HardscapeSTL.com

New 2012 Bella Paver Catalog Cover

2012-01-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to EuroScape, Scott Rae's

Bella Stone Santa Fe paver driveway project

for being selected as the 2012 Bella Stone Pavers Cover Shot.

An outstanding paver driveway project featuring

Bella Stone Santa Fe Harvest blend, with Charcoal holland border,

a Bella Circle kit and then sealed and protected with Seal n Lock Superwet paver sealer.

for more information or to request a free catalog visit www.HardscapeStL.com

New 2012 Landscape Products are here!

2012-01-23T09:15:00.001-08:00

New products make your landscape project stand out from the rest!

The New 2012 Hardscape product catalog featuring

Anchor Retaining Wall Systems & Bella Stone Pavers are now available.

Or log onto www.HardscapeStL.com

2012 Hardscape Expo & ICPI Paver Certificaition

2011-12-19T08:37:00.000-08:00

Registration is now open for the 2012 Hardscape Expo,

free educational seminars, ICPI paver certification,

Paver Sealer Certification and Local vendors.

Paver Sealer- Before & After w/ Seal n' Lock

2011-07-05T14:24:00.001-07:00

Sealing your paver project is a great way

to get the most out of your investment!

(Paver Driveway- unsealed)

(Paver Driveway sealed with Seal n' Lock sealer)

for more information or to find a local contractor to seal your project contact us

info@hardscapestl.com

Bella Santa Fe Paver Driveway

2011-05-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

Great New Bella Santa Fe interlocking concrete paver driveway started!

EuroScapes, Scott Rae does fantastic work.

Incorporated a Bella Circle Kit as part of the design.

New 2011 Bella Santa Fe color, Harvest Blends, accented with Bella Holland Charcoal and 12x12's again in Harvest Blend color.

For more information log onto http://www.hardscapestl.com/
Scott at Euroscape can be reached HERE

Landscape Project on your To Do List?

2011-05-12T23:33:00.000-07:00

If a landscape project is on your To Do list, log onto

www.HardscapeStL.com for project ideas,

to help find a local landscape contractor

or to find a landscape dealer nearest you.

Where can I get Anchor Retaining Wall and Bella Stone Pavers?

2011-05-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

People ask "where can I find Anchor Retaining Wall and Bella Stone Pavers near St. Louis?"

Right here and throughout the St. Louis Metro area!

HardscapeSTL.com has 6 dealers with 11 convenient locations.

log onto www.HardscapeStL.com to find the nearest dealer to you.

New Landscape Design Patio Plans & Idea's

2011-04-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

NEW Pre Designed Landscape Patio's, Free for Download!

Now you can see the landscape patio of your dreams, before you buy!

HardscapeSTL.com offers you

Pre Designed Landscape Patio Plans for a variety of situations,

large entertainment patio's, intimate retreats, even walkout patio's.

The Pre Designed plans provide you the Idea, Photo and Materials

you would need to complete the project.

HardscapeSTL can also help you with finding a

local Landscape Contractor or Local dealer that can help you do It Yourself.

Log onto www.hardscapestl.com

Anchor Aspen Firepit

2011-04-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air......

With Bella Stone Pavers and Anchor Retaining Wall systems

you can create the perfect outdoor living space, get landscape design idea's,

even download patio plans.....visit www.HardscapeSTL.com

With warm days and cool nights, outdoor entertaining is on every one's calender. With an Anchor Aspen firpit you can be enjoying these spring nights in no time. The Anchor Aspen kits come pre-assembled and with just a few tools can be easily installed. The caps are pre-cut to size, they also are available in 3 blended colors and the steel ring insert are also included.

Log onto www.HardscapeSTL.com to find a local dealer.

New HardscapeSTL Radio Commercial for 2011

2011-04-11T06:57:00.001-07:00

New HardscapeSTL.com Radio Spot for 2011,

take a listen and let us know what you think.

For Landscape Ideas, Free Patio Plans, Color Selection

or to have us send you a free product catalog, log onto HardscapeSTL.com

Hardscape Gift Card Giveaway!

2011-04-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Want to upgrade your existing landscape?

