The Field Journal

Choosing between pavers and concrete in Michigan? The upfront cost is only half the story. Discover which material stands up to our harsh winters, offers easier repairs, and provides a better return on your investment.

In the middle of July, when we are designing a driveway, it is easy to suffer from "Winter Amnesia." We look at the beautiful pavers, the lush planting beds, and the elegant retaining walls, and we forget one massive, heavy reality: In six months, we are going to need a place to put 40 inches of snow. Most landscape designs fail in January. They box the homeowner in. They place walls too close to the edge, leaving no room for the plow blade. They create bottlenecks that trap

The Summary A patio is only as stable as the subgrade beneath it; in Southwest Michigan, a standard 4-inch base is a guaranteed recipe for frost heave and settling. We excavate 11–13 inches deep to install a hydrostatic barrier  (geotextile fabric) and an 8-inch compacted aggregate base that bridges soft clay soils. If you cannot drive a truck across the base material before the pavers are laid, the foundation is not ready. The Anatomy of Movement (Why We Dig Deep) Homeowners

It’s the big question every homeowner in Michiana asks before starting a major outdoor project: "Is this a smart financial decision?" When it comes to adding a new paver patio , the answer from homeowners and real estate professionals alike is a resounding yes. A professionally installed, high-quality paver patio is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It not only provides years of personal enjoyment but also offers one of the highest returns on investment (