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Choosing a paver can sure feel overwhelming. You have to consider size, style, thickness, color, and more. That’s why we made a short and simple quiz that asks a few questions about what you’re looking for and, at the end, provides a recommendation, or two, you can start with.

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Design Tips for Blending Pavers with Wooden Elements

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Are you considering an outdoor design that includes both wood and stone? Using pavers and wooden elements in your yard or patio is a wonderful way to add diversity and texture to your yard. Wood products, whether they are countertops, pergolas, decks, or something else, can beautifully complement your hardscape. However, it can be a bit of a challenge to know how to create a cohesive blend of the different textures and aesthetics of wood and stone.

In this blog post, we briefly cover four top design tips for how to blend pavers and wood. From the original vision casting process to seasonal maintenance, these tips will help you make sure that your various elements blend with each other for a long-lasting, beautiful, and cohesive yard.

Design Tip #1: Choose Complementary Materials

The first design consideration is what the combination of your materials will look like. Whether you have a hardscape patio featuring some wooden benches or under hardwood beams, you should choose pavers and wood that complement each other. 

Consider the textures, colors, and styles of both kinds of materials. Are you going for a modern or rustic look, or something else? A cohesive vision will help you choose both wood and pavers that contribute beautifully to the finished appearance.

Design Tip #2: Design With a Blended Layout in Mind

Planning a layout that implements both wood and pavers is closely connected to choosing materials that will complement each other. Think through what parts of your yard will be the focal point, and make sure that your layout implements both products cohesively.

It is up to your preference whether you choose to emphasize the wood or stone features more prominently. You may lean heavily on certain wood features, or you may only choose to have a few wood accents in your hardscape. As we mentioned in Tip #1, however, consider the big picture of the final look as you think through how you want your yard layout to be.

Design Tip #3: Use Appropriate Installation Techniques

Once you have chosen your favorite complementary wood and paver materials, you are ready to install each of them in your yard. Be careful to use the proper installation techniques for the wood elements and the paving stones. Whether it is a transition from a wooden deck to a paver patio or some other combination, do not just dive into the project without doing your research. Pavers and wood elements require different types of installation and, in some cases, careful techniques to transition from one to the other. If you want each type of yard feature to look its best, use the respective installation methods to make each element professionally and aesthetically placed and secured in your yard.

Design Tip #4: Do Routine Maintenance on Both Wood and Hardscape Elements

Finally, once you have selected and installed your layout with wooden and paver features, you are free to enjoy it with your friends and family. However, if you want to keep all of your yard elements looking their best, you should implement a routine maintenance process for both the wood and the pavers.

For paver maintenance, you can check out our article on How to Clean and Maintain a Beautiful Hardscape. To maintain your wood elements, check with the supplier or manufacturer to get the best tips for keeping the wood protected and taken care of.

Explore Additional Resources

Whether you are just dreaming up a paver project or are in the installation stages of your hardscape, we have the resources to make it as easy as possible. If you are ready to get started choosing what pavers will go best with your favorite wooden elements, you can click here to make your choice from our selection of products. Also, check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for your hardscape project.

How to Install Turfstone in Residential Landscaping

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Have you ever wondered if turfstone would be a good fit for you? Turfstone is a great option if you have any low spots or places in your yard that end up with a muddy mess every time it rains.

In this blog post, we dive into all the details about how you can install turfstone in your yard.

Step #1: Mark Out the Project

Before you start, measure out where you want your turfstone to be and use white marking paint to indicate the edges. Allow an extra six inches for edge restraint. Also, make sure to only use white paint, as it is the color for excavation.

Step #2: Excavate

The depth needed for excavation is different from project to project. However, for turfstone, you will need to excavate at least thirteen inches. This allows for eight inches of gravel, one inch of bedding material, and four inches of the turfstone itself.

If you have an area with a significant slope, you will need to use a string line or laser to ensure you end up with the proper depth on the entire area.

Step #3: Lay the Gravel Base

Once you finish excavation, lay a permeable geotextile fabric to allow water to seep through the fabric without dirt migrating up into the gravel. Now it is time to add the gravel base. Since this project uses permeable base construction, you should only use crushed gravel.

After you add the layer of quarry rock, compact it tightly. If your area receives vehicular traffic, you need to lay biaxial geogrid on top of the first four inches of gravel to create additional strength and interlock. Lay your final four inches of gravel on top of the geogrid.

