Champion Brick

Southeastern Wisconsin's leader in Brick, Stone, and Landscape products.

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How to Build a Brick Grill That Will Last You a Lifetime

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Summer may be over, but grill season never needs to end! By building a brick grill meant to last, you can enjoy delicious food year round.

Traditional grills aren’t able to endure the fall, spring, and winter months. That’s why knowing how to build a brick grill that can last a lifetime is a better long-term investment. Grills made out of metal easily rust, sometimes just after one season of use. With brick grills, you don’t need to worry about rust and potential breakdown of mechanical components.

Brick grills are stable and sturdy. The best part is that they are also customizable! Read on to learn how to build a brick grill that meets your needs and lasts.

Old outdoor grill usable for BBQ

How to Build and Brick Grill that Lasts a Lifetime

1. Consider Your Budget

Before you purchase any materials, consult your budget and needs. If you just want to build a brick grill with no additional features (such as cabinet space or a fireplace) then expect to pay less.

Identify the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for the highest quality materials. If you need to save more to purchase products that will last a lifetime, then consider waiting until your budget is healthier.

The key is to purchase quality products so that the brick grill lasts.

2. Gather Materials

Decide on the size of the grill you want by starting with the grill grate’s dimensions. If you only have a small space to work with, then purchase a smaller grill grate. Also, consider how tall you would like the grill to be, as this will influence the number of layers and bricks needed.

Materials needed for this project include fire-safe bricks, regular bricks, and mortar. You may also need to purchase handheld tools such as a level, chisel, jointer, trowel, and a stiff brush.

If you do not currently have a concrete slab to place your brick grill on top of, then you will also need to construct one prior. This will be an additional cost.

3. Dry-Fit Brick Pattern

Using the dimensions of the grill grate, dry-fit the bricks. Lay out where the bricks need to be so that the grill grate can slide in and out. Aim for a snug fit so that the grill grate isn’t loose.

If you intend to use one row of bricks surrounding the grill, opt for fire-safe bricks to ensure longevity and safety.

4. Lay the First Bricks

Mix the mortar according to the instructions outlined. Trowel a generous amount of mortar within the dimensions outlined from your dry-brick pattern. Firmly press the brick into place one-by-one and place mortar in-between each connecting brick.

Remove excess mortar as you work. When finished with the first layer, check that it’s level and squared out.

5. Lay Two More Layers

In a staggering pattern, lay two more layers of brick using the mortar. Press firmly and remove excess mortar.

6. Continue Adding Layers

Continue adding layers horizontally in the staggered pattern until you’ve reached the height of where you would like your grill grate to rest. You can have various grill ledges to account for differing cooking temperatures and heat levels.

To create a ledge, lay at least three bricks perpendicular to the horizontal bricks on the back end of your grill’s structure. Allow these bricks to jut out on the inside of the grill to create a shelf for the grill grate.

This may also cause bricks to jut out the back of your grill. You can cut these bricks or leave them alone depending on your vision and space requirements.

Continue creating additional shelving for every other row. The final layer of bricks should be in a horizontal pattern.

7. Finishing Touches

After you finish the last layer of bricks but before the mortar completely dries, use a brick jointer to smooth out the mortar and create a depression effect. If you would like to add additional rows of brick to the outside of your brick grill structure, then continue to do so after the initial brick structure dries.

Follow the same brick-laying sequence as before, keeping additional connecting bricks in mind.

Ready to Build Your Brick Grill?

We offer high-quality brick pavers for contractors and brick grill do-it-yourselfers in Southeast Wisconsin. Check out our selection or visit our website to watch tutorial and installation videos and feel more confident about your next project.

4 Signs Your Brickwork Needs Maintenance

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Brick is a traditionally maintenance-free material. But if you live in a climate that can’t make up its mind, you may need to pay closer attention to your home’s structure and appearance. With winter well on the way, it’s important that your home is kept in shape for the cold, wet season. Whether you’ve spotted a leak or your bricks are starting to crumble, here are four signs your brickwork needs maintenance.

