Interlock Archives - Oaks Home Services

Creating a Dream Backyard: Why You Need a Landscape Designer

Everyone fantasizes about that perfect backyard-one that’s ideal for relaxing and entertaining. But it will take much more than a couple of potted plants and a patio set to make your ordinary lawn your perfect little piece of heaven. If you are looking for an exceptionally unique outdoor space reflecting beauty, functionality, and lasting value, you surely need professional help from a landscape designer. That’s where Oaks Home Services comes into play.

At Oaks Home Services, we are a premium landscaping company serving Toronto and the GTA. For over ten years, we have helped bring our homeowners’ outdoor visions to life. From custom-designed patios to luscious garden landscapes, every detail will be taken care of to make sure that your backyard not only looks fantastic but also works with your lifestyle. Our landscape designers balance artful solutions with practical experience to avoid expensive mistakes and help your space become a long-term investment in beauty and value.

The Benefits of Hiring a Landscape Designer

Before you grab your shovel and start digging, consider how a landscape designer can transform your backyard into the envy of the neighbourhood. It is much more than just beautification; it’s about creating a functional space that you will be able to enjoy for years to come. Let’s discuss exactly why working with a designer—especially one from Oaks Home Services—makes all the difference.

Expertise and Vision

With Oaks Home Services, our designers have the experience and creative eye to turn your rough ideas into a cohesive, breathtaking design. Whether you need help with a sloped yard, help integrating a water feature, or figuring out where to begin, we can bring your vision alive and work out any tricky landscaping you may face along the way.

Customization To Fit Your Lifestyle

We believe every homeowner is different, and no two backyards should be the same. That’s why our landscape designers take the time to learn about your lifestyle and how you want to use your outdoor space. Whether it’s fulfilling your dream of a family-friendly garden, a sleek modern patio, or even a backyard built for entertaining, we customize each project to fit your needs.

The Planning Process: It’s More Than Just Planting

Designing your dream backyard means more than just throwing together a few plants and pathways. A professional landscape designer knows how to combine natural elements with appropriate materials to create a cohesive and functional space.

Maximizing Your Space

No matter how big or how your outdoor space is laid out, our designers know just how to make every square foot count. Have a small yard? We’ll optimize it with vertical gardens and smart design elements. Have a large property? We’ll create distinct areas that meld together in beauty, creating an expanse of space that feels both open and inviting.

Choosing the Right Materials

Trying to choose from so many different materials can be overwhelming, but Oaks Home Services will gladly walk you through it. We know just the right materials that work best for Toronto’s climate and make sure the stones, wood, or plants we use are beautiful yet resilient. From elegant stone patios to custom-made wooden pergolas, among other things, we have got you covered.

Blending Natural Elements

At Oaks Home Services, we are great at incorporating natural elements already in your yard. Whether preserving mature trees, working around existing slopes, or maximizing natural sunlight, we make sure that your landscape feels like it has been there all along.

What Can Oaks Home Services Create for You?

Oaks Home Services landscape professionals are much more than a plant selection company. We make sure that all of the elements in your outdoor space are creatively designed and skillfully installed. Here’s just a look at what we can create for you:

Interlocking Driveways: a stylish, durable way to greatly help with curb appeal.
Retaining Walls: many are functional while also having beautiful features.
Water Features: from fountains to ponds, or waterfalls, adding water brings tranquility to your space.
Lighting: The use of accent lighting will make your backyard magical after dark.

Seating Areas: From intimate fire pits to formal dining areas, no outdoor entertaining space is complete without seating.

Why DIY Isn’t The Best Idea

It’s tempting to try your hand at backyard projects yourself. After all, how hard can planting a few flowers be, right? But before you hit the hardware store, consider these reasons why DIY may not be the most cost-effective-or aesthetically pleasing-route.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Poor grading, inadequate drainage, and improper plant selection will lead to some pretty costly problems later on. Professional landscape designers avoid these potential pitfalls, saving you from future costly repairs in return.

Long-term Value

While DIY appears cheaper up front, hiring a designer adds long-term value to your property. A professionally designed and installed landscape will add to the resale value of your home and ensure everything holds up over time.

