Explore Ideas for Your New Landscape: See early spring flowers and get inspired by ideas for creating the perfect outdoor space.
Start Your Design Early: Plan ahead and get your landscape ready by summer. The earlier you begin, the sooner you can enjoy your new outdoor living space.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Learn how to create a beautiful, functional outdoor space that brings people together without breaking the bank.
Meet the Experts at Vandenberg Landscapes: We’re excited to announce that Vandenberg Landscapes will be there! Visit Matt and Eric to get personalized advice about landscaping. Bring your questions and find out how Vandenberg Landscapes can help you create your dream backyard.
With lots of plants, greenery, and expert insights, the BC Home + Garden Show is the perfect place to kickstart your landscaping journey.
Event Details:
When? March 13 – 16, 2025
Thursday, March 13: 11am – 8pm
Friday, March 14: 11am – 8pm
Saturday, March 15: 10am – 8pm
Sunday, March 16: 10am – 6pm
Where? BC Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC (Find us at The Garden Oasis Lounge)
Nestled in a picturesque rural community in Chilliwack, British Columbia, the ‘Rosedale Retreat’ was designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings while providing the homeowners with a private sanctuary ideal for hosting gatherings. The expansive property offers stunning views of Mt. Cheam, and our design aimed to preserve these vistas while enhancing the landscape’s functionality and aesthetics.
Design Highlights
Balancing Privacy and Openness:
We created intimate spaces that offer seclusion without compromising the property’s open, rural charm.
Pond Revitalization:
The existing pond was redesigned following the Aquascape method, incorporating a filtration system, EPDM liner, and a blend of rocks and gravel. Aquatic plantings provide natural filtration, maintaining clear water without chemicals. A platform was added to invite guests to enjoy an intimate view of the pond.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping:
By reducing lawn areas and selecting drought-tolerant plants, we minimized upkeep while preserving the property’s open feel. The design transitions from a traditional farmhouse aesthetic near the home to a more natural style that blends seamlessly with the surrounding fields.
Permeable Flagstone Patio:
Utilizing Romex as the base and jointing material, the patio allows water to drain through the joints, preventing surface runoff and enhancing sustainability. Reclaimed flagstones were used to enrich the garden’s natural beauty.
Overcoming Challenges
The project presented unique challenges, including managing a steep backyard grade and integrating existing elements like mature trees and a pond. Careful terracing ensured usability without drastic elevation changes, and the pond was reconstructed to support a new viewing platform, ensuring safety and aesthetics.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our deepest gratitude to the BCLNA for this esteemed recognition. Our sincerest thanks to our dedicated team and the homeowners, whose collaboration and trust were instrumental in bringing the ‘Rosedale Retreat’ to life.
For more details and images of the ‘Rosedale Retreat’ project, please visit our project page.
This award inspires us to continue our commitment to excellence in landscape design and installation, creating spaces that harmonize with nature and enrich the lives of our clients.
Don’t miss Vandenberg Landscapes at the Abbotsford Home and Garden Show from January 31 to February 3, 2025, at Tradex (1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford, BC).
Explore Ideas for Your New Landscape: See early spring flowers and get inspired by ideas for creating the perfect outdoor space.
Start Your Design Early: Plan ahead and get your landscape ready by summer. The earlier you begin, the sooner you can enjoy your new outdoor living space.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Learn how to create a beautiful, functional outdoor space that brings people together without breaking the bank.
Meet the Experts at Vandenberg Landscapes: We’re excited to announce that Vandenberg Landscapes will be there! Visit Matt and Eric to get personalized advice about landscaping. Bring your questions and find out how Vandenberg Landscapes can help you create your dream backyard.
With lots of plants, greenery, and expert insights, the Abbotsford Home and Garden Show is the perfect place to kickstart your landscaping journey.
Event Details:
When? January 31 – February 3, 2025 (All Day)
Where? Tradex, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford, BC (Find us at Feature Garden E just past the cafeteria)
A few years ago (before COVID hit), CBC reported on an Ipsos poll that asked 2,000 Canadians why they’re spending less time outside.
The findings? 9 out of 10 agreed that they’re happier when surrounded by wilderness, but three-quarters of them admitted that they find staying inside “easier.”
Part of our mission as a landscape company is to help change that. Our goal is to see our clients enjoying more time outside, in spaces they can truly call their own. We want to make it easy to spend time outdoors!
But getting there isn’t simple — landscape design is a complex process that requires an expert. Here are five big reasons why it’s worth paying for.
