paver patterns

A Guide to Paver Patterns

You’ve chosen your paver size and selected a color blend. The next step: choosing a pattern. With so many different options, this is another step that Borgert makes easy with our online stone calculator and resource guide. Seeing paver patterns may help you more easily select the layout that’s right for your project.

Today, we’ll give a brief introduction to some of the more popular paver patterns, as discussed on The Spruce. Visit our product galleries to see more options, and contact us to discuss whether a specific pattern will work with your pavers and in your space.

All of the below examples are taken from our Holland Stone paver page; keep in mind that other paver or slab shapes are capable of different pattern variations. Visit each specific product page or visit our online stone calculator to see all available options!

 

Herringbone 45º 

herringbone - Guide to Paver Patterns

Herringbone 90º 

Guide to Paver Patterns

 

Basketweave

Guide to Paver Patterns

As the name suggests, this pattern looks much like a woven basket. It’s a popular choice for patios.

 

Running Bond

Running Bond

This popular pattern is fairly easy to lay and provides clean lines, making it a popular choice for walls and patios.

 

Parquet

Parquet

There are several different parquet pattern options, all of which add unique visual interest to a patio,  pathway or driveway

 

Ready to get started on your patio project? Give Borgert a call to learn more about how our concrete slabs and interlocking concrete pavement systems are a perfect option for driveways, walkways and patios. We can answer questions and direct you to a certified distributor or installer.

 

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in premium concrete pavers and slabs for patios and driveways, and walls square and round fire pits. We also offer The King of Hearths outdoor fireplaces and ovens. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality hardscaping products that help our customers’ dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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efflorescence

Efflorescence on Interlocking Concrete Pavers

If you’ve ever installed interlocking concrete pavers, you may have noticed a white film or haze on the paving stones. This is called efflorescence, a naturally occurring process in any concrete. There is no need for alarm: it does not affect the structural integrity or longevity of the pavers, and it is easy to remove.

What is Efflorescence?

Technically referred to as calcium hydroxide, efflorescence is a product of several different sources. It is carried to the surface of concrete pavers by moisture. There are admixtures used in the manufacturing process to inhibit efflorescence, but there is nothing available to eliminate it. It appears randomly – any concrete can have efflorescence. But it appears more pronounced on concrete paving stones, because it can be seen more easily on colored concrete.

Efflorescence Fades Naturally

In many cases, efflorescence is naturally scoured off as the pavers are compacted during the installation process. If that doesn’t happen, it generally lessens or dissipates completely over time, due to weather and general wear.

Specialty Cleaners Will Speed Removal

For faster removal, Borgert offers cleaners that are specially made for concrete paving stones. This mildly acidic product is safe and product instructions are easy to follow. Borgert recommends that you first use the cleaner on an inconspicuous area, so you know how it works before undertaking the whole project. An important detail: there are several products on the market to remove efflorescence from pavers. Make sure that you use products made specifically for interlocking concrete pavers.

If you have any questions about efflorescence or how to remove it, get in touch.

 

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in premium concrete pavers and slabs for patios and driveways, and walls square and round fire pits. We also offer The King of Hearths outdoor fireplaces and ovens. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality hardscaping products that help our customers’ dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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Patio Inspiration: Strassen Fire Ring Cap

At Borgert, we want to help you spend as much time outdoors this summer as possible. Even though these summer days are long, the temperature often drops as soon as the sun goes down. But that doesn’t mean you need to leave the patio! Our Strassen fire rings and fire ring caps are the perfect addition to any patio, large or small.

The Strassen fire ring caps are precast, which makes installation fast and maintenance a breeze. In addition, both our caps and firepit pavers are constructed with mortarless veneering, improving safety and durability. The fire ring caps’ clean lines add simplicity to a busy patio, drawing the eye to the desired focal point and creating a focus for patio design and décor.

fire ring caps

Minnesota River Fire Ring with a Charcoal Fire Ring Cap

 

Although our fire ring caps are precast, there is still plenty of room for customization. They are available in three different color blends, which highlight various shades from the six available color options in our Strassen fire ring wall units. This allows you to choose a combination that fits with the overall design of your patio and outdoor space.

