by Dwayne Regehr
Each patio building material has strengths and weaknesses, but a clear winner usually emerges quickly as we work with a client on their design. Here is a primer of the options:
It's no surprise that most of our clients end up choosing concrete pavers. With proper installation, it's hard to go wrong: They look great and are very practical.
Poured concrete is just what you imagine and have seen the City of Winnipeg using on the majority of sidewalks. On patios, you'll also sometimes see stamped concrete, which is poured concrete that has been textured or embossed with a pattern, sometimes to mimic brick or tile.
But, there is a saying in the business: "There are two types of concrete: concrete that is cracked and concrete that is going to crack". So, here at Earthworks we don't deal with poured concrete at all. We have a 5-year guarantee on our hardscaped surfaces and concrete doesn't make the cut!
Winnipeg soil expands and contracts with changes in moisture content -- anything built on top will move seasonally. A large slab is guaranteed to crack over time.
The varied color and texture of natural stone can look incredible.
Local Manitoba limestone is a unique product we have right here in the province. For the same reason wine connoisseurs love to taste the distinct qualities of the environment grapes were grown in (the "terrior" of the grape), Manitoba stone on a Manitoba patio is a very stylish choice. Limestone has been used in some of the most iconic buildings and locations in Winnipeg.
Though certainly not the cheapest option, Slate can be absolutely striking.
Most natural stone options work great on patios but not so well for driveways. Natural stone often won't stand up to the weight of vehicles.
Whichever surface option you choose, Earthworks has a 5-year guarantee on all stonework. It'll be done right the first time. No hassles.
We love talking about this stuff, so send us an email at dwayne@earthworkslandscaping.ca with any questions!
★★★★★
We thoroughly enjoyed working with Dwayne and his team. His knowledge and expertise provided the perfect conclusion to our summer yard overhaul project. We would strongly recommend Earthworks forRead more … your next landscaping project. You won't be disappointed.
★★★★★
Very pleased with quality of workmanship. Highly recommend
★★★★★
These guys are fantastic. So professional. We got them in to build us a patio about 8 years ago, and they were so good I would never use anyone else. We had them back this summer to do anotherRead more … walkway job and they were just as good. The quality of the work is perfect.... beautiful. Their work is so good that the company who built our garage asked for their contact info so they could work with Earthworks in the future. They are very quick, efficient, and polite as well. I highly recommend them.
★★★★★
We heard about this company and the good work they do from a family member. We subsequently hired them to do a large interlocking brick patio and raised stone planter at the rear of our house. TheRead more … patio was large, with an intricate design. I was extremely impressed with their work, right from protecting our lawn from damage to the excellent work they did on the patio and planter. The crew was very pleasant and worked hard in very hot weather. We have already had many compliments on our new patio and planter and we will be hiring them to do a stone planter in our front yard next year. Very professional and service oriented, which is a nice trait in this day and age!