Step #4: Lay Bedding Material

Now that the gravel base is complete, it is time to lay your bedding material. We recommend using quarter-ten or quarter-inch chip rock that will be permeable. Use one-inch pipes or something similar to ensure that you lay a consistent one-inch of bedding. Smooth and compact the bedding material.

Step #5: Lay Turfstone

It is now time to lay the turfstone. Turfstone comes in a single shape and size, but you can choose from a few different laying patterns. We recommend a stack bond (corner to corner) pattern if your area will see only pedestrian traffic. However, if your turfstone area will also see vehicular traffic, we recommend a perpendicular running bond with a one-third offset. Follow a string line to make sure the pattern stays consistent.

Step #6: Install Edge Restraint

If your turfstone will primarily see pedestrian traffic, it is not as necessary to use edge restraint and you can skip this step. However, if your turfstone will also have a lot of vehicular traffic, an edge restraint is necessary. Use perma paver edge restraint and follow the installation instructions to add extra security to your pavers.

Step #7: Compact

It is time to compact everything tightly together. We recommend using a compactor with a roller attachment to avoid any cracking. However, if you do not have access to one, you can also use a 150-pound steel plate compactor or rubber mallet to settle them more securely into the bedding.

Step #8: Add Dirt and Grass

Now that everything is compacted, fill the cells of the turfstone with dirt. Spray it with water and add additional dirt if needed to make sure it does not sink or have empty spots.

Once the dirt is inserted, sprinkle grass seed to ensure that in a couple of months you will have lawn coming up through your turfstone. This will give you a much sturdier grassy area, even though it will still require you to mow it.

Explore Additional Resources

Whether you are installing turfstone or another hardscape, we have pavers and resources to make it as easy as possible. If you are ready to get started with the installation process, you can click here to make your choice from our selection of products. Check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for your installation.

Installation Tips for Integrating Lights into Paving Stones

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Are you looking for something to bring a final touch to your paver project? Lights bring coziness and ambiance to any area, including pavers.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps necessary to integrate lights into your paving stones.

Step #1: Prepare the Area

To add lighting to something like an existing seating wall, you will first need to remove your capstones. You will need to grind the blocks so the lights sit flush. However, if you are building your wall or other paver structure, you just need to drill holes into your blocks to make sure you have a place for the wire to run through.

Step #2: Design and Layout

As you prepare to install your lights, keep in mind that designs usually look best in odd numbers. Opt for three, five, or other odd numbers to make the final look as put together as possible. We recommend using the Cora three-inch lights from Structure and Tree. 

Take your time as you lay these lights out for the first time, ensuring that everything is spaced out and centered appropriately.

Once you have everything placed and ready, use a paver marker to mark the exact places where the lights will be installed.

Step #3: Grind for Wire Fitment

The lights used for paver lighting usually are attached to a thick piece of metal. In this step, you can allow for that by grinding the stone behind the light so it will sit flush. Use a grinder with a diamond cut wheel that is made specifically for use on concrete blocks.

Before you put the capstones back on, grind a notch along the top that will work for your lead wire placement. The notch will prevent any rocking, movement, or gaps resulting from the lead wire, lights, or connectors.

Step #4: Drill Outlets for the Lead Wire

Now you are ready to take a hammer drill with a concrete bit and drill through your layers of block. Take the time to measure and find the perfect center for the hole so that when you put the blocks back together, they all line up correctly.

Step #5: Run the Lead Wire 

Now that you have spaces for your lead wire in the blocks, it is time to run the wire through. Bury the conduit a few inches below the ground, and run the wire through your blocks and underneath to connect to the conduit. Slip the wire through the conduit, connect it to your transformer, and then bury the conduit.

Step #6: Connect the Lighting

It is time to connect your lights. Take your lead wire and connect it to each individual light with heat shrink connectors. If you are connecting multiple lights, use the daisy chain method to connect each light wire to the lead wire and loop them together.

Step #7: Finish Installation

Now that everything is connected, plug in your transformer to verify that everything works properly. Once you know everything is working well, finish by gluing on any capstones that you removed to begin the project. Test the capstones before you reglue them, in case you need to grind down any uneven spots.

Explore Additional Resources

Whether you are installing paver lights or another hardscape, we have pavers and resources to make it as easy as possible. If you are ready to get started with the installation process, you can click here to make your choice from our selection of products. Check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for your installation.

