Custom outdoor living spaces built to last
Our construction process is what sets us apart from other landscape contractors in Ottawa. We’re constantly learning new, innovative construction techniques and build each project with the goal to last a lifetime!
The "standard" interlock construction process:
Dig 12"
Fill it full of gravel, and pack it really hard
Do a final grade with stone dust
Put down the pavers and sand
Pack up the truck and on to the next one
“The way we’ve always done it” doesn’t cut it anymore…
Here’s a look at OUR unique landscape and hardscape construction process
Excavation
We don't just dig an arbitrary 12" depth, we dig based on soil conditions. During traditional aggregate base construction we excavate to remove "loam" soil, as it is unpredictable in both bearing ability and compaction. As well, loam soil contains organic material which can decompose over time, leaving voids beneath the base. As a rule of thumb, in Ottawa, loam soil is approximately 12" deep. This is where the standard "12 inch base" comes from, but is not ALWAYS the case when excavating for interlocking pavements.
The base is excavated using a laser level to reflect the finished grade of the interlock pavers. This ensures your landscape will react uniformly during freeze/thaw cycles.
Usually, if you're landscaping in Ottawa, once the loam soil is removed, clay is exposed. At this stage we perform a soil acidity test and/or various consistency tests to better understand the subgrade conditions.
From there, we use that data to reinforce the subgrade. Employing hydrated lime or incorporating clear stone into the soil to increase bearing ability. This also determines what type of aggregate we use in the base construction process.
Base Construction
The entire excavation (sides & bottom) is wrapped in woven geotextile fabric. This is shingled away from the house, with overlap based on subgrade conditions. Excess geotextile is left higher than the sides of the excavation, which will be trimmed later. This ensures no soil is able to mix with the aggregate. It's not "landscaping fabric" for weed control.
If soil infiltration rates will allow, we prefer to use 3/4" Clear Gravel in our landscapes. Its many advantages include not holding moisture, making it more predictable during freeze/thaw cycles. It compacts more easily than traditional "Granular A" -3/4" Crushed Gravel, helping to speed along the interlocking paver construction process.
After backfilling and compacting the aggregate to within ~6" of the final grade, we install an exciting innovation in the landscape industry called "Biaxial Geogrid".
We then fill the the remainder with the same aggregate until we reach the tolerated heights for the setting bed and pavers.
Next up is the setting bed: if Clear Stone was used, a smaller 1/4" clear stone is used as the setting bed. This allows water to permeate and fine-tunes the grade for the paver installation. If Crushed Stone is used, a Washed Concrete Sand setting bed is installed over a further layer of geotextile fabric; this allows water to permeate away from the pavers and travel over the heavily compacted Crushed Stone base.
Water allowed to sit on the bottom of the interlock pavers will degrade their integrity over time. For this reason We Do NOT Use Stone Dust. Stone Dust is the waste collected during manufacturing of structural aggregates. It can be compacted to be hard like cement, but will trap water between itself and the paver.
Innovative Materials
There have been so many advancements in landscaping and geotechnical engineering technology that, "the way we've always done it," no longer cuts it. Ottawa experiences some of the most frequent freeze/thaw cycles and most extreme temperature differences of all the capital cities in the world. We're forced to be more innovative in our landscape construction than any other market. Interlocking Concrete Pavement, built to ICPI standards has an average life expectancy of 30-100 years.
GEOTEXTILE FABRIC
Commonly mistaken for "weed cloth" but actually has nothing to do with weed control at all!
Used to separate and stabilize dissimilar soils and aggregates, its main use is to prevent subgrade soil from mixing with the gravel above.
Most of the time when interlock installations fail, it happens from the underneath and the sides, as the gravel base migrates into the surrounding soil.
BIAXIAL GEOGRID
Our secret weapon for a base that lasts!
Originally innovated for railroad construction, geogrid structurally stabilizes aggregate bases and retaining walls.
It is becoming more and more commonly used within the landscaping industry, however, not all companies have gotten on board. We've stayed ahead of the curve and have several years experience installing this crucial new product.
GATORBASE
If you have a backyard with very tight access this is the product for you!
Synthetic base replicates the insulating value and weight distribution of a traditional interlock paver aggregate base.
Lots of backyards in the city of Ottawa can have very tight access. Gatorbase allows us to efficiently build a patio for a fraction of the cost when machine access is limited. Less excavation, less backfill, same beautiful interlock patio!
POLYMERIC & PERMEABLE JOINT FILL
Alliance G2 Polymeric sand is simply the best on the market. It becomes almost as rigid as the pavers themselves, and is rain safe within 15 minutes! No worries about high heels getting stuck in larger joints with certain interlock paver types.
