24 Jeffrey Drive South Windsor, CT 06074 | (860) 610-2030
24 Jeffrey Drive South Windsor, CT 06074 | (860) 610-2030
Bahler Brothers Blog
This blog addresses many of the questions, issues and design options for paver and wall installations.
Choosing a Contractor | Come Alive Outside | Erosion | Landscaping | Maintenance | Outdoor Living | Transformation | Trees | landscape designer
A look at the elements involved in good landscape design and installation and what it means for your property long term. Your home is not just a place to live; it's an extension of your personality, a sanctuary of comfort, and an expression of your style. One of the most effective ways to enhance your home's beauty and value is through expert landscape design. We understand the profound impact that a well-planned landscape can have on your property. In this blog, we'll delve into the importance of landscape design, and touch upon the importance of good installation techniques. Also, responsible plant selection, consideration of year-round color and textures, soil amendments, transplant expertise, and proper drainage – all elements that make the Bahler Brothers Landscape Design team your trusted partner in creating the perfect outdoor space.
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A beautiful outdoor living space is usually a combination of both flat and vertical design elements. Sometimes pergolas are added to the checklist of installed items being a versitile structure in many applications . In most hardscape designs they are used to define a certain space on a patio or outdoor area, such as a lounging space or dining area. Traditionally when we think of adding a pergola to your outdoor living space, we all can agree that a white PVC structure is what comes to mind. As freestanding structures, they are beautiful, cost effective, and the long term maintenance is relatively low. However, the market is ever changing and now we have new options on the design table for your project to help you create that focal point.
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Take the frustration out of comparing bids from different landscape contractors with our Contractor Comparison Checklist
Hardscape Cleaning and Maintenance | Hardscaping | Maintenance | Patio | Patio Repairs | Paver Joint Sand | Pavers
Everyone loves a newly installed hardscape. We take pride in the newly renovated spaces we build and the upgraded curb appeal they provide. What we don't talk about enough is the routine maintenance needed to keep that beautiful hardscape looking its best for years to come. Hardscape materials have advanced tremendously over the years. Manufacturers have revolutionized the aggregates and pigments used in their materials, extending the life of their products. There is however still basic cleaning and maintenance required. Without following a structured maintenance schedule, you will slowly see wear and tear on your outdoor living space. Left undone, this could contribute to erosion and costly repairs. What should I expect to see after a hardscape installation? Shortly after installation you may see some efflorescence on your pavers and walls. These are naturally occurring white chalky stains that develop on the face of concrete products. While they may seem unsightly, these stains dissipate in time. You can choose to have this haze removed by an annual cleaning and sealing. With time you may also start to notice the joint sand failing. This is usually signified by moss growth or wash out.
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Landscaping | Maintenance | Outdoor Living | Trees
This Summer is starting out drier than normal. As the Summer heat starts to kick in, we worry about our landscaping drying out and about any new plant material. It's a must to keep your new plantings, sod and newly seeded grass well watered to keep them looking great. Avoiding drought distress by following these guidelines:
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Front Entrance Design | Landscape Lighting | Landscaping | landscape designer
Lighting is an incredibly powerful addition to your outdoor living space. It can highlight your favorite features, help you set the mood for special occasions, and even protect your home from potential threats like burglars.
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Gunite Pools | Outdoor Living | Pool Patio
On a hot summer day, there’s absolutely nothing like access to cool, refreshing water right in your own backyard. A beautiful pool can bring the whole family together and help the space to come alive all season long.
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Retaining walls are found around many homes, businesses and schools. But chances are, you’ve never really noticed them. Though they can be beautiful additions to a property, they serve a fundamental purpose: expanding your useable outdoor living space.
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Landscaping | Pondless Waterfeature | Ponds | Water Feature | Water Garden
Landscaping doesn’t have to be restricted to hardscapes and plantings. When you add a water feature, you open up your yard to much larger opportunities for visual impact. A water feature such as a pond invites many interesting visitors, like birds, dragonflies, frogs, and other wildlife, as well as offers a tranquil setting in which to relax and enjoy. But before you start digging, make sure you’re ready. Water features can take time, energy, and a healthy budget to install. This post will help you decide if a water feature is right for your home. Take our patio style quiz for insight and inspiration!
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Fire Pit | Fireplace | Gas Fire Pit | Outdoor Fireplace
Incorporating a fire element into your outdoor living space will provide unbeatable ambiance and enjoyment. Whether your idea of the perfect night is roasting marshmallows with the kids or snuggling fireside with your sweetheart, an outdoor fire feature is sure to bring your entire patio space together.
