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February 22, 2010

Build a Better Yard:Retaining Walls in Dallas

Filed under: Dallas Retaining Walls, Drainage, Retaining Walls, Services, retaining wall block, retaining walls in dallas — Tags: , , — Mike @ 2:48 pm

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If erosion and bad drainage are keeping you from enjoying your yard, look at how retaining walls in Dallas can solve the problems.

Retaining walls in Dallas make space more usable. When well designed and built properly, a yard will go from wasted space to soothing sanctuary in no time.

For gardening, retaining walls provide an opportunity to improve the soil quality as well as create ready-to-go terraced gardens. Give your yard a boost with the benefits of retaining walls in Dallas.

Soon the erosion will disappear and the water will flow right behind it. Then you can enjoy your yard again. Get free estimates for retaining walls in Dallas.

Beat the Heat with a Covered Deck in Dallas

Filed under: Covered Decks, Dallas Decks, Decks, Services, covered decks in dallas, dallas deck, dallas deck design — Tags: , , , , — Mike @ 2:29 pm

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To stay out of the sun while staying outside, install a covered deck in Dallas. With all of the benefits of fresh air and none of the dangers of sun burn, hanging out on a covered deck is always comfortable.

Covered decks can range in size, shape and structure. They can be temporary with a stand-alone frame or incorporated right into your deck or patio, with privacy screens and railing integrated throughout.

Roof structures can be solid and blend in with your home. They can also be made of anything from fabric to plexi-glass and offer similar protection from sun and precipitation. Pergolas and arbors create dappled shade and the perfect configuration for vines and climbing plants.

Get a covered deck in Dallas and stay outside – no matter the weather. Get a free estimate for a covered deck in Dallas today. dallas_arbors_patios

Are You Looking to Add Decks or Patios in Atlanta?

Filed under: Atlanta Decks, Atlanta Patio, Decks, Patio Installation, Pavestone, Services, atlanta covered decks, atlanta deck, atlanta deck design, atlanta patio covers, atlanta patios, covered decks in atlanta, decks in atlanta, patios in atlanta — Tags: , , , — Mike @ 2:12 pm

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Your entire Atlanta yard can be transformed this season. Adding decks or patios in Atlanta will expand your living space outside.

For the best design, optimum installation and worry-free service contact a deck and patio professional today.

Experienced staff will take your yard and family’s needs into account. A perfect design will create wonderful memories. Top of the line materials will last for years, looking as good in a decade as they do today.

Bring your ideas together with the expertise and industry knowledge of an Atlanta deck and patio professional. You won’t be disappointed. Contact us for a free Atlanta deck or patio estimate.

Atlanta Water Drainage Issues

Filed under: Atlanta Drainage, Dallas Drainage, Dallas Retaining Walls, Drainage, Retaining Walls, atlanta drainage systems, atlanta water drainage, drainage in Atlanta — Tags: , , , — Mike @ 2:02 pm

atlanta_water _drainage

Is soggy, wet grass stressing you out? It is beating down the health of your lawn and damaging your yard. Tackle Atlanta water drainage issues today with the advice of a professional Atlanta landscaper.

Combat bad drainage by taking a complete look at your yard. Things like aeration and top dressings can be done, but most times the problem needs a more extensive solution.

Your landscaper may recommend a permanent drainage system in Atlanta – above or below ground. They will likely install retaining walls to change the lay of the land and improve water flow. Retaining walls might also be needed to bring in better soil or hold back erosion.

For Atlanta water drainage issues bring in the ones who know. Hire a professional landscaper and get it fixed right. For Atlanta water drainage solutions get a free estimate from an EnhanceScape contractor.

Cover that Deck in Dallas

Filed under: Covered Decks, Dallas Arbors & Pergolas, Dallas Decks, Decks, Patio Covers, arbors & pergolas, covered decks in dallas, dallas deck, dallas deck design — Tags: , , , , — Mike @ 1:51 pm

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To make your deck in Dallas stand above the crowd, you need to look up. And build up.

