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Outdoor Walkways: How To Create A Warm And Welcoming Outdoor Space
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Outdoor Walkways: How To Create A Warm And Welcoming Outdoor Space

There’s nothing quite like walking down a beautifully designed outdoor walkway. From a well-manicured garden to a rugged stone path, outdoor walkways can make a lasting impression on visitors and enhance the aesthetics of your home. When done correctly, an outdoor walkway can completely transform your outdoor space and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In this post, we’ll take you through some tips and tricks on how to create a warm and welcoming outdoor space with outdoor walkways.

Select The Right Materials

The first step is to select the right materials for your walkway. The material you choose can significantly affect the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. Some of the most popular materials include pavers, crushed gravel, and natural stone, but the best choice depends on your overall design aesthetic and style. For instance, if you want to create a rustic look, natural stone is the ideal choice. If you want something more contemporary, opt for pavers. Always choose high-quality materials that will last for years without chipping or fading.

Consider The Walkway’s Purpose

Before you start designing your outdoor walkway, think about its purpose and where it will lead. Will it be used as a primary path to the front door or simply as a decorative addition to your garden? The answers to these questions will determine the right shape, width, and length for your walkway. If it’s meant as a primary path to the front door, a straight path leading directly from the driveway to the front porch is the best choice. However, if it’s simply decorative, you can experiment with curves and angles to create a more unique and intriguing walkway.

Add Lighting to Create Ambiance

Lighting is an essential feature to consider when designing your outdoor space. Adequate lighting can enhance the beauty of your walkway and add an element of security at night. There are various options for outdoor lighting, including solar-powered lights, low voltage lights, and LED lights. Solar-powered lights are ideal for walkways because they don’t require any electrical wiring and can be installed in just a few minutes. Low voltage lights are more affordable and offer better illumination, making them ideal for walkways that require more light. LED lights, on the other hand, are energy-efficient and can last for years with minimum maintenance.

Add Greenery to Enhance Your Garden

Adding greenery and plants to your outdoor walkway is an excellent way to create a warm and welcoming space. You can add potted plants along the walkway, install trellises to create a natural arch, or plant small trees with hanging branches for added privacy. Most importantly, when you’re choosing plants, ensure they can thrive in the environment. For example, if your walkway is in a shady area, opt for plants that don’t require too much sunlight. On the other hand, if your walkway receives plenty of sunlight, choose plants that can withstand the heat. Remember to choose plants that complement your outdoor style and work well with the other features in your garden.

Choose An Appropriate Border

Choosing a border for your walkway is an essential step in completing the overall look of your outdoor space. The border will add an element of definition and enhance the beauty of the walkway. The best border options include concrete, bricks, or stone borders. Each option has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best complements your overall design aesthetic. Concrete is the most affordable and requires minimal maintenance, while bricks and stone borders offer a unique and beautiful look but can be more expensive.

Maintain And Clean Regularly

Once you’re done with the walkway, it’s essential to maintain and clean it regularly to ensure it remains in good condition. One of the best ways to maintain your walkway is by sweeping it regularly to remove debris. You can also use herbicides and pesticides to remove weeds and keep pests at bay. Regular cleaning will ensure that the walkway is always looking its best and won’t be damaged by the elements. Be sure to keep your drains clear to prevent water accumulation, which can cause damage and deterioration.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, creating a warm and welcoming outdoor space with outdoor walkways can be a simple and achievable task. By focusing on the right materials, adding lighting, adding greenery, and choosing an appropriate border, you can transform your outdoor space. Remember to maintain and clean your walkway regularly, and with time you’ll create a beautiful space that will make you proud to call it your own.

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Why You Should Consider Interlocking Pavers for Your Driveway
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Why You Should Consider Interlocking Pavers for Your Driveway

When it comes to paving your driveway, you have several options to choose from. You can go for concrete, asphalt, gravel or interlocking pavers. However, interlocking pavers are the most popular choice among homeowners due to their many benefits. Interlocking pavers are made from individual bricks that fit together like a puzzle, and they come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. Here are some reasons why you should consider interlocking pavers for your driveway.

