Blog - Norristown Brick

Reasons to Install a Retaining Wall

July 29, 2022 By Norristown Brick

There are several ways you can improve the look of your property, including adding landscaping
and hardscaping elements. One of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing upgrades is the
inclusion of a retaining wall. A retaining wall is an especially popular option for homeowners with
an elevated area in their yard or slopes among their property. While some choose to level out
these uneven areas, building a retaining wall can offer many more benefits. Below we highlight
the top four reasons to add a retaining wall to your property and the hardscaping materials
used.

What Is a Retaining Wall?

Before your retaining wall installation, you should first understand the functional element it adds
to a property. A retaining wall is a concrete, stone, or wood structure that keeps soil and rocks in
place and prevents them from moving downhill as erosion occurs. Many choose to install these
walls purely for aesthetic reasons, but they are also a great addition to help create a level area
to incorporate other structures like a patio or pool. There are several types of retaining walls to
add to your property, including gravity walls, anchored walls, cantilever walls, and more. Read on
to see the benefits a retaining wall can bring to your home.

Improve aesthetic appeal

Your landscaping is your home’s first impression to neighbors and guests. It sets the tone for the
look and feel of your property, especially your front yard. Enhance your landscaping and make it
unique by adding a retaining wall. With the right materials, you can transform a bland yard into a
little slice of paradise. Hardscaping materials such as natural stone, timbers, and boulders, can
all be used in construction and incorporated into your current landscape design.

Prevent landscape erosion

Soil erosion is something every homeowner deals with at some point. Your home adds weight
that can compress the soil, and rainwater causes the ground to shift. A retaining wall keeps the
earth from moving, prevents fertilizer from washing away, and protects your flowers and garden
beds. Additionally, you can build channels and draining systems within retaining walls for extra
support.

Creates a functional space in your yard

If your yard is steeply sloped, it can be challenging to navigate and maintain. A retaining wall
can help create more level space for recreation and functionality. You can use this new space to
add a patio, an expanded play area, garden beds, and terraces to provide a beautiful and
appealing facade for your home.

Adds value to your property

Installing a retaining wall is a simple and inexpensive way to increase property value. So, if
you’re considering selling your home, this is a quick payoff that will boost curb appeal and help
you get more for your home.

Retaining Wall Installation by Norristown Brick

Ready to construct a retaining wall on your property? You’ve come to the right place! At
Norristown Brick, we have all the retaining wall materials you need to install this beautiful and
functional element to the exterior of your home. Contact us at (610) 844-9450 to hire the right
team to tackle your hardscaping project. order the right materials to tackle your hardscaping
project.

How to Reseed Your Lawn

June 2, 2022 By Norristown Brick

grass seed and fertilizer Every lawn is different; some yards struggle with bare or dead spots while others succumb to insects, weeds, or fungus. If one or more of these instances sounds like your yard, you’ll want to address these problems as soon as possible to turn your used-to-be green grass into a thriving and lush landscape. If your lawn looks lackluster and you’re ready to reclaim your outdoor space, it’s time to hit the reset button and reseed your yard. The experts at Norristown Brick share when and how to reseed your grass and the lawn care products you’ll need.

Tips to Successfully Reseed Your Lawn

Some grass goes dormant during the winter or summer months, and some lawns battle a host of unwanted pests, which can create thin or barren areas. To combat these situations, many homeowners choose to reseed their lawns. Unlike overseeding, which helps to stay ahead of thinning grass, reseeding lawns helps address already bare or dead spots in the yard. Reseeding isn’t a difficult task, but there are several things you can do to prepare your yard to remedy these issues. It’s also a good idea to consult with a lawn care expert who can recommend the best grass seed and fertilizer for your yard and whether or not you need soil testing, remediation, or modifications to support the new seeds.

If the blades of grass on your lawn are exceeded by the number of weeds, it’s time to consider reseeding your lawn. Follow these simple steps to reseed your yard and be the envy of all your neighbors.

Prepare your lawn.

Before you begin, you’re going to kill existing weeds. The easiest way to do this is with a commercial weed killer. It’s best to wait for a wind-free, dry day. Follow the package instructions carefully and wait the recommended time before planting new seeds. You should also prep the soil and address any problems. Consider testing for alkalinity.

Select the right grass seed.

Depending on where you live, you need to select the appropriate seed for your lawn. If you live in the Greater Philadelphia area, you can use warm or cool-season grasses.

Spread the seeds.

You can spread your seed by hand or use a broadcast spreader. Follow the instructions on your package of seeds for how much you’ll need in the area.

