Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Celebrating 40 Years Serving You! Thank You!



Please mark Sat. June 2, 2012 on your calendar and plan to join us for our
40th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Breakfast/BBQ & Open House
Bring the kids!
8:00 am to 1:00 pm
423 Mt Pleasant Rd, Brantford, Ontario
Phone: 519-752-1512

Monday, April 16, 2012

Why Pavers? Functional Beauty and Practical Elegance. And Green too!


Interlocking concrete pavements are generally composed of a surface consisting of precast modular concrete units of varying shapes, colors and textures. These are placed over a graded sand and gravel base and interlocked with bedding and joint sand, which can be constructed over a variety of sub-bases. Because they work as a flexible pavement, they can flex with minor movements in the base without cracking, making them an ideal pavement for North America's climate. These attributes give them several distinct advantages over other possible surfacing solutions.

The unique aspect of concrete pavers is that they interlock to help spread any load points. There are three ways pavers interlock: Vertical, Horizontal, and Rotational. (Figure 1) Vertical interlock is achieved by the shear transfer of loads
to surrounding units through the sand in the joints. Horizontal is maintained by the pavers being of sufficient thickness, placed closely together, and restrained by a curb from lateral forces. Rotational interlock is achieved through the use of laying patterns that disperse forces from braking, turning and accelerating vehicles

Concrete paving stones offer a great variety of the following advantages over other types of surfacing products:

Durability - The combination of high density, high compressive strength and low absorption rate makes concrete paving stones highly resistant to salt scaling, a common problem with some types of concrete. This also makes paving stones excellent for frequent and heavy loading.

Aesthetics - The visual impact of paving stones adds character and charm to any installation. With interlocking    pavers, color, shape and texture can be incorporated to complement any project design.

Freeze-thaw resistance - Frost damage is virtually nonexistent. The joints between the paver units absorb any movement caused by frost.
Below ground access - Pavers can be removed and reinstalled without any visual or functional changes. This is ideal for utility access below ground.

Skid resistance - The surface texture of pavers gives superior traction in pedestrian, automotive and pool applications.

Economics - Paving stones offer an economical alternative to other types of pavement especially over the long term. When maintenance and replacement costs are considered, other forms of paving are usually more expensive.

Environmentally Friendly – Many manufacturers have introduced paver designs equipped with special spacer bars to create a permeable paving solution which when combined with recommended jointing and base materials allows for the rapid penetration of rainwater into the sub-base and subsoil.

Reusable - If the pavers must be removed in order to correct a pavement problem, or to allow utility installation or repair, the pavers are completely reusable (this is helpful to the environment as well!)

Maintenance - With proper installation, pavers require low maintenance.

Accessories - Accessory products for pavers, such as lights, are available to transform outdoor spaces into more functional areas.

Modularity - Paving stones can be installed in a variety of patterns, including curves, straight lines and intricate designs, and add vitality to almost any environment. The combination of compatible shapes, sizes and colors gives the impression of multiple layers and depth with unique surface textures.

Ready to use - They may be used immediately upon completion of installation.

Since 1972, for over 40 years, Schut’s Brick, Stone & Landscape has been serving contractors and helping homeowners like you create lasting impressions by turning your home building and landscaping dreams into reality. Their extensive outdoor showroom at 423 Mount Pleasant Road features many pavers and retaining wall solutions by Unilock. With over 2000 square feet of colour and design ideas for your outdoor world not only will you view the latest products and designs but you’ll be able to speak with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the product selection process with both you and your contractor from concept to completion.

Visit www.schuts.com or drop in to pick up your Free 2012 Unilock selection guide designed to connect you to the many possibilities of your newly reclaimed outdoor space!

Unilock® paving systems offer a great variety of advantages over many other types of surfacing alternatives and can be viewed exclusively in the Brantford area at Schut’s Brick, Stone & Landscape. Build it – Let us help you!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Home Improvement - Spring 2012

Imagine the Possibilities …. Come Home to Your New Outdoor Living Room!

The space outside your home is a special space. It’s where you share moments with the people you love. It’s where you create lasting memories and impressions with family and friends and where neighbours come together. The perfect outdoor space isn’t just designed to look beautiful; the perfect outdoor space can be functional and elegant as well. There are many products that can help you to achieve your style and design goals while matching the needs of your budget and lifestyle.

Imagine coming home to a beautifully appointed driveway and front walkway that welcomes you each and every evening. Or enjoy that early morning coffee in your own front courtyard surrounded by cozy seat walls and gardens. Just imagine entertaining a large party of friends and family on your newly created outdoor kitchen and dining area. Experience the joy of preparing your favourite foods on a built-in grill and relax by the stand-up island while your guests enjoy the warm glow from your new outdoor fireplace. This can all be made possible through some of the ideas below:
 

Room to Grow

Entertain larger groups? Seat walls help to provide additional seating which add flexibility to any living space and can make great partitions for privacy as well. Consider designing adjoining “rooms” such as an eating area, a lounging or relaxing area for quiet conversations and an entertaining area much like your home is divided inside.
 

Outdoor Living Elements
 

Cook and grill outdoors on an attractive and functional grill. Utilize complementary banding and borders of Unilock Select products on horizontal and vertical surfaces to tie elements and colours of each feature of the project together.


Driveways

Design the ultimate welcome mat to your home and make a bold statement with deep colours held timeless and true through the process of EnduraColorPlus. Your installation professional can provide suggestions for banding and borders that create a cohesive look leading to your own personal oasis at the end of each day.
 