Durability

One of the main benefits of interlocking pavers is their durability. Unlike concrete or asphalt, which can crack and crumble over time, pavers are designed to withstand heavy loads and extreme temperatures. They are also resistant to oil and gas spills, making them a low-maintenance option for your driveway.

Easy Installation

The installation process for interlocking pavers is relatively simple and quick. Unlike concrete, which requires a curing period and can take several days to install, pavers can be installed in just one day. The process involves laying a compacted gravel base, leveling it, adding a layer of sand, and then placing the pavers on top. Pavers can even be removed and replaced if necessary, making any repairs easy to handle.

Aesthetics

Interlocking pavers come in various colors, shapes, and styles, allowing homeowners to create a unique and beautiful driveway. With pavers, you have the option to mix and match colors and create intricate designs that add curb appeal to your home. They are a popular choice among homeowners who want to add a touch of elegance to their homes.

Environmentally Friendly

Interlocking pavers are environmentally friendly. Due to their permeable nature, they allow rainwater to seep through, reducing runoff and allowing the water to return to the groundwater table. This feature can help to prevent flooding and water pollution.

Versatility

Interlocking pavers are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of driveway shapes and sizes. They can even be used in small spaces, and their design can be customized to fit any curve or angle of your driveway. The versatility of pavers means that they can be used in any home, no matter the size or style.

Cost-Effective

Interlocking pavers are cost-effective. While the initial cost of pavers may be higher than other driveway options, such as asphalt or concrete, they ultimately last longer and require less maintenance. This longevity makes pavers a great long-term investment for your home.

Easy Maintenance

Interlocking pavers are extremely easy to maintain. Thanks to their individual design, any damaged pavers can be easily replaced without disrupting the entire driveway. Maintaining pavers requires only sweeping and occasional pressure washing, making them an incredibly low-maintenance option.

Increased Property Value

A well-paved driveway can add value to your home. Interlocking pavers not only add beauty and curb appeal to your home, but they also increase its value on the real estate market. This investment in your driveway can ultimately lead to a higher selling price for your home.

Final Thoughts

Interlocking pavers are an attractive, versatile, and durable option for your driveway. They not only increase the curb appeal of your home but also increase its value. With their easy installation and low maintenance, interlocking pavers are a long-term investment that will provide years of beauty and functionality to any home. If you’re interested in updating your driveway, consider interlocking pavers as an option for a new, beautiful look.

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How To Choose The Right Pool Decking And Coping For Your Home
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How To Choose The Right Pool Decking And Coping For Your Home

Swimming pools are a wonderful addition to any home. They provide a relaxing and refreshing spot to unwind during warm weather months. But, choosing the right pool decking and coping can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which materials are the best fit for your home. Fortunately, this blog post will outline the various types of pool decking and coping available, as well as provide tips for selecting the right materials to meet your specific needs.

Types of Pool Decking

Pool decking is the area immediately surrounding your swimming pool. It’s important to choose a material that is durable, slip-resistant, and can withstand the harsh elements. Here are some popular types of pool decking:

1. Concrete: Concrete is a highly durable and long-lasting material that is great for pool decking. It can withstand extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, and is relatively inexpensive. Additionally, stamped concrete can be designed to mimic other materials like stone or brick for a more upscale look.

2. Pavers: Pavers are another popular option for pool decking. They are slip-resistant, come in a variety of designs and colors, and don’t require any special maintenance. Pavers are also great for adding visual depth to your pool area as they can be used to create different patterns and textures.

3. Wood: Wood decking is a classic and timeless option for pool decking. However, it does require more maintenance than other options – it needs to be regularly sealed to prevent warping and splintering, and it can be susceptible to rot. But, if properly taken care of, a wood deck can be a beautiful and natural addition to your home.

4. Stone: Natural stone is a luxurious and sophisticated option for pool decking. It’s strong, durable, and slip-resistant. Popular types of stone include travertine, limestone, and sandstone. Stone decking typically requires little maintenance and can last for years if properly taken care of.