North Shore Fire Ring with a Limestone Fire Ring Cap

 

Create a warm and welcoming outdoor space with Borgert and King of Hearths fireplaces and outdoor ovens. Visit our product gallery for ideas and inspiration, then find a Borgert Products distributor or contact us to learn more about how our high-quality fireplace products can fit into your outdoor vision and design.

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in premium concrete pavers and slabs, patios, driveways, fire rings and fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and retaining walls. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality hardscaping products that help our customers’ dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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colors

How to Choose Colors for your Paver Patio

You’ve chosen a paver and decided on the design of your patio. Now all that’s left to do is pick a color. Easy, right? Not necessarily. Often, selecting a color blend that will partner well with the colors of your home, outdoor furniture, and other hardscape or softscape elements can be quite challenging.

Borgert is here to help! We’ve created a color selection guide that lays out the available color options for each of our premium concrete pavers, walls, step units, fireplaces and fire rings. More information is available in our resource guide and 2022 catalog. Below are tips on choosing colors for your Borgert paver patio.

See Colors in Person

Don’t choose your paver colors based solely on our website photos – that won’t allow you to get a complete and accurate assessment of the shades. Colors vary in print reproduction, so it’s important to find a Borgert certified distributor and view the pavers in person.

Understand the Blend

Our color blends consist of two or three colors. In some, one of the colors is dominant, but in others, the shades are mixed throughout. In addition, some blends contain pavers of each color as well as pavers with blended shades. For best blend results, make sure to select from multiple cubes.

Incorporate Colors into the Pattern

Our resource guide contains several pattern options and ideas. Think about how the colors and blends will factor into the design and the overall look of your patio pattern.

Ready to get started on your paver patio? Need help choosing colors that fit with your landscape design and vision? Give Borgert a call today – we can answer questions and direct you to a certified distributor or installer.

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in premium concrete pavers and slabs, patios, driveways, fire rings and fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and retaining walls. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality hardscaping products that help our customers’ dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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step units

Hardscaping Inspiration: Step Units

Whether it takes 5 or 50 steps to get up to your front door or back patio, adding steps can be an expensive project. The Borgert step unit is a more affordable alternative to some of the costlier step materials like natural stone or granite. And because our step unit is attractive, durable and easy to install, you’ll save time and money without sacrificing the overall appearance of your steps.

Here are some of our favorite step unit designs. Visit our product gallery to for more inspiration!

Lush Landscaping

step units

We love how the combination of softscape materials and low lighting play off the natural appearance of the concrete step unit, in our Minnesota River color blend.

 

Clean and Simple

Our Limestone color blend creates a look that is both minimalist and sophisticated.

 

Unique Combinations

Our color blends allow you to customize the exact look of your steps, as demonstrated here in this unique layout of our Minnesota River blend.

 

Staggered Steps

Incorporating landings in to the step design allows for visual breaks in the steps (as shown here in our North Shore color blend), as well as physical breaks for those who climb them regularly!

 

Contrasting Colors

Use surrounding materials, such as rocks, mulch and wall units, to create contrast with steps. Here, our Buff color blend was installed with lighter-colored rocks and darker mulch to create gorgeous contrast.

 

Make your yard memorable! Calculate your project needs with our paver calculator, then contact us to learn more about how our high-quality step units can fit into your outdoor design.

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in premium concrete pavers and slabs, patios, driveways, fire rings and fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and retaining walls. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality hardscaping products that help our customers’ dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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drenapave

Driveway Inspiration: DrenaPave™ and DrenaMontage™

Do you deal with excessive runoff after a heavy rain? Are you looking for a more sustainable option for your driveway? Or do you simply want a unique, attractive driveway pavement option that is easy to maintain? Whatever your goals, consider using our DrenaPave™ and DrenaMontage™ specially-designed permeable concrete paving stones to mitigate storm water runoff.