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Front Entrance Design | Landscape Lighting | Walkway
A warm and welcoming front walkway design is the perfect way to charm your guests, increase curb appeal, and add style to your front yard. Investing in a well designed walkway that compliments your home, your landscaping, and your style will not only increase your property value, but it will protect your lawn and provide an easy way for guests to reach your home.
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Built-in Grill | Outdoor Kitchen | Patio Design
You may not need a kitchen on your patio, but installing a grill, prep area or more can be an amazing and effective use of your space. An outdoor kitchen is a luxury that not only gives you more flexibility, but it’s a great way to spend more time in fresh air. The idea of designing a patio that offers comfort, beauty, relaxation and functionality may be overwhelming – especially if you don’t have the help of a landscape designer or outdoor living space specialist. But if you understand how to approach designing your outdoor kitchen, you’ll have a much easier time choosing the right elements.
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Hardscaping | Patio | Patio Design | Project Design | landscape designer
If you look outside your window or walk in your backyard, you may envision a day when you can walk out onto a patio and relax on a warm summer day. Perhaps later in the evening you’ll grill a delicious meal and enjoy dinner with a side of fresh air. You may even be thinking as grand as swimming in a pool or lounging on a sundeck.
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UPDATED 4/24/18: That's a great question and one that we get on a regular basis. The question I would pose to you is 'what are the functions you would like it to perform?' Jen wrote a fabulous article for Bahler Brothers a while back called 6 Things to consider when designing a paver patio. In this article, she lays out the thought process that a homeowner should consider when they begin to think about a patio.
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Hardscape Cleaning and Maintenance | Paver Joint Sand | Polymer Sand
We’ve all seen those patios with the nice green border around each of the pavers. Appealing, right? We’ve also all seen patios with a ton of weeds or little anthills jutting out of the cracks in its border? It seems that everyone has come across one of these issues when dealing with pavers. The gorgeous weed- and ant-free paver driveway is the product of polymeric sand.
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Landscaping | landscape designer
As we are sure you have experienced, it’s very easy for a home renovation project to become overwhelming. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or customizing your outdoor living space, before you know it things can become out of scope and way beyond your budget. When taking on an outdoor project, such as a patio, walkway, or custom landscape project, there are a variety of different factors that come into play to ensure your project goes smoothly and that you get the most value out of your investment. This is where a landscape designer can be of assistance!
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After the beating your yard took this winter, you’re probably looking at it, wondering how you’ll ever get it back in good shape. A few weeks ago, we shared some tips to help you get your yard ready for spring. There are many simple steps you can take to get your yard to where you want it to be for the warmer weather. And one of those steps is pruning.
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After a long day of work, the first thing most people want to do is get home and relax. Say it’s a nice day out and you want to sit out on your patio in your back yard, eat some dinner, and enjoy the rest of the evening. Instead of making trips in and out of the house, why not take the comfort of your kitchen outdoors with a new or updated back yard space that’s perfect for entertaining, cooking, and relaxing. Outdoor kitchens are a trend that we believe is here to stay but, if you’re not sure which appliances to include in your design, don’t worry! We’ve rounded up some of the ‘must have’ appliances and other features for your outdoor kitchen.
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In our years of business, we’ve heard a lot of misconceptions about paver patios. The internet is a valuable tool that contains a wealth of information. However, we’ve also found that not all of the information is accurate or showing the complete picture. When looking at paver patios, it seems that information can be skewed against them. We’ve seen firsthand that they are an excellent option for many people looking to spruce up their landscaping or outdoor living space. We’d like to bring a lot of the info together so that you can make your own choice. Read on to learn the real pros and cons of paver patios.
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Erosion | Flood Protection | Rainwater Harvesting
As the April showers come to a close, you might be dealing with a nice swamp where your backyard used to be. But aside from the possible property damage a heavy downpour can cause, big storms can have a big effect on the environment as well. Therefore, it's necessary to plan for the rainy seasons to come with proper drainage solutions for your property. By making your landscapes more resistant to extreme weather, you can mitigate damaging soil erosion and manage water run off.
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Spring is here! With all of the rain, snow and cold that the winter brought with it, we’re all anticipating that beautiful spring weather we look forward to in New England! Nature’s presence increases with each passing day. Sweet and pleasurable aromas follow us wherever we go as flowers and trees begin to bloom. As we open our windows and doors to let the Spring air in, thoughts turn to our own outdoor spaces. This is where we congregate, share and celebrate – so let's make sure we do what we can to enjoy our yards all season long.