Entrances
 

Consider a flared front walkway that invites guests to your front door. Encourage the use of your front yard by building a small courtyard surrounded with seat walls and pillars with lanterns or lighting elements to highlight this area and create an evening wonderland that can be enjoyed beyond daytime boundaries.


Pool Decks

Lighter coloured pavers with non-slip surfaces ensure safety and comfort for you and your guests. Often these pavers are cooler to walk on than many types of natural stone and will enhance your enjoyment on those hot summer afternoons by the pool with family and friends.


Build it – Let us help you!
 

Since 1972, for over 40 years Schut’s Brick, Stone & Landscape has been helping homeowners like you create lasting impressions by turning your home building and landscaping dreams into reality to be enjoyed for many years. We invite you to visit our extensive outdoor showroom at 423 Mount Pleasant Road featuring pavers and retaining wall solutions by Unilock. With over 2000 square feet of colour and design ideas for your outdoor world not only will you be able to view the latest products and designs but you’ll be able to speak with our knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the product selection process with both you and your contractor. Visit us at www.schuts.com or drop in to pick up your Free 2012 Unilock selection guide designed to connect you to the many possibilities of your newly reclaimed outdoor space!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Do You Have The Decorating Itch?

Spruce up your fireplace!  Make your bar a focal point!  How about a beautiful accent wall?
Dutch Quality Stone is the perfect choice.  The Trillium Collection has  twelve different colours/profiles to choose from.  For more information about Dutch Quality stone give us a call at 519-752-1512 or visit their website at www.schuts.com.  Better still view for yourself at Schut's Brick & Stone located at 423 Mount Pleasant Rd Brantford Ontario.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Landscaping 101

LANDSCAPING 101
Schut’s are here to help, but before you begin please take some time to consider the following!
GETTING STARTED
Always start with a good plan it helps you determine the materials required, the amount of work involved, the order in which to accomplish your tasks and the sequence of product placement and installation.
LAYING THE GROUND WORK
·         Consider doing your project in phases (ie back to front)
·         Call before you dig to locate all underground utilities.  “IT’S FREE”                    
                 Call five working days prior to starting your project.
·         Property survey
·         Building permits
·         Municipal by-laws and building codes
·         Soil type assessment
·         Talk to your neighbours
·         Plan your material delivery and storage to minimize site disruption
SKETCH YOUR PLAN
Putting your ideas on paper will ensure that your new outdoor living space is functional.
·       Identify the location of the house
·       Add in existing trees and buses, lawn, walkways and driveway
·      Then add the compass direction and the direction of summer sunrise and sunset
·      Next add wind direction, windbreaks and screens
WHERE DO I START
1.    Install irrigation and drainage systems
2.    Patios, walls, fences, walkways and other permanent fixtures
3.    Trees, shrubs and plants
4.    Lawn
DO SOME LEG WORK
Well planned landscaping adds great value to your home.  Bad landscaping doesn’t.   Read magazines and books.  Attend home and garden shows, watch television shows.  Walk around the neighbourhood and look at other people’s properties.  Drop in at our showroom located at 423 Mt Pleasant Rd, Brantford…and chat with one of our friendly helpful sales staff.  Give us a call at 519-752-1512 or visit our website http://www.schuts.com/.                      

Monday, July 25, 2011

Patio Season Is Here!


With home improvement season in high gear, homeowners are faced with the monumental task of deciding which products and designs will best suit their needs.

If improving an existing or planning a new outdoor living space concrete paving and wall products can meet the demands of your job large or small. For patios, walkways, drives and more, pavers will give your project either a classic, crisp look or the warmth and character of time-aged cobble.
Today,  the use of interlocking pavers have demonstrated exponential growth because they are a superior surfacing system for our climate which are very affordable and easy to maintain demonstrating superior lifelong value to today’s homeowner looking to expand their outdoor living space to spend time with family and friends.
Tumbled products can provide endless design possibilities. Their naturally hewed appearance of being gently weathered is at home in a landscape that is natural and rustic to one that evokes feelings of classic old-world charm. Bold colour choices and varying sizes provide endless design possibilities.

The weathered stone look of tumbled wall incorporating natural stone accents or coping provides a “vintage” appearance at home in many settings. It is slightly smaller than previous versions making it easier to use and more affordable. It is the perfect compliment to a tumbled paver and a unique solution for garden walls, pillars, seat walls and garden edging.
The fact that pavers are strong and flexible making them resistant to cracking and come many popular profiles and colours help many designers, contractors and homeowners alike to create beautiful landscape designs for patios, driveways or walkways. Many homeowners have extended their indoor living space to the outdoors by adding backyard kitchens, fireplaces and gathering areas to compliment existing patios and pools. Your backyard oasis eliminates the two hour drive to the cottage or the additional maintenance responsibilities that a recreational property may require. All the while adding value to your property with limited maintenance and complimenting the architectural style of your home to enjoy every day!
Our experts can help advise you when starting your project to ensure the correct surfacing or wall solution for your surroundings as well as providing referrals to preferred landscape contractors in your area. For more information about any of the products discussed above check out http://www.oakspavers.com/ or to view for yourself locally visit over 1800 square feet of indoor and outdoor displays at Schut’s Brick & Stone located at 423 Mount Pleasant Road, Brantford, Ontario. To reach them by phone call 519-752-1512 or visit their website at http://www.schuts.com/.
"When Details Matter....Trust the Local Experts!"