Install a custom pergola or arbor and cover your deck in Dallas to provide shade. Pergolas are that perfect balance between blocking sunlight and still providing plenty of fresh air. Arbors give you those same benefits, but are generally installed in a more concentrated area – like over an entrance or stairway.

Vines and plants can be grown through or over the pergola or arbor slats. Screening can be added for more shade and sections can be covered with a more solid structure to block precipitation.

Add comfort and character to your yard and cover that deck in Dallas. It’s sure to stand above the rest.

Get a free estimate for covered decks, arbor and pergolas.

February 16, 2010

Outdoor Living Rooms

Filed under: Covered Decks, Landscaping/Outdoor, Outdoor Fireplaces, Patio Covers, Patio Installation, Pavestone, Services, Water Features — Tags: , , , , , , — Mike @ 2:49 pm

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Designating a space as an outdoor living room is a new concept in home design. Our Great-Grandmothers would offer a glass of lemonade “out on the porch”. Our Grandmothers would invite us to sit on the patio and we now entertain on our decks.

Residents of tropical islands have long accepted that space in their homes naturally flows from the inside to the outdoor space. It’s possible the current interest in outdoor living rooms was a logical response to increased popularity of outdoor kitchens.

As gas grills became commonplace, homeowners who loved to entertain replaced the standard outdoor picnic table with stylish patio sets and added a small refrigerator, counter space and perhaps a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to their patio area.

What could be better than adding a sitting area that feels like a real part of the home?
Furniture of bamboo, wicker, resin, redwood or teak began to replace the standard plastic chairs and lawn chairs previously found in outdoor seating areas.

Stylish lockers provided rain-proof storage for outdoor cushions and small tables are conveniently placed for drinks or snacks. Carpeting or rugs designed for outdoor use are available with designs that go far beyond the bright green and lurid blue of previous options. Advances in concrete allow floors of outdoor living room to look and feel like ceramic tile or stone.

Outdoor living areas are more than just a place to sit outside the house on a nice day. Properly designed, they provide a secluded and protected area to enjoy the sounds of a rainy day or stargaze on a chilly night. With comfortable furniture placements that encourage conversation, adjustable lighting and a blazing fire, this is truly a room for living outdoors.

The ultimate outdoor living rooms are perhaps those where the traffic of visitors can flow seamlessly from indoor to outdoor spaces. For those with spacious gardens or pool areas the outdoor living room may be a separate area for relaxing away from the house.

Though usually protected from sun and rain with a roof of some sort, the outdoor living room may be covered with an open pergola or a retractable awning. For ultimate privacy, hanging curtains of canvas or weather resistant fabric may be added to provide ‘walls’ and privacy to the space.

For those in southern states, the outdoor living room is rapidly becoming a large part of family life today. Sitting on a comfortable couch with a gas fireplace on chilly evenings, homeowners find the ultimate in relaxation in their own backyard.

February 9, 2010

Resolving Atlanta Drainage Issues

Filed under: Atlanta Drainage, atlanta drainage systems, atlanta water drainage, drainage in Atlanta — Tags: , , , — Mike @ 3:14 pm

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If you notice puddles, soggy grass or water pooling in the yard, you need to take action to resolve your Atlanta drainage issues. Good water drainage can be obtained with a professional assessment and a few simple steps.

In Atlanta, drainage can be an issue all year round. Be sure that rain water is flowing away from your home quickly and consistently. Otherwise your lawn will rot, your gardens won’t thrive and your yard will become a nesting ground for pests. Stagnant or standing water is especially dangerous, as is water draining against your home. The last thing you need is that water leaking into your basement or house and causing damage.

Contact an Atlanta drainage specialist to assess the problem. Often soil can become compacted over time from traffic – or the original soil was simply too heavy for good water drainage. Aeration and top dressings can be applied to attempt to fix those problems, but often more permanent solutions will need to be implemented as well.