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Often the question is posed to us; Why should I seal my paver patio regularly? Aren't pavers supposed to hold up without sealer? The short answer is yes, pavers are very durable and made to last a long time. However, with regular maintenance and care they will remain nicer and hold their value longer, the same as if you regularly maintain your vehicle.
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Built-in Grill | How To | Maintenance | Outdoor Kitchen
Protect the investment you’ve put into your outdoor kitchen and built-in grill. Keeping the grill, other appliances and stainless steel cabinets clean and well maintained is going to help preserve your investment for many years to come. There are some minor issues that can occur when you own a gas grill – no matter how much you spend on it, things can go wrong and malfunction once in awhile. Here is a checklist of things to watch for and to include in your regular maintenance of the grill. Some of these tips are specific to the Summerset brand of grills, and some are more general and may apply to other brands as well.
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There are times when you know a new driveway, retaining wall, walkway or patio, would help you to maximize your outdoor space or make it more functional, but sometimes the beautifying landscaping portion can take a backseat. Here are some reasons you might want to consider giving some more thought to what landscaping can add to your hardscape and how the two can work together to give you a beautiful outcome.
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putting greens | synthetic turf
Have you ever dreamed of being able to step into your backyard and practice your golfing? Your dream may be more realistic than you realize. Not only is it possible to have a personalized synthetic putting green in your backyard, it also comes with many benefits, not the least of which are the privacy and convenience to practice anytime you want to.
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Come Alive Outside | Outdoor Living
We all know the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle. While it's important for us as adults, it's equally important to teach our children about getting outside and getting some exercise. Of course, there's always exploring nature, hiking, the joy of finding a hidden stream, but there are also the times when you want something to do right in your own backyard. We will talk about some outdoor games, maybe some you even played as a child, to get the whole family outdoors and "Come Alive Outside".
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Are you looking to add a patio or sidewalk to your outdoor space? With the different hardscape options available, it can be confusing and overwhelming to try to decide what option is the best for you long term. Stamped concrete is typically one of the less expensive options up front, however there are some long-term factors to keep in mind before you make your decision.
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Fire Pit | Landscaping | Outdoor Fireplace | Outdoor Living
This article is courtesy of TurfMagazine.com
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Cleaning | Hardscaping | Pavers
This is a question posed to us often. While pavers are a great choice for your hardscape surfaces, there are three main benefits to sealing them. The first is to prevent surface erosion, second is to keep them cleaner, and third is to help stabilize the joint sand. We will discuss each of these reasons in more depth below.
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Are you looking to add some ornamental trees to your yard or landscaping? When considering what to plant, the options can be overwhelming. We are going to discuss seven great options to consider adding to your outdoor space.
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Landscape Lighting | Landscaping
When it comes to landscaping your front yard, the facade of your home can play a big role in what style, type of plants, and other landscape elements you may want to incorporate. From color to style, from architectural features to the mood you want to create, the structure of your home may have a bigger impact on your decisions than you may realize. Here are a few things to consider when getting ready to design your front yard landscaping. Consider Color If your home is neutral in color, you may want to choose a limited color scheme for your landscape to add visual appeal. Rich purple and pink flowering plants are great choices for beige, gray, or white homes; soft yellow is also a beautiful accent.
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There are few things more relaxing than the sound of water slowly trickling over rocks. While it would be nice to have a natural waterfall in your own backyard, that isn't very reasonable for most of us. Ponds are a nice addition to a yard, but sometimes there isn't the space or a pond sounds too time consuming with maintenance. Enter the pondless water feature. There is no reason why you can't enjoy the soothing effect and beauty of water from your own backyard! Let's take a look at the pondless water feature and see what it can do for your yard.
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Is your joint sand failing signified by moss growth or wash out? Does your hardscape project not look as nice as when it was first installed? Are you experiencing efflorescence (whitish stains) on your pavers and walls? If so, hardscape cleaning and maintenance may be just right for you. Now is the time to Clean, Restore, Beautify and Protect your investment. Seal your recently installed job now to preserve its beauty, or have us restore your old, tired project like new again. Call today to have the Paver Doctor prescribe just what your Patio, Walkway, Pool Surround or steps need to look and perform their best for years to come. Our High-Performance Joint Sands, Cleaners & Coatings will enhance the look and protect your investment from future wear, efflorescence, staining, and contaminants.
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Put your garden slice or grand patio on the best-dressed list with furniture and features best suited to its square footage
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Maximize space and increase the welcome with a built-in bench that suits your patio or deck just right
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Driveways | Landscape Lighting | Landscaping | Walkway
There are many ways to boost your home's curb appeal. Here are a few ideas to make your house the real show stopper on your street.