Why Hire Oaks Home Services To Transform Your Backyard

If you are ready to turn your backyard dreams into reality, look no further than Oaks Home Services. As one of the leading landscaping companies in Toronto and the GTA, we offer expertise, precision, and unparalleled craftsmanship in every project. We work in tandem with you right from the very start to ensure that your backyard is not only attractive but also meets your specific needs.

Why Choose Us?

Attention to Detail: We don’t miss a thing. Every plant, stone, and fixture is installed with care and precision.
Skilled Craftsmanship: Our staff is proficient in all areas of exterior works to make certain your backyard is built to last.
Custom Designs: No cookie-cutter solutions here; each design is personalized with your vision.

Ready to Create Your Dream Backyard?

We feel that every homeowner is entitled to a backyard that’s as beautiful as it is functional. Let Oaks Home Services take a single step further to transform your outdoors into your dream backyard. Be it an interlocking driveway, a serene water feature, or simply renovating your patio, our landscape designers are here to convert your dream into reality. With over a decade of landscaping experience throughout Toronto and the GTA, you can rely on us for quality craftsmanship for every job!

Contact Us For a Free Estimate!

Why Driveway Interlocking is Ideal for Harsh Canadian Winters

During winter, Canadian driveways can become a battleground of snow, ice, and wear and tear. If you’ve had enough of traditional driveways’ routine maintenance and questionable performance, now is the time to think about driveway interlocking and the many benefits that give your home pretty much everything it needs.

Oaks Home Services can help you get started today with a consultation. See how our professional team can interlock your driveway with elegance and durability. Let’s take a look at what makes interlocking an excellent choice for your driveway and how it can transform your basic driveway into a magnificently attractive one.

The Winter-Worthy Benefits of Driveway Interlocking

It’s not all about the aesthetic view it presents but a practical way to get through the freezing cold in Canada. Here’s why driveway interlocking works best for our harsh Canadian winters:

Durable Under the Freeze

The interlocking pavers are designed to withstand the freeze-thaw cycle that Canadian winters usher in. Unlike asphalt, which cracks and deteriorates, interlocking pavers are elastic, shifting to the changes in weather to reduce the chances of damage and keep the driveway spotless.

Improved Traction

A driveway is hazardous when it is covered in ice and snow. In terms of traction, interlocking driveways have proven to be much better than their forerunners, asphalt or concrete surfaces. Their textured faces can provide a much better grip, hence making your driveway a far safer place during snowy conditions.

Easy Snow Removal

Snow removal on an interlocking driveway is easy. This is because, in most instances, the pavers are easier to clear than those of asphalt since snow tends to get stuck in the cracks of asphalt so easily.

Low Maintenance

The maintenance of interlocking pavers is very low. Unlike asphalt, which often needs resealing and repairs, interlocking pavers avoid stains and damage altogether. On those rare occasions when there may be a problem, you can simply replace the problematic paver.

Giving Your Driveway a Makeover to Perfection

Selecting driveway interlocking will cover not only practical but also elegant solutions for your house:

Custom Designs

With everything from colour, shape, and pattern, you have the ability to create a driveway for your home that ramps up the appeal. Ranging from classic to contemporary, interlocking pavers can be adapted to any design you may want.

Increased Curb Appeal

A great, well-designed interlocking driveway greatly improves the attractiveness of your property. The clean lines and sophisticated patterns add an air of sophistication, setting your home apart from those in your neighbourhood.

Increased Home Value

Besides aesthetic appeal, a well-crafted interlocking driveway will contribute value to your house. A very common association for buyers is that a well-maintained, attractive driveway is indicative of the overall quality of a home and shows well for resale.

Transform Your Driveway with Oaks Home Services

At Oaks Home Services, we install fantastic-looking and long-lasting interlocking driveways, custom-suited for Canadian winters. Our experienced contractors use the best-quality stone products with a limited 5-year labour warranty so that your driveway will look great and perform well through the season. We will help you select from materials to design what works best for your style and budget and make the upgrade process as seamless and affordable as possible.

Contact Us For a Free Estimate!

Maximizing Your Backyard Space with Interlocking Stone Patios and Walkways

Do you ever sit in your mediocre backyard and think about how you could make it your own personal oasis? Then you’re lucky you found us because we have the perfect solution for you: backyard interlocking. Adding interlocking patios and walkways to your backyard will easily make your home the favourite summer hangout spot amongst all your family and friends!

