What You Should Do Before Installing An Outdoor Patio

Check Your Local Laws & Regulations

If you are thinking about adding an outdoor patio to your home, you must make sure you do it legally. To save yourself from running into future trouble, check your local and state building codes to make sure that you obtain any necessary permits before you start planning or constructing your new outdoor patio.

Develop a Budget

Your budget doesn't need to be an exact spreadsheet of anticipated expenses down to the cent, but having a rough estimate will prevent you from overspending. A budget will give you an idea of what materials and services you can afford and will save you from spending more than you can afford on this project.

Locate Your Utility Lines

Before any digging begins, before you even pick the location of your patio, you should check to see if you have any underground utility lines in your yard and where they might be. A national “call before you dig” phone number can be reached by dialing 811 before starting any job which requires digging. Even jobs as small as planting a tree should be checked before starting to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

Choose a Size and Location

Now it is time to plan the layout of your outdoor patio. Where do you want it to be located? How big do you want it to be? These are questions you should ask yourself during this phase of planning. Once you settle on a location, outline it with stakes in the ground tied with string and observe this area for a few days. Is it getting adequate sunlight? Does it take up too much of your yard? This is the time to change your mind about the physical aspects of your patio, not after it is already built.

Determine How You Will Use Your Patio

What is your patio going to be used for? If you plan on pacing something heavy on top of it, such as a grill, it is important to consider it now so that you can reinforce the base where necessary. It is also important to think about any gas, water, or electric lines you may require in the future so you can plan to make these future installations as easy as possible.

Choose Materials

This will be largely dictated by your budget, but your personal taste and preference also plays a role. Patios can be made out of concrete, stone, tile, or brick – all offering their own unique look. To get a better understanding of the pros and cons of each, you can look at this guide by How Stuff Works.

Hire a Contractor

Now comes the easy part; hiring a contractor to build your dream patio for you. If you live in Nassau County, you can simply give Stasi Brothers a call at 516-997-7283. We have been installing home patios for over 50 years, and the Better Business Bureau has accredited us with a rare A+ rating. If you do not live on Long Island or nearby, it is best to contact many contractors who provide service in your area and get quotes from them. Research to see which of these provide the highest-quality work and make sure you know exactly what their quote covers.

To learn more about Stasi Brothers and our services, you can visit our website or like us on Facebook.

How to Choose a Paving Material for Your Pool

Ready to pave the area around your pool, but not sure which paving material is a good fit? We’re here to help you make the right decision. Consider the following points before choosing paving materials for your pool:

Surface texture

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The area material surrounding your pool shouldn't be too rough when you walk or stand on it. After all, you will likely spend a lot of time out there during the summer. Concrete is smooth and finished, making it one of the most popular pool pavers around. Brick is not only smooth, but also slip resistant. Stone has a more natural texture that might not feel as nice on your skin.

Size

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It’s important to take into consideration how large the paving area is. Concrete will cost you less than brick or natural stone, so if the area surrounding your pool is very big, concrete will be more cost-effective.

Appearance

Concrete, brick and natural stone all have their own distinct look. Try to envision how each paving material will look with the rest of your house and landscape before making a decision.

Time

Have a deadline? The time it takes to pave with concrete will be different than that of brick. Call Stasi Brothers Asphalt at (516) 997-7283 for help determining what’s right for your situation.

Browse our photo gallery today for more ideas on paving the area around your pool. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for more tips and pointers from Stasi Brothers Asphalt!

Concrete vs. Asphalt: Which Is Right for Your Driveway?

When it comes to paving a driveway, the two most popular options are asphalt and concrete. While both surfaces are similar, there are key differences that need to be taken into account. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each:

Asphalt

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive
• Less likely to crack
• Less likely to show stains
• Easy to repair
•  Easy to tint
• Flexible strength
• Salt resistant

Cons:

• Short lifespan
•  Maintenance required every few years
• Oily texture softens when it’s hot
• Rough edges

Concrete

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Pros:

• Longer lifespan (30-40 years)
• Low maintenance
• Does not soften when it’s hot
• Easy to color and score
• Resists indentation
• Pothole and weather-resistant
• Stays cool in the summer heat

Cons:

• 40-60 percent more expensive than asphalt
• Prone to cracking
• Not easy to repair
• Easily stained

Did this list of pros and cons help you decide whether concrete or asphalt is better for your driveway? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Stasi Brothers Asphalt's Green Earth Program

Lately it seems like everywhere you look, another company is claiming to be eco-friendly. Here at Stasi Brothers Asphalt, we’ve been proudly committed to protecting the environment for years. Through our Green Earth Program, we do our part to leave a smaller carbon footprint. Let’s take a look at what it entails.

United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Membership


Stasi Brothers Asphalt is a proud member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which designs and oversees all green (environmentally-friendly) building in the U.S. and sets standards all over the world.

Recycling

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We recycle and use recycled materials whenever possible. We reuse products such as old Belgium blocks and bricks from households or facilities that no longer use them. We also recycle concrete, clay and other similar materials to be reused for granular fill in roads and sidewalks.

Local Sourcing

photo credit: KingsBarcade.com

Stasi Brothers Asphalt uses materials from local vendors whenever possible. Furthermore, we map our routes as efficiently as possible to avoid excess transportation and environmental costs.

We believe that it’s our responsibility to run our business in an eco-friendly manner. To find out more about the measures we’ve taken to be as environmentally-friendly as possible, visit our website now.

What other tips do you have for going green? Share your ideas on our Facebook page!