If you are planning on renovating or replacing the driveway of your Saint Charles, IL, home, you will find an overwhelming number of commonly used driveway materials at your disposal. Every homeowner wants a stunning driveway that will make a memorable first impression on visitors, so choosing the right material is important. If you’ve narrowed down your choice to pavers and poured concrete - both frequently used materials for driveways - be sure to check out the differences between them below:

Versatility of Design

With their wide range of versatile patterns, colors, and shapes, pavers can enhance the look of your front yard. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a modest update to your front yard, or want to completely redesign your driveway, concrete pavers have the power to transform the outdoor space, creating the exact aesthetic you wish to achieve. Compared to poured concrete, in the category of versatility and design possibilities, pavers definitely steal the lead. 

Concrete pavers allow you to be creative and match the architectural style or color of your home and the surrounding structures. Turn your front entrance into a grandiose welcome with a traditional or contemporary styled driveway, or add warmth to your rustic landscape with an old-world cobblestone appearance. 

Related: Why Choose Pavers over Asphalt for Your Naperville, IL, Driveway

A Hassle Free Installation

Once the base has been prepared, pavers can be installed quickly and easily. While the pouring of concrete is a relatively quick process as well, concrete pavers can be put to use immediately after they have been laid. Poured concrete, on the other hand, requires significant curing time and can’t be used until the concrete is set and ready. Even so, poured concrete has a tendency to crack, especially if the site was not properly prepared before installation. 

Pavers for a Durable Driveway

With the right high-quality pavers and an experienced contractor, such as Montano’s Landscaping, Inc., concrete pavers will last for the lifetime of your home. Concrete pavers can loosen over time, but this is easily remedied. Even damaged pavers can be easily lifted and replaced at very little cost - unlike poured concrete which requires the entire surface to be replaced. 

Poured concrete is prone to splitting and cracking. Changes in temperature, shifting in the ground beneath the concrete surface, and an uneven base are common causes for cracks in poured concrete. One of the biggest drawbacks of poured concrete is the cost and inconvenience involved in its repairs. 

Pavers are Very Low-Maintenance 

Concrete is relatively easy to maintain, but it does pose a serious challenge when it comes to stains. Poured concrete is highly porous and substances, such as oil, grease, and even storm water, can cause poured concrete to develop unsightly marks. While this can be limited by applying special sealants and surface coatings, this can prove costly in the long run. Concrete pavers, on the other hand, offer a low porosity and are often manufactured with special resistance against staining and fading. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, long-term driveway solution, concrete pavers are, without a doubt, the ideal option. 

Everybody loves gathering around the warm glow of a fire—and everybody loves pizza. So, the addition of an outdoor fireplace with pizza oven in your Geneva, IL, yard is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. With the help and expertise of a professional landscaper and these three tips, your beautiful and functional outdoor fireplace and pizza oven will be ready for entertaining in no time!
 
The Right Design

An outdoor fireplace and pizza oven can easily stand on its own or be integrated into a full outdoor kitchen. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of natural stone, the traditional look of brick, the uniform elegance of modern stacked stone, southwestern stucco, or contemporary concrete, there are countless building materials and designs to accommodate every taste and yard. While the building material used in the interior of the outdoor fireplace and pizza oven must be able to withstand extremely high temperatures, and thus is limited to only a few options, the exterior can be made of many different materials. 

Related: 4 Essential Features Every Outdoor Kitchen Should Have in Lisle, IL

For the sake of optimum functionality, outdoor fireplaces are typically rectangular in shape and pizza ovens are usually dome-shaped. However, your landscaping professional likely has a few tricks up his or her sleeve for creating a wholly unique and fully functional fireplace and pizza oven.
 
The Right Fuel Source

It is important to know the pros and cons of each fuel source so that you can make sure your outdoor fireplace and pizza oven fit your lifestyle and outdoor space. You have two options: gas or wood. A wood-burning fireplace generates more heat than gas but also creates a significant amount of smoke and requires a chimney. Because of this, there are typically more code regulations by which to adhere. Regular and frequent cleaning and maintenance is essential with a wood-burning fireplace. Even so, a wood-burning fireplace is typically less expensive. 

Gas-burning fireplaces, on the other hand, require very little maintenance and cleaning, and are significantly easier to use. However, a gas-burning stove does require adequate venting and a gas line that connects to your home. If you plan to locate your outdoor fireplace and pizza oven far from the home, a gas-burning fireplace may not be possible. 
Lastly, some would argue that nothing compares to the smell, sight, and authentic pizza taste of a real wood-burning fireplace. A professional will can help you decide what kind of fuel option is best for your needs.

Related: 3 Ideas for Incorporating an Outdoor Fireplace in Your Geneva, IL, Backyard
 
The Right Location

A professional landscaper will make sure that your outdoor fireplace and pizza oven are located in a safe, convenient, and landscape-enhancing space. Typically, homeowners like their outdoor fireplace and pizza oven in close proximity to adequate storage. For convenience and safety, wood or propane, cleaning supplies, fire extinguisher, and fire-tending tools should be nearby. A fireplace and pizza oven should be functional and easy to use, so storage must be considered before installation. 

Proper storage will also ensure that your space is neat and tidy. When deciding where to put your fireplace, it is also important to find a dry space that allows for adequate drainage. Precipitation and winter weather can really damage an outdoor fireplace if a functioning drainage system is not properly installed.