Looking to create a backyard excape or just looking for Landscape Design Ideas

Log onto HardscapeSTL.com

Also register for your chance to win a $250 Gift card!

6 will be given away throughout the Spring. For more details click HardscapeSTL

New Retaining Wall Color hits the Market

2011-02-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

The newest Retaining Wall color is about to hit the St. Louis Retaining Wall market.

Desert Rose is a combination of brown, a splash of charcoal and cream.

These colors, when combined with the rough-hewn texture of the Highland Family of products, offer inviting spaces for family and friends.

For More Landscaping Ideas, a free product guide or for a local dealer near you visit our website www.HardscapeSTL.com

2011 New Color: Desert Rose

Free Landscape Ideas Catalog

2011-02-10T07:05:00.000-08:00

New 2011 Landscape Ideas catalog now here.....

For a Free HardscapeSTL catalog CLICK HERE.

Concrete Paver Driveway in St. Louis

2011-02-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

Great Concrete Paver Driveway,

almost 8,000 sq ft of Bella Vista Stone Rustic pavers.

The perfect accent to this beautiful home.

How to Cap a Retaining Wall video

2010-10-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

A Quick Video on How to Cap a Retaining Wall, including Anchor Retaining Wall Systems.

For more info on Anchor Retaining Wall Systems,

landscape ideas or Interlocking Concrete Pavers click here

Landscaping Idea's for St. Louis!

2010-10-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Looking for Landscaping Idea's for your backyard? HardscapeSTL.com has everything you need to research, design and select the perfect products for your landscaping project.

Visit HardscapeSTL.com for more Landscaping Idea's

for Retaining Wall and Interlocking Concrete Pavers.

(Above: Anchor Highland and Bella Vista Pavers-rustic)

Elevations change, connecting the backyard to an upper patio

(Anchor Highland Retaining Wall, Bella Stone Cobble Pavers)

A frontyard patio to watch the kids play
(Anchor Free Standing Wall, Bella Stone Circle and Bella Stone Cobble Pavers)

Small front yard retaining wall, giving you a beautiful front entrance.
(Anchor Highland Stone Retaining Wall)

A place to entertain with multiple "outdoor" rooms.
(Anchor Highland Stone Retaining Wall with 6/3 combination, along with Anchor Highland Free Standing Wall)

Take it Outside, Anchor Free Standing Wall Kitchen

2010-06-21T09:19:00.001-07:00

Anchor Highland Free Standing Wall=

An outdoor kitchen that's beautiful and easy to do install.

It's tough to argue that outdoor living is on every one's wish list. With Anchor's Highland Free Standing Wall it's easier then ever to get a beautiful outdoor kitchen and entertainment area that is simple and cost effective to install. E-mail us for step by step installation instruction for projects like this.

HardscapeSTL.com commercial

2010-05-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

HardscapeSTL.com commercial to begin airing in May.

For more information, for a free product catalog or

to find a dealer near you log onto www.HardscapeSTL.com

HardscapeSTL.com commercial

2010-05-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

Commercial for your local HardscapeSTL dealer to begin airing this May.

Small retaining walls, big impact!

2010-05-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Landscape and Patio Ideas!

Great examples of small anchor retaining walls that have big impacts of the landscape.

Above: The use of Highland Free Standing Wall to create and define the outdoor living space.

Great use of Highland 6 and 3 combination, along with small Highland columns to give some dramatic effect. Very small wall, with great curl appeal.

A wall just over one foot tall, but a perfect outdoor living area.
Photo: Anchor Highland Stone 3"

Landscaping and Patio Idea's

2010-04-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

One of the hottest trend in outdoor living, is Fire.

Here the homeowner incorporated a natural stone fireplace

with Bella Stone Pavers and Highland Free Standing Wall.

Again, the use of an outdoor firpit, along with Bella Vista Pavers.

Creating a place to entertain....

Elevation change, giving you different "outdoor rooms."

A Raised patio, using Highland Stone Wall.

Using cobble and grass elements to create a soft natural feel.

Hardscape Dealers for Retaining Wall and Pavers in St. Louis

2010-04-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Looking for a place to buy your retaining wall or pavers for your project?

