Landscaping can help improve the quality of your life. The aesthetically pleasing environment will boost your sense of well-being. However, though your house needs to look great, you also need to focus on the functional elements.

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If you've picked a particular plant for your yard, but it doesn't grow well in your area, you will probably have to spend a lot more on maintenance. Hence, you should consider a few things before you begin landscaping your property. These include installation and maintenance costs, the pros and cons of each material, and of course, your budget.

Stamped Concrete Vs. Brick Pavers 

Now, if you've looked into landscape renovations, you'll know about the big brick versus stamped concrete debate. These hardscape materials can be used for patios, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and even retaining walls. 

Stamped concrete is cheaper at just $12 per square foot, while brick pavers can cost up to $24. The reason for such a huge price difference is the fact that each of the brick pavers needs to be placed by hand, so a lot of skill as well as effort goes into installation. Also, the ground needs to be prepared prior to laying down the pavers - including excavation, layering granite, levelling, and tamping down. Overall, the higher cost of brick pavers is attributed to the more complex installation procedure.

But is it worth it if you can get stamped concrete in half the money and labor? Well, brick pavers come in loads of exciting shapes and patterns, which means that you can achieve any look you want. On the other hand, your designing options are somewhat limited with stamped concrete. Sure, you can put in decorative stamping to mimic high-end designs, but that is usually quite expensive.

However, let's also consider the functional element before making a final decision. The soil in Chicago is what we call 'expansive,' which essentially means that it can swell and shrink in response to the changing moisture conditions. This shifting ultimately leads to cracks and breaks in the stamped concrete. Yes, these can be repaired, but that is expensive and shows in the end product; thus, it takes away from the beauty of the concrete. Brick pavers, though, can withstand shifts because they will actually shift with the ground.

Do I Need Professional Help?

Well, yes. You see, knowing the costs for different landscaping materials is obviously the first step. Still, you should know that national averages do not reflect your specific case. They can only give you a rough estimate. The final price will depend on what type of work you need to be done as well as the size, slope, access, and shape of your property. So, what you really need is a professional who can effectively guide you through the entire process. What kind of look are you going for? What materials would work best with your budget?

Basically, it would be best if you had someone who understands your needs and goes all the way to help you make the right choice. Our expert staff at Seasonal Concepts is well-versed in the landscaping process and can offer some very valuable tips and assistance. We're a family-owned business, and thus, we can guarantee the best customer experience. We understand how important landscaping is in helping your home look its best, so you can trust that you're in good hands. You can contact us for absolutely any outdoor project at (630)-302-1009 to schedule your appointment and get a quote today!