When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and durability of outdoor spaces like driveways, walkways and back patios, choosing the right material is crucial.  While there are many material options to choose from, including interlocking stone and concrete, one of the most popular options is Brushed Concrete. In this article, we will explore what brushed concrete is, its advantages, and why it’s an ideal choice for your driveway, walkway, and backyard patio.

What is Brushed Concrete?

Brushed concrete is the entry level finish among the four types of concrete finish offered by Markstone Landscaping. It is a finishing technique that creates a textured pattern on the surface of freshly poured concrete. After the concrete has been poured, levelled and smoothened, a broom is used to create brush strokes on the drying concrete, leaving behind a subtle, visually appealing texture. This process adds an element of style and grip, making it an excellent choice for areas where slip resistance is important.

In our previous articles, we have mentioned that one of the primary benefits of using interlocking pavers on your driveway and backyard patio is that it doesn’t require as much maintenance over time, other than the occasional power wash and refilling of polymeric sand. This is predicated on the fact that the interlocking pavers were properly and professionally installed from the very start.

Based on our many years of experience as interlocking contractors, the key to ensuring the longevity of your stone pavers is highly dependent on the sand that is used during the construction process. Not all sand is the same, and some are better suited for use on interlocking paver projects.

For the bedding layer, we use limestone screening for the bedding material. It is this gravel bedding that provides final levelling properties and helps secure the paver units in place.

The other area where sand is used is for filling paver joints. The right type of sand for filling in the joints between individual stone pavers is a sand mixture that has multiple grain sizes as well as sharp edges. For this purpose, we don’t use very fine sand since they are more likely to be washed or blown away from the joints over time. Filler sand needs to bind together to create a smooth surface while not slipping and sliding and moving around. The best sand to use in between the paver joints is polymeric sand

Benefits of Polymeric Sand for Interlocking Paver Filler Joints

Polymeric sand is water-activated and is made of a mixture of graded sand and binder. When polymeric sand is exposed to moisture, it forms a strong yet flexible bond to create the strongest interlocking properties possible. This prevents erosion caused by rain and wind, which makes polymeric sand a great material to resist the harsh conditions and extreme weather swings that happens in Ontario. Best of all, polymeric sand has the added benefit of preventing weed growth in between pavers.  This is why we recommend putting more polymeric sand in between the stones as part of our tips to maintaining your interlocking driveways and walkways.

In summary, interlocking pavers are the most versatile material in the market for your driveway, walkways and backyard patio, but in order to ensure its longevity, work with a professional interlocking contractor. Here at Markstone Landscaping, we have over 15 years of experience in the interlocking paver business and will be more than happy to spend some time with you to give you free advice and quote.

Best Places to Use Exposed Aggregate Concrete Around Your Home

In recent years, exposed aggregate concrete has become a popular choice for use on driveway, patio, pool decks and front entrances. With its combination of various aggregates exposed, it breathes new life into the standard gray tone in traditional concrete landscapes. Possessing the same durability as plain concrete, exposed aggregate concrete also requires minimal maintenance as compared to interlocking pavers.

Where Should Exposed Aggregate Concrete Be Installed

Like concrete, exposed aggregate concrete can be installed anywhere around your home. Driveways, walkways, backyard patios … you name it, it can be done!

In addition to its ability to withstand wear and tear as well as low maintenance quality, exposed aggregate concrete is also skid-resistance, thanks to its rough surface, unlike the smooth finish with regular concrete. As such, exposed aggregate concrete has been a favorite for pool deck installations. Not only does it make the area more aesthetically pleasing but it also makes the pool deck area safe for pool goers.

Locations to Install Exposed Aggregate Concrete For Residential Properties

Below are examples of exposed aggregate concrete applied to various areas around the house.

If exposed aggregate concrete is your choice of landscaping material, give Markstone Landscaping a call. Our experienced representatives can provide you with a no-obligation consultation and guide you through the steps involved in installing exposed aggregate concrete around your home.

Other Concrete Articles You Might Be Interested in

Ideas for Designing your Backyard Patio

Adding a backyard patio for your home provides a great place for you to relax and unwind, as well as to entertain friends and families outdoors. To ensure you get the most benefit from your patio, some planning and forethought will help towards your long-term enjoyment of your backyard. In this article, we outline some of the key considerations when planning to install a patio for your backyard.

Type of Material for your Patio

You can choose to have a concrete patio or interlock patio – each have their benefits – and the right decision is based on your personal style preferences and budget.  There are many pictures online to get ideas of what you like, you you can also check out our gallery page to see pictures of the many backyard patios we’ve done, both concrete and interlock patios.  In addition, below are some articles and featured projects that we recommend:

• Grass Free Alternatives for Front and Back Yards
• Best Places to Use Interlocking Stone Around Your Home
• Visual Illustration of How We Installed a Concrete Patio

Size of the Patio

Look at your backyard and decide on a general size for the patio based on how you plan to use it and your personal preferences.  Are you looking to cover your entire backyard or are you looking to keep some grass/gardens?  If you plan on just having a table and a barbecue, a simple 12’ x 12’ patio is suitable.  If you plan on also having a seating area, play area or fire pit, then you will want to go much wider.  If your house has steps or window wells, then you may want to go deeper than 12’ as you are losing a lot of usable space.