Interlocking stone patios are a key player in backyard design. These stones are durable, require low maintenance, and offer many design options. From small, intimate corners to large entertaining areas, you can design the space you’ve always dreamed of.

Are you ready to see what interlocking stones can do for your backyard? Read along with us as we show you. Soon, your backyard will be the place everyone wants to be!

The Art of Backyard Interlocking: Transforming Ordinary Spaces

Backyard interlocking has recently become a very popular design trend among homeowners in the GTA, and it’s no surprise why! This landscaping choice provides both functionality and beauty to your outdoor space. With interlocking, you can finally enjoy spending time in your home’s backyard every day!

Understanding the Allure of Interlock Patios

Now, you may be wondering what exactly interlock patios are. Simply, they are made up of carefully and strategically placed stones. Once completed, interlocking patios and walkways add beauty and functionality to your backyard. Want to know the best part? You can mix different stone colours and sizes to create an outdoor space that is unique to you!

The Advantages of Interlocking Pavers

There are many reasons why homeowners choose interlocking pavers for their backyards. The most important advantage is that these stones stay strong in our tough Canadian weather. As well, they offer many different design options, such as creating borders or patterns throughout. This means you can get as creative as you want and make your interlocking design unique to you.

Small Backyard, Big Impact: Clever Patio Ideas for Compact Spaces

As a homeowner, small backyards may seem like a challenge to personalize, but they offer a chance to be creative with design. Let’s take a look at how you can use interlocking stones to make the most of your outdoor space.

Choosing light-coloured interlocking stones can make your patio appear bigger than it is. Why does this happen? It reflects light, creating the illusion of more space. Now, what can you add to your new interlocking patio? In a 12′ x 12′ area, you can fit a cozy table and a barbecue. With a 20′ space, you’ve got room for both a dining area and a lounging spot!

It’s important to keep in mind that shape is important in small areas. Straight lines give a modern touch and help with organizing furniture, while curved designs look interesting but take up more space. Before you choose what design you want to go for, you need to think about what fits your style and needs best. Here are some tips to consider in your interlocking backyard design:

Use large pavers (2×2 feet) in a grid pattern
Fill gaps with pea gravel or river stones
Opt for modular pavers to create varied patterns
Choose a rectangular layout for versatile furniture arrangements

In small backyards, versatile features are a must. Here are a few things to consider if you have a small backyard: walls that can also be used as seats save space, folding chairs and café tables give you more options, and adding catenary lights above creates a beautiful spot for socializing.

Remember, every inch matters in a small space. Your interlocking stone patio can make your backyard an oasis – it doesn’t matter its size, it can still be a wonderful outdoor space.

Custom Woodworking: Adding Warmth to Your Interlocking

Combining wood and stone features is magical in backyard projects. It creates a feeling of coziness and comfort. Let us teach you how custom woodworking can turn your stone patio into an inviting spot.

Benches and Planters: Personalizing Your Patio

Think of a handcrafted bench against your stone wall. It feels inviting, right? Now, imagine custom planters overflowing with greenery, and bright, beautiful wood against cool stones. These unique pieces share your story and make your patio extra special.

Integrating Wood and Stone in Your Design

Mixing wood and stone is key, like wine and cheese. A pergola offers height and drama, while custom bars make outdoor parties memorable. Don’t forget the most important aspect: clever storage options keep everything neat and tidy.

Exciting woodworking ideas to consider adding to your backyard design:

Tables made from old barn wood with tales to tell
Benches with living edges, fitting your garden’s flow
Privacy wooden screens that help plants grow
Fire pit seating for cozy gatherings

Adding these touches means we’re not just making patios; we’re creating outdoor rooms that feel like home, connecting indoors with nature’s beauty. Let’s warm up your outdoor space with custom woodwork!

Covered Patios: Extending Your Outdoor Enjoyment Year-Round

We all love having a beautiful backyard, but sometimes our Canadian weather doesn’t cooperate. Covered patios are the perfect option for making your yard enjoyable every day. Imagine sitting outside, sipping on your favourite drink and reading a book, watching and listening to the peaceful rain falling. It’s truly a dreamy scene.

