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.

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/.                      

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/.

Benefits & Disadvantages of all Common Paving Materials



Link & Win

Paving Stones: A Rock Solid Choice for Thousands of Years!

 For over 5,000 years the interlocking paving stone has been the choice of previous generations for consistent and reliable performance on the streets of both Europe and North America. Around 3,000 B.C. the very first roads were made from segmental paving units by the Romans and over two thousand years ago, tightly placed cut stones covering a compacted aggregate base were used to create revolutionary roadway solutions. Today, those same roads are still in use with the original paving stones!

This simple yet economical, durable, and almost maintenance-free system became standard as one of the most versatile old-world paving solutions and has now been reintroduced and reinvented over the last 35 years with much technological advancement. One of the biggest advantages of choosing concrete pavers is that if a repair ever does become necessary, a stained or damaged paver can be easily replaced by removing and reinstalling new pavers unlike other surfacing solutions.

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.

Current pavers are manufactured using concrete to exact standards, provide long-term durability and many are backed by lifetime warranties. Concrete pavers have become the industry standard, originating in Europe after World War II as a replacement for clay brick streets. Billions of square feet have now been installed annually throughout the world and it’s very interesting that an old world solution can become one of the preferred solutions for modern living.

Paving stones for our environment are typically made from concrete. Although other materials exist this method is best suited to our climate and many breakthroughs have occurred that provide environmental or “green” surfacing solutions with the use of pavers.

Manufacturers recommend to set stones in approximately one inch of sand with a compacted granular base of at least 6 to 12 inches (more base may be required depending the soil make- up of your residence). The layer of sand helps to keep water away from the pavers and to effortlessly provide more efficient drainage which will help to prevent wear tracks, erosion or damage from freeze/thaw cycles. To fill in the gaps polymeric jointing sand is also recommended which prevents weed growth or ant populations which are now problems of the past thanks to this new technology. As well, edge restraints such as SnapEdge are now the norm to prevent any lateral movement with your project. You can also repair older interlocking driveways, walkways or patios very easily and economically with the introduction of these new advancements.

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 so you can enjoy every day!

The advantages of paving stones are many and it helps to familiarize you with all surfacing or wall building options.  Our local experts can help to evaluate your current plans and goals to ensure recommendations and solutions that you’ll enjoy for years to come. As well, they can provide referrals to preferred, experienced and reliable contractors within your specific area who use trusted industry and manufacturer recommended installation techniques.

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/.

Natural Flame enhances either your Indoor or Outdoor Living Space

Now that you’ve finishing your outdoor living space don’t forget how your newly discovered extension of your surroundings will look in the evening when you’re entertaining friends or just relaxing with your family.

By adding the touch of a natural burning flame to your indoor or outdoor environment it can dramatically change the mood or ambience of your special occasion and your keep your guest’s fond memories of their experience at your home warm and alive until you meet again. Various restaurants, hotels and resorts have used this timeless technique to create a warm and inviting atmosphere to enjoy dinner, drinks or conversation with friends and family in casual and relaxing moments spent together.

You can add warmth and character to your home by illuminating the stone and plantings in your patio, garden or pool area with the flicker of natural flame. The dancing flame’s warm soft light and the shadows it casts will enhance your surroundings and help to replicate the mood and ambience that humans have long enjoyed with their friends and families for centuries in-front of an open flame as a focal point. 

Whether you’re in the surroundings of your outdoor kitchen, fireplace or simply enjoying dinner with guests at your patio table the addition of candles, hurricane lamps, Tiki torches or soft patio lighting solutions have added years of enjoyment and ways to extend people’s time together well into the evening hours during the coming relaxful summer months spent in the outdoors.

 

One new idea for creating the timeless and natural look of an open flame is the Tempest Torch™ - a dramatic decorative outdoor gas lamp now available in an attractive new indoor/outdoor Table Top model that breaks the traditional barriers of standard torch design. This unit creates a natural venturi effect causing a unique flame to spiral and dance within the tempered glass walls without the use of electricity! It burns safely over a few hours with the use of an affordable ethanol based gel (similar to fuel used for chaffing dishes or warming trays).

 

Alternatively, plumbed in models available can be connected to existing natural gas or propane sources and added to outdoor surroundings by being incorporated into pillars or as sconces on an outside wall to light gathering areas.

