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3 Things You Need to Know Going Into Your New Landscaping Project

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Paver Walkways.

When planning a landscaping project, you don’t want to get started without having a plan. Without one, it can be more difficult to create the landscaping patterns that you want, and the end result can then appear clunky and mismatched. To prevent this, here are three things to keep in mind.

1. Map Your Yard

Firstly, you’ll want to come up with a general layout of your yard, including the areas that get the most and least sun exposure. This will be especially helpful when picking out the types of plants and flowers to plant in these areas. Consider which areas get full sun, partial sun, shade, or deep shade so that you can plan ahead accordingly. Knowing this can also make it easier to plot out the most comfortable areas to use as outdoor living spaces.

2. Link Your Areas

In order to get the most use out of your yard, you’re going to want to consider linking the various areas with pavers. Think of these different areas as rooms, and carefully plan the pathways between them. Pavers are one of the best ways to create pathways, and they can be lined with solar lights to make traversing them in low light much easier. In general, using pavers can make walking much safer, as you won’t have to worry about uneven terrain that could trip you up.

3. Pay Attention to Detail

Most landscaping projects can take between one and four weeks to complete on average, depending on the size of the yard and what is being done. This can give you plenty of time to work on fleshing out small details that can make a lot of difference. For example, you can consider how you’re going to layer your plants once you know which areas receive the best types of light, and you can implement unique plants or ornaments to highlight important areas. Little touches like this can be added as you go and tweaked depending on how your project is progressing.

If you are planning a landscaping project this year, consider these three things before you get started. However, also keep in mind that you mix up your plan as you progress with your landscaping. For example, you may realize that one specific plant would look better than another or that you should readjust your pavers. It’s good to leave yourself some wiggle room so that you have space to create the best possible landscape for your yard.

Can Pavers Be Painted?

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Paver Walkways.

Painting Pavers - Paver WalkwayBrick, cement, and concrete pavers are popular design elements in landscaping and outdoor areas. There are many unique uses for pavers in your yard, including sidewalks, seating areas, gardens and flowerbeds, and fire pits. Pavers start to look old over time and many homeowners decide that theirs need updating. A common question homeowners ask is: can pavers be painted? Your first thought might be that you need to repave the area, but instead, you can consider painting the pavers to save time and money. 

While many landscaping companies choose not to encourage painting pavers, there is no reason that this cannot be a viable way to add new life to your landscaping. We are here to help you determine if you can use the pavers that you already have by painting them. We will also determine if the pavers have been damaged and if they can be painted.

4 Steps to Paint Pavers 

Painting pavers can be intricate. Painters know the difficulty of adequately painting pavers, so they do not chip, peel, or lose saturation. 

Step #1 – Be Sure the Pavers are Clean 

The first step, before painting, is to pull all weeds and clean the area with dish soap and a scrub brush. This helps to remove stubborn stains and to ensure that no dirt remains on the pavers. Once scrubbed, rinse the pavers and allow them to dry completely. You can use many ways to paint brick pavers; to get some suggestions on this, check this article out.

Step #2 – Prep the Pavers 

After you clean and dry your pavers, the next step is to prep them. Use a concrete primer to prep the pavers, allowing them to dry completely after a concrete prime has been applied. This step is crucial to make sure that your paint lasts. Prepping the pavers, regardless of the construction material, is necessary to create the perfect surface for painting.

Step #3 – Paint the Pavers 

Choosing the right kind of paint is essential to have painted pavers that last for years to come. You must paint the pavers to last.  The first layer of paint should be a mixture of one-part turpentine and four-parts paint.  After that layer has dried, you can start with your first layer of paint. You will need to paint two or three layers before sealing.

Step #4 – Seal the Pavers 

The last step to having painted pavers that you can enjoy for years is to seal the pavers. All of the previously mentioned articles suggest that you use a concrete sealant and that you allow one layer to dry completely before doing a second layer. 

People Also Ask:

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Pavers? 

Choosing the right type of paint is essential for success with painting pavers. We will tell you the one that we use as it works best. It is imperative that you choose the right type of paint to avoid the need to scrape, re-clean, and re-paint the pavers. This is something that no homeowner wants to go through. Choosing acrylic cement paint is the best option as the paint has a strong finish and stands up to exposures well.

Can You Paint Brick Pavers? 

Brick Paver WalkwayMany people use brick pavers for convenience, affordability, and durability. Painting brick pavers can help them last longer and keep them looking fresh. The above steps are perfect for use with all types of pavers. 

Two Unique Ideas for Painting Pavers 

There are many projects and unique ways to paint pavers for use around our home. This allows you to paint pavers to create something special or update the look of your outdoor space, as these projects are creative and will make your space memorable. 