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If anyone else is like me up here in the Northeast, by this time of the year I am waiting, somewhat impatiently, for the time I can get out in my yard and feel the warm sun and soil. I will have to admit, though winter has it's own kind of beauty, with the freshly fallen snow making everything seem new and fresh, it can also be long and cold, and thinking of warmer days to come somehow gets me through. Thinking about spring and what to plant in my garden are also great coping mechanisms. With that being said, there are many plants that can still bring visual interest to your winter garden. Planning ahead now and deciding if any of these plants with visual interest in winter are right for your landscaping, will not only give you something to look forward to this spring, but will also leave you with much more to look at when the leaves fall again next year.
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Outdoor Kitchen | Outdoor Living | Pergolas
As we are becoming well aware, outdoor kitchens are becoming more and more popular. “Outdoor kitchens have exploded in popularity because they provide an enjoyable space to cook and share food in the beauty of a garden environment,” says J. Gieo Peonsoneault, host and producer for The New American Landscape Channel, an online resource for the green industry. While your kitchen can be tailored to your budget and tastes, here are four things for anyone to consider while planning your dream outdoor cooking space. Click here for many great outdoor kitchen ideas. 1. Evaluate your space and design a layout that works with your area and your budget. 2. Decide which materials you would like to use for your floor, raised structure and counter tops. 3. Think about your appliances, and what you would like to incorporate into your kitchen. 4. Overhead roof type of structure, such as a pergola or a pavilion. The first thing to consider is the space you are working with and the most efficient layout for your space. You should also consider your indoor space while planning this. You want your kitchen to be visually appealing from the inside as well at outside. Your budget and preferences also need to be taken into account at this stage, but you need to think about how the layout can be the most efficient for your needs and wants.
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Landscape Lighting | Landscaping | Outdoor Kitchen | Outdoor Living | Water Feature
When you think of your ultimate backyard, what thoughts come to mind? Do you envision yourself gathered around your outdoor kitchen with family and friends for a picnic? Or do you see yourself roasting marshmallows over your fire pit in your own resort-like setting, with a water feature slowly trickling in the background? We are going to discuss 6 elements to help create the ultimate outdoor living space. Even if you currently have a patio or deck, here are some more ideas to maximize your outdoor experience.
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The question what is low voltage landscape lighting can be broken down into two parts. #1- What is Low Voltage Landscape lighting, and #2- What are the benefits I can expect to receive from it?
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You are looking out the window at your backyard, and you start thinking to yourself, "I need to make my outdoor space more usable!" Or you are at a friends backyard barbeque wishing your own yard would function like this! But where do you start? How much does a deck cost? How much does a patio cost? Here is a brief overview of the cost comparisons.
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Built-in Grill | Outdoor Kitchen | Patio | Pavers
Built-in Grills are becoming more and more popular. In an economy that is making a recovery, we have seen a steady increase in the number of grills and outdoor kitchens we've been asked to install. So how much does a built-in grill cost to install? Well - It depends.
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Fire Pit | Outdoor Living | Overlay | Patio | Pavers | Project Design | Retaining Wall | Sitting Bench | Sitting Wall | Steps | Techo-Bloc | Transformation | Walkway
When you pull up to the the Hebert residence, one of the first things you notice is the large set of concrete steps leading up to their side entry, with a walkway leading only part way to the patio. When you take the walkway (or grass) to the back patio...you discover what used to be a beautiful patio years ago but now needs a little face lift.
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Outdoor Living | Retaining Wall | Sitting Bench | Sitting Wall | Wall Design
So, what is a sitting wall? A sitting wall is a low wall built on a patio that can also serve as seating. Typically built to the vertical height of approximately 18" to 21", a sitting wall is usually about 12" to 24" wide. This allows an individual to sit in a comfortable position.
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Excavation | Patio | Pavers
There are many reasons that paver contractors, like us here at Bahler Brothers, dig up so much ground for our customer’s patios. The biggest reason is that in order for a paver patio to last, it must have a good base. The base must be free of biodegradable matter such as roots and other fill matter.
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Cleaning | Maintenance | Ponds | Water Feature
When winter is turning and springtime is in the air, it is time to start thinking about getting your water garden back into operation. Don’t worry, the steps are very easy and almost anyone can do it.