Created as a decorative outdoor lighting furnishing for a wide array of exterior settings and applications, including landscape lighting, it is designed to create the ultimate in lighting enhancement. The display possibilities are nearly endless; outdoor living space lighting, home, retail or business store front lighting, lighting as walkway pillars, pool area lighting, mounted onto portable bases or featured on an exterior wall or entry for general outdoor lighting.

It comes in two versions: A very easy manual light system as a table top model (which can be used outdoors or indoors in well ventilated areas) or an electronic ignition version that allows multiple units to be turned on/off by the flip of a light switch or can be tied into your homes automated lighting system.

The Tempest Torch™ is manufactured in North America and won Best Outdoor Room Furnishing and Best of Show for all Outdoor Products at the Hearth, Patio and BBQ Expo.  It has also been featured on the award winning Extreme Makeover – Home Edition.  Along with many other outdoor living solutions it can be viewed and demonstrated at Schut’s Brick, Stone & Landscape, 423 Mount Pleasant Road in Brantford. Proudly serving Brantford, Brant County and the surrounding areas for almost 40 years. http://www.schuts.com/

Patio Season is (almost) here! Plan Your Projects Now to Spring into Summer!

 

This spring, especially with the long and cold winter hopefully soon behind us many homeowners are beginning to plan what to do with their outdoor living space. Now is the best time to decide which products and designs will most suit their needs and to spend some time planning or staging their projects with their local experts.

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 areas to spend more quality time enjoying both family and friends.

Low maintenance being a key benefit of implementing concrete paver systems into you outdoor designs given  many products such as polymeric sand that is used to fill the gaps between pavers help to eliminate weed growth or insect penetration for many seasons. As well, the use of edge restraints will help retain the shape of your paving surface for years to come because they are able to restrict lateral movement into adjoining areas such as grass or gardens.

Also from a “Green” perspective a growing trend in today’s residential and commercial landscaping environments are Permeable Paving Solutions comprised of a layer of pavers separated by joints that are filled with small stones, and an “open-graded” base, such as crushed stone layers that do not contain small or fine particles. The void spaces between these layers of stone allow water to enter between the pavers, down among the crushed stone base, and infiltrate it back into the soil subgrade. The system provides 100% surface permeability and the base filters storm water and reduces pollutants.
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 are produced in so 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 & Landscape 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/.

Going Green with Eco Friendly Permeable Paving Solutions

A growing trend in today’s residential and commercial landscaping environments are permeable paving solutions comprised of a layer of pavers separated by joints that are filled with small stones, and an “open-graded” base, such as crushed stone layers that do not contain small or fine particles. The void spaces between these layers of stone allow water to enter between the pavers, down among the crushed stone base, and infiltrate it back into the soil subgrade. The system provides 100% surface permeability and the base filters stormwater and reduces pollutants.

In general permeable pavements are good for the environment. They visually define vehicular and pedestrian traffic areas, reduce micro-climate temperatures and enhance tree growth. A wide variety of patterns, shapes and colors define areas and tie them in with the surrounding structures and landscape. The pavements are designed to improve the health, safety, and well-being of both people and nature. (Source: ICPI, Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute)

Recently, Oaks has developed an ecological paver with a classical look (Enviro Pave) which is kind to the environment. It is designed to compliment any area that you would consider installing standard pavers but it demonstrates many of the attributes and benefits as discussed above. Concrete grid units (Turf Slab) are environmentally friendly and offer erosion control, while the open surfaces can often promote vegetation growth. This in turn allows our pavers to blend in with the environment.

These products are a favorite of designers for stabilizing soil and turf areas which are susceptible to erosion or traffic, whether it is pedestrian or vehicular. Enviro Pavers are excellent for stormwater management and assist in the recharge of groundwater.

For more information regarding making environmental friendly choices in landscaping or to learn more about Oaks product offerings please ask for Sheila or Brad at Schut’s Brick & Stone, 423 Mount Pleasant Road in Brantford or call 519-752-1512 or visit www.schuts.com

ENVIRO PAVE

A classic look in an ecological paver that is kind to the environment.

TURF SLAB

A designer's favorite for stabilizing soil and turf areas susceptible to erosion or traffic.

MINI SLAB

The ultimate erosion protection system with it’s unique dove-tail locking system.

• suitable for vehicular and pedestrian traffic
• Two dove-tail locking tabs allow for a 25 degree angle for sloped installation
• A system that provides the best solution for lakeside and streambank stabilization, retention ponds, and stormwater spillway

10 Easy Steps for Building Patios, Walkways and Driveways

Whether you plan to work with a specialized landscape contractor or try tackling a project yourself it is important to know how you or your contractor will prepare your base for the type of project that you are undertaking.