Your Bricks Are Starting to Crumble

Crumbling brickwork is often a telltale sign of brick spalling. Spalling occurs when moisture trapped inside a brick expands due to freeze thaw cycles. This repeated expansion and contraction causes the mortar and brick to crumble, causing potential structural damage. Replacing crumbling brick with the same size and color brick is the only way to prevent any further structural damage to your home.

A Guide to Brick Matching

There’s White Powder on Your Bricks

White, dusty stains on bricks are often an indication of efflorescence. Efflorescence happens when moisture is able to enter the wall cavity and is not allowed to escape. The moisture trapped inside the wall dissolves soluble salts that are present in many different building materials. As the water evaporates out of the face of the wall, the soluble salts are left behind, creating a white stain.

You can remove efflorescence by washing down the brick with a specialized efflorescence cleaner. Do not use muriatic acid, as the combination of water and acid-based solutions may worsen the problem if not done correctly. Efflorescence doesn’t harm a brick’s structure, but it is a sign that excess moisture is being allowed into the wall cavity. To prevent the efflorescence, one must locate the source of the moisture, and stop it from entering at that point.

Your Chimney Is Starting to Leak

A leak is never a good sign. Water coming from a chimney or ceiling can indicate a potential opening that is allowing water to enter your home. Water damage can be a serious thing that affects your brickwork and can lead to wood rot. Leaks should be assessed as soon as possible to prevent further infrastructural damage.

Even homes made of brick need maintenance – The Seattle Times

Your Home Is Starting to Crack

If the side of your house is showing any signs of cracking, that’s an indication of some serious structural movement under or behind the brickwork. This type of cracking not only puts a damper on your homes appearance, it also affects your home’s stability and structure.

If your home bares any trace of failing brick work, it may be time to start thinking about getting your home’s infrastructure and appearance back in shape. Give us a call or visit our website to see the vast selection of brick, stone and veneer work that Champion Brick has to offer.

A Complete DIY Guide to Installing Brick or Concrete Pavers

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Nothing ties a home together quite like a brick walkway or patio.

Brick and concrete paver outdoor fixtures have a clean and classic look that’s hard to ignore. On top of that, they can boost the resale value of your home while providing you with a functional outdoor space that your family and guests are sure to love.

Best of all, you don’t have to hire out an expensive contractor to create a walkway or patio. Here in Southeast Wisconsin, installing brick or concrete pavers is an easy project you can take on yourself.

Aren’t sure where to start? Here’s everything you need to know about how to install pavers yourself.

Paving stone worker putting down pavers.

How to Install Pavers

While laying brick and pavers can be pretty easy, there is a bit of planning you’ll need to do before you can start. But, once you know what you’re going to do, all that’s left is to gather your tools and start laying brick.

1. Design a Layout

The first step to any home improvement project is to draw up a full plan of attack.

Before you can even start gathering up your equipment, you should figure out where you want your pavers to go and the shape you want to lay them in. You’ll also need to take the measurements of the area so you can calculate the number of pavers you’ll need to get the job done.

2. Stake the Area

Once you have your plan drawn up, you’ll need to stake the area where your paver feature is going to go. Doing this will allow you to do a test run of laying out your pavers so you can get a better idea of how they fit within the space.

3. Dig Out the Foundation

After you have staked out the location of your new patio or walkway, you’ll need to dig out the foundation.

As a general rule of thumb, you want the final hole to be seven inches deep.

4. Create a Gravel Base

With the foundation dug out, you’ll now need to prepare the base of your paver project.

Fill the bottom of the foundation with roughly two inches of 3/4″ crushed stone gravel. Then, compact the gravel with a vibratory plate compactor, or hand tamper. Repeat this process two more times before moving on to the next step.

5. Add a 1″ Layer of Bedding Sand

Sand gives you a soft, moldable area that will make sure your pavers don’t move around while you lay them. All while also helping to lock the units together once they are laid.

To make the sand layer, pour approximately one inch of paver sand over the gravel. You’ll then need to level the sand with a smoothing tool or spare piece of wood used as a screed to make sure the surface is completely even.

6. Lay the Pavers

Laying brick and pavers is a bit like completing a jigsaw puzzle—it’s easier if you already know how the final product looks. Make sure you choose a pattern that works with the size and style of paver you chose for the project.

Set each paver flat into the sand and tap it down with a rubber mallet.