The best part about a GOOD polymeric sand? NO WEEDS! When properly installed, polymeric sand makes your interlock virtually maintenance free!
The NEW Nitro semi-permeable joint infill is a great alternative to traditional polymeric sand that can be installed even in wet conditions and will harden much more than traditional sands. It’s a great upgrade in the appropriate installations!
Pavers
All of our paver manufacturers offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY on most of their products. We've chosen the best landscaping products, to build the best landscapes.
Each paver and slab is manufactured using compression-moulding technology, making it far denser and stronger than poured concrete.
We use only products that have colour all the way through, with the tightest tolerances, and strongest aggregates on the market.
Our paver craftsmanship is where the true difference becomes apparent.
We also offer HIGH DEFINITION face mix pavers - the top of the line in innovative paver manufacturing. These pavers have a smoother, less pitted surface, offer more vibrant colours, higher density and resistance to salt damage than even traditional pavers and they look absolutely gorgeous. Ask us about HD2 products to learn more!
RETAINING WALLS & STEPS
Like our pavers, all the wall block materials we use are top of the line. We choose them based on their structural engineering, practicality and ultimately what style best matches your home.
When structures are being built beside your home's foundation, we don't use the foundation as retention. Our step and raised structures are always built independently from the house, to avoid placing weight load on your home, and to make the structure even stronger.
We tie everything together with Biaxial Geogrid! If any part of the raised landscape wants to move or settle in any direction, it must pull the entire step with it!
Retaining walls are always backfilled with drainage stone and reinforced with Biaxial Geogrid.
CONCRETE OVERLAYS (POOL DECKS & STEPS)
Covering your existing concrete porch is a great way to complement the surrounding landscaping.
Improperly installed overlays risk damaging your home's foundation and masonry! Drainage, water permeation, and the concrete needing to "breathe" all are taken into consideration.
We cover the top, the front, the sides - the whole thing, not just the front and top. This makes the entire step cohesive with the surrounding landscaping.
All vertical surface veneer is installed with mortar - not a 2x4 and adhesive.
PERMEABLE PAVEMENT & INTERLOCK
We are proud to be one of the first contractors in Ottawa offering Permeable Asphalt & Interlock Paver Installations - the Green Pavement of the Future!
Permeable Interlock & Asphalt allow water to flow back into the ground, instead of into storm drains on the street.
Many municipalities have already adopted new zoning laws and incentives regarding pervious surfaces, including tax credits, and allowing larger homes to built on lots where permeable driveways are installed. Ottawa may soon begin adopting these new rules.
Landmarks & Features
Make the most of your entire property by adding unique outdoor features to compliment your landscape & create a complete outdoor living space.
Interlock pavers are our specialty, but there's so much more that can be done with your yard. Adding focal points and landmarks turn your Ottawa backyard into YOUR living space!
You may define your yard with a statuesque pergola or add a unique large boulder. Relax in an in-ground pool or enjoy the tranquility of a natural water feature. Illuminate your investment by adding landscape lighting and keep warm on chilly nights with a fire feature. Love to cook? An outdoor kitchen could be a great match. Cover up your existing concrete porch to create a cohesive landscape. While we're building, have you thought about drainage solutions? We can get rid of unsightly and annoying eavestrough extensions.
Whatever you love to do in your yard, we have a special feature for you!
Fire
Natural gas outdoor fire pits are a fantastic way to extend the season of enjoyment with your outdoor living space! Fire pits light up the night and provide warmth while you spend time with friends and family into autumn.
Water
Adding a splash of water to your outdoor living space brings a conversation piece that will provide the therapeutic sound of flowing water and attract butterflies and birds to your garden.
Light
Landscape lighting can enhance the look of an outdoor space and create an ambience to enjoy throughout the evening.
Wood
Whether you’re relaxing under a pergola or on a deck, we can build you a custom addition built using the highest quality materials.
Pools
Gather your friends and family and make memories with your very own in-ground pool. Lounge while the kids play, and enjoy the benefits of health and relaxation.
Kitchen
The comfort of your kitchen, the beauty of outdoors. Options are endless when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen - from integrated BBQ’s to fridges, we can do it all!
Rocks
A decorative boulder can create a major focal point and offer distinction in water features and gardens. Available in a variety of materials and sizes.
Turf
Can't grow grass? Hate mowing? Want your very own putting green? This isn't your grandfather's artificial grass!
What are you waiting for?
Book your free consultation today and turn your dream outdoor living space into a reality!