Most of our clients are surprised to learn that there are nearly endless options when it comes to designing their hardscape project. Selecting the materials for your project is an obstacle that many homeowners find difficult. Ultimately we have found that homeowners all want the same thing; They want a beautiful, long lasting space that they can enjoy for years to come.
At Hinkle Hardscapes, our goal is just that. We want to make our clients happy, even if it means making more work for us. Other contractors in the area might try to sway your decision when it comes to selecting materials. This is because not all contractors have the ability to properly install and maintain each option. Many contractors will tell you to go with a certain material because it doesn’t require maintenance. This just isn’t true.
The Kansas City area has a very high clay density. Not to mention, a frequent freeze-thaw climate. The truth is that every hardscape project will need some form of upkeep. No matter what materials you select, your patio will eventually need to be re-grouted, sealed, cleaned, or repaired.
The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter which material you select, any patio will need some form of maintenance. You wouldn’t buy a car and expect to never get an oil change, right? Patios are the same.
As honest contractors, we feel as though it is important to share the truth about hardscape projects. Below we have included the maintenance requirement for each material selection that we offer. Please note that these timelines are estimated based on average sun exposure and soil components.
Natural Stone, The Ferrari 488 Spider
Natural stone is stunning and luxurious. It often has a built in sealant that prevents chipping and cracking. The stone is strong and is generally the most expensive patio options. Like your Ferrari, you’re going to want to keep it shiny. These patios will probably need to be re grouted every 3-5 years depending on foot traffic, climate, and sun exposure.
Premium Paver, The Range Rover Autobiography
A premium paver is durable and looks beautiful. These pavers are a little more affordable than natural stone, but still give off an upscale look. The reason why these pavers are more expensive is because they have a built in sealant. Patios that are made with a premium paver will need to be sealed every 3-4 years.
Midgrade Paver, The Ford Escape
A midgrade paver gives a luxury feel without a high price tag. These pavers are not as durable as premium pavers. This is simply because the components they are made with are not as resilient. The best thing about pavers is that they are easily repaired. If a couple crack, they can be easily swapped out. A midgrade paver can be expected to need to be resealed every 3-4 years.
Stamped concrete, The Honda CR-V
Just like a Honda CR-V, stamped concrete is affordable and works well for most families. Stamped concrete is a great option for those that want an upscale look without the high cost associated with paver patios. Like your family SUV, stamped concrete can show some wear over the years. These patios will need to be resealed every 2-3 years. At Hinkle Hardscapes, we do all that we can to minimize shifting and cracking by pouring a thick concrete slab beneath each project. We won’t lie to you — just like regular concrete, stamped concrete will eventually crack and need to be repaired.
Box Store Paver, The Kia Sorento
Like a Kia, it works but no one is really sure how long it will last. These are often found at hardware shops like Lowe’s and Home Depot. Beneath the exterior, most of these pavers are brittle, chalky and unreliable. The truth is that you will probably need to repair these patios even before you get a chance to seal them.
Regular concrete, The Dodge Grand Caravan
Regular concrete is efficient like a mini-van. Just like a Grand Caravan, regular concrete serves it’s purpose but doesn’t have much glamour. Regular concrete is still a great option for people who care about functionality, but don’t mind the lackluster appeal. We all know that these patios will crack over the years, and most people don’t bother sealing them. If you want to maintain the color consistency, you can reseal your regular concrete every 2-3 years.
For some reason, in our industry, people expect hardscapes to be a one time project. What it all comes down to, is that hardscapes will need to be maintained just like most things in life. Cars need oil changes, homes need new roofs, and patios need to be resealed. If you are looking for a honest contractor, with over 15 years of experience, Hinkle Hardscapes would love to talk with you about your project. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or give us a call at (816) 741-2035.
Please note, Hinkle Hardscapes provides maintenance for our existing clients.
