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

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Outdoor Living

5 Benefits of Installing an Outdoor Fire Pit

July 28, 2021 by Champion Brick

Fire pits are perfect for s’mores and parties, and they even make your home more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell. Installing an outdoor fire pit provides many benefits to your home, and whether you choose a gas-powered or wood-burning fire pit, you’ll be turning your patio into a multi-seasonal space that’s perfect for entertaining.

Benefits of an Outdoor Firepit

  • They’re perfect for creating ambiance. For many years and counting, people have used fire pits to create a warm and unique atmosphere that nothing else can quite replicate. It gives the surrounding area a glow that immediately draws people in.
  • They make your patio functional for much longer. If you’ve lived in Milwaukee for long enough, you know that there are generally only a few months of the year you can use your patio for social gatherings. Fire pits make it possible to gather with friends and families during the spring and fall. The warmth of the fire makes cool nights much more enjoyable.
  • They provide entertainment for your guests. Crackling fire can be an exciting centerpiece when entertaining a group. Wood-burning and gas fire pits can both be used to roast marshmallows, provide the perfect ghost-story atmosphere, and are sure to provide hours of backyard amusement and relaxation.
  • It adds to the design of your patio. Your patio is an essential part of your home, and there is nothing that can pull together the design of your patio quite as well as a fire pit can. There are multiple types of brick and stone fire pit designs we can provide that will complement any backyard.
  • They add value to your home. Not only do they look great, but they can also drastically increase the value of your home. They’re a simple addition and are incredibly desirable on the market! Fire pits have become quite a popular investment for homeowners.

Contact Us

If installing an outdoor fire pit is something you find yourself interested in, don’t hesitate to contact us! We don’t just install fire pits, we also advise you on what type of fire pit is best for you and your home. We’d love to hear about your home and how we can help make your ideas a reality!

Filed Under: Fireplace/ fire pit, Outdoor Living

4 Reasons to Have an Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit

October 29, 2019 by Champion Brick

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy campfires. You don’t have to deal with the pesky mosquitos of summer and getting to enjoy the cooler weather and warmth of a crackling fire before it gets too cold to be outside. Whether you have a campfire pit in your yard that’s self-made or you’ve been thinking about adding one to your yard, Champion Brick can give you the perfect outdoor fireplace or fire pit in time to still enjoy it. Here are four reasons why you should have one.

They’re beautiful.

The materials and different styles of fire pits or fireplaces Champion Brick offers will add elegance to your backyard that wasn’t there before. If you’re looking for something to enhance your yard, a modern-looking fireplace will do just that. Check out some of the beautiful fireplace styles and materials available to give you ideas or to choose a look you love.

They create hangout space.

If you’re someone who loves to entertain, an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is especially the perfect space to entertain. Most people enjoy being outdoors and around a toasty, crackling fire. Impress your guests with a striking outdoor seating area centered around a modern or classic fireplace. If you do have a smaller home, in particular, it can create more space to hang out and entertain.

Variety of designs.

Briefly mentioned previously, there are many options for materials, colors, and designs to choose from. Techno-Bloc and Belgard are two of the most prevalent materials used by Champion Brick but with those, a variety of fireplace or fire pit designs can be created such as:

  • rustic
  • modern
  • modern chic
  • industrial chic
  • classic

Versatility.

An outdoor fireplace or fire pit in your yard is beautiful all on its own but it’s not the only way to have one. If you already have a patio but a small yard, or just want to revamp your patio, consider adding a fireplace to it. The look of outdoor fireplaces on patios make it feel almost like another room of your home. Again, with near-endless options for designs there are many ways to make your patio exquisite. Take a look at some of the ways an outdoor fireplace could enhance your patio.

Contact Us

If you’re now convinced an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is just what you need to give your yard the look and space you want, contact us today. We’d love to talk to you and get started on the perfect fireplace or fire pit project for you.

Filed Under: Fireplace/ fire pit, Outdoor Living

Pavers and Designs That Fit You

August 30, 2019 by Champion Brick

Pavers are a great way to add a beautiful aesthetic appeal to your home and jazz up the look of any driveway, pathway, or walkway. Champion Brick offers a wide selection and can help you with design ideas as well. With a variety of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes, the design possibilities are almost endless.

TYPES OF PAVERS

While there are a variety of different types, at Champion Brick, we utilize four main types of materials for pavers.

Clay

Clay pavers provide a classic look that come in red or brown tones typically. These earth tone colors are a great choice as the natural color is more fade resistant compared to artificially colored ones. Check out the select Champion Brick offers on our website.

Belgard (stone/porcelain)

Stone is another common material pavers are made of. For its stone product, Champion Brick uses one of the best brands called Belgard. Because Belgard is such a great brand, Champion Brick uses it not only for stone material but porcelain as well. Porcelain is a great option if you want a more contemporary look to your home. It’s also frost-resistant, skid-resistant, stain-resistant and easy to clean. To see the selection by Belgard that Champion Brick offers, view our webpage here.

