were done, we didn’t want to leave!

#1: Lyle’s patio and pergola – Elora, ON.

This summer we updated the outdoor property of one of our own crew members. His 3-year-old son was thrilled!

Watch Lyle’s testimony here:

Pergolas and Gazebos: Create a Shelter From the Elements

Don’t let the winter weather deter you from enjoying the outdoors. By installing outdoor structures like pergolas and gazebos, you can create a barrier between yourself and the elements. Consider adding weather-resistant curtains or drapes to provide a barrier against wind, snow, and rain. Additionally, installing outdoor heaters can transform these spaces into cozy retreats, making them usable even in the chilliest months.

Fire Features: Where function meets beauty

Winter is the perfect time to make the most of fire features in your outdoor space. Whether it’s a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace, these additions not only provide warmth but also create a captivating focal point. Plan for comfortable seating around the fire feature, ensuring your outdoor space remains inviting during winter evenings.

Outdoor Kitchens: Year-round flavour

Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be limited to the warmer months. Install the right weather-resistant cabinetry and appliances, and consider adding a shelter or pergola to protect the cooking area from the elements. This way, you can continue to enjoy outdoor culinary experiences throughout the winter.