It is never too earlier to start planning for your new summer pool.  Here are a few suggestions for pool decking materials for your backyard.  We are using everything from - bluestone to travertine to concrete pavers - to help incorporate the pool into your existing landscapes.  If you are looking for something beyond the old, boring white concrete, here are a few different pool deck materials to consider. 

• Concrete Pavers - One of the most economical pool decking materials is the paver.  Pavers come in a variety of colors, sizes and can be laid in many different patterns (with matching coping).  You will want to find something that compliments the style and color palate of your home and matches the other hardscaping you already present in your landscape.  The best part about pavers is they don't crack.

• Brick - I think brick give a pool a very classy, old world look.  Similar to the paver, brick comes in several colors, but only one size.  These can be dry laid with sand in the joints or laid with mortar, whatever your preference.  One caution when using brick - make sure you choose one with a smooth finish, some brick can be rough to the touch - not good for tender feet. 

• Bluestone or Flagstone - One of my favorite natural materials to use around pools.  Bluestone gives the pool a touch of elegance.  I would use a random pattern with rectangular and square stones and use grout that will compliment the color hues of your home (tan or grey).  Bluestone is also surprisingly cool to the touch too.   I would stay away bluestones cousin, slate, it gets very hot under your feet and will be unbearable in the Virginia sun.  

• Travertine - Another natural stone that I am using more and more around pools.  This is a great natural material that comes in several colors and sizes (with matching coping).  You can dry lay an irregular pattern with this stone.  One word of caution - be sure to get a travertine for outdoor use, this will make it less slippery around the pool edge.  I know everyone thinks travertine can be slick, but it actually absorbs the water and makes the stone coarser so that you don't slip.

• Slab Paver - Slab pavers are similar to concrete pavers, but are much bigger and give the appearance of bluestone.  They are still dry laid with swept sand in the joints, but they look more like bluestone than a paver.  If you love the look of Bluestone, but don’t like the price tag, this may be an option.    

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One of the hot trends for pools is incorporating a water feature into the pool design.  Whether it is water cascading from a stone waterfall or an intricate grotto located behind the falls, the new trend for pools is to add the relaxing element of falling water.  Customers are incorporating fountains that shoot bursts of water through the air, elaborate cascades that drop a sheet of water into the pool and intricate waterslides for the kids (and you too).  You can create your own natural wonder of the world right in your own backyard.   

Here are a few photos of some of the natural water features we have incorporated into our customer's pools.  Enjoy and stay cool this summer! 

Pool with Hot tub waterfall.

Pool with stone wall and waterfalls.

Pool with waterfall planters.

Pool with waterfall planters.

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Worked with D.W. Taylor Constructions on another outdoor room.  A beautiful stone fireplace is the focal point of the room.  Perfect for those cool winter nights.  A few pictures of the finished project.  Enjoy!

  

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Very much enjoyed working on the University of Richmond Queally Hall project.  Here are few pictures of the finished work. Beautiful campus.  Enjoy!



 

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Congratulations to the Carville Landscape commercial construction team for putting the finishing touches on the Libbie Mill Library in Henrico County, VA.  A beautiful setting to read and relax.  Enjoy!

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Thank you Richmond customers for nominating us as one of the Top 5 Landscaping Service Companies in Richmond.  Now we need to go for the win!  Please find the time to vote for Carville Landscape Co. in the Best Lawn/Landscaping Service Company in Richmond.  Follow the link to the Richmond Times-Dispatch to vote for us before August 23rd! 

We are honored you felt we deserved to be one of the top 5!

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We just finished this beautiful hot tub and pool project.  The pool has a Bluestone coping with paver patio, boulder diving platform and a stone hot tub with waterfall.  The pool just blends into nature, the perfect place to relax on these hot summer nights.  Start making plans to get your pool today!  Enjoy!

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As I sit here in my office looking out at the falling snow, I am thinking about how to keep warm on winter nights.  Outdoor fire features are a hot trend in landscaping this year (no pun intended, well maybe).  Fire features are perfect on a chilly, winter day and create the ideal place to gather with family and friends.   

There are so many options when it comes to outdoor fire features.  We can build anything from a small wood burning fire pit to an elaborate fire table with a dancing flame over colored glass!  Whatever you desire, it can be done.  Here are a few suggestions of ways to bring a little fire into your backyard landscape. 

Wood-Burning Fire Features – A permanent wood-burning fire feature can make a great addition to your outdoor living room and are perfect for roasting marshmallows on cool autumn nights.  These fire features can be as simple as a fire pit a stone border or as elaborate as a stone mortared fireplace.  You can make them as custom as your imagination; just about any shape or size and use a variety of materials - paver, brick, stone, even blue stone.      

