5 Excellent Materials for a Custom Stone Work for a Patio

Masonry in Toronto

Patios are essential home spaces for people to relax, unwind, and have fun. An advantage of having one at home is utilizing the area at the back of the house. Most people leave the back of their houses bare. Although it’s OK to leave some grass behind, establishing a solid space where people can do outdoor activities is an excellent option for people planning to sell their homes in the future.

Unlike porches, patios are structures standing on their own. They are not connected to the main structure of the house. Therefore, if any renovations are needed, the house’s structural integrity will not be compromised in any way. Although not required, patios may have overhead shades to protect people from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Although patios are located behind a house where it’s not the first thing people see, choosing the best materials to act as its flooring and foundation is essential. Since it’s an outdoor space, it’s necessary to select slip-proof materials to prevent accidents from happening. Here are some materials that are great for patios.

Concrete

Concrete is one of the most versatile materials in construction. It can be used to fuse blocks, pave walls, and even act as the patio’s floor. It’s also a time-tested material that only requires a combination of sand, water, cement, and gravel to make.

Aside from a bare concrete floor, the material can also serve as a base for various finishes such as smooth, stamped, brushed, scored, coloured, or tinted. It can also be decorated with inlays, painted, and surfaced with other materials such as pebbles.

Pavers

In the past, concrete pavers were only available in two colours—grey and off-pink squares. Today, they are available in more natural-looking colours and textures, fit for every house aesthetic possible. Because of their shape, pavers create a unique pattern on the ground. On top of the aesthetics, they are resistant to stains, durable, resistant to breakage, and easy to clean. Pavers are a no-brainer when it comes to the best materials for the patio.

Flagstone

Flagstone is a popular choice for patios and front areas due to its various colours and stones, depending on the quarry and where it’s from. They are large, flat slabs of rock usually an inch to three inches thick in irregular shapes. Flagstones are safe outdoors since they have a slightly roughened surface which provides good traction when wet.

Sandstone, limestone, bluestone, and quartzite are all types of flagstones. Remember that flagstones should be at least an inch and a half thick for patio floorings and should be laid directly on soil, bed, or sand. Thinner slabs can also be used, but they may be more fragile than the thicker ones.

Tiles

Standard tiles used in bathrooms may not be ideal materials for patio flooring. However, unglazed ceramic tiles may be a better choice. Porcelain, terracotta, and quarry ceramic tiles are types commonly used for patios.

Cut Stone

Also known as stone tile, the cut stone is similar to flagstone. Their only difference is the shape—flagstones are flat slabs while cut stones are cut into squares or rectangular shapes. Cut stones are often used in more formal applications because of their geometric form and layout. People can choose granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone, bluestone, phyllite, and sandstone. All are types of cut stone with varying designs and patterns on them.

Conclusion

Considered last on the list of places in a home to improve, patios are spaces easy to renovate and customize. Since materials are now available in various colours, designs, and patterns, it’s easier to customize patios without changing the house’s aesthetics. All it takes is a bit of matching the stones to the current house design, and it should be all good.

If you’re thinking of redoing your patio, now is a perfect time! Red Robin Masonry in Toronto offers stonework services for patios and walkways. We are also equipped to build entire walls for houses, buildings, and retaining walls, including parging. Our word is the foundation on which our company stands. Request a quote on our website, and let’s change the landscape of your patio—one brick at a time

A Flagship Design: Flagstone Patios and Their Benefits

Flagstone patios can be a wonder to look at, especially considering each flagstone’s designs, shapes, and colours. They are enough to catch your houseguests’ attention and serve as a conversation starter. In such a case, it is no wonder why many homeowners are requesting their most trusted contractor to add it to their yard.

Indeed, flagstone patios are a must-have for every home, especially if you want to upgrade your front yard from its dull-looking facade. Before you can even begin to call your mason to do all the outdoor renovation, there are a couple of things you need to know about it first. 

Depending on the following information, you may either proceed with the improvement of your facade or find a much better design choice that will match your preference. Either way, here’s a quick guide to follow:

 

What Is a Flagstone?