Choosing the Right Pool Coping

Pool coping is the material that is installed at the pool’s edge and is designed to provide a safe, slip-resistant surface for swimmers to climb in and out of the pool. Similar to pool decking, there are several options available for pool coping. Here are some popular types:

1. Concrete: Concrete is the most commonly used material for pool coping. It’s durable, affordable, and can be customized to match your pool decking. Concrete coping can also be textured or stamped to prevent slips and falls.

2. Stone: Natural stone is another popular option for pool coping. It provides an elegant and upscale look to your pool area. Stone coping is highly durable and requires little maintenance. It’s also slip-resistant, making it a safer option for pool areas.

3. Brick: Brick coping has a timeless and classic look. It’s often used in traditional or European-style pool designs. Brick coping requires very little maintenance and is slip-resistant.

4. Pavers: Pavers can also be used for pool coping. They provide a wide variety of design options and can be customized to match your pool decking. Pavers are also highly slip-resistant, making them a great option for pool areas.

Considerations When Choosing Materials

When selecting pool decking and coping materials, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Climate: Consider the climate in your area when selecting materials. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures or harsh weather conditions, you’ll want to choose materials that can withstand those conditions.

2. Maintenance: Consider how much maintenance the materials will require. Some materials, like wood, require more maintenance than others. Consider whether you’re willing to perform regular upkeep on your pool deck and coping.

3. Safety: Safety is paramount when it comes to pool areas. Choose materials that are slip-resistant and safe for swimmers.

4. Style: Consider the overall style and aesthetic of your home when selecting materials. You want your pool area to blend seamlessly with the rest of your home’s design.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pool decking and coping materials is an important decision for any homeowner. The materials you choose will not only impact the look and feel of your pool area but also the safety and durability of the space. Consider your specific needs, climate, and design preferences when selecting materials. With careful consideration and proper installation, your pool decking and coping will provide a beautiful and functional addition to your home for years to come.

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Different Types Of Pool Decks To Know About Before Choosing One For Your Home
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Different Types Of Pool Decks To Know About Before Choosing One For Your Home

When it comes to creating a backyard oasis, a pool is certainly at the top of many people’s wish lists. And once the pool is installed, the next big decision is choosing the type of deck to surround it. A pool deck serves as not just a practical platform for swimmers but also creates a stunning focal point for your outdoor living space. The variety of pool deck materials available means there is an option for everyone’s budget and style. In this blog post, we will explore different types of pool decks to know about before choosing one for your home.

1. Concrete pool decks:  

Concrete pool decks are the most popular choice among homeowners due to their durability and affordability. They are relatively easy to install and offer various design options, including stamped, stenciled, or textured finishes that make them look like pavers, stone, or wood. Stamped and textured concrete pool decks provide a slip-resistant surface, which is essential for safety considerations. They are easy to maintain and clean and can give an upscale look to your outdoor living space. However, they tend to heat up quickly in the sun, making them uncomfortable to walk on during hot summer months.

2. Vinyl pool decks:

Vinyl pool decks are gaining in popularity due to their affordability and low maintenance. They are also slip-resistant, durable, and come in a range of colors and patterns, allowing homeowners to create a unique design that complements the pool’s style and the surrounding landscape. Vinyl decking is also mildew and UV resistant, which keeps it looking new longer. However, they often lack the curb appeal of traditional materials such as natural stone or wood.

3. Natural stone pool decks:  

Natural stone pool decks are the ultimate in luxury and beauty. They are available in a wide range of colors and textures, including travertine, limestone, flagstone, and granite. Natural stone pool decks provide a natural appearance that complements any landscape style. Their non-slip surface ensures safety around the pool area, and they are also resistant to damage from heat or chlorine. However, they may require a more significant investment upfront and require some regular maintenance to keep them looking their best.