7. Seal Pavers with Sand

Finally, when pavers are fully laid, you need to sweep in joint sand. You can use regular paver sand or, for less maintenance, use polymeric sand.

Pour the sand out over the pavers, and then use a broom to sweep it over the pavers in a back and forth motion until you fill all the gaps between the stones.

Once that’s done, you’ll need to sweep all excess sand from the patio, especially if you’re using polymeric sand since it could stick to the bricks. Make sure to follow the specific directions for the type of polymeric sand you are using, as not all polymeric sands are installed in the same fashion.

Finding the Right Pavers for Your Project

Now that you know how to install pavers, it’s time to get started on your brand new patio. Need some materials to help you out with that project? We can help!

We offer a large selection of gorgeous pavers that are sure to make your home look fantastic. Visit or contact us today for more information or to get started creating the patio of your dreams.

15 Creative Ways Old Bricks Can Be Turned Into Beautiful Decorations

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Did you just finish a reno on your home and now you have a lot of old bricks sitting around? Or perhaps you inherited a pile when you bought your new house? Either way, you have old bricks on your hands, and you’re not quite sure what to do with them.

If this sounds like you, keep reading. We’ve got 15 of the best ideas to turn your pile of old bricks into something beautiful.

someone laying down brick walkway using old bricks

15 Ways to Use Your Old Bricks

1. Garden Planter

If you have bricks with core holes, those holes make the perfect place to plant a flower or two. Add a few succulents for a cute, modern look that works for any setting.

2. Brick Books

If you’re a bookworm, all it takes is some paint and a little creativity to turn those old bricks into old books. You could decorate your garden, your front porch steps, or anywhere that needs a little brightening up!

3. Garden Markers

Are you constantly forgetting which plant you put where? You could use your old bricks to create a cute and rustic way to mark your garden.

4. Garden Bed Edging

There are a million ways to make a garden edge, but we think repurposing old bricks is the cutest. It’s also very eco-friendly, and the different design opportunities are endless.

5. Birdbath

Creating a gorgeous birdbath out of repurposed old bricks is a great way to reuse and recycle. This is also a quick and simple project for people of all skill levels.

6. Yard Art

If you have a lot of open space in your garden and you’re looking to spruce it up with some color, you could always paint those old bricks and lay them out to create different, fun designs!

7. Fire Pit

A fire pit is a functional way to repurpose those old bricks. There are plenty of good tutorials out there on how to make your own, but we like this one best.

8. Garden Walkway

Whether it’s just a decorative pad at the end of your walkway or an entire walkway made out of bricks, a walkway through your garden is a beautiful addition to any yard.

9. Raised Garden Bed

If you don’t have enough space for a traditional garden, there’s still hope. With a few bricks, you can create a raised garden bed to start flexing your green thumb.

10. Candle Holder

Just like with an earlier suggestion, the core holes in the middle of the bricks make a perfect place for holding things. Add a few rocks and place a candle in them for a nice centerpiece both indoors and outdoors.

11. Seasonal Decorations

If you’ve got little ones around the house, old bricks can be great for crafts! Snowmen, baby chicks, jack-o-lanterns, and American flags can all be made using old bricks.

12. DIY Fence

If you’ve got a small area you want to wall off, or a large area and enough bricks, you can use those bricks for what they were made for: building a wall!

13. Mailbox Stand

Your house’s facade is the first thing that people see. If your mailbox needs an update, those old bricks are the perfect way to give it a quick face lift.

14. Garden Steps

While you’re updating your garden with a new enclosure and a walkway, consider adding a few steps. This creates a dynamic look to make any space look great.

15. Garden Bench

All it takes to create a beautiful garden bench out of old bricks is an extra plank of sturdy wood. If you want a rustic place to sit and enjoy your garden, this is your chance!

Repurpose Old Bricks

Those old bricks don’t just have to sit around and collect dust. You can use them for something functional and beautiful at the same time. Whether it’s using for building a bench or creating simple decorations at the change of season, repurposed bricks are gorgeous for any decor theme.

If old bricks aren’t your thing and you’re looking for some new ones for your next project, give us a call today!