Gas and Propane Fire Pits – If you are tired of chopping wood and want to make your fire feature easier to use, install natural gas or propane as your fuel source.  You can add gas to many structures and light it with a flip of the switch.   If you are really looking to make a big statement in your landscape, install a dancing flame as a focal point.  You can make the flame dance over sand, colored glass or stone. 

Whatever type fire feature you decide to build this year, remember to keep it safe.  Never leave fire unattended and keep flames a good distance from your home.  And ALWAYS keep marshmallows on hand! 

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The question I keep hearing from customers is “What materials can we use for our pool decking because we don’t want concrete!”  Clients are looking for new, natural ways to surround their pools.  The old, cracked white concrete is out and has made way for all sorts of natural (and some man-made) materials.  We are using everything from - bluestone to travertine to concrete pavers - to help incorporate the pool into your existing landscapes.  If you are looking for something beyond the old, boring white concrete, here are a few different pool deck materials to consider. 

• Concrete Pavers - One of the most economical pool decking materials is the paver.  Pavers come in a variety of colors, sizes and can be laid in many different patterns (with matching coping).  You will want to find something that compliments the style and color palate of your home and matches the other hardscaping you already present in your landscape.  The best part about pavers is they don't crack.

• Brick - I think brick give a pool a very classy, old world look.  Similar to the paver, brick comes in several colors, but only one size.  These can be dry laid with sand in the joints or laid with mortar, whatever your preference.  One caution when using brick - make sure you choose one with a smooth finish, some brick can be rough to the touch - not good for tender feet. 

• Bluestone or Flagstone - One of my favorite natural materials to use around pools.  Bluestone gives the pool a touch of elegance.  I would use a random pattern with rectangular and square stones and use grout that will compliment the color hues of your home (tan or grey).  Bluestone is also surprisingly cool to the touch too.   I would stay away bluestones cousin, slate, it gets very hot under your feet and will be unbearable in the Virginia sun.  

• Travertine - Another natural stone that I am using more and more around pools.  This is a great natural material that comes in several colors and sizes (with matching coping).  You can dry lay an irregular pattern with this stone.  One word of caution - be sure to get a travertine for outdoor use, this will make it less slippery around the pool edge.  I know everyone thinks travertine can be slick, but it actually absorbs the water and makes the stone coarser so that you don't slip.

• Slab Paver - Slab pavers are similar to concrete pavers, but are much bigger and give the appearance of bluestone.  They are still dry laid with swept sand in the joints, but they look more like bluestone than a paver.  If you love the look of Bluestone, but don’t like the price tag, this may be an option.    

If you have a concrete pool deck and are looking to modernize it with another material, you can always overlay your existing pool deck with one of the materials listed above.  You don’t always have to pull up the concrete; it can go right over the top!  An easy fix for a dated pool.  Check out our earlier blog on how to create a new look for your pool.  As always, give us a call we would love to help you make the backyard oasis of your dreams!

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It is getting warmer and we just finished a beautiful pool, spa and outdoor room project for a great homeowner in Midlothian.  Perfect timing!  The project included the installation of a pool and spa, with travertine pool deck and bluestone cap.  We also installed an patio seating area, seat wall and outdoor fireplace.  Here are some pictures of the project.  Enjoy!

Spa, Pool and Waterfall.

 Outdoor room with fireplace and seat walls.

The Completed Project

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Every year I revive this blog because I love fresh vegetables (having grown up on a farm) and this is an easy space savings way to get them.  If you don't want to manage a big garden, plant a few items right in your flower beds.  This year I planted jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, lettuce and herbs in amongst the flowers in the backyard. 

To get your garden started, look for a sunny spot in your yard (six or seven hours of sunlight a day) with good drainage and some room for the plants to grow.  Prepare the soil by breaking up any compacted soil and removing all the debris and weeds.  Then add any compost and natural fertilizers to the soil before you plant; just work it in the soil with a rake.   Then plant your vegetables, the garden centers have some really nice starter plants or you can plant seed packets.

For a great guide on how to plant, how much space to allow and when to harvest, got to GrowVeg.com (they even have a garden planning tool for those of you who are really ambitious).  Once you get your vegetables in the ground make sure you water consistently, soaker hoses work best to keep roots watered and leaves dry.  Then sit back and wait for the fruits of your labor. 

This summer it will be much easier and more fun to run to the backyard for dinner, instead of running to the grocery store!  And remember to support your local farmer by purchasing the rest of your vegetables at local farm stands in your area (one of my favorites is Garner's Produce in the Northern Neck of VA).      