4. Wood pool decks:

Wood pool decks provide a natural and warm appearance that many homeowners find appealing. They are available in various types of wood, including cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine. Wood decking is comfortable to walk on, which makes it perfect for those who enjoy spending time barefoot around the pool area. They provide excellent insulation, which means they stay cool to the touch even in hot weather. The only downside to wood pool decks is that they require regular maintenance, including sealing and staining to prevent moisture damage or rot.

5. Brick pool decks:

Brick pool decks add a classic and timeless look to any backyard. They are available in a range of colors and patterns, and their textured surface makes them slip-resistant. Brick pool decks are durable and can withstand wear and tear caused by chlorine and sun exposure. Unlike many other materials, brick is natural and provides better drainage than other types of materials. However, they may provide a rough surface that can be tough on bare feet.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right pool deck material is essential for creating a beautiful and functional outdoor living space. The type of material you choose will depend on various factors such as budget, maintenance, style, and durability. Proper research and consideration of all the different options will ensure that you select the right pool deck that meets your needs and enhances your backyard oasis. Whether you prefer a natural stone or a more traditional style, there is a pool deck type to suit your preferences. Choose wisely, and you can enjoy your backyard for years to come!

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The Benefits Of A Zen Pool Design: Creating A Calming And Relaxing Environment
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The Benefits Of A Zen Pool Design: Creating A Calming And Relaxing Environment

Swimming pools are meant to be a place of relaxation, leisure, and enjoyment. A Zen pool can take the experience of owning a pool to the next level by creating a calming and relaxing environment. A Zen pool is designed with simplicity, minimalism, and balance in mind. With its elements of serenity, Zen pool design has many benefits to offer homeowners. Here are some of the benefits of a Zen pool design for creating a serene and calming environment.

1. Promoting Mental Health

A Zen pool promotes mental health and a sense of calmness in individuals. By incorporating a peaceful and relaxing environment, the pool creates a space for you to escape from daily stressors, allowing you to relax and unwind. The calm atmosphere created by a Zen pool design has a positive impact on mental health, and can even help reduce stress and anxiety.

2. Encouraging Physical Health

A Zen pool design promotes physical health too. The calm and inviting environment of the pool encourages individuals to swim and carry out low-impact exercises that have a positive impact on the body. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise for people of all ages. It helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves flexibility. By having a Zen pool, you’re not only improving your mental health by relaxing, but you’re also improving your physical health by staying active.

3. Promoting Sustainability

Zen pool design is minimalistic and follows the principles of sustainability. The pool is designed to use natural features such as plants and stones as decorative objects, providing a natural and eco-friendly look. Creating an eco-friendly pool can help minimize the environmental footprint of the pool, therefore promoting sustainability.

4. Creating a Sense of Tranquility

Swimming pools are naturally calming, but a Zen pool amplifies that feeling. Zen pool design encourages the use of natural elements such as rocks, plants, and water features that create a serene environment. This setting provides a sense of tranquility and encourages relaxation. Additionally, a Zen pool may include a waterfall, a fountain, or similar water feature, which emit the soothing sounds of flowing water. The sounds of the water combined with the tranquil environment further promote a sense of calmness.

5. Providing an Aesthetic Appeal

Zen pool design generally follows a minimalist approach, which provides a sleek and simple aesthetic appeal. The pool looks natural with stunning visuals that have an undeniable beauty. The pool’s combination of natural features, simplicity, and elegance creates a timeless design in your backyard, adding value to your property.

6. Offering Customizable Options

A Zen pool can be designed to cater to your personality, style, and preferences. With the ever-growing trend of personalized designs, Zen pool design also offers customizable options. Homeowners can incorporate features such as lighting that creates a mood for different occasions and concrete platforms that provide areas for relaxation.

7. Reducing Maintenance Costs

A Zen pool design uses natural features, which ultimately reduces the cost of pool maintenance. The minimalistic design of a Zen pool reduces the need for pool equipment, which can be quite expensive. The combination of natural elements with the limited use of pool chemicals can help reduce the overall cost of maintaining the pool.