How to Build a Linear Fire Pit With a Gas Burner Insert

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Fall is the season for backyard parties and cozy campfires. However, not everyone is interested in the mess of a traditional wood-burning fire. If this is you, you may be researching gas options to get the warm ambiance without having stacks of dirty firewood and the smell of smoke.

Did you know you can build a simple fire pit out of pavers and insert a gas burner? It is an ideal option for getting that campfire feel without the hassle.

In this blog post, we are going to look at how you can DIY a linear fire pit with a gas burner insert for cozying up on chilly autumn days.

Step #1: Design Your Firepit

The first step to building a firepit is to select what kind of gas insert you want. The next thing you need to consider as you work toward designing your fire pit is the dimensions of your gas insert as well as what type of materials will work best.

Our Murata Solido Corner blocks are a great option for surrounding a linear gas fire pit insert. Whether you choose to go with them or another type of paver, make sure you do as much planning and measuring as you can for the building process to go smoothly.

Step #2: Lay Out the Base Course

Once you have a rough design and have selected your pavers and fire pit insert, you can begin laying your first layer of pavers. If possible, you should build your firepit on top of concrete, such as a concrete or paver patio.

Depending on how large your pavers are and the size of your gas insert, you will want to add in a slight gap between the pavers. This gap is recommended in order to place a vent for the safety and ventilation of your insert. Lay the first round of pavers, and try out your gas insert just to make sure it will fit. This is your chance to make any adjustments needed for everything to fit together properly.

Step #3: Stack and Glue Additional Courses

Now that you have completed your first layer of pavers and know the gas insert will fit properly, you can glue and stack your second course. As you glue subsequent courses of blocks, make sure you place the glue perpendicular to the blocks to allow for drainage. You should also make sure that you do not place glue too close to the outside of the blocks, as it is likely to squeeze out of the sides and create glue marks down the front of the pavers.

If you have a control valve unit that goes with the gas insert, you should leave a couple of blocks unglued. That way, you can follow up and either cut a notch or space in those blocks in order to make room for the control valve.

Step #4: Install the Fuel System

Once your blocks are installed, it is time to insert your burner and test the system. Every gas system will be different, so follow your manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Consider each of the different hoses and parts of the insert and double-check that each one is installed properly so that it will function safely and effectively.

After installing, test the system out a few times to see if everything is working as it should. Once it is tested, you are ready to use your new fire pit as much as you like.

Explore Additional Resources

Whether you are installing a fire pit or fireplace, we have pavers and resources to make it as easy as possible. If you are ready to get started with the installation process, you can click here to make your choice from our selection of products. Check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for your fire pit or any other part of your hardscaping needs.

How to Build a Grill Surround Out of Pavers

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If you and your family like to spend time in your yard and host grill nights for yourselves and others, you may want to build a grill surround to dress up your grill. Grill surrounds are the perfect way to level up your basic grill and add some much-needed counter space to create a small outdoor kitchen of sorts.

In this blog post, you can learn the steps to easily dress up a standard grill with pavers. We will look at how to add two columns with caps as counter space to make a grill surround that is both attractive and functional.

Step #1: Design

When you pre-plan for any hardscape project, you should always preplan your design. A grill surround is no different.

A lot of the design is dictated by the height of your grill, where your vents are, and how high you want your counters to be. If you are building a grill surround for a gas grill, you should plan to gap your columns about an inch on each side of the grill to allow for maximum ventilation. We recommend making columns about twenty inches in diameter with something like our Chateau blocks.

If you have factory metal wings on your grill, you can rip them off to make room for upgrading a paver grill surround.

Step #2: Lay Out the Base Course

Once you have designed your grill surround, it is time to lay out the first layer of pavers. First, place your grill where you want it to stay, usually on pavers, concrete, or a patio of some kind. Occasionally, you can place a grill on a wood deck—but first, ensure that the deck is rated for the heaviness of the columns you will be building. Note that because you are building the grill surround on concrete or the equivalent, you do not need to worry about any paver base or compaction as you would with other paver projects.

Lay the first course of pavers about an inch away from your grill and three inches away from the face. This way, once you add your cap to the top, you will have three inches of overhang on the top and the sides and one inch in the middle for breathability.

Step #3: Stack and Glue Additional Courses

After the first layer of pavers is completed, you can stack and glue the additional courses of pavers. As you go through this process, be mindful of the glue orientation on each layer. If you place glue too close to the edges, it will squeeze out and drip down the face of your columns and be very difficult to remove. 