Covered patios are essential for every season. Why? Well, they protect you from the sun’s heat, keep you dry from surprise summer rain, and make fall mornings cozy to enjoy your coffee. It’s almost like adding a new room to your home, without any walls!

Pairing a patio covering with your interlocking patio is a fantastic design idea. This combination is not only stylish but also very durable and functional. It will become a place you want to spend time enjoying every single day!

A covered patio brings endless design ideas:

Hang string lights for a warm evening vibe
Add comfy seats and tables to enjoy drinks and treats
Put a fire pit for warmth on cold nights

With a covered patio, your backyard is ready for you all year. It’s a great way to enjoy outdoor living, no matter the weather!

Multi-Functional Design: Maximizing Your Outdoor Living Area

Combining a wooden deck and an interlocking patio is a great way to create an amazing backyard. This combo allows for many outdoor activities and merges the benefits of both elevated and ground levels, giving you a large space for various uses.

With a deck-patio combination, you can set up different areas for various activities. For example, the deck can have a dining space or a lounge set to relax, while the patio below could have an outdoor kitchen or a fire pit. This combo also allows for creative designs using interlocking.

Some tips to get the most out of your combo:

Use composite decking as it’s easy to maintain and long-lasting
Consider cable rails for a sleek, open view from the deck
Include a fire pit to make the stone patio a central spot

This setup allows you to enjoy the outdoors all year. The deck provides you with great views, and the patio is perfect for gatherings with friends and family. By bringing these spaces together, you get a functional backyard that looks beautiful.

Choosing the Right Interlocking Stones for Your Project

Selecting the perfect interlocking stones for your backyard is on of the most exciting parts! There are many options to help you create your dream outdoor area. From concrete to natural stone, each has its own benefits for your project.

Concrete pavers are a great choice because they’re affordable and last long, and they are available in many styles, from modern to traditional. Natural stone pavers, although more expensive, bring an elegant feel to patios and paths.

When choosing stones, think about the space’s use and design. Think about colours, sizes, and textures that will work best with your vision. It’s wise to get advice from our expert team at Oaks. We can guide you through the choices, helping design the best interlocking space!

Designing with Curves: Creating Flow in Your Backyard Space

At Oaks, we love designing beautiful backyards that flow naturally. Adding curves to your outdoor space can create a feeling of movement. This is great for making any size area inviting. We’ll show you how to soften your landscape and lead visitors through your garden using curves.

Why are curves great in outdoor design? Curved edges in your backyard mix man-made features with nature and help make your space feel welcome. To achieve this, you can add rounded raised flower beds or curved seating to your backyard. These features not only look good but also use space wisely in small yards.

Winding Walkways: Guiding the Eye Through Your Garden

Winding paths are a great way to guide guests through your outdoor space. Creating gentle curves will also help to make your garden seem bigger. You can then add plants along these paths to add beauty to your garden and make it feel unified.

With a good plan and help from the team at Oaks Home Services, you can create a functional and beautiful outdoor area. Remember, curves can make your backyard more inviting and interesting!

Ready to Create Your Interlocking Backyard?

If you’re ready to transform your current boring backyard into an exciting hangout spot, then get in touch with us. At Oaks, we’re your trusted local interlocking contractors who can bring your vision to life. So don’t wait! Reach out today and let’s get started on creating your dream backyard.

Contact Us For a Free Estimate!

Design Trends for Interlocking Driveways in Vaughan: What’s Hot in 2023

Interlocking driveways have become increasingly popular for homeowners in Vaughan, as they provide an aesthetically pleasing and durable option for paving their driveways. With spring of 2023 just around the corner, it’s worth looking at some of the design trends expected to be popular in interlocking driveways.

Natural Stone Look

Creating a natural stone look is expected to be a trend in 2023. This look can be achieved by using interlocking pavers that resemble natural stone. With a wide range of colours and styles available, it’s easy to create a unique and custom look for your driveway.

Large Format Pavers

Another trend that is expected to gain popularity in 2023 is the use of large format pavers. These larger pavers create a sleek and modern look, with fewer seams and joints. They can also help to make a small driveway look larger.