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Retaining Wall Installation | Retaining Walls | Wall Design
There are many reasons why a retaining wall can fall over. In our industry most, if not all, manufacturers of interlocking block have cross-section sheets on how tall of a wall you can build with their block - in good soils (gravels and sands) and with level compacted backfill. Many times installers will exceed those recommended heights, or there ends up being a slope above the retaining walls which adds a significant amount of extra pressure. If this is the case you have three options:
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Driveways | Non Permeable Pavement | Outdoor Living | Pavers
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How often do I need to refill my water feature is a question with many variables and factors. Below are a few questions that you may first want to ask yourself. What type of water feature is it, Fountainscape, Pondless Waterfeature, or Eco System Pond? How big is the pond? How long is the streambed? How many waterfalls are there? What climate are you in? What time of year is it? Is your water feature on the north or south side of your house? Is it in shade or full sun all day? Do you have an AutoFill? All of these are valid questions to ask yourself and relate directly to the rate of evaporation. After a few months a water feature owner will begin to understand their own feature and the needs it has. Evaporation is a big factor when this question arises. The more waterfalls and the longer the streambed the more evaporation will occur.
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Decks | Outdoor Living | Transformation
My deck is falling apart, and I don't know what to do with it! Can I replace my deck with a patio? This question is posed to me quite often. The short answer is: most times. While most decks can simply be removed and a patio installed in its place, we need to step back and examine the project as a whole. A couple of questions that you may want to ask yourself are:
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Fire Pit | Patio | Patio Repairs | Pavers | Pool Patio | Poured Concrete | Reinstallation | Stamped Concrete
Patio repairs are less complicated with a paver patio. Have you ever had to make repairs under a patio or walkway? There are many utilities and other underground obstructions that can affect either one:
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Retaining Wall | Retaining Wall Installation | Wall Design
This question is often asked by many home owners.
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Built-in Grill | Driveways | Fireplace | Gas Fire Pit | Outdoor Kitchen | Outdoor Living | Patio | Pavers | Pool Patio | Project Design | Raised Patio | Retaining Wall | Retaining Walls | Steps | Transformation | Wall Design
Working with this customer was an incredible joy. They were not satisfied with their yard as it was so they called us in to help them out. It was amazing to watch this transformation unfold and now you can too!
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How to Pick the Right Floor for Your Garden Room Kitchen designs, bathroom designs, and more ∨ From a designer chair and desk to bulletin boards and credenza, create your dream home office. With the help of a bath designer, revamp your bland bathroom with a walk-in shower stall, multiple bath sinks and new bathroom cabinets.
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EXPOSED AGGREGATE CONCRETE Exposed aggregate is a term that describes one way to dress or finish poured-in-place concrete. They literally will pour the concrete from a mixer truck, trowel it and then let it set up just a little bit. They then take an acid and wash off the top cream of the cement, exposing the rock and minerals they’ve added to the mix (the aggregate).
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Retaining Wall Cost | Retaining Walls
One of the first questions potential customers want to know when they call our company is : How much does a retaining wall cost? Although this is a very difficult question to answer over the phone, I will try to do my best here to explain some general pricing guidelines.
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Choosing a Contractor | Comparing Contractors | Patio Cost | Pavers | Retaining Wall Cost
So you want a new patio or walkway, and you're doing your research to pick 3 contractors to talk to. After all, it is the smart and responsible way to go about having a project built. All that is great, but do you know how to look for the differences between the bids, installation methods and the services that each one will give you? What information is going to help you make the right choice? This can be very intimidating for anyone, but especially for someone not in the consruction field, familiar with building terms and methods.
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Choosing a Contractor | Outdoor Living | Pavers | Project Design
How do you know what your project will look like when you sign on the dotted line? Creating your backyard oasis is not something to take lightly. It is a considerable investment and takes time to create the perfect plan. Almost every time you choose a contractor to have a project done at your home, a contract is involved. Of course you want to read through it to know exactly what you are going to be getting for your money. So why should a landscape contract be any different? When a construction project is involved, we always want to know what the contractor is going to do and have a drawing to give us some idea of what they plan to do. In the landscaping business especially, it is important to know exactly what your landscape plan and design entails. How can you know what's going to be built if you don't have a drawing or designed plan?
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Landscape Lighting | Project Design
Outdoor Lighting to Make Your Home and Landscape Glow Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »
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Outdoor Living | Water Feature | Water Garden
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it... -William Ward Imagination is one of the most powerful tools that has ever been given to mankind. If Thomas Edison had no imagination, we could still be living without electric lights, or microphones, or megaphones, or... The greastest thing about imagination is that it can become a dream, and dreams can be shared. When a person has a dream they have two choices, to share, or not to share their particular dream.
