Posts

Things to Consider When Constructing A Patio in New Jersey

NJ Patio Construction

Things to Consider When Constructing A Patio

Patio construction and installation is a daunting task, but most homeowners love having a patio in New Jersey. There are different ways of constructing a patio and if you want to obtain the best results, you should obtain the services of a patio expert. In some cases, the construction process is very simple in such a way that some homeowners can build a patio without much difficulty.

The first thing to consider in constructing a NJ patio is the condition of the area you are living in. Laying stone, brick and pavers is a common way of constructing patio – but stamped concrete patios are becoming the preferred choice among many homeowners. If you are planning on laying paver stones for a patio, first you need to consider how to properly level the ground so that the stones will sit firmly on the place. This is ideal for natural, rustic settings while allowing runoff water to drain.

On the other hand, if you do not have any idea about NJ patio construction the best thing to do is to hire the services of professionals who can do the job for you. The good thing about hiring a professional patio company is that you have nothing to worry about regarding the materials and tools needed to build a patio. As soon as you request their services and discuss with them what you want, they will bring everything during the agreed time of constructing the patio.

Likewise, our experts utilize a unique process of constructing the patio in New Jersey and they can do it step-by-step that is why you can expect for the best results. There is no need for you to supervise while they are doing the job because they know exactly what they are doing. Another thing to consider in hiring professional patio installation services is for the maintenance of the patio. Obviously, cracking and fissures can occur overtime – thus the need for maintenance. This can be distracting, especially if you do not have time to maintain a patio yourself.

Getting patio maintenance services can be a great help in maintaining the cleanliness of the patio so that the appearance will be preserved for years to come. Aside from repairing patio cracks, removing stains is another task in maintaining a patio in New Jersey. Otherwise, it will make the patio look untidy and dull. That is why as much as possible the stain should be removed while it is still fresh as it can be eliminated by scrubbing off with water and soap. However, if the stains are difficult to remove, then an expert’s patio maintenance service may be the best option.

Patio repair is needed in case the brick pavers sink, become loose or crack over time. If the homeowner is not handy, calling a NJ patio contractor ensures that the repair will be done properly. Repairing the concrete, bricks or the stone overlay involves a process that only patio experts can do without any hassle. Otherwise, if someone performs the patio repair who has no idea or skills of doing it, most likely the problem will not be resolved correctly.

Seeking professional patio installation services to construct a patio and resolving any other concerns is a good idea that every homeowner should consider. That is why if you are living in nearby areas of New Jersey you have nothing to worry about because you can easily find NJ patio contractor who can do the job well.

 

Wayne, NJ Pool Deck Resurface

This was a pool deck resurface that had a couple of very interesting challenges. This was a very old pool with fiberglass walls and a concrete bottom. The existing coping was a piece of rubber in a metal track which had begun to get loose. The first challenge was to create a cast in place coping that would hide that metal track once the rubber was removed. Once the coping was completed, we could then correct a couple of drainage issues on the pool deck. We also honored the existing expansion joints in the slab in a decorative way by creating a brick row lock. Another challenge to this job was how to deal with the area of the pool deck next to the wooden deck. There was existing curbing there that was several different heights. We decided to turn this area into a decorative accent by creating a seat wall faced with cultured stone. We poured a heavily reinforced wall in front of the existing curbs up to the bottom of the deck. We then capped the wall with our cast in place concrete tile in a color that would match the coping. Once that was complete we faced the wall with the cultured stone. All work was done in a weeks time and since there was no demolition involved, there was no disturbance to the existing landscape.

Lake Mohawk, Sparta NJ, Concrete Tile

Custom cast in place concrete tile is an alternative to many of the hardscaping options that are on the market today.  If your in the market for something decorative, typically your options are:  real stone- while very attractive, its also very expensive. Concrete Pavers- very natural, but unless done correctly, has many short comings, even when done correctly has many maintenance concerns. Stamped Concrete-Can be a durable solution if done correctly, but usually tries to mimic a natural look and has faux grout joints.  Our concrete tile can be another option and avoid many of the shortcomings related to these other products.  Through years of research in development, we have a product that marries features of all of these products.  Concrete tile is made to order right on site, meaning it is completely custom.  Also since it is made in place, we can guarantee that it will not delaminate.  Here is what the Concrete Network is saying about concrete tile – “When installing tile in your home, you’re no longer limited to run-of-the-mill factory-produced ceramic, porcelain, or vinyl floor tiles. A new budget friendly, versatile, and long-lasting alternative is precast concrete tile, custom made for your application. Concrete tile can be used just about anywhere, indoors or out, including floors, walls, fireplace surrounds, pools and patios, shower enclosures, countertops, backsplashes, and building façades. In many cases, concrete tile sizes, finishes, and colors can be customized to suit your design needs.” (Courtesy of the ConcreteNetwork.com)

Recently Completed Project

A few photos of our most recent project.

Concrete Over Wooden Deck: Discussion with the President of Concrete Network

How to Cover Over Old Wood Decks and Floors with Decorative Concrete

You will be intrigued just as I was by the concept of poured concrete over weathered wood decks and interior wooden floors that have settled unevenly in old houses. Think how much nicer these areas could look as long as they can be made structurally sound enough to handle the addtional weight.

Unique Concrete has been involved in this use of stamped concrete for several years. Most of the work in these areas have been retrofits which are more difficult to address than new construction. The process has worked so well that Unique Concrete would like to promote the concept more toward new decks and areas that could be designed from scratch to handle the additional weight. Then you could have the beauty of custom masonry in elevated areas over wood and in a cost effective manner.

Barry Fisher of Unique Concrete wrote me the following letter:

Hi Jim,

My sons and I would like to share a concept with you that could develop into another area for decorative concrete to expand. This concept involves placing an inch and a half of patterned concrete on the horizontal areas of wooden decks.

The process offers people another alternative for decks and promotes the lasting beauty of custom masonry. I have attached several before and after pictures of retrofits that we have been involved with recently.

The benefits for using concrete on the wear surface are numerous:

Besides the aesthetics, you now have something that is rot proof, insect proof, easy to maintain even in the harshest climates, and will retard the spread of fire.
On elevated decks, this decorative solid surface will provide you with a rain-free area underneath and if you choose to screen in your deck, it will aid you in creating an insect free environment.
Our oldest decks go back 20+ years, and there are no problems that I’m aware of.

Barry Fisher
Unique Concrete
www.uniqueconcretenj.com
uc@uniqueconcretenj.com