For a column like this, you only need a dime-sized dollop of glue in each paver corner to ensure they are firmly secured to each other.

Step #4: Install Counters

Finally, after you have stacked and secured your pavers to your desired height, you are ready to finish off with a beautiful capstone countertop. We recommend using something like Murata Capello, a 24” by 24”,  three-inch thick cap. Your caps should land perfectly with the height at the bottom of your grill hood. You will have three inches of overhang on the sides and one inch of breather gap beside the grill. 

Explore Additional Resources

A grill surround is the ideal way to uplevel your outdoor grill area. If you are ready to get started with the installation process, you can click here to make your choice from our selection of products. Check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for your new grill surround or any other part of your hardscaping needs.

How to Integrate Pavers into Your Outdoor Kitchen Design

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Have you ever wondered how to upgrade your outdoor kitchen? Pavers are a fantastic way to bring functional quality to an outdoor kitchen.

In this blog post, we are looking at how you can integrate pavers into your outdoor kitchen design.

Three things you can add to your outdoor kitchen include a grill, mini fridge, and cabinet. Let’s look at the steps you need to take to include these three items in your new outdoor kitchen using pavers.

Step #1: Design

As you are planning pavers for your outdoor kitchen, there are several things you need to consider. One of the first things to think about is all the measurements, including the measurements of any appliances you want to add.

Step #2: Lay Out the Base Course

Once you have confirmed all the necessary measurements, lay out the first layer of pavers. You should always lay only one course to start in order to test the fit of each appliance. Make sure that it looks perfect before you continue stacking the courses of blocks. No one wants to have to tear down stacks of blocks to repair an incorrect fit.

Step #3: Stack and Glue Additional Courses

There are many different elements to keep in mind and test as you stack and glue additional courses of blocks. Once you have laid the second layer of pavers, start making the opening for your cabinet. You may have to cut the sides of the wall to create the perfect opening width.

As you go along, you may want to create some vents to add extra ventilation to your propane or natural gas grill. You will also want to include an angle iron to act as a solid bridge for the top of your cabinet opening and the top of your mini fridge. Insert the angle iron, and continue to stack and glue your final courses of blocks.

Step #4: Install Appliances

Once the pavers are completely installed, you can begin to insert your new appliances. For the cabinet, you only need to use the screw holes in the sides of the cabinet. Use a concrete drill bit to drill into the block and insert a concrete fastener to make sure the cabinet is solid and secure. For the mini fridge, simply slide it into the fridge opening and run the power cord through a notched block into a power supply. Finally, for the grill, you only need to put it in its indicated place after turning the blocks directly behind it sideways to be a backrest.

Step #5: Install Counters

The final step to complete your outdoor paver kitchen is to add some capstones to serve as outdoor counter space.  Our Murata Capello 28-inch capstones are the perfect size; you will only need to use one full piece instead of having to cobble together a variety of sizes. If you have an oddly sized counter area, cut one or two capstones to make an easy and complete fit.

Explore Additional Resources

An outdoor paver kitchen with a fridge, cabinet, and grill is the ideal addition to any outdoor space. If you are ready to get started with the installation process, you can click here to check out our selection of products.  Check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for your paver kitchen or any other part of your hardscaping needs.

DIY Modern Firepit Designs for Your Backyard Home Space

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Are you looking for a simple way to add ambiance and coziness to your backyard? A firepit is the perfect way to add warmth to any outdoor space.

In this blog post, we will look at three different DIY fire pit options that are easy to build. Each of the three (a round firepit, a square option, and a linear or rectangular option) has a very similar building process.

If you are building on top of grass, the first thing you want to do before starting is excavate. Excavate about five inches to give yourself four inches of gravel that will be compacted and one inch of embedment below the ground to retain it. Then, you will want to make sure your blocks sit flat and level on the gravel and embedment material.

Option #1: Round Firepit

The industry standard for a round firepit has typically been to use a splitface or tumbled block. If you want your firepit to be more modern design, we recommend using something like our Chateau Moderna, which is untumbled, so that the firepit has nice clean edges. If you use a fire pit kit like we sell, you will use sixty blocks for the firepit, with twenty blocks per ring, three rings total. This will create a firepit that is about a foot tall.

Start by placing your blocks in a ring around your concrete pad, and measure your diameter as you go along. Once your original course of blocks is placed, you can begin gluing and stacking each of the rest of the courses. As you use your adhesive, make sure that it does not squeeze out of the blocks.