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Outdoor Living | Ponds | Water Feature
Wikipedia defines aquascaping as "the craft of arranging aquatic plants, as well as rocks, stones, cavework, or driftwood, in an aesthetically pleasing manner..." This holds true in the aquarium world as well as in the water feature world. Since I am not very well versed in the aquarium world, we'll just stick to the outdoor water feature industry. So in layman's terms, what is aquascaping? My definition of aquascaping is: using water gardening to fill a void in someone's life that they didn't know existed.
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Fire Pit | Fireplace | Gas Fire Pit | Outdoor Fireplace | Outdoor Living
Fire pits are an absolutely wonderful thing when you're happy, sad, alone, with somebody, etc... Whether you're with a group of people or maybe by yourself, a fire is always welcome company. A good majority of people love the smell of wood smoke and the crackle of a fire, but it's not always for everyone. Some folks just love the warmth of the fire without all of the headaches and hassles of the wood. For this reason, the gas fire pit came into being.
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Built-in Grill | Landscape Lighting | Outdoor Kitchen | Outdoor Living | Patio | Pavers | Retaining Wall | Sitting Wall
"The professionalism and thoroughness with which our job was done was most impressive beginning with the sales/marketing and design team to the workers on site." The first time this customer came into our design center for an appointment we knew we were going to have a blast. We clicked right away and the process began. They wanted to redo not only their front yard but their back yard too. Through many many questions from an engineer to lauging at his many jokes, the design came together beautifully! After many appointments and picking out the perfect pavers, the plans were set and ready to go!
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Choosing a Contractor | Driveways | Pavers | Techo-Bloc
Driveway, walk, front steps, drainage, and grading project. Completed June 18-22, 2012
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Fire Pit | Landscape Lighting | Outdoor Living | Pavers | Raised Patio | Retaining Wall | Retaining Wall Cost | Retaining Walls | Sitting Wall | Techo-Bloc
Wow! From Pool to Paver Patio. Wow! What a transformation! This customer came to us and said he was sick of the gunnite pool. His kids were all grown up and it was time to create a space they could not only entertain in, but also could enjoy by themselves. The stone wall that was holding up the hill side was also leaning forward and needing to be replaced before it got any worse. We sat down with him and worked on many designs, and finally came up with the perfect plan. Remove the pool, install a multi-level paver patio with a fire pit, landscape lighting, an area for their hot tub and landscape beds.
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Patio | Ponds | Water Feature
Deck-be-gone! This customer came to us and informed us that they were sick of their deck and it was all torn out. They needed a raised paver patio. Of course we thought that was a great idea and we started designing and planning right away. When the plans were complete, we had a raised patio using Techo-Bloc's Blu 60. Multiple sets of Rosetta steps leading to the pool, a waterfall, and low voltage landscape lighting.
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Arbors Direct | Fiberglass Pergolas | Outdoor Living | Pergolas
Fiberglass is one of three main types of materials used to build pergolas. Strength, appearance, resistance and stability by far outweight wood or vinyl structures. We have found, by installing all three types, that fiberglass pergolas truly are the best. To find out more about where we get our pergolas, check out Arbors Direct web site.
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Landscape Lighting | Outdoor Living | Patio | Pavers | Sitting Wall | Steps | Techo-Bloc
This paver patio installation was simple but brought much more character to the customer's front porch area. They use their front porch a lot, but it wasn't big enough. They also wanted to include an area "just for mom", have steps stepping down the hill leading to the pool area, and have a small path through the herb garden to access the hose faucet. Some landscape lighting was also added. Here is what we came up with, resulting in a very satisfied customer!
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This project was our first project on the calendar this year. It was a pleasure working with this couple who love to read and enjoy the outdoors. We designed them a paver patio with the works.
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Outdoor Living | Patio Design | Pavers | Project Design
The other day I was reading through some literature that I received at a trade show or seminar given by one of the paver manufacturers in our area and discovered this great little booklet called Design Basics. It was put together by Belgard Hardscapes, and the more I read of it the more I found that hey, this is exactly how we try to work through the design of a project with our customers. So here's some of what the booklet had to say...
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Many images come to mind when I think of ways to relax and unwind after a long day or week of work. There are places that we can go to relax such as a beach, a park, or a pond. Is there any type of correlation between these places? Yep-Water. So if you are traveling to get to these places to enjoy this type of recreation, why not bring it home to you in the form of a water feature?
