You probably think the most impressive layer of your new paver patio or driveway is the top layer. It looks amazing.
But the stuff you can’t see is just as impressive, from the layer underneath that helps it drain to the edging that keeps it from falling apart to the sand that holds the pavers together to the sealer that protects the whole masterpiece.
Planning your big new Florida landscaping project? Man, there’s a lot to think about, right?
How much will it cost? What do you really need? Your head must be spinning.
Maybe head outside and relax on the paver patio, or chill beneath your poolside pergola while you sort it all out.
Maybe you have dreams for a splashy big landscaping renovation, but you’d like to just dip your toe in first.
Simple landscaping ideas can make a big difference, powering up some curb appeal, setting the scene for family fun, or creating a peaceful hangout for your private backyard haven. (That last phrase sounds so great, let’s repeat it: private backyard haven. Sigh.)
Once you know what hardscaping is, the word makes perfect sense.
It’s the hard elements in your landscaping — the paver patios and walkways, the fire pit, the structures like decks, pergolas, and pavilions.
Can we all take a minute to swear about weeds?
They’re in your lawn, in your flower beds and they even sneak into your planters.
You might think you fooled the leafy villains with that paver project. There’s no way weeds can sprout in hard concrete pavers, right?
Sorry. If you think pavers can prevent weeds, you don’t know weeds.
Everybody remembers the day their new paver project was finished.
It was the greatest thing you’ve ever seen, right?
You posted so many patio photos on Instagram your kids were embarrassed. You sat out in the driveway so long with your groceries, just looking at those pretty pavers, your mint chip ice cream melted.
But stuff happens.
Maybe you used your garden hose to outline a nice curving edge for your new landscape bed. Then left it there.
That was a good start. But when it comes to great landscape edging materials, garden hose rarely makes the list.
Which landscape edging is best?
Maybe you’re dusting off your tool belt as you read this, getting ready to tackle a DIY paver installation project. That new patio will be great!
So, not to get too personal, but how big is your tool belt? You’ll need a lot of tools.
It’s hard to beat that new paver feeling, when you linger in your driveway a few extra minutes just to admire how great it looks.
Or, in rarer situations, you move your bed out to the patio because you can’t bear to leave the beauty of it all.
Paver projects add a huge visual boost to your home, but they won’t continue to look great without occasional sealing.
If you’re standing in the backyard with a ruler and your Pinterest patio printouts trying to decide how big your new patio should be, you might be overwhelmed.
You don’t want your cool new outdoor space to be way too big and cost more than it has to, but you don’t want things to feel too cramped, either, and have your party spill over into your pretty petunia beds.
What size patio do I need?
Ground Source landscape designer Eric Frisch says there’s no average patio size — the beauty of patio design is creating a space that perfectly suits your lifestyle. But he offers some helpful tips: