PLANNING YOUR PROJECT

Planning is the cornerstone of any successful landscaping project, and all the more so if your project includes any paved areas. To win the whole family’s seal of approval, make sure to consider the following:

• Each family member’s needs
• The budget
• Existing structures

The family’s needs
Working out what you and the family want from your outdoor space, and imagining the possibilities given the space available, is a crucial first step. To achieve the goal of enjoying free time with the family outdoors, bear the following points in mind:

• The lie of the land: sun exposure, prevailing winds, damp or dry areas are all elements likely to affect your decisions about design, plants and materials. The soil type is also important; if necessary, have a soil analysis done. Are there views you want to hide, such as a heat pump, a water heater, a compost bin, etc.? Alternatively, are there views you want to accentuate?
• How each family member enjoys spending time in the yard: pool parties, family dining, sports … Think about everyone’s favourite activities and hobbies when planning how best to use the space.
• Existing structures: plan around fixed features, such as the pool, shed, spa, gazebo, patio, etc. Consider the access to the house and the backyard to make sure each area of activity is logically located so that, for example, the outdoor dining area is close to the kitchen.
• Upkeep: the size of the planting beds, whether to seal the pavers, the type of paved construction will all determine how long and how often you’ll need to spend maintaining your paved areas.
• The size of the family and their ages: a larger household means catering for a greater variety of needs and personalities. If, for example, several adults or teens share the house, more parking spaces will be needed. On the other hand, a play area in the backyard will keep young children happy.

Budget and carrying out the work

Carrying out a paved outdoor project is a considerable undertaking. Budget for the following elements:

• Excavation
• Electricity
• Irrigation
• Lighting
• Stones, pavers, paving blocks
• Plants
• Garden furniture
• Structures (arbour, pergola, etc.) or the material for making them

Professional landscapers will be able to do certain jobs expertly, although this can involve additional and sometimes substantial costs. Budget for any professional landscaping help you might use. If your budget is limited, remember that a landscaping project can be spread over several years.
 

DESIGNING THE LAYOUT

The best way to get the most from your yard and its potential is to visualize the space in terms of zones, each for a specific activity. For example:

• A meal-prep area: For barbecue and alfresco dining fans, a cutting-edge outdoor kitchen is a must. Locate this space accordingly, i.e. near the indoor kitchen, to make it easier to transport certain food items, dishes, utensils, etc.
• A dining area adjacent to the outdoor kitchen makes serving easier. Dining area furnishings will need the basics – a table, chairs, a parasol – but how about a service cart or storage for crockery, tablecloths, etc.?
• Children’s play area: Be sure you can guarantee the safety of the area.
• Relaxation area adjoining the hot tub and pool with furniture enticing you to lounge.
• Any other area for a specific interest or need: a vegetable patch, an area for sports, etc.

Draw a scale plan of the front and back yards. Use the building location certificate to draw the boundaries of your property, showing:

• The sunny spots, to know where to plant what;
• The municipal easements (electricity, water supply, telephone);
• The house, showing doors and windows;
• Existing fixed features, such as hedges, fences, lawns, trees;
• Location of the driveway;
• Access to the main entrance;
• The garden shed and any structures such as the deck or patio, play area, dining area and pool.

Once all these have been mapped, plot any areas you intend paving. Work out the surface measurements in order to calculate the quantity of material needed. Before starting on any work, check local regulations to make sure that any specific features you wish to include conform to local bylaws.
 

SELECTING PAVING SLABS, BLOCKS AND PAVERS

The selection should be based on three main factors:

• The look: shape, colour and texture. Slabs, blocks and pavers should blend in with their surroundings. Take your cue from the general style of the neighbourhood, your house and the fixed elements already in your yard. Select materials and designs to contrast and provide nuances with the house and its surrounds.
• The price: The price per slab or paver will vary depending on its thickness, quality, finish, shape and size. Prices range between $1.50 and $4.50 per square foot. Don’t forget that investing in a landscaping project, if it is well done and carried out using quality materials, will increase the value of the house.
• The use: The choice of slab, block or paver will depend on its destination and the treatment awaiting it (weight, snow shovel abuse, de-icing products, freezing, thawing, etc.).

Paving slabs
The least expensive and the most enduringly popular slabs are the classic white squares made of concrete. Since the model has remained unchanged for years, you can always be sure of finding replacement slabs if one gets broken.