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Ahhh Spring... I love this time of year. The frost is coming out of the ground, the sun is warmer, the days are longer, the bulbs are poking their heads out, and the manufacturers are releasing their new catalogs. I always look forward to the unveiling of the new latest and greatest that these guys come out with.
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Over the 27 years that Bahler Brothers has been in the paver installation business, we have seen pretty much anything that can go wrong. We like to think we've learned a thing or two from those experiences. One thing that we've noticed over the years is that there are a few common issues people have with their paver installations. In this post, we've laid out the 7 most common problems that we find with interlocking concrete pavers installations in Connecticut, as well as the solutions that you can use to fix them.
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Pavers | Rainwater Harvesting | Techo-Bloc | Water Feature
In todays society we need to conserve water. According to a Gallup poll in March 2008 Americans rated their level of worry about each of 12 environmental concerns, the top 4 all related to the quality of water. Harvesting rainwater is better all around for you, your children, grandchildren and the generations to come. A quality company who is the leading innovator of water features Aquascape, Inc. has designed a revolutionary system known as the RainXchange sytem. Harvesting rainwater helps to avoid strict watering schedules during droughts and reduce water bills. Recycled rainwater is also better for the plants in your yard because no chemicals are added to rainwater. The water feature created from the system enhances the yard and increases value. Tying the downspouts into the system will recycle the rain water which falls on the roof. One inch of rain on a 2,000 sf. house is the equalivent of 1,250 gallons of water. According to the DEP website, Connecticut recieves on average 45 inches of rain. Just in one year on one roof that is 2,000 sf, harvesting the rainwater from just the roof alone would recycle 56,250 gallons. Harvesting the rainwater that falls on the driveway by using a Permeable pavement system would increase the amount of gallons conserved. For a short video on the installation of a rainwater harvesting system click here. Use the RainXchange system to get up to 12 LEED points on a "Green Project". Related Articles: Permeable Pavers vs. Non-Permeable Pavers Advancements in Permeable Pavements Permeable Pavements Study
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Driveways | Non Permeable Pavement | Patio | Pavers | Pool Patio | Rainwater Harvesting | Techo-Bloc | Unilock | Water Feature
Over the last 20 years we have seen major advancements in permeable pavements. The first permeable paver was introduced here in North America in 1989.
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Driveways | Environmental Protection Agency | Pavers | Rainwater Harvesting
The topic written about in this post is the effects of runoff water to the water supply and the “Eco-Friendly” permeable pavements. The article may be too technical for some but may be engaging for the engineering type.
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Retaining Walls | Sitting Wall | Unilock
Many of us have either seen clips like this on TV, the internet, or have witnessed it in real life. It is the sights and sounds of man-kinds' advancements in the world of technology and innovation. Sending a man into space is not only an incredible feat, but it also brings a new sense of respect for nature and it's beauty.
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The concrete industry calls it Efflorescence. It is a natural byproduct of the concrete manufacturing process.
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Outdoor Kitchen | Outdoor Living
Do I have to have a bar if I install an outdoor kitchen? This question comes to me often as I am designing a patio for a homeowner. The short answer is 'no'. As we design outdoor kitchens, we begin by looking at the homeowner's lifestyle. That in of itself may determine whether a bar or serving counter is applicable to the situation. If the grill is a place of solitude after a long day's work, or just another appliance to get a meal prepared, then a bar probably is not necessary.
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When I think of a waterfall, there are multiple mental images that come to me. Sometimes I think of a small brook quietly trickling over the rocks in a wooded setting, or maybe the crashing sound as a river cascades over the edge of a mountain, or the even sound of a perfect sheet of water falling into a pool. No matter which image pops into my mind, it always gives a sense of relaxation, rejuvination, and even healing. What if those same feelings, sounds, and sights could be found in your back yard?
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Landscape Lighting | Outdoor Living
One of the fastest growing sections of the landscaping industry is the incorporation of low voltage landscape lighting. This may be a surprise to some, but as you drive around at night, if you look, you will see an increased amount of businesses and residences softly lit. There are a number of benefits associated with the introduction of low voltage lighting to one's home or business.
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Outdoor Living | Pool Patio | Raised Patio
What is Outdoor Living... Oh the beauty of a simple question. The interesting part of this question is that everyone you ask will give you a different answer. I asked a number of people what came to their mind when I said the words 'outdoor living'. The answers ranged from 'pool areas' to 'sitting areas' to 'patios' to 'outdoor furniture' etc. So what exactly is Outdoor Living?
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Choosing a Contractor | Outdoor Living | Patio Cost
How do we know when to pay a little more for something and know it’s worth it??? There are many reasons as to why we buy something, and yet it always comes down to a few questions...