Related: ​3 Patio Designs Best for Entertaining in Hinsdale, IL

A fire pit is one of the most desirable outdoor features for any Batavia, IL backyard. Not only does a roaring fire offer an exciting visual element, but it also serves as a natural gathering point for people. Choosing the right shape for you firepit can be a deceptively complicated task, requiring a balance of the aesthetics, functionality and the design flow of your landscape. 

Match to your landscape design

For most people, the term fire pit conjures up images of a traditional round fire pit to camp around. Round fire pits are generally favored for their softer, more organic design, as well as a throwback to the classic round campfire. The curved design makes them especially well-suited to more traditional and natural landscapes, especially ones that features a lot of curved paths and features. 

In contrast to this, square and rectangular fire pits are more at home in more modern and formal backyard designs. The sleek lines give an impression of order and conformity in line with contemporary landscape design. If your existing landscape design has a lot of straight walls, walkways or a rectangular swimming pool, a square fire pit is definitely the optimal choice.  

Related: 3 Ideas for Incorporating an Outdoor Fireplace in Your Geneva, IL, Backyard

Practicality

Both shapes of fire pits offer different levels of practicality. Round fire pits have the advantage of a more uniform distribution of heat into the surroundings. Moreover, the round shape tends to feel more open and allows people to move about it more naturally while encouraging conversations. Round fire pits offer the opportunity for curved permanent seating walls that echo the shape of the fire pit design. Large pieces of moveable furniture, such as outdoor sofas and benches, however, can be difficult to arrange around a circular fire pit. 

Square fire pits tend to be the more efficient option in terms of space, making them much more suitable for smaller yards and patios. Seating layouts are also generally much simpler around a square fire pit, whether you go for permanent seating or moveable patio furniture. You can also easily accommodate people with a straight retaining or seating wall. 

Related: Warm Up Your Evenings with an Outdoor Fireplace!

Materials

The materials you plan to use for your fire pit can also influence the options available for the shape you can choose. Round fire pits are generally made of stacked stone or tapered concrete wall units which complement their rustic look. If you plan to use concrete units, the availability of tapered units in the style of your choice can be a limiting factor. In contrast to this, rectangular concrete wall units are the default shape, giving you a much wider range of options for a square or rectangular fire pit. This also makes them much easier to assemble. 

Texture and color options also play a role in determining the shape. If you plan to use sleek, straight-edged pavers, a rectangular fire pit would match them more naturally. However, if you prefer the rustic look of stacked stone, a round fire pit can be an excellent option. 

Existing design elements, space availability, practicality and material choices can all influence the shape of your fire pit. Keeping these factors in mind can ensure your fire pit integrates beautifully into your backyard. 

Dining alfresco is one of the many joys of summer. To make outdoor dining even more enjoyable, you need a great outdoor dining room. Don’t settle for a plain picnic table or a few lawn chairs by the BBQ. Instead, try some of these landscape design ideas to create a fabulous outdoor dining room for your Lisle, IL backyard.

Romantic Backyard Get-together

Outdoor dining lends itself well to long, leisurely meals that you never want to end. To create the right setting for a cozy dinner party, start with choosing the right location. This is one situation where it’s OK to set the table up on the lawn. Look for a spot under a tree or near an overflowing flower bed to provide a romantic backdrop. 

Related: 4 Essential Features Every Outdoor Kitchen Should Have in Lisle, IL
 
Adding a pergola over the dining area will help define your dining space and provide shade on sunny days. A pergola also makes the perfect spot to train climbing vines and hanging flowers. The greenery will add privacy to your dining area and create a dreamy atmosphere.
 
Outdoor lighting will add ambiance and ensure your parties don’t have to end at dusk. Lanterns and string lights hung from tree branches or a pergola will create a romantic setting.
 
Consider a wooden dining table with eclectic mismatched chairs rather than a contemporary outdoor dining set. Include cushions and some cozy throws to brighten the space and keep guests comfortable. Take advantage of summer blooms and include fresh-cut flowers in the table setting.
 
European Bistro Style Dining

Capture the feeling of stepping into an old-world bistro with landscape design that takes its cues from the past. A beautiful cobblestone or brick patio will provide the right flooring for a traditional outdoor dining area. Classic wrought iron furniture paired with coordinating lighting will help create a European bistro feel.
 
A retractable awning offers the best of both worlds when it comes to protection from the elements. An awning doesn’t take up any floor space and will provide shelter from both the sun and rain. And with a retractable awning, you’ll still have the option to enjoy good weather whenever you choose.  

​Related: 5 Unique Landscape Design Ideas to Create a Backyard Oasis in Burr Ridge, IL
 
Have an outdoor fireplace added to make your dining area comfortable even after the sun goes down. A wood-burning fireplace, built with natural stone, will create the perfect atmosphere for nighttime dining. Trees planted around the dining area will create privacy and add vertical interest.
 
Modern Outdoor Escape

Good landscape design should complement your home’s architecture. Therefore, a modern home should have a modern outdoor dining room. Clean lines and minimalistic style are the trademarks of modern landscape design. A smooth patio featuring Unilock Umbriano or Senzo pavers is the perfect setting for a contemporary outdoor dining room
 
Situate your dining area under a covered patio for shelter from even the worst weather. A covered dining room also allows for upgraded furniture and the addition of some modern electronics. A sound system for dinner music will elevate your dinner parties and provide entertainment after dinner as well.
 
Include a modern gas fire table and comfortable seating for an ideal place to gather for after-dinner drinks. Have planters added with shrubs and tall grasses to help create privacy and soften the hardscaping elements.

Image courtesy of Unilock.