Our DrenaPave™ or DrenaMontage™ permeable concrete pavement systems provide stormwater management right in your driveway. The pavers naturally filter out harmful pollutants such as oil and nitrates, reducing harmful runoff and improving overall water quality. In addition, rain is absorbed through the interlocking stones, which minimizes spot flooding and prevents water from running off into ditches and drains.

The best part? Our permeable systems have the same strength and durability as traditional interlocking concrete pavers, and maintenance is simple.

We’re sharing a few of our favorite DrenaPave™ and DrenaMontage™ driveway ideas below. Visit our product galleries for more!

Inspired by Up North

DrenaPave

Reminiscent of the natural beauty of Northern Minnesota, the Iron Range family of colors creates a warm, inviting look for any driveway, entryway or parking lot.

Warm Tones

drenapave

The Minnesota River blend creates a warm look that complements brick or natural tones in a home and landscape design.

Contrasting Colors

drenapave

Using different color families for edging and accents creates visual interest and a unique look. Mix and match pavement stones for a custom, memorable look.

DrenaPave™ and DrenaMontage™ is an excellent way to achieve a high-end driveway look while minimizing your effect on the environment. Contact us to learn more about these innovative products!

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in premium concrete pavers and slabs, patios, driveways, fire rings and fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and retaining walls. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality hardscaping products that help our customers’ dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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Four Ways to Make Your Yard More Sustainable

Sustainability is no longer simply a buzzword – it’s become a way of life. Homeowners and designers alike are incorporating sustainability into all parts of a home, including the lawn, garden and patio.

We’re big fans of sustainability at Borgert Products, so we wanted to share a few tips on making your outdoor space more eco-friendly, courtesy of Gardenista.

Install Permeable Pavers

sustainable

Sustainability begins with the surface of your patio. Permeable pavement systems minimize harmful rainwater runoff, instead allowing water to slowly seep into the ground. This provides natural filtration of pollutants, helps water to cool, and provides a slower flow into drainage systems and bodies of water. Borgert Products’ permeable pavement systems are strong and durable, with minimal maintenance required. Contact us to learn more!

Consider Grass Alternatives

Grass can look and feel lovely, but it takes a lot of water to maintain a lush, green lawn. One alternative is planting ground cover, like sheet moss, in shadier areas – it’s a cost-effective alternative that requires minimal maintenance. Another idea is to forgo turf entirely with a wild meadow of native wildflowers, which – bonus! – will attract birds and bees.

Be a Friend to Pollinators

If you’re not ready to turn your lawn into a meadow, consider converting even a few feet into a pollinator-friendly garden. Plant wildflowers and pollinator-friendly plants, such as bee balm, salvia, snapdragons, black-eyed Susans, sunflowers and many more. In addition, avoid using harsh pesticides on your lawn and garden, opting instead for pollinator-safe alternatives.

Collect and Save Water

Rain barrels require an upfront investment, but they can save a lot of money – not to mention water – in the long run. In addition, consider an irrigation system, which deliver water straight to plant roots in a slow drip, avoiding water waste.

Ready to get started with your sustainable patio? Give Borgert a call today.

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in premium concrete pavers and slabs, patios, driveways, fire rings and fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and retaining walls. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality hardscaping products that help our customers’ dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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Hardscaping vs. Softscaping: What’s the Difference?

When embarking on a landscaping project, it’s important to understand the different design elements that go into outdoor living spaces, and how they interplay with one another. These elements generally fit into one of two categories: hardscaping and softscaping.

While these may seem like obscure industry terms, it can be useful to understand the difference between the two. This will help homeowners and designers create an appropriate design for the space, using hardscaping and softscaping elements appropriately and in concert with one another to create a fully functional landscape.

We’ll begin with basic definitions.

Hardscaping:

hardscaping

The Spruce defines hardscaping as the “non-living elements” of landscaping. This includes paver patios, retaining walls, driveways, fences, benches and the like. Generally, hardscape elements are more practical (patios, fences) but can also be decorative (benches, pergolas). In addition, features such as outdoor fireplaces or water fountains are included under the definition of hardscaping.

Softscaping:

In comparison, softscaping refers to the living, horticultural elements of landscape. Ultimately, softscape means plants – from grass and shrubs, to annual and perennial flowers, and even vegetables in a garden.