Fertilize right away.

After your seed has been spread, you should fertilize the new grass to deliver nutrients to the young root system.

Water your lawn daily.

After fertilizing your lawn, you’ll want to water the new seed immediately. Keep the soil evenly moist for the next two weeks to allow your seeds to germinate. Beware of overwatering as well, which can wash away your seeds.

Limit mowing and weed whacking.

Avoid mowing and weed whacking until your new grass has germinated and your lawn has thickened.

How Norristown Brick Can Help With All Your Lawn Care Needs

Whether you need assistance with reseeding your lawn or are looking for the best lawn care products, Norristown Brick has everything you need to achieve the perfect outdoor space. If you’re interested in learning more about our lawn care supplies, contact us today at 610-539-1960 to get a material quote.

Simple Yet Transformative Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

May 17, 2022 By Norristown Brick

outdoor kitchen ideas There’s nothing better than enjoying an at-home BBQ with family and friends. The mouth-watering aromas of grilled burgers and hotdogs mark the official start of summer, and it’s a longtime favorite activity. Whether you’re having dinner with your family or hosting a weekend party, having an actual outdoor kitchen can significantly take your BBQ blowouts to the next level. If a well-equipped backyard kitchen is at the top of your home improvement list, continue reading as the professionals at Norristown Brick share several simple outdoor kitchen ideas that you can incorporate into your backyard oasis.

Simple Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

While a conventional grill will get you started, you can quickly transform your backyard into a culinary haven with expansive griddles, patio heaters, a wood-fired pizza oven, and all-weather kitchen appliances. Like most exterior home improvement projects, you’ll need to consider a few things before you begin:

Budget
Location
Size of your desired kitchen
Materials
Equipment and appliances
Codes and regulations
Maintenance
Climate
Lighting

If you’re at a loss for where to start, our experts share the outdoor kitchen materials you’ll need to construct the perfect space.

Grilling and Chilling

If you mainly host weekly family dinners or occasional close company, your outside kitchen may only include a few of the essentials, like a place to cook your summertime favorites. Many homeowners choose built-in grills, kamado grills, or smokers. Remember to leave space for ventilation, like an overhead vent hood or island vent panels. Other add-ons that make sense for an outdoor kitchen of this size include side burners, cabinets, countertops, a refrigeration unit, and a trash bin. If you’re looking for more outdoor kitchen inspiration, keep reading!

The Hostess with the Mostess

If the above outdoor kitchen seems too mild for your needs, consider taking your space up a notch with a kitchen center that offers ample place to grill up steaks, an area to store your kitchen gadgets, and room to keep things cool. If you love indulging in a slice of extra crispy pizza, consider incorporating a pizza oven, too. Several other additional pieces you can integrate into your backyard space include:

Power burner
Storage
Wine cooler
Kegerator
Sink
Ice maker

Backyard BBQ Bashes

If outdoor entertaining is what you live for, you need the best kitchen equipment available. You’ll need to dedicate a bigger space for more appliances, more storage, tons of counter space, and premium seating options. Other essentials include a patio heater, an outdoor TV, secondary cooking appliances, a pantry, fans, a fire pit, a bar, and plenty of outdoor furniture.

Outdoor Kitchen Inspiration from Norristown Brick

Are you ready to build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams? Then contact the professionals of Norristown Brick today! Our team is here to bring your outside project to life. From choosing the perfect fire pit materials to selecting the best appliances for your needs, we are with you every step of the process. We have the experience and knowledge to help you with color selection, installation, and cost estimation. If you’re ready to craft your outdoor kitchen, contact us today at (610) 844-9450 for a material quote.

A Guide to DIY Hardscape Projects

April 21, 2022 By Norristown Brick

If you’re looking for a simple way to spruce up your home without breaking the bank, hardscaping is a great option. Hardscaping not only provides a space to enjoy the outdoors but also adds value to your property. If you’ve always wanted to take on a hardscaping project but weren’t sure which ones you should leave to the pros, we’ve put together a list of some of our easiest DIY hardscaping projects on a budget. From low-maintenance ideas to inexpensive ways to add color and functionality to your home, these projects are a great place to get started.

5 Residential Hardscaping Projects You Can do Yourself

Hardscaping refers to the nonliving, decorative elements that make up your yard and includes everything from stone walkways, raised patios, outdoor kitchens, and unique driveways. It’s a great way to add texture, color, and appeal to your home, and there are a lot of different materials you can use for these tasks. Some of the most popular hardscaping materials include brick, natural stone, clay, and stamped concrete. Below, we’re sharing five residential hardscaping projects you can do yourself.