Mixed Materials

Mixing materials is another trend that is likely to continue in 2023. Homeowners are combining different types of interlocking pavers to create unique designs and patterns. For example, combining concrete pavers with natural stone pavers can create a stunning visual effect.

Bold Colours

Bold colours are set to be popular in 2023. Homeowners are no longer afraid to add a pop of colour to their driveway designs. Vibrant blues, greens, and yellows are all expected to be popular choices.

Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns are another trend that is set to be popular in 2023. From hexagonal pavers to diamond shapes, these designs can create a unique and eye-catching driveway.

Permeable Pavers

Permeable pavers are a growing trend in interlocking driveways. They allow water to drain through them, which can help to reduce the risk of flooding and water damage. These pavers are also environmentally friendly, as they help to prevent rainwater runoff from polluting local waterways.

Minimalist Designs

Minimalist designs are expected to be popular in 2023. Simple patterns, neutral colours, and clean lines are all elements of this trend. This design style is perfect for homeowners who want a modern and minimalist look for their driveway.

If you’re looking to update or install an interlocking driveway in Vaughan, consider working with Oaks Home Services. Our team of experts can help you choose the perfect design trend to fit your style and budget. With years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to install a high-quality interlocking driveway that will last for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward creating your dream driveway.

Preserving and Maintaining Your Interlocking and Flagstone

How Do I Ensure My Interlocking and Flagstone Stay Looking Beautiful?

Oaks Home Services has hundreds of satisfied clients all over the GTA. If you are lucky enough to have flagstone or interlocking stone from Oaks Home Services on your property, congratulations to you.

When it comes to preserving your interlocking flagstone, there are a few key things to keep in mind. You should seal your flagstone on a yearly basis to protect it from moisture and stains. If you live in an area like Canada that experiences freezing temperatures, be sure to take measures to prevent your flagstone from cracking or breaking by using de-icing products and/or covering it with a tarp or other protective material when the weather is bad.

You have a beautiful and unique space that should last for many years with the proper care. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep your flagstone or interlocking stone looking its best:

Sweep regularly to remove dirt, debris, and leaves to prevent buildup and damage.
Use a hose with a gentle nozzle sprayer attachment to clean the surface. avoid using a pressure or power washer, as this can skin a layer right off of the stone and significantly damage it.

Canada tends to have some snow, in that case, use a plastic shovel to remove snow from the surface. As metal shovels have the ability to scratch the stone.
In cases where moss or algae is present, mix up a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and scrub the surface with a brush. rinse well with clean water afterwards.

Stains can be left from leaves and other natural debris, when this occurs you can use a mild detergent or soap and a stiff brush to clean them. always rinse the surface well afterwards.
If you are experiencing tougher stains, such as oil or grease, you can use a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate (tsp) and water. scrub the surface with a brush and rinse well afterwards.

For rust stains, mix up a paste of oxalic acid crystals and water and apply it to the stain. let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing well.
Cracks and chips are commonplace issues for all types of interlocking stone over time, epoxy resin is the perfect solution to fill in the holes and cracks.

Following these simple steps will help protect, preserve and maintain all types of interlocking surfaces and flagstone hardscapes. Oaks Home Services is committed to helping all homeowners get the absolute most out of every inch of their place.

Different Types of Stone Commonly Used for Residential Interlocking

What Type of Interlocking Stone Do I Need For My Home?

Interlocking hardscapes can be constructed with many different types of stone. Granite is a popular choice because it is highly durable and strong. Other popular choices are limestone, sandstone, and slate.

In interlocking design, granite is a very popular choice because it is so strong and durable. In addition to being a highly attractive material, granite can also add value to your home. Nevertheless, granite can be quite expensive, and it can crack in freezing temperatures, so it is not always the best choice for homes in cold climates

For interlocking projects, limestone is another popular choice. It has a beautiful natural colour and is less expensive than granite. In addition to being extremely strong and durable, limestone is also extremely easy to clean and maintain. It can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Usually, you simply need to sweep it or hose it down to keep it clean. The affordability of limestone makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

As a result of its durability, weather resistance, and affordability, sandstone has become a popular choice for interlocking. Sandstone also comes in a wide variety of colours and styles, making it possible to find the perfect match for your home’s unique aesthetic. The porous nature of sandstone means that it is susceptible to external elements and stains easily.