The challenge of creating an effective landscape design is figuring out how to mix hardscape and softscape elements together to create a cohesive, functional outdoor space. The two complement each other well – for example, softening the appearance of a fence with tall spring bulb plants, or covering a wall or pergola with vines for a lush, earthy effect. One easy way to mix hardscaping and softscaping is by placing container plants on the edges of a patio. The possibilities are truly endless!

To find out how Borgert Products can help make your hardscaping vision come to life, visit our product galleries or contact us for more information.

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in pavers, patios, driveways and retaining walls. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality products that help our customers dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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Patio Inspiration: Kastle Flats

Our outdoor living spaces are true extensions of our homes. We eat and entertain on patios, laying poolside and hosting friends on warm summer nights. So why shouldn’t a patio be stylish? With Kastle Flats slabs, that is easily achieved.

Borgert Products’ Kastle Flats bridges the gap between modern and contemporary, bold and classic. With three available sizes and two color families, this distinctive slab creates endless possibilities for a custom design. The large scale and light texture makes a Kastle Flats patio or walkway unique and memorable.

We’ll share a few photos of our favorite Kastle Flats patios below. For more, including pattern examples, visit the product page, idea gallery, or check out our latest catalog.

The Right Shade

Kastle Flats

Kastle Flats is available in two shades: Sterling Gray in gray tones and Classic Bronze in brown tones. Here, Sterling Gray was used to perfectly complement the black building and the gray rock, creating a cohesive – and stunning – look.

A Unique Pattern

This close-up shows one of the many patterns that can be made with Kastle Flats slabs. Mix and match the three available sizes – 8×16, 16×16 and 16×24 – for a one-of-a-kind design.

Large Scale Projects

In larger projects, such as this expansive patio and walkway, small pavers could appear too busy and actually make the space look smaller. Kastle Flats’ slabs fit the large space more comfortably.

Perfect for the Pool

Don’t pour a concrete pool deck! Instead, create a high-end poolside experience with Kastle Flats slabs. This beautiful patio shows the color variations in the Classic Bronze color family. Notice how the colors differ slightly to create yet another unique look.

 

To learn more about the Kastle Flats slab, or to get a custom quote, visit the product page and contact us today.

 

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in pavers, patios, driveways and retaining walls. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality products that help our customers dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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Manage Stormwater with Interlocking Concrete Pavements

There are many benefits to using a system of permeable interlocking concrete pavements for a walkway, driveway or parking lot. In addition to aesthetic appeal and durability, our interlocking concrete paver systems offer a stormwater management solution that functions as a pavement without taking up any extra space. We’ll discuss a few additional benefits of managing stormwater through permeable interlocking concrete pavements below. To learn more, please get in touch!

interlocking concrete pavements

Stormwater Filtration

Our permeable interlocking concrete pavement systems naturally filter out harmful pollutants such as oil, grease, nitrates and phosphorous. This reduces the amount of harmful runoff and improves the overall quality of the water. In addition, the water is naturally cooled as it infiltrates the system.

Flooding Mitigation

Stormwater is absorbed and filtered through the interlocking concrete pavements, which prevents water from simply running off toward drains and ditches. This can mitigate downstream flooding while recharging the existing groundwater.

Low-Cost Option with Easy Maintenance

Installing a permeable interlocking concrete pavement system will eliminate the need for a separate stormwater management system, saving both space and money. Our systems do not frost, heave or crack, and ice does not form on the pavement surface. The systems have the same durability and strength as traditional interlocking concrete pavements, and maintenance is easy.

Borgert Products permeable interlocking concrete pavements are an attractive, durable and cost-effective system for managing stormwater on parking lots, driveways and walkways. Systems are ADA compliant and may qualify for LEED credits.

 

To learn more about the many benefits of these systems or to get a custom quote, visit our permeable product pages or contact us today.

Borgert is a Minnesota-based, family-owned company specializing in pavers, patios, driveways and retaining walls. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality products that help our customers dream landscapes become a reality. Get a quote today on your Borgert products.

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