BRICKS & STONES — Cont’d from page 41
for driveways and patios. They come in a variety of colours — including charcoal, ash, sandstone, quartz and amber — and sizes that can be combined to create a wide range of patterns. Another popular paving stone is the Roman, which can be used for patios, walkways and driveways. It has a “rocky, tumbled” look that Ontong says ensures it “doesn’t ever go out of style.” For those looking for something a little more rustic, Ontong recommends Arborwood. These dry-cast slabs have a wood texture that makes them look like rough wooden planks. They come in two colours, brown and grey, and are ideal for pool decks, paths and patios. Unlike wood decks or surfaces, you don’t have to worry about these slabs warping or rotting and you never have to paint or stain them. They also come with a lifetime warranty.
“On the other hand, if you want to dream big, and you have the budget for it, maybe you can have a full outdoor kitchen.” Ontong recommends that anyone who is hardscaping for the first time start small. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your yard doesn’t have to be either. “You don’t have to start big. You can maybe start with a firepit or a walkway connecting one area of your yard with another,” she says. “Firepits are a good place to start if you’re not familiar with hardscapes and you want to try it out and see how it works.” One recent trend in hardscaping incorporates clean, linear lines in multiple residential applications. Ontong says Barkman’s Broadway dry-cast pavers are a popular choice
44 Parade of Homes SPRING 2022
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