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Recently I have been quoting jobs where we are demolishing an old deck and replacing it with a paver patio.  I am running into that more and more these days, homeowners want low maintenance outdoor living and are opting for patios over decks.  We are able to install patios up to three feet high with a landing and steps for less than the cost of a deck the same height.  Plus, the patios offer more options and flows a little better for entertaining than a raised deck.  So when you are pricing out your deck, take a second to price out a patio too, you just might be surprised!    

 Here is a little list of my thoughts on paver patios vs. wood decks:    

Cost

• A paver patio can be built for about a third less than the price of a deck (DIY or professionals), if you are debating your choice, make sure to estimate both. 

Aesthetics

• Patios are built at ground level which creates an easier transition from the patio to the yard creating a better flow for entertaining.
• A ground level patio will not require railings; decks often require railings which may obstruct views.
• On a patio you can build add-ons that would provide a cohesive entertaining area - a seat wall around the edge, a custom fireplace and outdoor kitchen; decks have weight requirements which limit your options and you need to be careful with open flames.
• Patios offer a wide variety of color and material options for every budget - natural stone, brick and concrete products; decks are more limited to wood or composite materials. 
• And most importantly to my wife, you can go barefoot on a patio; after many years a deck can splinter and boards can warp.

Maintenance

• Patios are low maintenance just spray it clean, occasionally after years a paver can raise up and will need to be leveled; decks require power washing, clear coating, painting or staining, nails can pop and wood can splinter or rot.

Requirements

• Typically patios do not require city permits (homeowners assoc. approval is a different story); decks often require permits because they are directly attached to the house, this may delay construction and add costs.

Below are a few photos of some patios to give you an idea of what you might be able to do in your backyard.  As always if you need a landscape contractor, give us a call.  Enjoy!

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The American Society of Landscape Architects released the results of their annual Landscape Architecture Trends Survey. The survey revealed that customers are most interested in attractively designed, low-maintenance outdoor spaces for entertaining and relaxing.  Perfect...that is what we specialize in designing and building!   

Using some of our projects as examples, here's a look at the top five most in-demand outdoor living features for 2014. Let us know how we can help build your outdoor respite. 

• Outdoor Lighting (98.3%) - A great way to enhance your outdoor landscape - add a lighted fan to a pergola, pendant lights to an outdoor kitchen or just some up lighting to enhance your plantings. 

• Seating and Dining Areas (97.7%) - Add a perfect place to relax to read a book or an expansive are to entertain company. 

• Fire pits and Fireplaces (95.4%) - A wonderful way to extend the time you are able to use your outdoor space.  Great for roasting marshmallows on those cool winter nights...oh s'mores.

• Grill Islands (94.3%) - Bring your whole kitchen outside...we can install grills, refrigerators, warming drawers, side burners, kegorators and even the kitchen sink!

• Installed Outdoor Seating (89.6%) - Why buy furniture when we can build it into the landscape.  Seat walls and built in benches are a great way to provide additional seating while you are entertaining.

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If you are anything like me now that the snowy winter has come and gone, you are counting the days until summer.  So why not start planning your perfect outdoor space now...the warm summer days will be here before you know it! 

In anticipation of the summer, I thought I would start this year off with a blog to provide some advice on how to build that perfect outdoor kitchen.  Below are a few helpful tips I share with clients when we start planning their outdoor kitchens: 

Start with a Design - I always say this, but that's because it is true.  The best way to start any project is with a good design.  Either by yourself or with your landscape designer, start by listing all the elements that you want in an outdoor kitchen - the grill, refrigerator, sink, counter space, seating area, roof structure, the floor, and most important...the view.  Then lay it out like you would your indoor kitchen, ensure everything works together in your space.  It is best to design your entire backyard to keep everything cohesive, even if you only plan to install groups of items at a time.

Material Selection - You can create your outdoor kitchen out of many different materials, just remember that the materials you choose must resist the outdoor elements.  For the kitchen base we typically use brick and mortar, stone, paver or stucco.  Then we select the counter tops - popular choices are natural stone or granite, paver or concrete.  Then it is time to pick your appliances, typically stainless steel works best outside.    

Plan for your Utilities - Remember when you are planning the layout and positioning of your kitchen, to plan for where your utilities will need to be run.  Do you have natural gas, electrical power and water in that location?  Always remember to have Miss Utility mark your yard before you start any landscape project. 

Provide Adequate Lighting - Ensure you have proper lighting so that when you are cooking you can see what you are cooking.  Not such a big problem in the summer months, but if overlooked it can be tough to grill in the dark winter months.  You can also use light to create moods for evening cocktail parties with friends or hot dogs and hamburgers with the neighborhood kids.

Entertaining Space - Remember when you are designing your kitchen you want to create a space not just to cook, but to entertain.  So think about adequate seating, music systems, and possibly an outdoor television.  