HardscapeSTL dealers are located throughout the St. Louis metro area. Come learn from the best in the industry, unlike those home centers that hire part-timers for summer, HardscapeStL dealers have the most educated, experienced sales staff with years of experience.

It's simple: Select to right product for your project, plan your project, find help and do-it yourself or find a local installer.

For your next Retaining Wall or Paver project http://hardscapestl.com/index.html can help.

Laying Base for Retaining Walls

2010-04-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Installing your base for your retaining wall is the most important step for both aesthetics and performance. After your leveling pad has been installed, (see last blog post) you can begin installing the base for your wall.

Start by running a string line along the back of where your wall will begin. Start at the lowest point, removing the lips on the bottom row for easier installation. Place the blocks side by side, flush against one another. Level the block front to back, then side to side, also check to ensure multiple blocks remain level as your build. When needed, step the blocks up one course, avoid sloping the units.

Win a $15K Backyard Makeover!

2010-03-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Win a Backyard Makeover, no string attached!

Go to http://y98.radio.com/tag/backyard-makeover/ to sign up!

How to Build a Retaining Wall....

2010-03-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Installing the base of your retaining wall is one of the most important steps in Building a Retaining Wall that will last forever. Getting your leveling pad installed correctly is vital the rest of Retaining Wall.

Start by using a 3/4" minus aggregate (3/4" size gravel, that includes all size rock particles all the way down to dust), this allows you the ability to compact this material to establish a strong base. For more information watch the above video, or visit our YouTube channel HardscapeSTL

To get more installation advice, videos or recommendations visit www.HardscapeSTL.com

HardscapeSTL.com

2010-03-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

New HardscapeSTL.com logo!

Visit us at www.HardscapeSTL.com

Multiple size, textured and tumbled.....

2009-06-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

The customers have spoken and there's been a shift.
Gone are the days of traditional, commodity paver products-the 4x8 hollands and 2pc cobbles sets. End users are now looking for multiple sizes, random appearance, textured and/or tumbled products.

Our sales of these products have grown at amazing rates, while the traditional Bella Stone pavers still get requested, 75% of our sales are now tumbled or multi-piece pavers such as Bella Vista Rustic.

The local dealers are stocking and displaying these products and contractors are urging the consumers to utilize these products. ICPI indicates this trend will continue to increase, as the midwest continues to play catch-up to the east/west coast trends.....

ps- Free Standing Wall products are an easy up-sell to any project. Create a boundary and additional seating areas on your same base you've prepared for your pavers.

Turn that $2,000 patio project into $3,500
with little additional effort and high returns to your bottom line.

For additional info hit our website!

Seal-it........

2009-06-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: We don't sell paver sealer, We don't make paver sealer, We don't distribute paver sealers, but we do recommend it!

Contractor: If you're installing Interlocking Pavers (like Bella Stone Pavers) and not including or upselling a paver sealer, you're missing a golded opportunity....One, it's a easy sell before, during or after your install so increase that final ticket and profit while you're on the job. Two, It's easy to do- enough said. Three, it makes any job look GREAT, so it will help lead to new jobs!

There are a number of quality paver sealers out there, but be warned--you get what you pay for. So we'd recommend you do a little research and find a company that will stand behind there product for a limited period.

Homeowner: Sealing your final Paver project gives the product more "pop" and helps reduce fading over time from the sun. It's relatively inexpensive and you can easily do it yourself.

Retaining Wall Design Estimator

2009-05-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Estimating your Hardscape project correctly is one of the most critical components to making a profit at the end of the day.

If you over estimate your materials you run the risk of loosing the job,

if you under-estimate you risk loosing your company!

Anchor Retaining Wall Systems provides a "free" estimating program (HERE) for all Hardscape installers, as well as the Do-it-yourselfer. This program allows you to select your product, input the job parameters, select grid, even retaining wall cap.

A few simple steps and the program gives you: # of units needed, # of caps, amount of rock, amount of goe-grid, even the # of tubes of glue you'll need for your project.

This program allows you to focus on selling your labor hours, not materials--it's figured for you......

For this free program contact us.

Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP's)

2009-05-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers have been around for while,

but as this "Green" movement continues to gain speed,

so are Eco-Friendly products like permeable pavers......