Conclusion

A Zen pool design promotes a calm and relaxing environment that is good for the mind and body. The pool’s aesthetic appeal, eco-friendly approach, and customizable options are just some of the benefits that homeowners can enjoy. Additionally, a Zen pool design provides a sense of tranquility, promotes sustainability, enhances the property’s value, and encourages physical health. By incorporating a Zen pool design, you can create a serene and calming environment in your backyard, which promotes well-being and relaxation.

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Innovative Ideas For Using Modern Pavers In Your Landscape Design 
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Innovative Ideas For Using Modern Pavers In Your Landscape Design 

If you are interested in transforming your outdoor space, modern pavers are a great way to update your landscape design. Gone are the days of dull, grey concrete slabs, and instead, paver manufacturers are producing a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes that allow homeowners to get creative with their hardscape designs. Let’s take a look at some innovative ideas for using modern pavers in your landscape design. 

1. Go big with oversized pavers 

If you want to create a bold statement in your outdoor space, consider using oversized pavers. These types of pavers come in a variety of shapes and colors, and they’re perfect for creating a sleek and modern look. Oversized pavers work best in large outdoor spaces, as they can make a small space look cluttered. Consider laying them in a staggered pattern to create a sense of movement. 

2. Mix and match pavers 

One of the great things about modern pavers is the variety of colors and shapes that are available. By mixing and matching pavers, you can create a unique and custom design that will make your outdoor space stand out. You can even mix and match different types of materials, such as concrete, brick, or stone, to add even more interest to your landscape design. 

3. Use pavers to create patterns 

If you’re looking for a way to add visual interest to your outdoor space, consider using pavers to create patterns. By laying pavers in a specific pattern, such as a herringbone or basketweave pattern, you can create a unique and dynamic design that will add texture and depth to your landscape. Patterns can be especially effective in small outdoor spaces, such as a patio or courtyard, where they can make the space feel larger. 

4. Add some green with grass pavers 

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate some greenery into your hardscaping design, consider using grass pavers. These types of pavers are designed to allow grass to grow between them, creating a natural, textured look. Grass pavers are a great option for driveways, parking areas, and other high-traffic areas where you want to add some greenery without sacrificing durability. 

5. Create an outdoor living room with pavers 

If you have a large outdoor space, you can use pavers to create separate “rooms” for outdoor living. By using pavers to define different areas, such as a dining area, seating area, and fire pit area, you can create a functional and inviting outdoor living space. Consider using different types of pavers or patterns to define each area. 

6. Create an elegant entranceway with natural stone pavers 

If you’re looking for a way to elevate the entrance to your home, natural stone pavers are an excellent choice. These types of pavers come in a range of textures and colors, and they’re perfect for creating a luxurious and elegant entranceway. Natural stone pavers can also be used to create a stunning walkway that will enhance the beauty of your landscape. 

7. Use pavers to create a unique driveway 

If you’re tired of looking at your boring concrete driveway, consider using pavers to create a unique and eye-catching design. Pavers come in a wide range of colors and textures, and you can mix and match them to create a custom look. Using pavers on your driveway can also add value to your home, as it’s a simple but effective way to enhance your curb appeal. 

Conclusion 

Modern pavers are an excellent way to update your landscape design and create a functional and inviting outdoor space. With the variety of shapes, colors, and textures available, you can get creative with your hardscape design and create a unique look that reflects your personal style. By using some of these innovative ideas, you can create a landscape that’s both beautiful and functional. 

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The Different Types of Hardscaping
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Hardscaping is a great way to add value and beauty, among other benefits, to your home. There are also different types of hardscaping options to help transform your outdoor living space into the most Zen part of your home.

From minor hardscaping work to installing more considerable hardscaping features, hardscaping offers many options and ways to improve your yard or lawn. Here is a look at a few of the different types of hardscaping and how they can help make your outdoor living space your favorite place.