For a patio floor, the square or rectangular slabs or slabs made to imitate natural stone give great results and the variety of textures and colours allows you to create some stunning effects. Paving slabs are an ideal solution for covering a large surface with reasonably priced, good quality material. Some slabs are designed to create patio floors with curved contours.

There are two categories of irregular-shaped paving slabs:

• Stepping stones of different shapes and sizes for a more natural look, laid in a haphazard arrangement, with spaces in between.
• Natural-looking slabs which interlock according to a specific layout.

Pavers
Uniform pavers, all the same size and shape, come in a wide range of shapes and colours. They can be used to achieve plain, linear designs as well as elaborate geometric patterns. Experiment with the colours of the pavers to enrich the overall effect.

Modular pavers are sets of pavers of various sizes whose colours match to give a natural, almost randomly chosen look.

There are also pavers specially made for pool borders, which may best be described as a hybrid of steps, curbs and caps. Their rounded edge is not only attractive but also reduces the risk of injury.





Natural stone
Natural stone is the ideal player for rustic landscape projects. Silica, granite and slate, whether rough, cut or hewn are most commonly used. Choose the thinnest stones, between ¾" and 2", for a patio or walkway. Steps will require thicker stones of 4" to 10". Natural stone is a worthwhile investment because the results will last for years. If your budget does not stretch to using natural stone everywhere, stepping stones set in decorative gravel can be an attractive alternative for pathways.

White or coloured pebbles, river stones and decorative gravel are often used along walkways and around the outside of the house. Sold in sacks or in bulk, these stones can be smooth or rough and come in various sizes, depending on the effect sought. Teamed up with plants or larger natural stones, they are also perfect for creating a contemporary look.




Wall blocks
Some types of paving blocks are designed especially for building low retaining walls. Assembly techniques vary according to the manufacturer.
It is important to know the height of the tallest wall in your landscape plan since this will determine the wall blocks you select. There are three types of blocks, depending on the height of the wall desired:

• Blocks for low walls with minimal retaining capacity, mainly used for decorative purposes (less than 24" high)
• Blocks for retaining walls less than 48" high
• Blocks for retaining walls up to 60" high

Some types of blocks allow you to easily build curved or straight walls, depending on how the blocks are placed.



Caps and borders
Depending on the model of wall blocks you choose, you may also need to purchase cap blocks, which are placed along the top of the wall to give it a neat, finished look.
Concrete borders are also available. While not a necessity, they can add a stylish finish to a landscaping feature by highlighting the contours of a paved area.
 

CARRYING OUT THE WORK: THE MAIN STEPS

If well planned, the work involved in turning your design into reality should be straightforward. Here are a few basic rules to follow.

Excavation
For low walls, patio floors and walkways, dig trenches of 11" to 15" deep. Line them with a geomembrane sheet and spread it with gravel. Depending on the size of the area to excavate, you might need to rent a power shovel or hire a company to do the work. Tamp the gravel with a mechanical compacter to ensure the paving sits on a solid foundation.

Electricity and irrigation
If your plan includes lighting or irrigation, tackle these jobs first. If necessary, call in a professional to carry out the work. You will take comfort from knowing that it has be done according to safe building practices and regulations.

Paved patios, walkways and low walls
Once your foundations are sound, build your wall or lay your patio or walkway according to the plans. Helpful hint: always set cap blocks and steps in place with mortar to prevent them shifting or becoming dislodged. Likewise, secure any blocks that are liable to be dislodged due to their location.
 

OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

The yard is where family and friends spend time together enjoying the long summer days, so it is important that the yard meet expectations in terms of style, functionality and comfort.

Plants
Once the planting beds have been marked out, your choice of suitable flowers, shrubs and trees will depend on their maintenance requirements, the beds’ exposure to sun or liability to dampness and, of course, on your own horticultural favourites.

Lighting
Outdoor lighting is essential to make your property safe as well as to highlight the yard’s focal points. The basic lighting you install when the electrics are being done can be supplemented by solar landscape lights or other auxiliary mood lighting to add to the enchantment of your outdoor evenings.

Furniture
Relaxation or dining areas will need furniture to seat all users comfortably. Choose plush cushions and match fabrics for visual appeal.

Accessories
A few assorted and practical accessories will give a personal flourish to your outdoor decor. What could be more pleasant than to sit down at a table decorated imaginatively with sunny dishware and placemats? Cushions to sink into in the relaxation area will invite indulgence. A few pots spilling colourful flowers and a foaming trellis will move the mood outdoors. Go with your creative instincts and have fun moving into your backyard this summer!