Relatively easy to install, permeable pavers reduce run-off,

cool water temperatures, capture TSS pollutants and control peak-flow during storms....

They can be produced in a variety of colors and blends

making them an attractive alternate to concrete and/or asphalt.

They are set on a clean rock base and filled with a 3/8 clean aggregate that allows the water to filter down through to a "holding" area or detention base, beneath the parking area.

For more information contact us or log onto EcoBrick.com

Color/Texture/Pattern with Retaining Wall

2009-05-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

The hottest trend in Retaining Wall right now has to be Color/Texture/Pattern. It doesn't matter if you're creating residential patio's for entertainment, Large structural walls for development or small flower box retaining walls. The name of the game is- color, texture, pattern. The days of straight split, boring grey walls are diminishing and are being replaced with blended colors, different face textures and multiple patterns.

Here is an example of the Anchor Highland Stone being used in a structural residential wall project. The contractor used the Highland 6"/3" to create the elevations change to home owners wanted, then used the Highland Free Standing Wall to create intimacy and boundary's.

Again, a structural wall being used to help with elevation issues this homeowner needed, but the multiple sizes and rustic texture of the Highland 6"/3" help make this an inviting landscape feature, not simply a structural necessity.

Homeowners are looking for materials

to help create the outdoor "rooms" they can use for entertainment.

This project used the Anchor Highland 6",

but also capitalized on the blended colors to accent the residence.

How Geo-Grid Works for Retaining Wall

2009-05-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

Almost all Structural Retaining Walls over the 3-4 foot high mark, require Geo Grid for long term design. Whether it's Keystone, Versa Lok, Rockwood or Anchor Retaining Wall--they all require geo-synthetic.

While the concept is similar to "dead-men" in tie wall retaining walls, the Geo grid unifies the soil mass behind the retaining wall. The concrete retaining wall then really becomes an erosion control mechanism.
Thank goodness for the elements of mother nature, because without her, no concrete block would be required.

Example: How the Geo grid works with the Segmental Retaining Wall.

The wood form (which concrete retaining wall acts as the from during construction) is our form & We add the soil/ rock back fill, just like in the field.

Then we add a "load", which could be a house, pool, car etc....

.....See how the soil spreads out.

Then we add Geo Grid to the soil mass and apply the same load.

See how the Geo Grid unifies the soil.

For more information, log on to http://www.anchorbp.com/ and contact us!

Anchor Retaining Wall Systems

Note: not all Geo grid perform the same, deviating from a design or buying the cheapest grid could have costly consequences. The cost for fixing, or re-building a structural retaining wall can be 2 to 3X the original cost. Consult your local engineering firm or contact your local manufacturer with specific questions.

Stabilized Aggregate Retaining Wall

2009-04-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how many calls I get saying,

"We just don't have room for grid."

Now there's an answer, Stabilized Aggregate Retaining Wall design.

This design allows you to reduce the embedment depth by nearly half of what you would need with grid. The design and installation are simple! The block acts as your "form" during construction and your increasing the mass behind your wall with open-graded rock (no fines) with a coating of cement that cures and stabilizes the mass.

Here is a cross-section of the Anchor Retaining Wall project http://www.buildingproductscorp.com/ in place, any water that may penetrate the No-Fines zone, would migrate to the perforated pipe at the base of the wall and be removed.

This project does cost more than just typical Retaining Wall installations, but if you don't have any other option with maximizing space without the use of grid--this system is less costly than the alternatives.

(Below is an example of the mix-design any local concrete company could do for you)

If you'd like more information, please contact us at http://www.buildingproductscorp.com/index.php

Welcome to HardScape St. Louis.....

2008-10-24T06:24:00.000-07:00

This blog is dedicated to the Hardscape industry of St. Louis. So if you're a landscaper, contractor or homeowner, hopefully this blog can be a resource for your next Hardscape project. The site will mainly focus on Retaining Wall and Inlocking Pavers, but will take questions and look at worksite effeciancies.

Please feel free to leave comments and visit the links associated with this site, sich as: Anchor Retaining Wall Systems, Bella Stone Pavers, Eco-Brick and many others....