The different elements of your landscaping
Well, there are several things to consider when designing your layout and there are some things you can do yourself and others that we highly recommend hiring a specialist company to do:
- Parking and storefront
- Sidewalks and patios
- Plants
- Grass
Items #3 and #4 are jobs you can do yourself without any problem, especially if you read our blog on laying turf.
Now, the first two items are jobs that require expertise, because there are standards that surround this industry and you can’t afford not to respect them, because, structural and solidity problems will arise. The main difference with these items is that they require excavation… we’ll come back to that.
The different types of materials
To budget, you need to be familiar with the different materials used in landscaping.
- Interlocking paving stones: Our specialty, durable, aesthetic and wide variety, maintenance is almost zero and repairs are very easy if there is movement. You want a WOW exterior, you choose paving stones. Affordable
- Wood: Aesthetic yes, if it is stained and well maintained. Requires a lot of maintenance. More expensive than paving stones
- Composite: The most expensive of the materials we present to you.
- Asphalt: For parking lots, this product is ideal if you want something practical and inexpensive in your driveway. Potential to crack fairly quickly.
- Aspects that should NOT be overlooked during construction!
Now you know the different materials better. Let’s focus on #1 and #4. There is one point that you cannot neglect and, unfortunately, many contractors in the field try to cut corners in this aspect to allow you to save money, it is excavation. Yes, we come back to it there!
Excavation and foundation preparation are the most important elements in the construction of your development. A well-made foundation and a poorly made foundation are the difference between a paving stone moving or cracking asphalt, two years after the work or 10 years. We are in Québec, winters are harsh and the spring thaw often affects our surface work. Just take a walk in Montréal and you will notice it pretty quickly. The problem, however, is not the material above, but the base. A good excavation with the right gravel materials guarantees your work that will survive our Québec winters.
Our solution, for you!
Well after all this information, you may be wondering how can I budget for my move.
- Now you know what you can do and what you should delegate.
- You know that paving stones and asphalt are the preferable materials to install, both in terms of solidity, utility and cost.
- You are ready to invest in a good foundation and excavation.
Our solution: We recommend paving stones as the main material, but if you want to save money, we advise you to go with asphalt. In a few years and when you can afford it, you could then make the switch to paving stones.
In tougher years, it’s easy to tell yourself that it’s okay to cut corners and that you’ll save money, but we don’t recommend it. TRASINI Group is a company that offers the best possible result within your budget, but one aspect that we will never neglect is the foundation and excavation. This is why we offer a better warranty than the market. Contact us now for a free quote!