Flower Beds

Flower beds are a great DIY project for most homeowners. They’re also a great way to add color and life to your yard, and they’re easy to install. The options are endless, but you will have to do a little planning and preparation before you begin. When you’re starting from scratch, you need to consider the location, how much sunlight your bed will receive, and what type of soil you will use.

Decorative Edging

After you’ve created the perfect flower bed, it’s time to make it more interesting by adding some decorative edging. You can easily add brick, wood, stone, or poly-edging around your flower beds and other outdoor features, like your driveway or patio.

Flagstone Paths

If you’re looking for a DIY hardscaping project on a budget, creating a flagstone pathway is aesthetically pleasing and affordable. A flagstone path isn’t secured with concrete, so you’re essentially laying down these stones to create a walkway to your garden, shed, or garage. Not only functional, but flagstone paths are also a great addition to any backyard.

Bouldering or Adding River Rock

Boulders and river rocks are low-maintenance and inexpensive options to add to your hardscaping to-do list. Boulders come in many textures, shapes, colors, and sizes, and they make a great focal point in a garden. River rocks come in many shades of grays, beiges, and browns and can add a touch of natural beauty to your yard. To create different textures, try adding river rock between your flagstone, or you can edge or mulch your flower beds with these smooth, rounded stones.

Fire Pits

Your outdoor oasis will be complete with the addition of a fire pit! Fire pits are a great entertainment piece and can be purchased already built for a quick and easy installation.

Why Choose Norristown Brick Your Hardscaping Needs?

At Norristown Brick, we supply homeowners and contractors with a comprehensive selection of pavers, hardscaping, and landscaping products to complete any outdoor project. From natural stone to grass seed and fertilizers, we carry it all. Our team is here to help you bring your outdoor project to life, so if you’ve been searching for a hardscape material supply near me, look no further than Norristown Brick.

The Best Finishing Touches to Transform Your Home’s Landscape

March 25, 2022 By Norristown Brick

Have you ever looked at your yard after doing some landscaping work and felt that it didn’t look complete? Focusing on the finishing touches of your yard can make a world of a difference in helping you achieve a cohesive, “complete” landscape. As you’re getting your yard ready for the warm weather this season, be sure to implement our landscaping tips below for your most beautiful landscape yet!

Imperial Bullnose Pavers

Incorporating bullnose pavers into your landscape is one of our favorite front yard landscaping ideas for homeowners. Bullnose is a style of paver that features rounded edges. This style can be used in steps, capping walls, and more. Bullnose pavers are a great finishing touch for your landscape because they add a soft, attractive look to your home and are easy on both the eyes and your feet.

Quarry Steps

While steps are mainly for functional purposes, that doesn’t mean you can’t add some style to them! When it comes to backyard landscaping ideas, we always recommend adding quarry steps as a finishing touch. Quarry steps offer a more rustic and rugged look and are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and textures. By simply adding Quarry Steps to your landscape as a finishing touch, you can transform your backyard into a magical space that looks as if it was naturally beautiful.

Chilton Chiseled Steps

If you’re looking for more backyard landscaping ideas for your steps, then Chilton Chiseled Steps might be the material for you. Chilton Chiseled Steps have the same natural look as Quarry Steps but boast a more structured and smooth appearance. We suggest choosing these steps if you’re looking for something more simple to allow your other landscaping elements to shine.

Coventry Curbstone and Edgestone

In terms of front yard landscaping ideas for your driveway, raised beds, or walkways, you can’t go wrong with Coventry Curbstone and Edgestone. Defining the borders in your landscaping is the ultimate finishing touch. Coventry Curbstone brings the gorgeous look of real Belgian Block while simultaneously giving your yard structure and shape. Coventry Edgestone is great for defining your garden, as its natural stone appearance perfectly complements shrubs, flowers, and other greenery.

High-quality Landscaping Supplies and Services in Montgomery County

Now that you know all of the best landscaping tips to give your yard the finishing touches it needs, you might be ready to search “top-rated landscaping supply near me.” If you live in Montgomery County or the surrounding areas, then Norristown Brick is the landscaping supply company for you. At Norristown Brick, we provide residents and contractors with a comprehensive selection of only the highest quality materials. Our materials are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures, giving you full creative control. If you are on the hunt for masonry materials that will last for years to come, then contact Norristown Brick today to find the materials for you. We look forward to hearing from you!