Transform Your Outdoor Living Space with Hardscaping from a St. Louis Hardscape Contractor
Hardscaping refers to walls, pathways, structures, and outdoor living spaces built using “hard” materials like concrete, brick, stone, and pavers. Much like landscaping uses plants, shrubbery, and flowers to accent your outdoor space, a hardscape can add tremendous curb appeal to your St. Louis home.
Some examples of hardscapes include:
- Concrete, or flatwork, such as driveways, sidewalks, and patios
- Stamped concrete patios
- Paver patios
- Retaining walls
- Steps
Concrete & Flatwork – The Basic Hardscape Foundation
Many hardscaping projects begin with concrete and flatwork. Your driveway and sidewalk are made up of a mixture of Portland cement, an aggregate, and water. Certain types of applications call for a higher strength mixture of concrete, where additives are mixed in to produce a “harder” product. At Barker & Son – Design/Construction, we pour all our own concrete patios, steps, sidewalks, and driveways. You can rest easy knowing that your concrete or flatwork project is will be handled our knowledgeable concrete contractors, not some hired hands.
Stamped Concrete – The Art of Concrete Hardscaping
A stamped concrete patio or sidewalk is truly a work of art. With expertly designed stamped concrete, a typical piece of flatwork becomes a beautiful piece of artwork.
Stamping concrete takes a lot of experience, and a lot of effort. You only get once chance to do it right. Otherwise, your mistakes are permanently etched in concrete. The hardscape contractors at Barker & Son – Design/Construction of St. Louis have more than 15 years experience in stamping and staining concrete. You can trust our team to get the job done right the first time, every time.
Call today to make an appointment with one of our concrete and flatwork design specialists. We can show you a full array of stamp designs, colors, and textures for your stamped concrete patio that will blend well with your home and give you that beautiful hardscape masterpiece you’ve been dreaming about.
For Retaining Walls Done Right, Count On the St. Louis Hardscape Contractors at Barker & Son
When a retaining wall is installed correctly, it not only looks great, but it also serves its purpose – preventing heavy dirt from creeping down a hill.
The three biggest mistakes homeowners make with retaining walls are:
- Using the wrong type of block
- Using railroad ties instead of block
- Not following city codes regarding the proper installation of retaining walls
To plan and install a wall, the first thing you need is a retaining wall block, not a stacking wall block. Retaining wall blocks are usually 70–90 pounds each and have a system where they lock together to prevent the earth from pushing them over. Small stacking blocks from Home Depot won’t get the job done right! That’s why it’s best to leave retaining wall installation to professionals.
Homeowners sometimes use railroad ties instead of retaining wall blocks. This is fine if you have a small wall to build, and if you only need it to last for a few years. After about ten years, railroad ties begin to deteriorate, crumble, and then push over. It’s much better to invest in a wall system that will be there forever; otherwise, you’ll end up paying for it twice – or more.
Depending on the height of the retaining wall, the county or city will have a multitude of codes that must be followed. The amount of rock behind the wall, the spacing of the geo-grid between the blocks, and the footing on which the wall rests are all closely monitored by inspectors as the retaining wall is being built. The experienced hardscape contractors at Barker & Son are well versed in St. Louis city and county codes. You can trust that your retaining wall – and the property it is meant to protect – is in good hands.
Your retaining wall should also be aesthetically pleasing. Who wants an ugly chunk of grey concrete taking over their backyard? At Barker & Son – Design/Construction, we offer many colors and textures to choose from. You can check out the retaining wall options available from our hardscape suppliers below.
When it comes to retaining walls, don’t try to DIY. Give the experienced hardscape professionals at Barker & Son – Design/Construction a call, and our retaining wall specialist will create a specific plan for your wall today.
“You all did a great job on the retaining wall, the railroad ties were crumbling and beyond repair. I would recommend Barker & Son for any big construction job” Ray, Bellville, IL
Add Character to Your Outdoor Living Space with a Paver Patio
Paver patios add an extra level of refinement and character to an outside living area. They’re a little more expensive than regular concrete flatwork, but if the money’s in the budget, it’s certainly worth it.
When planning a paver patio, there are several things to take into consideration. As with common flatwork, the paver patio must grade, or slope, away from the house to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation. Another important consideration is the amount of rise the patio will have, which determines how many steps you will need. Paver patios must also be installed on level ground. If you want the patio to last, you need an experienced, professional crew to do the job.
Barker & Son – Design/Construction is your experienced St. Louis hardscape contractor. Call us for a free consultation on a professional paver patio installation today.
Stained Concrete Flooring for That One-of-a-Kind Look
Very few floor surfaces are as attractive and long lasting as a stained concrete floor. They never need refinishing, and you never again have to deal with continuously replacing old carpet.
Installing decorative concrete is something that takes expert skill. Our concrete specialists can apply a custom stain and pattern to create a beautiful color match for the rest of the room. Call Barker & Son – Design/Construction for a design consultation today, and soon your plain old floor will be transformed into one-of-a-kind stained concrete masterpiece.