A Guide to Different Types of Bricks and Their Uses

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Once you decide to work with bricks, the next step is figuring out what kind of brick to use in your project. Some types of bricks are built for strength, while others are designed mostly for their appeal to the eye. But finding the right one for your needs can get tricky.

And, while bricks may seem modest and simple, when deployed properly, they can be downright glamorous. To find out about different types of bricks and how you can use them, read on.

little toy house made of red bricks

Basic Types of Bricks

There are almost as many ways of classifying bricks as there are different types of bricks. But if you classify them based on where they go, you need only remember two: facing bricks and backing bricks.

  • Facing bricks are used on the outside of buildings, which means they have to be durable enough to endure rain, storms, and other unfavorable weather conditions.
  • Backing bricks, however, are placed behind facing bricks. So, while facing bricks must be at least mildly pleasant to look at, no one cares what backing bricks look like.

If you’re talking to someone about the types of bricks used in construction, there’s a good chance they’ll classify the bricks they use based on raw materials. In that case, you should know five basic types.

Burnt Clay Bricks

Burnt clay bricks are made by placing molded clay into a kiln and firing it up.

These bricks are kind of like white bread: They’re versatile and can be used in a lot of different ways, even if they’re not the most exciting bricks in the world. Because they’re so popular and widely used, talking about types of brick masonry without mentioning burnt clay can be a challenge.

There are four classes of burnt clay brick, with first-class offering the best quality and most strength. High-grade burnt clay bricks don’t have any noticeable flaws, but they’re also going to cost you more money.

Searching for a versatile clay brick for your patio? Try red paved bricks for a high-class look that never goes out of style.

Concrete Bricks

Looking for a solid brick for your fence or facade? If so, consider concrete bricks. The quality isn’t top-notch, but they’re good at blocking heat and reducing sound.

Concrete bricks aren’t often a popular choice, probably because they offer such a bold aesthetic. But, if you really want this brick without the gray color, you can choose a different pigment during the production process.

Sand Lime Bricks

These are a mix of sand, lime, and fly ash. The materials are bonded through a chemical reaction that takes place in the middle of wet mixing.

If you’re looking for a brick that can carry its own weight, try these. They’re famous for their stellar load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Bricks

Engineering bricks can stand the heat because they’re made using incredibly high temperatures, which gives them high density.

True to their name, engineering bricks work best for civil engineering projects. For example, they’re commonly used for things like sewers, manholes, and retaining walls.

Fly Ash Clay Bricks

Mold fly ash and clay together, add extremely high temperatures, and you’ve got fly ash clay bricks. These are less porous than burnt clay bricks.

Fly ash is a byproduct of coal-based power plants. It may sound contradictory, but fly ash brick production can actually be better for the environment than other types of brick manufacturing. It’s already reducing carbon emissions in India.

What Type of Brick Do You Need?

If you still aren’t sure what type of brick you should use, we can help. We carry a large selection of residential bricks in many colors and styles. And, we’re a family-owned business that provides bricks to builders of all skill levels in New Berlin, Milwaukee, and throughout southeastern Wisconsin. That means we’re happy to talk about the types of bricks we carry, their uses, and much more!

Want to talk about your next project? Contact us today.

5 DIY Weekend Home Improvement Projects to Finish Before Winter Hits Wisconsin

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In only a few months the cool winds and white snowfalls of winter will arrive. Are you ready?

There’s probably a lot of home projects you need to do to prepare for the cold season in Wisconsin, but you shouldn’t wait until it gets here to start.

Here are some DIY weekend home improvement projects to work on before the winter hits.

New paving bricks laid out on exterior curved patio steps

Focus on Finishing These Projects Now

Renovate Your Home Entrance

Winter brings with it many holidays. That means lots of family and friends will be coming through your doors.

You want to make sure they’re properly greeted as they enter your home. That’s why now is the perfect time to renovate your front entrance. For instance:

  • On the outside, repainting your door and installing new lighting are some top options.
  • If you have a front porch, consider repairing any chipped or rotting wood deck panels.
  • You can also create a beautiful entrance with decorative stone pavers and walkways.

Install a Backyard Fire Pit

There’s no better place to relax and enjoy the cool nights of fall and early winter than around a crackling fire in your backyard.