---

Shape of the Patio

Next is to decide on the shape of your patio, and whether you want to keep it simple or achieve a more intricate design. Some popular backyard patio styles would be:

• keeping everything modern with straight lines and 90 degree corners;
• having it in the shape of a circle or kidney; or
• going with a random shaped patio.

Bear in mind that curved patios can cost more on the labour and wasted material as everything will need to be cut manually.  Also, where there are curved cuts, you will notice more imperfections.

---

Type of Pavers for the Patio

If you decide to go with an interlock patio, you then have to choose the paver stone and pattern. There are small and large pavers, simple one size patterns or intricate 4 size patterns, and dark borders or contrasting accent pavers. There are many different options to choose from, so the best is to work with your contractor and let them know your preferences.

---

Contact us for a quote

If you’re thinking about adding a patio to your backyard, contact Markstone Landscaping and we will be happy to drop by and talk to you about the various options and provide a quote for your patio.

How Long Does Interlock Pavers Last?

When considering a material to be used for your landscaping, interlock pavers are second to none. They are extremely durable, provides limitless design options and easy to maintain. Most importantly, when installed properly, interlock pavers can last upwards of 40+ years. This is due in part by the durable and weather resistant materials that are used in making these pavers.

How to Prolong Interlock Pavers Longevity

Regular Maintenance

Each individual paver’s lifespan can outlast 4 decades of wear and tear, however, when interlocked together as part of a landscape, simple yearly spring maintenance is recommended. If an interlock project is maintained regularly, it will last minimum 7 years with very limited issues.  You may notice it starts to require more extensive maintenance towards the 10 year mark such as edge stones (borders) shifting or certain areas having sunk in or heaved in comparison to other areas.  It is quite easy to fix these issues and does not require you to purchase new pavers.  The old pavers in the problematic areas need to be lifted out and cleaned, gravel needs to be added or graded and the pavers can be reinstalled.  Once this is done (properly) you should gain another 7 to 10 years of problem free pavement.

Selecting suitable pavers for your application

Choosing the correct product for your hardscape is also key to ensuring your pavers will last for its full duration.  Typically pavers will vary in durability based on their thickness.  60mm to 80mm pavers are the standard for residential use.  The thicker the product typically the more durable it is.  We usually recommend using 80mm pavers on parking areas as they do offer a more durable solution.  Anything less than 60mm cannot be used on parking areas as the products will shift and have a tendency to crack under the weight of a vehicle.

If you have questions on interlocking pavers or would like to have professional landscapers help you repair and upkeep your interlock pavers, give us a call.  We have been servicing residents in and around Mississauga for over 10 years and provide pick up/re-lay and wash/seal interlocking services.

With regular maintenance and timely repairs, your interlock pavers will keep looking its best for decades to come.

By definition, interlock is “to connect so that motion of any part is constrained by another”.  As suggested by its name, interlock pavers are a type of paving material, commonly made of cement or concrete, that is connected together by a mixture of pavers, bedding sand, edge restraint and joint sand. When installed properly, this combination becomes a unified whole, making it strong and durable. Interlocking paver blocks also have the ability to transfer loads and stresses laterally by means of an arching of bridging between units, spreading the load over a large area, reduces the stress thereby allowing heavier loads and traffic over sub-bases which normally would require heavily reinforced concrete.

Lawns Without Grass Advantages

Revolutionize your outdoor space with innovative landscaping that transcends the traditional grassy lawn. Imagine a front yard or backyard that embodies beauty without the backbreaking work: no more relentless mowing, watering, or battling weeds and pests. Instead of the usual grass lawn, consider the charm of effortless perennials, the elegant touch of interlocking stonework, and the modern touch of limestone-finished concrete with artificial turf. Your home will boast curb appeal with a unique, low-maintenance yard that’s not just visually appealing but environmentally conscious, saving water and eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. Reinvent your personal oasis with a grass-free landscape—where beauty meets practicality.

Grass-Free Alternatives

There are many options to be had when designing a yard without grass. Homeowners who don’t like the barren look of just concrete or interlock can interlace the space with flower beds, shrubs or other evergreen plants. Some may opt to incorporate a cozy sitting area for people watching in the front yard or trade in the back yard turf for a private retreat complete with water falls & fire pits. If having grass as part of your back lawn is important but not the maintenance, then artificial turf may be your solution. It looks and feels like grass without the upkeep required. Bear in mind installing artificial turf in the front yard may have some limitations. Before installing, make sure you check the bylaws to ensure it is within city limits.

Gallery of Lawns Without Grass

Transformation Photos: From Grass to Grass-Free Front Yard & Side Walkway