It is quite possible to build steps, curbs, and corners with retaining wall blocks that come in various lengths by using the very longest blocks for the lowest row, or foundation of blocks. Walls like this are easier to install than natural stone and do not require any mortar. Their top and bottom surfaces are flat to ensure easy and stable stacking while facilitating the creation of curves.
Images courtesy of Belgard Hardscapes

Outdoor living areas are quickly becoming a favorite upgrade for homeowners and businesses around the country, gaining ground on kitchen and bath renovations, because of the added value and comfort.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) predicts the demand for luxurious outdoor environments will continue to rise over the next 10 years because of the low swing in the housing market. Home and business owners are investing more in upgrades, rather than relocating, to capitalize on the investment and cut moving costs.

According to a House & Home Survey, 84 percent of Americans believe their home should be a comfortable and relaxing place to live and most homeowners are looking for upgrades to their current living space. The latest in hardscape projects is to install a water feature, whether it is a fountain, waterfall or even pool deck. Incorporating these into a green space adds beauty, serenity, and quiets the city and traffic noises. Water features are one of the most popular requests from clients of landscape architects and with only three percent of Americans owning a water feature, there is a high demand for installations.

It is important for pavers to be thoroughly tested. These tests should include measuring resistance to temperature extremes, effects of de-icing salts, product stability, consistency of mixture and load-bearing capacity, among many other characteristics. That way, they will provide years of protection in all climates.

?EUR??,,????'??The look of a water feature really imparts a unique thumbprint to any outdoor setting,?EUR??,,????'?? said Ken O?EUR??,,????'???Neill, vice president of Belgard Hardscapes, a leading U.S. manufacturer of pavers and retaining wall products. ?EUR??,,????'??Whether it?EUR??,,????'???s an addition to a patio floor or an expanded outdoor bar, these hardscapes give an air of sophistication and communion with the natural world.?EUR??,,????'??

?EUR??,,????'??We?EUR??,,????'???re seeing designers and homeowners incorporate paver and retaining wall products throughout their outdoor living environments.?EUR??,,????'?? said O?EUR??,,????'???Neill. ?EUR??,,????'??These products look very natural and blend with the surrounding environments to keep outdoor living natural and organic.?EUR??,,????'??

Pavers and retaining walls are the best way to get the natural, finished look that most clients are looking for without the installation hassle or cost of natural stone. They also provide long-term durability that rivals natural stone.

Stackable, mortar-less retaining wall blocks are a great option. They are easy to install, come in numerous colors and styles, and add practicality when used as a base for countertops, grill beds and/or fountain walls. They also enhance visual beauty and add comfort to outdoor spaces.

?EUR??,,????'??Whether it?EUR??,,????'???s an addition to a patio floor or an expanded outdoor bar, these hardscapes give an air of sophistication and communion with the natural world.?EUR??,,????'??

Celtik Retaining Walls?EUR??,,????'??+a modern interpretation of prehistoric celt stone?EUR??,,????'??+ are made from specially-designed and shaped modular concrete masonry units. These retaining walls contain an anchor pin that facilitates the construction of walls with a maximum height of 42 inches (1067 millimeters). This special pin system is designed to stabilize the overall structure and guide the installation of the modules as well as allow for the construction of walls with up to a nine degree setback. Modules are available with two different anchor pins?EUR??,,????'??+a general pin with blades, and a pin without blades for the construction of corners.

When designing the hardscape around a water feature, use a combination of natural stones placed around the feature to give the design a very natural look that mirrors an old world setting perfectly. Paving stones should be arranged according to the pattern chosen, with a 90 degree angle if possible. Some paving stones are manufactured with side spacers that set a gap of one-eighth of an inch (three millimeters) between each paver.

Interlocking concrete pavers are used to complement the retaining walls and to help blend the water feature into the surrounding environment. The concrete pavers can be a part of the waterfall itself by creating the different splash surfaces or building the patio around the feature. Pavers, with the endless shapes, styles and colors, add a versatile component to any hardscape and can be used in any design imagined. With a wide selection of colors, shapes and finishes, these products enhance any architectural style from Craftsman to Contemporary and Mission to Mediterranean.