Fire pits are one of the best custom property features. They add character to your home while giving you a great location for roasting marshmallows, playing card games, and sharing stories with friends. Plus, pits can be made in many shapes and sizes, so they can fit in any backyard.

Be sure to check out our guide on how to build your own fire pit.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Windows

If you’re looking for weekend home improvement projects, there’s no better option for both your wallet and the environment than installing energy-efficient windows.

During the winter, it’s important to keep the heat in and the cold out. But with older, inefficient windows, that valuable heat often leaks outside while the frigid air creeps in. That means a higher energy bill and an overworked heating system.

Taking some time now to install new windows will benefit both your wallet and the world.

Re-Do Your Insulation

Just like with your windows, insulation is a key part of keeping your home warm in the winter without burning a hole in your budget.

Blowing your own insulation is hard work with a lot of dust, but your DIY efforts can save you thousands off of professional work. Plus, you’ll save lots of money in the long run off your utility bills.

Before the winter storms come, make sure your home is sealed and ready for the chilly weather.

Build Retaining Walls for Gardens and Plants

During the winter months, your gardens and plants face a lot of adversity. One way you can help protect your plants is with a retaining wall.

Retaining walls make your gardens more level and provide added structure and support. This helps control runoff and erosion caused by snow and the water that results from it melting.

Slightly elevated walls also can make it easier to cover your plants with blankets or boxes, as well as to spread mulch for extra insulation.

Start Your DIY Weekend Home Improvement Projects Here

If you need brick, stone, or other building materials for these or your other weekend home improvement projects, contact us today. We carry a full line of residential brick and manufactured stone products.

How to Know If You Need to Build a Retaining Wall for Your Property

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All of us have heard horror stories about property owners who are watching their investment wash away. Eroding soil from rainwater and storm drains can do tremendous damage to the value of your home.

With extreme weather and rising waterways, there has never been a better time to work to protect your property. Those scenic water features can destroy large pieces of land or whole neighborhoods.

It’s important in many cases to build a retaining wall before it is too late. But how can you tell if you need one? Here are some reasons your property might need a retaining wall.

A stone block retaining wall topped with hedge

You Suffer from Downhill Erosion

If you don’t work to control downhill erosion, you will have significant issues on your hands. Without it, on one side of your property you could lose valuable land. On the other side, you could be allowing drainage and damage into your home. And soil could be eroding into the side of your house.

A retaining wall is the answer. With a wall, you can head off downhill erosion and keep your property in place.

You Have Water Runoff

Heavy rains and spring thaws can pose a huge threat to property owners. In many cases, water runoff will carry away your property if not properly managed. Also, water runoff can leave you with a flooded basement if you don’t have a wall to protect you.

Too many homeowners water their lawns only to have the runoff damage their homes. Investing in a wall prevents that.

There Are High Winds in Your Area

If you live in an area with high winds, areas of your property could be prone to soil erosion. This is especially true if your soil is dry. High-speed winds can fly through and—literally—carry your topsoil away.

Installing a retaining wall is a good way to protect your soil from wind.

Make Better Use of Your Property

A retention wall isn’t just for protecting your property. Other reasons so many Southeastern Wisconsin homeowners have them installed include:

  • They can add valuable space to your home or property. With level land, you can add seating, create walkways, and incorporate stairs.
  • Retaining walls can make your land more usable. An area that is steeply sloped and unusable can suddenly become level, usable space with the addition of a wall.
  • They provide beautiful opportunities for landscaping designs. In many cases, a retention wall can also open up more space for gardening and outdoor activities.

Get the Best to Build a Retaining Wall

When it comes to protecting your property, you can’t be too careful. But it isn’t enough to know that you need to build a retaining wall. You need the right materials for the project.

For solid materials that will keep your property in place, trust Champion Brick. We are the preferred Milwaukee brick, paver, stone, pergola, hardscape product, and retaining wall supplier for commercial and residential projects throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Contact us today for expert advice on your next stone project.

4 Unique Ways to Use Landscaping Stones to Spruce Up Your Backyard or Garden

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Are you looking to give your backyard a makeover? Or maybe you just want to spruce it up a little. Incorporating stone can add depth and contrast to your landscape design.