The most important part of the project is the preparation of the correct base for the type of soil that you are working in. This for all intents and purposes is the patio, walkway or driveway and the patio stones or pavers are the “icing on the cake” which will stay beautiful and enjoyable for years to come if everything underground has been prepared correctly.

The following is a simplified perspective on building a patio, walkway or driveway. For full details it is always recommended to consult with your contractor or industry experts for exact details, especially for identifying what type of soil your project is being built on.

1. Planning – Draw a plan view showing measurements and grade elevations – remember, “a picture says a 1,000 words.” This will assist with explaining your intended project to your potential landscape contractors when your are sourcing quotes or when working with your local experts who will help to assist you with calculations for base materials and patio stones (styles, colours, type) required for your project.

2. Preparation - Mark out the location of the patio, walkway or driveway. Call the utilities (i.e. gas, electricity), phone company and cable T.V. for locates. Tools Required: Wheel barrow, rake, shovel, plate compactor (with protector), guillotine and/or masonry saw, tape measure, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection. In some cases heavy earth moving equipment may be required depending on the scope of the project and the materials being worked with.

3. Excavation – Excavate the minimum required depth depending on your application (your local experts or contractor can make recommendations for this based specific questions regarding your soil content and by referring to a Base Thickness Chart). For walkways, excavate a minimum of 3” wider than the area. For driveways and patios excavate a minimum of 6” wider than the area you are applying pavers to.

4. Base – Fill the area with gravel (Granular A) – depth based on recommendations from the Base Thickness Chart – available at your local experts. Grade the base as closely as possible to the final contour of the finished job. Slope all installations away from the house or building for drainage purposes. (Minimum 1/8” slope over every 10 feet) The gravel should be 3” below finished height. Compact maximum 3” thick at a time.

5. Screeding – Pavers are laid on a 1” bed of coarse sand, placed directly on the compacted base. See a cross section of this at your local experts. Use a 1” diameter pipe as a screeding guide on top of the gravel. Set up the guides so that your pavers are 3/8” above the finished level to allow for compacting. Level the sand evenly by pulling a board along the pipes. Once you have completed the area, remove the guides, and fill in the grooves. Do not walk on the screeded surface.

6. Laying the Pavers – Place the pavers directly on the screeded bed of sand. Start laying along the longest straight side. Keep lines straight using string lines. This will minimize the cutting required. It is important that the lines of your pavers are square, 90 degrees to each other, to fit properly. If you are installing circles, fans or a soldier course (a border of pavers around the area) you will want to place these first before installing the rest of the pattern.

7. Cutting – You may need to cut pavers that don’t fit along edges or around objects. Mark the pavers and cut with either a guillotine cutter or masonry saw. A guillotine cutter is the easiest method of cutting, but for an exact cut a “dry cut” masonry saw or a tub-style “wet saw” works best. These can be rented at your local rental outlet. Always wear appropriate safety gear when cutting.

8. Edging – Edge restraints are a critical element to the durability of a paver installation. They prevent the pavers from lateral movement and shifting over time. A product such as Snapedge is economical and effective. Various concrete products can be used as curbing also. Ask your local experts for details.

9. Compacting – After the installation is complete, including edge restraints, the pavers must be swept clean and then compacted with a plate compactor (and protector). This helps settle the pavers into the bedding sand and creates a flat surface. (For patterns, such as circles, you may want to put some jointing sand in first to stabilize the smaller pieces.) We recommend a minimum of three passes with the compactor going in different directions.

10. Finishing – Sweep Jointing Sand into the joints between the pavers. This locks the pavers together creating a very durable surface. For additional protection from the penetration of weeds and insects, use Polymeric Sand in various matching colours to create a sealed joint, which will also resist erosion in sloped applications.

The Fall season can be one of the best times to complete your outdoor landscaping projects around the house since the weather will soon begin to cool again and become ideal for working on your dream outdoor living space that can be enjoyed for many years to come. An added incentive is an opportunity to win up to $5000 from Unilock^® for your DIY project that will make your space that much more satisfying and enjoyable!

All of the above details can be discussed directly with your local experts or viewed in a FREE brochure from Unilock^® available at Schut’s Brick & Stone, 423 Mount Pleasant Road in Brantford or on-line at www.schuts.com.