Flagstones are your average flat stones, cut into many different shapes and sizes, and are laid out as pavings for your walkways, patios, fences, and floorings, among other things. Depending on the materials used, the colour and texture of the flagstone may vary. It will all depend on your design choice and the aim of your overall renovation plan.

 

Should I Do It Myself or Should I Hire a Professional?

Each of these choices actually has its own pros and cons. On the one hand, you will be able to do all the work if you know what you are doing. You’ll also be saving money by doing it all by yourself. However, a lack of skill may very much compromise the final result of your DIY project, as inexperience may end in your flagstones fading sooner than expected. 

Hiring a mason will not only ensure that the work gets done fast, but it will also give you peace of mind, knowing that the end result will be flawless. Of course, you still have to instruct your mason contractor to follow all the design elements you have in mind, but even that task would be nothing compared to all the hard work that your mason will shape and lay out flagstone to your liking.

 

Are There Advantages to Having a Flagstone Patio?

Yes, there are actually quite a few that you should be aware of, especially if you are looking for inspiration for your design choices.

  • It Is Durable

You no longer have to worry about your heavy-footed guests ruining your floors. Flagstones are pretty durable because they are made of sedimentary rocks. No matter how many steps your guests or household would take on them, there will be no cracks or damage done.

  • It Is Pleasing to Look At

Because they are made of sedimentary rocks, they may exhibit various colours that will add a touch of beauty to your plain outdoor floors. Feel free to grow grass in between the gaps to complement the overall aesthetics of your yard.

  • It Gives Off That Natural Look

Nothing is ever artificial about a flagstone patio. Remember, the materials came from beneath, so it would only be right to place it near its place of origin—the ground. This is perfect if your patio is surrounded by flowers, as it even brings out the greens and shades of the flora.

 

Conclusion

 

Indeed, flagstone patios are a must-have for every household. Aside from the fact that you’ll be able to impress your guests with the add-on, it may also bring out the beauty of nature in your yard. Invest in a trusty professional to do it for you, or you may just do it all by yourself. Just make sure that you know how to maintain its condition for a very long time. Install a flagstone patio in your yard and enjoy its many benefits!

If you’re looking for expert contractors more than willing to manage the installation of your flagstone in Mississauga, Red Robin Masonry is ready to assist! We are equipped to build entire walls of houses or buildings, retaining walls, flagstone patios, and walkways, among others. Contact us now for more information!

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Why Brick Materials Are Still Best for Construction

Bricks have long been used as construction materials since ancient times, and they even date back to 7000 BC, making them one of the oldest construction materials. This is why you can still see ruins made out of bricks from the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and other civilizations erected up until now. Today, these materials are still widely used to build residential homes, commercial buildings, walkways and driveways, retaining walls, and so much more.

 

If you’re wondering why the bricks remain to be one of the best construction materials, here’s what you ought to know:

 

  1. Aesthetic appeal

 

There’s no denying that bricks exude a timeless appeal and classic beauty. Whether you plan to use these materials for an indoor or outdoor construction, they can surely kick your property up a notch. The good news is that they even come in various natural colours, patterns, and styles, so you can choose something that will work well for your residential property!

 

  1. Strength and durability

 

The brick materials are known for their strength and durability, which means that they can withstand the harsh outdoor elements and stand the test of time. In fact, they are strong, resistant to harsh elements, and long-lasting. As mentioned above, some of the world’s oldest buildings that remain standing up to this day were made with the materials in question. As such, if you want your construction to last for as long as possible, bricks can be your best bet!

 

  1. Energy efficiency feature

 

Another remarkable feature of bricks is that they are actually energy-efficient because they can insulate your house from extreme weather conditions. For instance, your walls won’t allow the sun’s heat or the cold air to easily and quickly penetrate your home. With their energy efficiency feature, you can expect your cooling and heating systems to work less, and you can effectively reduce your energy consumption. In the end, you’ll be surprised at how brick materials will help you save up on your utility bills in the long run!

 

  1. Environmental protection and sustainability

 

What’s great about the brick materials is that they are sustainable in the long run, which is why they last longer than other materials. On top of that, they do not harm the environment that much as they are deemed “efficient” and “green.” So, if you want to help save the planet, be sure to opt for bricks instead for your construction project!