French drainage systems are popular and don’t disturb your final landscaping design. A French drain consists of a slotted or perforated pipe that is surrounded by gravel and serves to collect water, carrying it away. These are especially helpful if water is draining back to your home as they can be installed along a foundation or near the base of your home, directing the water away and beyond the house. Once installed, French drains are covered with soil and sod so that they disappear from view.

Dry wells are another option. Essentially deep holes filled with gravel or larger rocks, dry wells direct water deep into the ground, past any compacted or heavy soil. They can be installed at the end of drainage pipes or eaves trough systems.

Trench drains or dry beds are also a popular and simple option for many Atlanta water drainage issues. They consist of trenches dug into your lawn that are filled with attractive stones and work to direct the water away. Often trench drains can be designed to compliment your landscape and gardens and help to lend an ordered appearance to your yard while maintaining good water drainage in Atlanta.

Whether your yard needs soil improvement or permanent drainage systems installed, your Atlanta drainage issues will be well looked after by a professional. That way you can enjoy healthy grass and gardens while protecting your home from water damage. Look after any water drainage issues right away and rest in these solutions.

Choosing a Pavestone Contractor in Dallas

Filed under: Dallas Pavestone, dallas paver, dallas paver stone, pavestone in dallas — Tags: , , — Mike @ 3:03 pm

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For optimum beauty with minimal fuss, contact a pavestone contractor in Dallas to enhance your yard. Pavestone patios come in any number of designs and finishes. Imagine the look of cobblestones without the bother and expense of their installation – Dallas pavers can achieve that easily. Inclined more towards a contemporary, linear look? That too can be obtained with paving stone. The sky is almost the limit with Dallas pavestone products.

While design is very important, professional installation is the key. The base of pavestone patios need to be prepared in the proper manner – including excavation, drainage and foundation. A qualified and experienced Dallas pavestone contractor will assess your yard and cover every preparation necessary. The finished paver project will last for decades with very little maintenance when a professional installation is done.

How do you choose the best pavestone contractor in Dallas? Start with referrals. This is often the best way to obtain names of qualified contractors – by asking those you trust and whose pavestone patios you admire. Ask about service, design and cost among other things.

Once you have contacted a pavestone contractor, expect them to visit your home and do an extensive consultation before they can give you an accurate quote on the job. Beware of contractors who simply hand out square footage prices without viewing your yard and conditions. Every home and every homeowner has unique needs and a Dallas pavestone professional should be willing to take the time to review them.

Ask each potential pavestone contractor for references and check them. Make sure that they are experienced and established, as well as have good insurance coverage and well trained employees. It doesn’t help to hire a Dallas paving stone company that has inexperienced installers.

Look at examples of their past work. Watch for things like finished quality, attention to detail and any unique design circumstances. Choose a contractor that has completed many different pavestone projects – the more sizes, shapes and finished looks they have tackled, the better they will be able to serve you.

Always ask about their warranty. While a well installed paving stone project should be virtually problem free afterwards, you will want to make sure the contractor is willing to stand behind their quality. Beware of those who ask for substantial payment up front or have a warranty that seems very limited.

Taking the time to properly choose a pavestone contractor in Dallas will result in a better quality, well designed yard for your family. An excellent job will deliver many years of enjoyment for you.

February 2, 2010

Transforming Your Home in Dallas – Dallas Patio Designs and Tips

Filed under: Dallas Patio, Dallas Pavestone, Landscaping/Outdoor, Patio Covers, Patio Installation, Pavestone, Services, dallas patio covers, dallas patios, dallas paver, dallas paver stone, patios in dallas, pavestone in dallas — Tags: , , , — Mike @ 5:14 pm

dallas_patios

To add character and function to your backyard, design and build a unique patio. With your family’s style, needs and space in mind, a professional contractor of patios in Dallas will truly take your yard from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Decide on the optimum patio size first. Take into consideration your grade, but don’t let that stifle your imagination. Often retaining walls can be incorporated into Dallas patio designs to add usable space in your yard. Looking for different levels of patios? Wide stone steps can direct traffic to and from various paved or stone areas in your yard.