Types of Hardscaping to Transform Your Outdoor Living Space

The type or types of hardscaping feature you choose to implement and install will depend on many factors, such as preference, cost, and practicality, among others. The good news is, regardless of what type of hardscaping project you choose, it will add to your home and the beauty of your outdoor living space.

Patios and Decks

Adding a patio or deck is not only an investment in your outdoor living space, but these types of hardscaping features will also add to your home’s value. In addition to a pretty ROI, decks and patios also add to the amount of liveable square footage of your home and yard. With professional hardscaping services, like those offered at Buddha Builders LLC, the beauty of patios and decks can also help transform your yard into your ideal outdoor living space.

Walkways and Paths

From beautifully designed brick walkways to stone paths that add to the allure of your outdoor living space, these hardscaping options also offer benefits like directing foot traffic and helping to preserve and protect your landscaping. These hardscaping features can also help shape your yard while adding to the value of your personal outdoor utopia.

Outdoor Kitchens and Stone Ovens

Another popular hardscaping option, and a guaranteed way to take your outdoor living space to the next level, is to install an outdoor kitchen or stone oven. These hardscaping options will increase the value of your home, your outdoor living space, and your life.

There are many different types of hardscaping options that are available to make your dream backyard the most Zen part of the house. The hard part is choosing the right hardscaping options for your home. Whatever your dream outdoor living space looks like, and for whatever hardscaping option you choose though, Buddha Builders LLC is here to help.

Buddha Builders LLC

Welcome to Buddha Builders LLC. We are proud to be a veteran-owned and operated business offering experienced and professional landscaping and hardscaping services for the greater Seattle area. Let us put our 20-plus years of experience designing & building beautiful, functional & sustainable outdoor spaces to work for your next hardscaping project.

Find your Zen in your perfectly created backyard or outdoor entertainment space. Contact us for more information or to schedule an estimate today.

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Benefits of Using landscape lighting
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Are you considering enhancing your exterior living space? Landscape lighting is a great way to enhance your outdoor living space, all while boosting your home’s curb appeal. There is more to landscaping than just planting flowers and ensuring your lawn is intact. Read on to learn how to utilize landscape lighting to make your yard beautiful.

Landscape Lighting Benefits

If you are looking to turn your yard into a luxury outdoor living space, here are some benefits of adding landscape lighting to the mix.

Accentuate Landscaping Décor

If you install landscaping lighting outside your home, you will notice that it will accentuate many of the features you already have. Outdoor lighting can easily help guide people to your door. Outdoor lighting is also beneficial to mark property lines and set barriers where you’d rather not have people walking. Outdoor lighting is a great way to display certain features in your yard. Consider installing your lights near ponds or foundations.

Boost Curb Appeal & Property Value

Anytime you add an addition to your home, including landscaping lights, your property value will increase. Outdoor lighting also allows you to receive an instant return on your investment while enjoying the plethora of additional benefits it provides.

If you are looking to boost your curb appeal, install lighting. Outdoor lights can enhance the architectural features of your home.

Safety

Outdoor lighting is a great way to keep your family safe. This also includes friends and other guests that may visit your home. Light posts are a great way to light up walkways, paths, and your driveway. Lights should be installed close to stairs or any other surface that is uneven. Lights will help direct people during the night, thus preventing injuries.

A good recommendation is to install outdoor landscape lighting next to decks, patios, around pools, and other high-traffic areas. Outdoor lighting is a great way to ensure your family remains safe while enjoying the outside at night.

Deters Crime

Aside from safety, landscape lighting can also deter crime. Think of landscape lighting as added security to your home. Not only will it help deter crime, but your guests will feel safer when leaving your home at night if your front door is lit up. Landscape lighting gives off the impression that your home is well-maintained, which can deter theft and other criminal activity against your home.

Consider installing motion sensor lights if you are concerned about an increase in your energy bills. This will save you money, all while keeping your property safe.

Brighten Outdoor Yard

The inside of your home doesn’t have to be the only place you spend time with your loved ones. You can brighten your landscaping and spend more time on your patio and backyard. This is a perfect way to entertain guests and just simply enjoy the outdoors. Outdoor lighting can illuminate dark areas in your yard and are especially useful if you have kids playing outside.