Whatever you do, make sure it fits your needs and personality.  Remember if you need some help give us a call.  For more pictures and information on outdoor kitchens check out our photo gallery.

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We just finished a really great project at a new client's house.  We installed a bluestone patio with seat walls, an outdoor kitchen, pergola and square fire pit.  It turned out beautifully.  Enjoy!

Here is a great photo of the whole job spanning the width of the house.

This photo shows a close up of the kitchen, patio and seat walls.

This is a nice photo of the pergola with lighted fan for the warm summer nights.

And this is a great shot of the fire pit and seat walls.

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Visit us at the Richmond Home & Garden Show February 28 - March 2 to get great ideas for your backyard makeover!  Our booth is located at the end of the first exhibit hall.  Click the link above for more information on the details of the show.

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Here in Virginia we have had our first few snow days and there is no better way to warm up while making a snowman than with an outdoor fireplace! In honor of enjoying the beautiful snow, I thought I would share a few of my favorite fire features that we installed for our customers.

Below are a few blogs and photos that I think can help get you started in planning your outdoor fire feature. Give us a call if we can help.

Helpful fire feature blogs:

• Outdoor Fireplaces - some good tips if you are thinking about building a fireplace in your backyard 
• Outdoor Fire Pits - a good review of fire pits and the different types available
• Looking to Extend your Homes Square Footage - a good review of the different hardscape opportunities for your outdoor entertaining  

My favorite fire related projects...Enjoy!

A stone fire pit overlooking the creek on a paver patio.

A stone fireplace with bluestone hearth and built-in TV cabinet

A stone fire pit on blusetone patio with gas logs

A beautiful bluestone patio with stone fireplace and bluestone hearth.

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Congratulations to Dumont Homes for winning Best Curb Appeal at the 2013 Pparade of Homes.  We enjoyed working with you on this project. 

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With this one last blast of warm weather, are you thinking back on the summer and asking yourself if you got the most out of your pool?  If you find yourself saying "no", then let us help you make a change this fall.  Simply updating an old pool deck can completely change the look of your landscape. 

Many customers are choosing to replace existing, outdated pool decks with more natural products - bluestone, travertine, brick pavers, and architectural slabs - that add a sophisticated style to their overall landscape. 

The pool deck conversion process is fairly simple and you DON'T always have to remove the existing concrete deck.  In many cases, we actually lay the new materials directly over the existing concrete.  Depending upon which material you choose to use, we can either dry lay the material with sand or use a mortared joint.  Any type of pool - liner, fiberglass or gunite  - is a candidate for this conversion and in many cases we can still use the existing pool coping.  Plus it is a quick process; it only takes a week to 10 days to overlay an existing pool deck depending on the size.

Fall is the perfect time to make a change and prepare for next summer's fun.  Here are a few different pool deck materials to consider:   

• Bluestone or Flagstone - One of my favorite natural materials to use around pools.  Bluestone gives the pool a touch of elegance and sophistication.  I would use a random pattern with rectangular and square stones and use a grout that will compliment the color hues of your home (tan, white, grey).  Bluestone is also surprisingly cool to the touch too.   I would stay away bluestones cousin, slate, it gets very hot under your feet and will be unbearable in the Virginia sun.  

• Travertine - Another natural stone that I am using more and more around pools.  This is a great natural material that comes in several colors and sizes (with matching coping).  You can dry lay an irregular pattern with this stone.  One word of caution - be sure to get a travertine for outdoor use, this will make it less slippery around the pool edge.  I know everyone thinks travertine can be slick, but it actually absorbs the water and makes the stone more coarse so that you don't slip.

• Concrete Pavers - One of the most economical pool decking materials is the paver.  Pavers come in a variety of colors, sizes and can be laid in many different patterns (with matching coping).  You will want to find something that compliments the style and color palate of your home and matches the other hardscaping already present in your landscape.  The best part about pavers is they don’t crack!

• Brick - I think brick gives a pool a very sophisticated, old world look.  Similar to the paver, brick comes in several colors, but only one size.  These can be dry laid with sand in the joints or laid with mortar, whatever your preference.  One caution when using brick - make sure you choose one with a smooth finish, some brick can be rough to the touch - not good for tender feet. 

• Slab Paver - Slab pavers are similar to concrete pavers, but are much bigger and give the appearance of bluestone.  They are still dry laid with swept sand in the joints, but they look more like bluestone than a paver.  If you love the look of Bluestone, but don’t like the price, this may be an option.   

Tell us how we can help you transform your outdated pool! 

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There is a great article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch that features one of our favorite customers.  The article features an outdoor room that we built for the Phipps complete with fireplace, kitchen and bluestone floor.  Take a read!

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