Once you’ve laid and glued each ring, you have a finished firepit—or you can think about completing it with a capstone.

Option #2: Square Firepit

If you want a modern firepit, consider building a square one. We recommend using something like our Chateau Moderna 400 mm block. Use about ten of them per course to create a forty-eight-inch measurement in each direction. After you’ve completed the main blocks, we recommend a capstone to complete the project.

As with the round firepit, glue and stack each course of blocks, being mindful that the glue is not squeezing out between the pavers.

If you add a capstone, you can easily lay it in a different perpendicular orientation so it creates two inches of overhang on both the inside and outside of the firepit.

Option #3: Linear Firepit

To build a modern design, linear firepit, we recommend our Murata Solido corner block. It is about eight by eight by sixteen inches, making it ideal for a rectangular shaped firepit.

The final size of the linear firepit should be thirty-two inches by fifty-six inches long. Because of the size of these pavers, you only need to lay two courses of blocks with nine blocks per course. Make sure everything is straight and square as you lay the blocks and that glue does not leak out the sides.

If you want a capstone on this fire pit, it is definitely an option. However, the Murata Solido block has a nice beveled edge that does not require a capstone.

Explore Additional Outdoor Fire pit Resources

Adding a firepit to your yard is the perfect way to add a modern design touch of warmth. If you are ready to get started with the installation process, you can click here to check out our selection of products.  Check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for your firepit kit, capstones, or any other part of your hardscaping needs.

Enhance Your Paver Pathways with Creative Lighting Solutions

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As we head into the darker months of the year, you may be wondering how to make your paver walkways and patios still inviting and safe even in the winter months. With proper lighting, you can turn your hardscape into a usable, magical space even when darkness falls early. Lights can also make your hardscape feel more enjoyable and secure.

Here at Western Interlock, we want to make hardscape something quality and approachable for you, no matter what stage of landscaping you are in. In this blog post, we look specifically at lighting for paver pathways—including some of the best types of lights, design inspiration, and some installation tips to help you begin.

Types of Lighting Options

What are some of the best options for lighting your paver pathways? Our top three options for lighting are solar lights, LED lights, and low-voltage lighting.

Solar lights are easy to install, making them perfect for a DIY paver project. They are also energy efficient and can save you money on your electricity bill. LED lights are energy-saving and will last a long time. Low-voltage lighting is an especially safe option and will give you flexibility as you choose what design you prefer.

Design Ideas

Once you have selected the type of lighting you prefer for your paver walkway, you can choose what design will work best in your yard.

If you prefer a more minimalist aesthetic, you may want to choose in-ground lights or path lights. Path lights can help enhance the border of your paver walkway, while in-ground lights have a more sleek and unobtrusive look.

For a more whimsical style, you may want to consider hanging string lights. String lights bring a decorative touch while also lighting effectively.

Finally, if you are looking for a modern lighting style, consider bollard lights. They are a practical way to illuminate your walkway and will bring a touch of sophistication to any pathway.

Practical Tips for Installation

As you prepare to install the lighting in your walkways, you first need to plan the layout. How long and wide is your paver walkway? How do you want the lights to fit in with the surrounding landscape?

Once your layout is planned, consider how to best install your specific type and style of lighting. Do you need an electrical outlet nearby to plug in your string lights? Will your lighting be powered by the sun? Be sure to think carefully through the tools you will need and take precautions for your safety through the installation process.

Enhancing Ambiance

Once you have installed your lights, you can take an additional step and consider how they affect the overall ambiance of your paver pathway and landscape. What color of lightbulb works best for your yard? Do you want something warmer or cooler-toned?

Implementing effects like depth and highlight features, turning the lights up or down, and adjusting the lighting for different seasons or events can make your paver lighting into something that greatly benefits the feeling and atmosphere of your outdoor space.

Explore Additional Resources

Adding lighting to your paver pathway can be a wonderful way to bring safety and luxury to your hardscape. If you are ready to get started with the installation process, you can click here to check out our selection of products.  Check out our DIY with WI page for access to tutorials, guides, and more. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or personalized advice you need for your paver lighting or any other part of your hardscape project.

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Since 1990 Western Interlock has been manufacturing high-quality paving stone supply. We carry pavers, patio pavers, driveway pavers, landscape pavers, retaining wall design, fire pit kits, fireplace kits, and a huge selection of Installation guides. We strive to provide high-quality products with excellent service.

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