Frequently Asked Questions
At our landscaping supply store, we often get a lot of questions about DIY projects from enthusiastic homeowners. We are always more than happy to answer these. Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions below, or give us a call to learn more about your project!
Hardscaping refers to the non-living, solid elements of an outdoor space, like patios, walkways, retaining walls, and stone features. It focuses on things made from materials like stone, concrete, or wood.
Landscaping, on the other hand, includes the living, natural elements, like plants, trees, grass, and flowers, as well as how these features are arranged to create a pleasing outdoor environment.
We recognize that ‘hardscape’ may be unfamiliar to some, yet it stands as the cornerstone of a dynamic landscape industry, pushing the boundaries of outdoor living possibilities. Our mission is to redefine landscaping by highlighting the transformative impact of hardscape elements. Consider us as the supplier of your outdoor haven, where each stone, paver, and structure contributes to a personalized masterpiece reflecting your lifestyle.
In terms of upkeep, a thorough cleaning twice a year—around spring and fall—usually does the trick. For high-traffic areas or spots that gather more dirt, you may need to clean more frequently. Routine sweeping and occasional rinsing help maintain a fresh look between deeper cleans.
We provide both all-purpose cleaning solutions and specialized products designed for tough stains like oil, grease, and efflorescence. Some customers prefer to keep it simple by using dish soap and water. One important tip is to stay away from wire brushes, as they can shed bristles that may rust, and always handle the sand between the pavers with care.
You should reseal your pavers every 3 to 5 years, depending on wear and exposure to the elements. High-traffic areas or regions with harsh weather might require more frequent sealing to keep the pavers protected and looking their best. Regular inspection can help determine when it’s time for a fresh coat of sealant.
Pre-sealed pavers provide protection against stains, weather damage, and fading, making them easier to clean and maintain while enhancing their appearance and extending their lifespan.
A “Paver Saver” mat, a protective pad bolted to the bottom of the tamper, between the stone and the tamper will protect the surface of your landscaping pavers.
The order in which you apply sand and sealer definitely matters. You must apply the sand first, sweeping carefully into the joints, ensuring none is left on the surface. Once the sealer is applied, it will trap anything that is left on the surface of the landscaping pavers. Make sure the joint sand is dry before sealing.
The base material we recommend is 3/4″ crusher run gravel (6″ thick for a patio and/or walkway, 10-12″ thick for a driveway). On top of this compacted gravel, a 1” bedding of coarse sand is placed prior to laying the pavers.
If your concrete is in excellent condition (no cracking or deterioration), then yes, you can install pavers over concrete. The existing concrete pad must slope away from any structures at a minimum of 1” of fall for 8 feet of run to ensure proper drainage. Also, you must create a drainage layer (1” of bedding sand) below the pavers. For more information read our blog titled “Installing Pavers on Concrete.”
Yes, we recommend that walls greater than 3′ (1m), or with a heavy load, be engineered by a qualified civil engineer (some municipalities require even lower heights, such as 2′ (600mm), to be designed by an engineer). Fencing and railing may also be required. Always check with local building codes before building a retaining wall or fence.
We address product quality issues on a case-by-case basis. In most cases, we’ll work with the vendor to find a resolution for you or we may explore alternative products or suitable replacements if necessary.
Concrete is generally cheaper upfront than pavers. However, pavers offer a cleaner look overall, tend to last longer and are easier to repair, which can save money in the long run.
Our Screened Loam is only for grass and doesn’t have enough compost for garden.
Our No Return Policy is in place to uphold our commitment to ensuring that all of our customers consistently receive products in the best condition.
While we used to accept returns, this practice was discontinued due to instances where customers inserted damaged pieces into the middle of the pallets. We understand that this would not typically apply to your case. However, if an exception were made for your return, we would be compelled to extend the same courtesy to every customer, potentially reintroducing the challenges we faced with inappropriate pallet contents in the past.
We generally believe that you should always account for a little extra for every project so you can choose and use the pieces you love the most.
Always follow the factory instructions. It is generally recommended to clean the interior of your grill at least once a month. Turn the grill on high for 15 minutes with the hood closed to burn off buildup. Once cooled, remove and clean the cooking grates, drip tray, and briquette tray.
Always follow the factory instructions. Rust spots are common and can occur due to oxidation. Generally, to remove them it is recommended to mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 cups of water and rub the solution on the rust stain using a toothbrush, always going with the grain of the stainless steel. For persistent stains, create a paste using baking soda and vinegar. After removing the rust, clean the entire surface with a soapy solution.
After cleaning and drying the surfaces, use a Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Spray. Spray it onto a microfiber towel and wipe in the direction of the natural metal grain. Buff with the dry side of the towel to achieve a brilliant shine.
Summerset grills come with a Gold Standard Lifetime Warranty for main burners, cooking grates, burner covers, and other components. Certain parts, such as electrical components, come with a 3-year warranty. The warranty covers replacement parts but not labor or discoloration due to environmental factors. Proof of regular maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid. You can register your Summerset grill online at Summerset Grills Warranty Information. Be sure to submit the registration form within 30 days of purchase to validate your warranty.
Please read the full details here. The Lifetime Guarantee covers the structural integrity of Unilock concrete paving stones and retaining wall units for residential applications. It includes any structural failure from normal use or sodium chloride de-icing. The warranty excludes efflorescence, polymeric jointing sand haze, and damage from snow removal or improper installation. Natural stone color variations and damages due to negligence are also not covered.
No, we don’t use chemicals on our mulch. After you spread it, you can treat it if you want, but most people don’t. Termites like bigger pieces of wood to live in, and mulch is too small for them to use.