Once you’ve decided on a basic size, consider materials. Are you looking for an old world style? Flagstone and bluestone look gorgeous and the odd shapes lend an aged look to even the newest patios. If contemporary is more your taste, there is an array of choices with interlocking patio stones that can be laid in almost any pattern. Mix and match colors to accentuate patterns and shapes. Think about having a complimentary border around your main patio – grey paver stones with a red stoned border for example. The combinations are almost limitless. Look at your brick or exterior finish to find a patio product that matches or compliments.
Think about the recreational activities your family partakes of in the backyard. Dallas patio designs can accommodate plenty of traffic, but the way your family uses the space should be taken into account. If you frequently entertain, a larger patio with space for the barbeque and even built in seating may be appropriate. A pool will become an intricate part of any patio design and can often dictate what type of materials and shape you end up with.

Experiment with shapes. Patios have the unique ability of being designed with a free flowing shape. Because they are laid onto the ground and not on a frame (such as a deck), patios can incorporate many different forms into one design. Have a rectangular spot for utility beside an oval or kidney shaped patio. Consider connecting circles into the edges of a square patio to provide interest and a geometric feel. Circular patterns can fit right into larger patio designs, as accents or as alcoves.

Remember that for ease of installation, curves should have a specific radius. That is, each curve should be a specific distance from one point – but various curves can be connected together to form a shape. Sweeping lines add a natural feeling to Dallas patio designs.

Take the time to dream and plan for a truly unique patio design. Consider seating and recreation needs, as well as shape, size and materials. For professional Dallas patio designs, contact the experienced staff at EnhanceScape to help you design and create the perfect patio project.

Installing Atlanta Patios Is a Job for the Professional

Filed under: Atlanta Patio, Landscaping/Outdoor, Patio Installation, Pavestone, Services, atlanta patio covers, atlanta patios, patios in atlanta — Tags: , , — Mike @ 5:06 pm

patios_in_atlanta

Many homeowners want the beauty and low maintenance that comes with a well laid patio. For a project that will look good long into the future, turn to the professional installers of Atlanta patios. Do the job the right way, the first time and enjoy your patio for decades.

Once you’ve chosen the size, shape and materials of your Atlanta patio, the real work can begin. Remember that in order for patios to look good for years they need a solid, well laid base or foundation. Often the foundation is a mixture of sand and cement, with a good gravel base for drainage. Limestone dust is available as well, but is generally used for smaller applications. The base acts as a mortar, holding the patio stones in place and allowing them to settle with stability.

If the base underneath your patio is not level, with proper thickness and mixture, your patio will end up heaving, popping and generally becoming unusable over time. The intent of a good patio is to create an even surface that does not allow weeds, small animals or even insects through. While it may not have quite the same strength or durability, think of it like an exterior floor.

Depending on the patio material, you may need grout applied between the stones. This can be sand, stone dust or even traditional mortar (in the case of brick paving projects). Without the proper application of this grout, your patio will end up being a mess and the weather will be able to wear it down faster. At times, a sealer is also applied over the stones (in the case of granite) and that should definitely be done by a professional.

With professionally built patios in Atlanta, incredible features can be incorporated right into your design. Outdoor kitchens, seating and retaining walls can all become part of the overall plan. This will ensure that your patio gives your yard optimum function and beauty. Homeowners may not have the equipment, time and expertise to do larger, more intricate patio projects properly. Build it all and build it right the first time with a professional.

Whether your Atlanta patio project is simple or involved, a design and build company can lend you expertise, advice and quality materials and workmanship. You will be able to leave the heavy lifting and sensitive placement to them, freeing your family up to truly enjoy the patio once completed. EnhanceScape’s experience with many unique Atlanta patios has made them a leader in the industry – put them to work and install the highest quality patio in your yard.

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