Interlocking stone with slate is a beautiful and unique option. It is extremely durable and strong, but it can be quite costly. Slate is available in a variety of colours, making it an excellent choice for many different design schemes. If you live in an area where it rains or snows a lot, slate may not be the best choice since it can be very slippery when wet.

Interlocking designs around your property will enhance the curb appeal and value of your property, as well as the form, functionality, and design of your home. In addition to our years of experience sourcing and installing interlocking stone, Oaks Home Services has experts who have first-hand knowledge of all different types and kinds of interlocking stone, as well as what type of stone will work best for your property.

So now you know the different types of Interlocking stone that are most commonly used in residential interlocking projects. Our professional interlocking experts have experience installing every type of stone listed above and know which stone will work best with your backyard space.

We can help you find the best option for you and your interlocking. Looking for some inspiration? Check out some of our previous backyard design galleries. Ready to get started with your projected vision? Contact Oaks Home Services.

How To Install Interlocking Stone Pavement The Right Way

Your driveway must be able to withstand any kind of wear. Good composition of different materials means that the entrance is not deformed over time. As you are building a new driveway from scratch, it is important that you take into account its function, the house’s façade, the environment around and not least for your own taste and taste. The diligence and accuracy with which the work is performed is one of the most important parts when constructing a driveway, and at our company you will find a wide range of different materials available.

Constructing durable interlock driveway: Toronto experts dish their secrets

Ensuring that your interlocking driveway stays strong and looks sparkling new as years go by starts with hiring the right team of professionals to lay it. Making the interlocking driveway surface strong and durable requires skillful performance. The work is divided into different parts.

Preliminary work – measure and mark
Leveling
Laying the edges
Laying the basis
Paving
Creating a stylish finish

If the outdoor flooring is designed for patios, terraces, arcades, driveways or even walkways in the garden, it is important to choose a material in harmony with the style of the interiors. Continuity is important in general for all external areas: especially if the spaces are not large, it is good to avoid the use of completely different materials or in any case different finishes (for example for the pool side different from the pedestrian path that reaches it). When choosing the material it is necessary to take into account the climatic conditions: in an area with a high risk of frost, it will be necessary to orientate on tiles with high resistance, while in areas with frequent rainfall it will be more suitable for outdoor coatings with low water absorption. These specifications, such as for example the resistance to slipping and the resistance to bending or the visibility of the fingerprints, are also indicated with intuitive pictograms on the technical data sheets and in the product catalogs.

Failproof instructions for laying pavers

Before buying the materials and proceeding with the work, it is essential to carry out a survey of the area and a preliminary outline of what will have to be done. An important precaution in the preparation of the pavement is to create a slight slope in the opposite direction with respect to the walls of the dwelling, equal to at least 2%, to allow the drainage of rainwater and avoid stagnation. To make your future work easier, create the edges of the area to be paved, possibly using bricks or square stones.

Here are our tips to perform the laying of the lining properly, depending on whether it is on sand, grass or gravel, the latter indicated for large surfaces, for laying with joints of reduced width or without grass. In the case of elevated laying (on terraces or practicable floors) it is possible to realize a raised floor level, but able to allow the evacuation of rainwater.

Level and compact the surface and remove any raised elements (stones or raised roots). In the case of grass, it is possible to prepare a special substrate. Excavation is carried out in depth (approximately 10-12 inches) and is filled with gravel (grain size 3/4 inches) or sand to be compacted before dry laying.
The stoneware elements are placed side by side, leaving 1/8-1/4 joints. In the case of turf, the aesthetic result will be enhanced by the growth of grass at the joints. The result will be of good duration but subject to the movements of the ground.
Dig the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches in dry climates and with draining soil, or higher in cold or rainy climates. Compact the bottom of the excavation and make sure it is slightly sloping. Laying a layer of non-woven fabric is recommended. Position and compact a layer of gravel (grain size 3/4 inches). Overlap and compact a layer of fine gravel (grain size 1/4 inches) to make it easier to level the surface.
Check the flatness of the surface with a straight edge. It is advisable to leave a slope of at least 2% to ensure the flow of water from the floor.
Install the stoneware elements, leaving joints of at least 2 millimeters. When laying, spacers can be used that are usually applied for laying tiles.
After checking the flatness of the floor with the straight edge and possibly using a rubber hammer to correct small differences in level, fill the joints with very fine sand (grain size 0-3 mm) or with fine sand with added polymers.
After making the floor and its slopes, install the waterproofing sheath.
The number of supports required varies according to the format and the geometric characteristics of the environment in which it is installed. It is advisable to follow the instructions for the provision provided by the manufacturer. In the case of laying near a wall, cut the base of the supports with a hose or hacksaw, without damaging the central circular part. During installation, adjust each support to obtain a planar floor. If necessary, use slope correctors.