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How To Prepare And Install Your Permeable Paver Patio
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A paved area, when done correctly is a long-lasting and hard-wearing solution for flooring, especially outdoors. It can withstand the elements and hold up under far more weight than concrete.

Permeable pavers drain water, so your patio won’t flood in the wet seasons and they don’t attract as much dust too. Plus, it’s more aesthetically pleasing than plain concrete.

However, there are a few things to consider before installing pavers, because if they are not done correctly, you lose out on the benefits of a paved patio.

Follow These Steps To Prep And Install Permeable Pavers For Your Patio

Step 1: Prepare the Ground

It seems fairly obvious, but you don’t want to miss out on this step. First things first, you have to scope out the area. Make sure you and your builders have the area for the permeable paver patio demarcated and planned out before doing anything.

heavy equipment on project

Once you’ve marked off the area, it’s important to square the corners and make sure the lines are straight (there’s nothing worse than having an oddly shaped paved patio)

Next, the patio builders will clear all roots and rubble from the sand sub-base. They will dampen and slightly level the ground before going in with the big guns – a compactor that is. If the area is going to be a high-traffic area, it’s best to go in with a mechanical compactor. If not, the ground can be leveled manually.

Pro Tip: the sub-base should be at least 2 inches thick for the best results.

Step 2: Prepare the Sand

Your ground has been compacted, now it’s time to finish off the sand. It’s essential to level the sand properly at this stage.

The best way to do this is to lay two boards, either timber or metal (must be flat and square). Then, your builders should run a screed board with a spirit level across the sand to make sure everything is absolutely level.

Step 3: Laying the Pavers

Finally, it’s time to lay the pavers! It’s a good idea to start at a fixed edge and work outwards from there. It’s better to start this way as it’s much easier to control the pattern.

permeable paver patio

Here, you can be a bit creative and choose to lay a pattern – it doesn’t have to be plain and simple. If you’re at a loss for ideas, feel free to contact us at Buddha Builders for ideas and advice on different paver patterns and styles.

When laying down each paver, an important step is to give them a light tap with a wooden mallet to set them in properly. There should also be equal gaps of about 2mm between each paver, which will be filled with sand later on.

Another pro tip: don’t walk on screed sand, rather walk on the already paved area.

Step 4: Compacting and Joining

Once all the pavers are laid out, it’s time to compact and join it all. Having a low amplitude plate compactor to do this is incredibly useful, especially if it’s one that covers a large area. It saves time and gets the job done!

Interlocking Permeable Pavers - Buddha Builders

Before compacting, the builders will add a thin layer of jointing sand to the area and spread it out. This will go between each paver and act like the glue that holds everything together.

The builders will then cover the base of the compactor plate with a thick rubber carpet or a thin sheet of plywood, to protect the pavers. Then, they will go ahead with compacting the area.

The next step is to add white-washed or darker sand into all the joints. This is more for aesthetics – it gives the paving a great finish. If you’ve gone with light-colored pavers, darker sand will go well with it and vice versa.

permeable paver patio - sweeping sand into joints - Buddha Builders

Once they’ve covered the entire area,it’s time to clear away the excess sand. Your patio is now paved and joined!

Step 5: Restrain Edges

Last but not least, the builders will finish the edging around the paved patio. If your patio is not right up against any walls or perhaps there’s a section that ends in the middle of your backyard, it’ll need restraining. This prevents the pavers from spreading out due to load.

The best way to do this is with concrete as it’s strong enough to hold in the sub-base and the pavers.

Final Thoughts

Paving can be an elegant and functional flooring solution for so many different areas of your property. From your driveway and garage down to your backyard and patio, permeable paving is such a great solution that’s versatile and extremely hard-wearing. While you can install your permeable paver patio DIY-style, there are several steps that might be better left up to a professional builder. So, if you’re looking to install a beautiful permeable paver patio be sure to contact Buddha Builders today. We can help you design.