Landscaping stones come in a multitude of sizes, hues, textures, and shapes. And they’re easy to find. They can be purchased at local landscape businesses, the garden shop at home improvement stores, or a local stone yard.

Your budget will determine what you can buy and how big you want to go. In this area, stones native to Southeast Wisconsin are typically more easily accessible and less expensive. But if your dreams are fixed on something different, be willing to absorb the expense.

manufactured stone used as landscape edging in a backyard

Continue reading for four unique ways you can use stones in your landscape design.

1. Create a Stone Walkway

Stone walkways have become increasingly popular. When planning your walkway, remember:

  • Pavers come in numerous sizes and styles. There is also an array of neutral colors that will add great contrast to lush green lawns and vibrant blooms.
  • A design can be as simple as a walkway on the side of the house that takes visitors from the front gate to the backyard.
  • A walkway can be a solid 2 ft. wide path or strategically laid so that grass grows in between the steps.

Another idea is to create a pathway from patios, decks, and lanais to other areas in the lawn, like a fire pit or fish pond.

2. Use Landscaping Stones as a Flowerbed Topping

When it comes to flowerbeds, choosing rock vs mulch is a common comparison. Both bring their own appeal, but there can be drawbacks. For instance:

  • With mulch, you have to replace it at a minimum of once a year. The color fades from harsh sun and changing weather conditions.
  • Rocks come in a variety of colors and last indefinitely. Rock mulch gives a great return on investment and adds an undeniable richness to flower beds.

3. Have a Stone Centerpiece

If your budget will allow, landscaping with rocks can add allure to a bland corner of your backyard. Our tips:

  • Create a centerpiece with a large stone. Have it engraved with a special message for visitors. You can also consider having it chiseled into a unique shape.
  • Surround your centerpiece with exotic flowers or plants. You can also install decorative fencing panels behind the stone or an arbor above it.
  • Cap off your centerpiece with integrated outdoor lighting fixtures to illuminate the artwork as the sun sets on your cookouts and evening outdoor parties.

4. Build a Rock Garden Around a Fish Pond

Backyard ponds are unique fixtures to backyard landscaping. A fish pond can add a touch of serenity to an otherwise lively scene, and they are definitely conversation starters at backyard gatherings.

Accentuate your pond with a rock border consisting of various rocks. You can also create a stone bench for visitors to rest on as they admire your fish collection.

Are You Ready for a Backyard Makeover?

We hope these ideas for landscaping stones have you thinking about creative ways to update your outdoor living space.

If you have questions or would like to review our products, please click here to contact us.

5 Tips for Sprucing Up Your Backyard or Patio

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You walk outside to enjoy some needed sunshine only to find weeds. Lots of weeds. There’s little else to look at and practically nowhere that’s not spider-infested to sit. It’s time for a little sprucing up.

But where do you begin? How do you change your backyard’s or patio’s mess into a dreamy wonderland? Especially here in southeast Wisconsin where the best summer months can seem so short?

With these five design tips, you’ll find the inspiration to weed out the ugly and create your own fabulous backyard design.

Backyard Garden landscaping with waterfall, pond, and beautiful hardscape patio

5 Backyard Design Tips

Regardless of whether you would prefer an outside retreat or a place to gather the family, this list has something for everyone.

1. Add Walkways

Walkways are an excellent way to break up a large backyard, and decorative stone can provide an earthy, natural look.

Backyard walkways are excellent for garden paths and even smaller yards. They create a route for the eye to travel. Plus, they can add natural stopping points around certain elements.

Add a romantic or relaxed atmosphere to a small yard with a flagstone path leading to the patio or around a bench.

2. Bring the Inside Out

Couches and chairs don’t have to be limited to inside the house. Bring some of your indoor convenience outside.

In fact, outdoor rooms have become all the rage in design. All it takes is some outdoor furniture (wicker works nicely) arranged around a table.  Add some well-placed potted plants to create privacy.

3. Have a Fire Pit

During the winter months, fire pits are excellent for encouraging some outdoor time. During summer and spring, they offer relaxing nights.

Another wonderful thing about fire pits is that they come in all shapes and sizes, so yard size is irrelevant.