Techo-bloc

Techo-bloc is another brand that Champion Brick uses for their paver material. All Techo-Bloc pavers designed to withstand vehicular traffic, are salt-resistant and color-consistent all the way through. With their superior thickness and interlocking characteristics, Techo-Bloc pavers are the perfect choice for stone driveway projects especially. They also are an excellent option for modern looks and designs. For a selection of the techo-bloc Champion Brick carries, visit our website.

Wood plank

Wood plank pavers are another beautiful and a more unique option, solely for the purpose that they can handle foot traffic only. A timeless look, the wood plank pavers Champion Brick uses are from Reading Rock and unlike any other. Each piece mimics aged oak wood pulled from an old barn in Kentucky. There are six different molds used to create the variety of patterns on the pavers which allows for a versatile, natural, and rustic look that could make anyone believe that it is real wood. To view the selection of aged oak wood plank pavers offered, visit the Champion Brick website.

PAVER DESIGNS

As mentioned previously, there are hundreds, if not thousands of different of pavers designs that can be created based on the layout of the pavers and variety of material. Champion Brick has worked on many paver project utilizing different designs and paver material. For ideas for your walkway or patio or just to see Champion Brick’s work, take a look at our project gallery just for pavers and outdoor living spaces.

CONNECT WITH US

If you’re interested in adding or redoing you walkway, driveway, or patio it’d be our pleasure to connect with you and discuss further exactly what you’re looking for and how we can help. Connect with us via email on our contact page or find our number there and call us today!

Filed Under: Pavers

Why You Should Be Recycling Your Leftover Bricks

March 21, 2019 by Champion Brick

So, you’ve redone your brickwork and there’s a heap of old bricks left over. You may be better off recycling them than letting them go to waste.

Bricks are a recyclable material. Numerous states have recycling plants designated for construction materials such as bricks. Recycling brick can have positive effects on the environment, economic advantages, and can spark new ideas for home improvement projects.

Recycling Bricks Is Good for the Environment

Bricks have been used for centuries because they are one of the most sustainable building materials. They are, however, often wasted. For instance, statistics from The Environmental Protection Agency showed that over 11 million tons of brick were wasted in 2015 alone. Statistics also showed that the production of brick rose from 2012 to 2014, meaning more unnecessarily wasted materials.

The report Benefits of Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling in the United States from the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Association (CDRA) notes that construction debris can be dangerous to the environment if not recycled properly.

If you don’t have a use for your old bricks, you can take them to a recycling plant or even antique stores that salvage construction waste. However, that doesn’t mean old brick should be wasted. Your leftover brick can provide economic advantages.

Recycling Brick Creates Jobs and Saves Money

Construction and demolition recycling is an important resource for homeowners and presents job opportunities. The benefits report from the CDRA also notes that workers at these recycling plants handpick reusable material to make new products.

Furthermore, if you’re a homeowner, reusing brick can also save you a little bit of money. For instance, you can use bricks that have been damaged as fill for pavers and for pouring concrete. If you enjoy DIY projects, there are plenty of crafty ways to reuse bricks around the house and garden.

Old Bricks Can Be the Start of a New Project

A load of recycled brick can be a source of inspiration for homeowners. Bricks are a trending material in the DIY sphere because of their sustainability, their strength, and their resistance to heat. For instance:

  • Old bricks can be used for paving new walkways around your home, or for building retaining walls around flowers in your garden.
  • If you want to go the extra mile, you can make a fireplace or even a brick oven in the backyard.
  • There are 15 creative ways to turn bricks into beautiful decorations in this one article alone!

Start Your Next Project Today

As we look toward creating a greener future, expect brick to be a mainstay product for homeowners. From new bricks used for large projects to recycled brick used for outdoor living and gardens, brick is here to stay.

If you’re inspired to find ways to use brick around your home or property, visit our project gallery and see some of the many Southeastern Wisconsin brick projects we’ve completed. For all of your brick needs, remember Champion Brick.

Filed Under: Outdoor Living, Projects, Residential Brick Tagged With: old bricks

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

November 29, 2018 by Champion Brick

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.

Filed Under: Outdoor Living, Projects Tagged With: brick grills

A Complete DIY Guide to Installing Brick or Concrete Pavers

October 24, 2018 by Champion Brick

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.

Filed Under: Outdoor Living

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

September 12, 2018 by Champion Brick

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.

Filed Under: Outdoor Living, Projects, Retaining Walls

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

August 8, 2018 by Champion Brick

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.

Filed Under: Manufactured Stone, Natural Stone, Outdoor Living

5 Tips for Sprucing Up Your Backyard or Patio

July 31, 2018 by Champion Brick

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.

Filed Under: Outdoor Living

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

July 24, 2018 by Champion Brick

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!

Filed Under: Heartland Pergolas, Outdoor Living

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