  • Create Unique and Functional Pathways with Stepping-Stones – Creating unique and functional pathways out of stepping-stones is one way to creatively utilize paint and pavers. One suggestion that we have is to change the stones out each month and to have fun and creative designs based on the month. For instance, we recommend snowflakes and snowmen for January and hearts for February. 
  • Set Apart Landscaping Features with Painted Pavers – Painted pavers are the perfect way to set aside landscaping features like firepits, flowerbeds, gardens, and fountains. Use the pavers to create a design or to highlight an area of your outdoor space. Also, use paint to help keep spaces separate.  

We are frequently asked, “Can pavers be painted?” We always say “Yes!” Painting pavers is a great way to breathe new life into worn-out areas around your home. You can update the outdoor spaces like patios, driveways, landscaping, and sidewalks with paint. Santa Rita Landscaping has been in the landscaping and landscape design business in Tucson and Southern Arizona since 1985. If you are interested in improving the aesthetic appeal and value of your home by adding new pavers or restoring them to their original glory, contact Santa Rita Landscaping for your FREE quote today!

Other timely, related articles you may enjoy:

Which Paver Type is Right for Your Landscape?

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Paver Walkways.

Pavers offer a beautiful, versatile, and low-maintenance solution when designing a new driveway or patio. Many homeowners are choosing paving stones when adding or replacing their existing driveways and patios. Here is an overview at some popular pavers used in Tucson for you to consider:

Seville-Catalina Pavers

These pavers are cleanly-shaped into square and rectangular shapes. Seville-Catalina pavers can also be laid in different patterns and are easily interlocked for easy installation. They come in a variety of natural colors that complement each other when paved together. This softly-textured paver provides a comfortable surface to drive or walk on.

MegaArbel Pavers

For the homeowner who loves the look of flagstone, these natural-looking pavers are a popular choice. Like flagstone, MegaArbel pavers come in a variety of irregular shapes and textures. MegaArbel pavers come in a few different colors and are easily interlocked to create a beautiful and cohesive-looking design for a driveway or patio.

Turfstone-Permeable Pavers

If you are looking for pavers for several different areas of their home, such as the driveway, patio, or a vehicle storage area, you should consider Turfstone-Permeable pavers.  These pavers are grey stones that allow for rainwater seepage and surrounding landscape to permeate the surface. These pavers are attractive and eco-friendly for the homeowners interested in incorporating greenery with their hardscape landscaping.

Non-Tumbled Catalina Valencia Pavers

Non-Tumbled Catalina Valencia pavers have rounded edges that provide a smoother look and give a patio or driveway a more cobblestone look than other pavers. Non-Tumbled Catalina Valencia pavers come in a variety of colors and can be laid into beautiful patterns that will add visual appeal to any area.

Trust the accomplished Tucson landscapers of Santa Rita Landscaping to help with the design and installation of pavers and other landscape features. We have over 30 years of experience serving the good people of Tucson, AZ, and that will always remain one of our priorities. Please call us at (520) 623-0421 to learn more about our pavers and other services.

3 Common Stone, Rock, and Paved Options for Landscape Paths

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Paver Walkways.

Installing paths, patios, and sitting areas using stone and rock allows you to get the most out of an outdoor space. Paths and paved areas are visually pleasing and offer opportunities to incorporate planting vignettes, water features, and outdoor lighting into your overall design.

Below are a few common rock and stone options for creating outdoor paths and walkways.

Flagstone

This is a durable, and easy to care for material that works with a variety of landscape designs. Flagstone pathways look very luxurious and feature small gaps between the naturally varying shapes and sizes of flat stones. Flagstone is good for use around water features and pool areas because it is less slippery than other types of stone. Choose from a range of colors including rose, deep reddish brown, chocolate, or lighter tan.

Travertine

Travertine comes in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a popular choice for patios and pathways. Natural, rough travertine is more appropriate for an outdoor space, because it will remain porous to water and be safer to walk on. Since travertine varies in toughness, check with your landscape design expert to find the best type of travertine for your outdoor needs.

Brick

Brick pathways and patios are affordable, classic, and easy to care for. Choose from a variety of hues including traditional deep red, lighter tan, and even blue gray. The rough surface of a brick path or patio makes it safe to walk on when wet.  Many homeowners opt to create patterned brick pathways or even mosaics to add extra interest to their garden or landscape.

Enhance your landscape with a new rock, paved, or stone pathway. Contact Santa Rita Landscaping to get started in planning your new design. You can reach us at (520) 623-0421 or learn more about our custom residential and commercial landscaping services on our website.