 

  1. Other valuable benefits

 

Did you know that there’s more to bricks than what you might expect? Apart from those mentioned above, you can still take advantage of their heat resistance, effective noise reduction, and less maintenance, among many others. This is why many property owners consider using bricks as materials for their construction projects, whether for retaining walls, walkways, or even buildings.

At Red Robin Masonry, our masonry services guarantee quality with a full warranty carried out by our experts. Our brickwork includes brick restoration and new construction, such as brick replacement, door and window re-sizing, pillar rebuilds, re-facing exterior walls and many more. If you need brick repair in Mississauga, we’ve got you covered!

 

Conclusion

At this point, you now know that various perks come with using brick materials for your construction. These include aesthetic appeal, strength and durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability, among others. With all these practical benefits, you have all the good reasons to go for brickwork for your construction project!

We’re a leading masonry company in Toronto with a wide range of masonry services. Whether it’s tuckpointing, parging, brick repair, chimney and fireplace installation, stonework, or concrete construction, call us today to request a quote!

What to Know When Building Flagstone Patios and Walkways

What to Know When Building Flagstone Patios and Walkways

Of all the investments you will make in your lifetime, one of the biggest ones you’ll be spending on would be the construction of your home. For that reason, you would want to make sure that it results into the home of your dreams, complete with all the features you need to enjoy a satisfying life.

With that said, one part of the house that you should put heavy consideration into would be your patios and walkways. Not only will they affect your home’s curb appeal and push up your property’s value significantly, but walking home to see a stunning walkway and patio will make you feel proud whenever you walk on it.

As such, you would want to make sure your patio and walkways are done right. With that in mind, whether you’re installing a new patio and walkways or you’re renovating your old one, then consider using flagstones for an even better aesthetic finish.

Here is what you need to know about flagstones and how to make the most out of it.

What are flagstones?

Stones are named depending on their size, shape, type, and more. The term “flagstone” is directed at stones that are split into flat layers, generally around one to three inches each. Stones that are used to create flagstones include slate, sandstone, and limestone, and since no stone is exactly alike, it helps achieve a natural look. This makes it a perfect choice for any home that wants a natural and relaxing feel to it.

What should be considered when choosing flagstones?

There are a fair few things you need to keep in mind when going about selecting flagstones.

The first consideration you need to make is how a particular set of flagstones will fit into your home’s aesthetics. While flagstones are quite versatile in fitting into different looks, make sure it is the look you want to achieve.

The second consideration you must make is whether or not the flagstone is from a local source. This is important because a store can run out of a particular stone quite quickly, especially if it is not from a local source. You would want something available locally, ensuring that you have plenty of access to the stones you need to maintain the same look through the years.

The third and final consideration to make is what you are going to do on the flagstones itself. For example, is it simply for walking on? Is there any family member that uses a wheelchair? Making these types of considerations will ensure your flagstone path and patio works well for whomever uses it.

How do I use flagstones for the patio and walkway?

For patios and walkways, consider using flagstones that are at least an inch thick. With those, you can either lay them directly on the ground or pour in some other material, like sand, to put the stones on. If you want to work with thinner slabs, they need to be laid on concrete to prevent it from breaking or cracking.

Your flagstone path will have some spaces in between the slabs. You can fill that with different things, from gravel to small plants. If you want a “tighter” pathway, you can fill the gaps with mortar instead. This helps create a smooth surface, which is ideal for patios but not crucial for walkways.

Conclusion

Now that you have familiarized yourself with flagstones and how you can pick the right ones and use them properly, go ahead and start planning! Not only are flagstones extremely durable—meaning that your patio and walkways will last an incredibly long time—but they also look stunning. We promise that your time and effort will be worth it, as you finally lay down the final stone, seal it in place, and sit back to enjoy the beautiful fixture.

Are you having trouble building flagstone walkways and patios? We have got your back! Red Robin Masonry is a masonry company in Toronto, offering a variety of services, including building flagstone patios and walkways. Get in touch with us today!