Essential Tips For Maintaining Your Interlock Driveway, Walkway Or Patio

Properly constructed interlocking driveway is an area that you can enjoy for many years. The surface is largely maintenance-free, but like with everything that is outdoors, there is a gradual soiling through pollution caused from air and traffic. In order to keep your pavers in good condition, here are some tips and care instructions.

Interlocking driveway in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and other Ontario cities: how practical is it?

It is practical and aesthetically rewarding to use interlocking stones to construct driveways, not only because they look better, but because of their durability that spans up to 4 decades, which is a total win if we take into consideration the contrasting temperatures of Ontario. The stone pavers are easy to lay and are available in different sizes and designs so that you can easily create your own practical and personalized driveway – and don’t have any trouble in upkeeping it. It is nevertheless essential to observe several simple rules to prolong the longevity of your interlocking driveway – today, the experts in tiling works dish their secrets on how to use your sophisticated stone paver driveway in a way that will spare you the trouble of renovating it in years to come!

Practical maintenance tips for interlock driveways, patios and walkways

Cleaning

Dirt caused by air and traffic pollution is easiest to remove with water and broom. At harder coating add detergent.

Filling joints

The joint is an essential part of the ground stone and it is important that it is filled for the entire period of use in order to the surface should not become unstable. A good and well-stocked joint makes it also harder for weeds to get attached. Weather and wind can remove some of the joint material, this is why it may be necessary to supplement joint sand (recommended grain size 0-2 mm).

Moss, mushrooms, algae

On terraces, interlocking walkways and driveways, the stone may in some cases get a coating of algae, fungi or moss. If necessary, the coating can be removed by 10% ammonia solution, weed poison, 1: 1 chlorine solution or a specific formula.

Oil

Oil stains can be removed with scouring agents and hot water. Different types of degreasing are also good. Fresh oil stains are sucked up with paper, cloth or sawdust. Oil does not damage the stone.

Paint

To soak up paint based on solvent, a cloth is used, then the surface is covered with sawdust in approx. 1 day. Water-based paint is also taken up with a soaked cloth, but then the surface is washed clean with water.

Rust spots

Rust stain spots can be removed with brush washing.

Efflorescence

Lime precipitation may occur, but is not compulsory. It does not impair the product’s durability but is a natural part of the concrete’s curing process. As a rule, the precipitates are torn off after one time. In severe attacks, hydrochloric acid (mixture 1: 5) used with subsequent washing. Care should be taken near vegetation.

Winter Maintenance

Winter and snow are not only about sparkling landscapes and hot chocolate. It is also associated with ice, both visible and hidden, but always to the bother whether it’s lurking in the garden path where you go or the road where you drive. Salting is a popular method. The result is often good but it is a method which is not particularly gentle on the surface it is lying on and the environment around. As an alternative, you can:

Do not use salt on the ground or flat surface; corrosion damage to the concrete surface can occur with more porous and more fragile stones / pavers. Especially newly made concrete products are extra sensitive to salt. Instead, scoop off the snow and sand or alternatively then grind the surface to get a better grip.
Rinse surfaces where cars are often parked, especially if they are in one place every day. The snow mud in the wheel arches often contains concentrated amounts of salt which over time wear out on the concrete surface.

Weeds

In order to combat possible weeds, in addition to weed can, several methods are used. On smaller surfaces, mechanical cleaning is a good and effective alternative. Another environmentally friendly method suitable for larger areas is burning with LPG. Excessive use, however, can damage the surface.

Category: Interlock