Purchase a fire pit and add some furniture to encourage late-night discussions. Emphasizing stone designs around it can also amp up the olden feel, but don’t forget to add your personal style.

From a tiki bar theme to in-ground pits for cooking, these pits add social enrichment wherever you put them.

4. Attract Nature

Birds might not come flapping when you sing, but some of these backyard designs might do the trick.

Add brightly colored flowers to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Great butterfly attractors include the following:

  • Lantana
  • Verbena
  • Pentas
  • Zinnias

Throw in a bird bath and some feeders and you’ll attract flocks in no time. If you have the room, a small pond with a stone bench can do wonders to create a pleasurable atmosphere.

If you grow berries, many will survive through the winter months to bring additional wildlife during the cold weather.

5. Add a Pergola

Pergolas can be added to the side of a house or as a freestanding structure. They can create the perfect outside retrieve.

Not only are they easy to build, but they make for one heck of an outside entertainment area. You can have family gatherings beneath or enjoy late romantic dinners.

Plant some ivy and within a couple of weeks, you’ll have vines climbing up the sides, creating a natural but extravagant look. Adding other climbing plants can make you feel like you’re in a personal dream.

Relax in the Sun

Get rid of those weeds and start designing! These five backyard design tips are easy ways to spruce up any property from a weed-infested clutter to a miniature paradise.

Of course, you’ll need some materials. Take a look at our website, which lists all the resources we have for homeowners interested in a little TLC for their yards. From brick to decorative stone, we offer southeastern Wisconsin residents everything they need to get the most from their backyards.

What Is a Pergola? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Pergola? What is a pergola? It’s a type of dessert, right? Wrong!

While it might sound delicious, you are more likely to find a pergola in a garden than in the kitchen. Read on if you want to know what a pergola is and how it can improve your garden.

brown wooden pergola

What Is a Pergola?

Originating around the years 1645-55, the word pergola comes from the Latin word “pergula,” which means projecting eave. It is a garden feature, and it requires a horizontal cross-beam trellis framework supported by columns or posts.

Pergolas can be freestanding and are often used to create a sitting area or walkway. They can also attach to the side of a building. They are typically covered to provide a protected, shaded area. Furthermore, they can be left open or have vine-based plants trained over them.

Traditionally, the trellis is made from wood and the columns are made from stonework, mimicking the Italian style. Today, they can be made from a variety of materials, however, including stonework, brick, wood, or a combination of all of these.

If you want a covered seating area to look over the garden but don’t want a full extension or conservatory, a pergola is a perfect option.

With many types and styles to suit both traditional and modern tastes, they often make stunning visual focal points. A pergola can also be a versatile addition to any home or garden and offers plenty of room for customization.

Features and Benefits

There are a number of features and benefits of installing a pergola, and we’ll take you through the reasons one might be a good choice for you.

Bringing the Outdoors to the Indoors

Pergolas can be a great way to combine the outside and inside with a seamless transition. They create a defined space in your garden without being too enclosed.

With the opportunity to train some beautiful vines across the trellis, you can really blend in with nature by creating a natural ceiling. This can create a relaxing outside entertainment or eating space that feels natural and soothing.

Why not even add some drapes, outdoor lighting, and hanging baskets to give that extra “wow” factor?

Easy to Install

Not only are they affordable additions, they are easy to install, too.

For those of you DIY enthusiasts out there, you can find many pre-cut kits complete with instructions and all the necessary hardware. With a pair of helping hands to get those heavier posts and rafters up, installing one can make a great project.

If you’d rather have a professional handle the job, there are many landscaping companies who can help. Not only can they help with installation, they can design a custom pergola for your space too.

Protection from the Elements

A shaded or covered pergola can provide a cool, shaded area from which you can enjoy your garden. Shade, protection from the sun, and a beautiful sitting environment. What’s not to love?

Imagine a Heartland Pergola in Your Garden

A nice pergola can create a stunning focal point in any garden. Not only are they attractive, they are practical investments too. They expand the living space of your home and make more of your outdoor space usable.

If you’re considering a pergola for your backyard, contact us today for a consultation. We carry high-quality, customizable Heartland aluminum pergolas. Call us today to find out more!