Choosing the Right Base Materials Before Winter

When a landscape project is expected to last for years, what goes underneath the finished surface matters just as much as what customers see on top.

A beautiful patio, walkway or driveway can still develop problems if the underlying base isn't appropriate for the application or properly prepared.

This becomes particularly important in Ontario, where outdoor construction has to contend with seasonal moisture and freeze/thaw conditions.

Start With the Application

Different projects have different requirements.

A pedestrian walkway doesn't necessarily need the same base approach as a driveway, retaining wall or large patio. The material selected needs to suit the project, expected loads, drainage requirements and site conditions.

That is why choosing a base material shouldn't simply come down to selecting the least expensive aggregate available.

Aggregates Are More Than Just Gravel

Contractors regularly work with aggregates for applications ranging from base preparation to drainage and grading.

For example, Adams' 3/4" Clear Stone is a clean crushed stone with no fines and is commonly used for drainage applications, under decks and in window wells, as well as certain landscape and walkway applications.

Other aggregate products serve different purposes, which is why understanding the characteristics of each material is important before ordering.

Don't Ignore Drainage

Water is one of the biggest considerations when preparing an outdoor project.

If water isn't able to move through or away from the structure properly, saturated materials can become vulnerable to movement and other problems as conditions change.

Good grading, appropriate drainage materials and proper preparation all work together to create a more reliable foundation.

Think Beyond the Finish Date

A project may look perfect when the final paver is installed, but the real test comes later.

Ontario's seasonal conditions put outdoor surfaces through repeated changes in temperature and moisture. A properly considered base helps the finished installation perform through those changes rather than simply looking good on completion day.

For contractors and builders, this is also about protecting the work already invested in the project.

Ask Before You Order

The right material isn't always obvious from a product name alone. Site conditions, application and quantities all matter.

Adams Landscape Supply's team works with contractors and homeowners to help determine appropriate materials and quantities for projects. The company also maintains a large on-site selection of aggregates, soils, decorative stones and hardscape materials in Kitchener-Waterloo.

If you're unsure which aggregate or base material makes sense for your project, asking before the material arrives can save considerably more time than correcting the wrong choice later.

Build the Foundation First

A durable outdoor project starts below the surface.

Before winter conditions arrive, make sure your next patio, walkway, driveway or hardscape project has the right materials underneath it, not just the right products on top.

Planning a fall or spring construction project? Visit Adams Landscape Supply or speak with our team about your base material requirements. We can help you select the appropriate products for the application and plan the quantities and delivery your project needs.