Alive Outside Landscaping Blog
Check out our tips and information, as well as recent projects we've designed and built!
Check out our tips and information, as well as recent projects we've designed and built!
Building a new patio or walkway comes with many choices, such as where to put them, what size or shape to make them, and what materials to use when building them. Picking the material of your patio or walkway is an incredibly important choice, which is why we at Alive Outside Landscaping put together this guide to learning about pavers, bricks, and stone.
Learn about these common materials and decide which one may be best suited for your property in Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and other areas throughout northern Colorado.
If you opt for stone, you will end up with a patio that is beautiful with a natural look and feel. Stone, however, is generally the more expensive option as it requires custom stonework and more labor to install. Pieces of stone do not come pre-cut and they have to be shaped on-site to create your patio and walkway. Types of natural stone you can choose are:
With the proper care, a stone patio will last practically forever since it is made with such durable and long-lasting material.
Concrete pavers are also a great choice for patios and walkways. These come in many different colors, sizes, shapes, and patterns. Pavers are designed to be interlocking so they are relatively easy to install after the proper prep ...
In our area of Colorado, we have fantastic weather, beautiful scenery, and active wildlife. So when we heard from one of our clients in Fort Collins that they wanted to add on a new fantastic outdoor living space to maximize their enjoyment of the outdoors, we were thrilled to help.
We sat down with the clients and planned out exactly what they wanted to see—and the end result was a gorgeous outdoor living space that addressed everything they were looking for. Take a look to see the additions we made to their space and learn about the benefits of these features.
The first element we added was a custom paver patio and walkway. This feature works to tie everything together and really create a cohesive feel throughout the space. We chose a darker grey color for the pavers so that they would match well with the exterior of the home. This patio gives the homeowners a great area to extend their livable area with some functional space where they can add patio furniture and entertain guests during the year.
Another feature the homeowners wanted to see was a gas-burning fire pit. In the area of Colorado that includes Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor, we definitely get cooler weather once fall and winter hit. The fire pit gives them and their guests a chance to...
You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your outdoor living space, therefore it’s important to make sure these areas stay in good shape all year long, especially through the harsh, unforgiving cold months. Winter is one of the hardest times on your outdoor living spaces as the excess moisture and freezing temperatures can cause many issues.
From cleaning your patio and deck to shutting off water to outdoor utilities, here are some tips on how to prepare your outdoor living space for winter weather in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and the nearby areas.
Winter weather can be very tough on your outdoor furniture and grills. To protect these items from the cold, make sure to cover them with heavy-duty vinyl covers to keep them safe and dry all winter. Look for covers that are water-resistant to prevent water damage to fabric and wood. If you don’t plan on using your furniture or other large items throughout the winter, then pack them up and store them away in a safe, dry place. Completely clear away all tables, chairs, and grills and store them in your garage, shed, or other safe area. You can also opt to buy winter furniture that is weather-resistant and can withstand the cold weather.
When the cold weather starts to blow in, many people do not think about cleaning their grill, stovetops, and other outdoor appliances. This is...
In our part of Colorado, we have beautiful scenery and weather to enjoy all the time—and that’s why we love helping people create beautiful outdoor living spaces all throughout the greater Denver area, including Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor.
When our clients called to help improve their outdoor living space for their Denver backyard, we were more than happy to assist in planning out and installing a design that looked gorgeous and also incorporated many natural elements of our state. At Alive Outside Landscaping, we have more than 30 years of experience and are also ICPI certified contractors so we are able to plan out and install the highest quality projects.
One element our client wanted to add was a custom fire pit. Custom fire pits are a great addition to any outdoor living space, as they provide a great area to gather around for roasting marshmallows or extra warmth on chilly fall evenings. A fire feature can also add value to your home.
This fire pit was constructed from concrete blocks in the middle of one of their new patio areas so that the homeowners can set up furniture around it.
For this project, we constructed three patios that all merge together for a large outdoor living space. The first patio is attached directly to the home so that the homeowner and their family can directly step...
Custom patios add value to your home and increase overall outdoor living space. More livable space means more room for relaxing and spending time with family in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and nearby areas in Colorado.
Our hardscapes are designed and built by our professionals with sturdy, long-lasting materials that provide a useful new living area capable of supporting quality furniture, cooking equipment, and more.
Adding a custom patio to your home offers a good return on investment or ROI. According to Supermoney.com, patios can provide a return that ranges from 30% - 60%. The return will depend upon property value and real estate trends in your area. If quality materials are used, and the patio is a central feature of the home the value can be even higher. Overall, the investment is a worthy one, which can make your home more attractive to a buyer if you choose to sell.
When the weather is nice, families are often drawn to the outdoors to enjoy it. A custom patio ensures they have a place that's slightly elevated from the rest of the yard and provides a stable, level area for quality patio furniture.
When designed properly, drainage will be taken into consideration, sending water away from the patio. Outdoor furniture will stay cleaner and is designed to dispel heat, which adds extra comfort in your new outdoor...