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Fireplace | Outdoor Fireplace | Outdoor Living
am·bi·ance also am·bi·ence (mb-ns, ä-byäs)n. The special atmosphere or mood created by a particular environment:
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Choosing a Contractor | Outdoor Living | Pavers
So this is the year that you decided that it was time for that paver patio project you've been thinking about. That is great, because if that's the fact, this article was written specifically for you!
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Have you ever seen a paver patio that had weeds or moss growing in the joints? How about areas with a lot of ant hills following the paver joints? Or entire sections of a paver area that had no sand in the joints whatsoever - because it had all washed out? These are all things we have seen, and they're maybe the reason you haven't wanted pavers. And yet... you really like the look of a beautiful stone patio or driveway with an accenting border - it's just gorgeous. There's hope. Pavers no longer have to be such an eyesore or so much maintenance. We can now use polymeric sand (or poly sand, as we like to call it).
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The most common question we get asked when considering a paver project is, “How much does it cost per square foot to install pavers?” Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Sure, we can do calculations all day long to figure out that last week we installed a 430 sf patio for Mrs. Jones for $9,245.00, and with some quick math, we know that it was installed for $21.50 per square foot. But what about next door? We installed a walkway last week for the Smiths and the price per square foot was closer to $28.00. What gives? Why did the Smiths have to pay so much more? And what goes into the pricing for each job?
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Although this article is fairly brief, it is the basic foundation for building a long lasting paver project in CT.
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When making an investment in your exterior landscaping, all factors need to be taken into account. Your walkways, driveways, and patios all provide a sense of style and value to your property, and need to be considered when upgrading. With so many options for your patios and walkways, we want to "pave the way" and explain some key differences between the most popular solutions: Pavers and Stamped Concrete. As two attractive and affordable outdoor options, we’ll discover how they stack up against each other in terms of aesthetic appeal, safety, upkeep, and cost. We'll let you decide which is better for your patio, pool patio or walkway.
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Built-in Grill | Outdoor Kitchen | Pavers
Ahhh, food. This is one of my favorite topics. I love to eat... really, just about anything. But, I also enjoy the time of preparing the scrumptious food item(s). Although I love my indoor kitchen, there really isn't anything better than grilling that favorite steak or kabob with a few friends on a beautiful summer evening.
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Outdoor Living | Patio | Pavers | Sitting Wall
Take a scenic drive through the back roads of New England and you will inevitably spot some of the 240,000 miles of stone walls built by 19th-century farmers trying to define the border of their properties.
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Outdoor Living | Water Feature | Winterize Water Feature
Shorter days and chilly nights point to that time of year... winter. Although winter has a few low points, it also affords many bonuses. Things such as good books in front of crackling fires, family game nights, hot cocoa, snowflakes lazily falling through the air, and of course my personal favorite... Christmas! Before any of this can happen though, we have to prepare our homes for the freezing temps. Of the different things that we need to winterize, our garden fountains are one of the most crucial. If you fail to winterize your water feature, water could freeze inside the pump. The result is that it will crack and damage the vital parts that make the machine operate correctly. If you damage the pump, it may have to be replaced. Fountains that have concrete or cast stone parts are also at a higher risk of cracking.
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Outdoor Living | Water Feature | Winterize Water Feature
Here we are again. It's that time of the year where we are preparing the yard for Old Man Winter to make his seasonal debut. For some of us, he already made his presence very well known... Yah, don't remind me. Of the different things that we need to winterize, pondless water features are one of the most crucial. If you fail to winterize your water feature, water could freeze inside the pump. The result is that it will crack and damage the vital parts that make the machine operate correctly. If you damage the pump, it may have to be replaced.
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If you have concrete pavers or are thinking about having some installed, you might be asking, "What do I need to do to them to get ready for winter?" Although concrete pavers are designed to hold up well through winter weather and the impact of frost, snow and ice, there are a few things you might consider taking before winter arrives.
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Fire Pit | Fireplace | Outdoor Living | Pavers | Sitting Wall
What comes to mind when you think of a cool crisp fall evening? Maybe it's caramel apples with a steaming cup of hot cider, or maybe, if you're anything like me, it's frantically running around my yard putting things away that the kids left out before it gets dark. When that's over, it sure would be nice to relax a little on my patio, but it's just a bit too chilly for that... or is it?
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Retaining walls are the most used vertical design element in a landscape. They are highly functional but can have a beauty and grace all their own. The companys making the block materials used are looking more and more like natural stone and rock outcroppings.
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