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Why Add An Outdoor Living Space To Your Home?
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We all love being outdoors during the warmer months, whether it’s swimming, picnicking, or barbecuing. It’s great getting out and doing all these activities, but creating the space within the confines of one’s property has so many benefits beyond just the convenience of having all that available in your home.

Plus, outdoor living spaces can be customized to accommodate enjoying this beautiful extension of your home all year around, even in the great Pacific Northwest. Adding fireplaces, pergola covers and outdoor kitchens make any outdoor living space comfy and convenient anytime of the year.

So, let’s take a look at why you should add an outdoor living space to your home.

The Benefits Of Having An Outdoor Living Space

Increased Home Value

By extending one’s home to include an outdoor living area, the value of the property naturally increases. So if you’re thinking of selling up at some point in the future, and then either upgrading or downsizing, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

Make sure to construct the outdoor living space to flow with the style and design of your home. For instance, a super rustic outdoor space won’t necessarily flow with an ultra-modern home. The experts at Buddha Builders can help you design the perfect outdoor space for any home style and design.

Entertainment

We all love to barbecue in the summer months. Hosting gatherings is always great when you have a properly-designed and well-laid-out area for entertaining. Having sufficient seating when you have family and friends over is very important and by creating a well-designed outdoor living area, you’ll be able to easily accommodate guests.

The amount of space you have in your backyard needs to be taken into consideration before embarking on a project. For example, if you have a small backyard, you won’t be able to design a large patio and pool. But, you could design a smaller patio to host slightly fewer people and perhaps still have room for a small garden.

Two words: outdoor cooking. If you have space and the budget, installing an outdoor kitchen can be a great extension to a simple grill. It will make preparation super convenient and really great when entertaining. You’ll never have to step away from your guests to prepare food!

Ambiance

There’s nothing like the ambiance a fire pit or fireplace creates. As the summer months fade into fall, entertaining around the warmth of a fire beats an evening indoors. Add the beauty of the outdoors to that and you have a winner!

It’s so easy to create ambiance outside, using the natural elements in your design. Lighting, for example, is a key factor in creating ambiance. Adding some solar ground lights along pathways or along the border of the garden creates a beautiful ambiance. Additionally, string lights hung across a patio provide soft lighting as well as create a warm ambiance.

Small finishing touches create ambiance, not the build necessarily. These include lighting, decorations, furniture, and outdoor heating. For instance, a fire pit provides more of an ambiance than an electric heater would.

Personal Use

One thing we sometimes forget when we’re taking on home projects is just how much creativity one can express through these projects. An outdoor living space is a great example of this.

When you’re in the process of designing your outdoor living area, think of what you’ll be using it for. It can be the perfect place for you to relax and read a book in, or perhaps a nice spot to eat your breakfast and mentally prepare yourself for the day ahead. Whatever the reason, you can get a lot of joy out of having your own outdoor living space.

Aesthetic Beauty

Think about how drab and boring a backyard can be with zero landscaping and no space to sit and relax. Now, think about how much better the space can be utilized if it were properly designed and landscaped. With proper planning and not too big of a budget, your backyard can go from drab to fab!

A patio can flow onto a luscious garden. Or, you could have a cozy courtyard with some comfy but stylish outdoor furniture. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity allows.

Additional Living Space

Who doesn’t love more space in their home? Sometimes you just need a space to relax, or a nice place to entertain family and friends. Designing an outdoor living space provides an extra living area, which is especially great for the warmer months.

There are so many things you can do – you could have a dinner table, outdoor sofas, or even a fire pit to gather around. If you really have the space, you could even have all of that and more!

The Bottom Line

Since the dawn of time, people have enjoyed being outside, sharing a meal, watching the kids play, or simply enjoying a good book and a glass of wine. Creating this for yourself in your backyard is absolutely possible, with a little creativity, budget, and guidance from an expert.

If you would like to add a luxurious outdoor living space to your home, be sure to contact Buddha Builders today for a free consultation.

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