What exactly is landscape design, and why is it valuable?
Landscape design is simply a thoughtfully-crafted plan of what your space will look like when it’s finished. Not having a plan can be both costly and frustrating. Having a plan lets us help you (our clients) experience your space before building it and understand final costs to avoid any surprises.
There are five big reasons why every landscaping project should start with design:
1. See it before you build it.
A professional landscape designer always includes a detailed proposal with their design.
Here at Vandenberg, that’s a 3D concept plan of your yard. We’ve found that this format is the easiest way to communicate exactly what the finished product will be, as opposed to a 2D plan which can still create some disconnect between what’s on paper and exactly what those ideas will look like. You’ll be able to envision yourself in your landscape before the building even begins!
2. Prevent future issues before they happen.
Since landscapes are outdoors, the design work is very different than something like interior design — which tends to be more static because the environment is controlled. Since your yard is an outdoor setting, it’s important to look at your site as a living, breathing ecosystem.
Obviously, long-term weather is always unpredictable and there are four seasons of wildly different conditions throughout the year. And without regular maintenance, a landscape can quickly become overgrown or untidy.
But working with an experienced landscape designer prevents the headaches that can come from this unpredictability — and always keeps your future vision in mind.
3. Set the tone for our working relationship.
When you pay for design, you’re showing the design company that you’re committed. This is an important first step and it allows us the freedom to do our very best work for you.
At Vandenberg, you’ll receive timely communication from us during every step of our design process.
4. Get a clear budget & an accurate timeline.
Once we’ve completed our final round of designs, you’ll have a clear picture of exactly what you can expect to pay — and when.
Since our design work happens in-house, we don’t need to work with many (if any) subcontractors.
Because of this, we’re able to give you a more accurate project schedule, so you can spend less time worrying about when your landscape will be completed. Instead, spend more time dreaming about the finished product, knowing that it’s in capable hands.
Take a look at some of our completed projects!
5. Get our very best work!
Trent — that’s me, the author of this post — is Vandenberg’s lead designer. I have a Horticulture degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Landscape Design program and am continuously learning through part-time schooling in Design at Thompson Rivers University.
With over a decade of experience under my belt, I’m able to ask you the right questions. Combining my knowledge with our purpose-driven design process (we always ask you “why” you want what you want) means that when all is said and done, you’ll have a landscape that’s truly yours.
If you’re interested in starting a landscape design with us or just want to know more about the process, browse our featured projects or get in touch!
So you’ve decided to invest in a new landscape for your home.
Making this decision is a big step to take, and you might feel a bit intimidated — or, at the very least, unsure of where to start. Entrusting your hopes and dreams to a landscape designer who you’ve just met isn’t exactly a simple thing to do.
I’m one of those designers — and I completely understand where you’re coming from. Whether the size and scope of your dream landscape is large or small, I want to help you make your choice with confidence. Here are my top five traits of a good landscape designer.
1. Empathy and good listening skills.
Listening skills are the most crucial trait you should look for in your designer. And not just whether they can repeat everything you say to them — they should be actively listening and prodding you along with helpful questions during your first meetings.
The questions they ask should also come from a place of empathy, where your designer is able to put themselves in your shoes and understand what you’re looking for. When this is done well, the questions can expand your vision and give you new ideas that you might not have thought of.
An empathetic designer who can truly listen to you is far more likely to get your design right when all is said and done.
At Vandenberg, we always start your landscape design by asking a simple but profound question: “why?” We ask this question because we think it’s the most important first step we can take together — it’s why we call it our “purpose-driven design process.”
2. Credentials, training and licenses.
Check the qualifications, professional accreditations and memberships that your designer and their team claim to have. The capacity and ability of a landscape firm are based on their education and training.
One thing to look for is industry association memberships. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is a big one that runs conferences, workshops and seminars on industry best practices and standards. There are also many design conferences throughout the country that keep designers up to date on new trends and products too!
As the lead landscape designer at Vandenberg Landscapes, I have a Horticulture degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Landscape Design program and am continuously learning through part-time schooling in Design at Thompson Rivers University. But I got my start in landscaping by spending four years on an installation crew — this experience helps me understand what works well during a build and afterwards, and helps me communicate with the crews building our clients’ designs.
3. A beautiful portfolio of previous work.
We all know that education is important, but real-world experience is even more important. Look at examples of your designer’s past work and make sure they have a wide range of experience.
Beyond that, it’s fun to look at how other landscape designs have come to life, as it’ll get you comfortable with what to expect — and inspire you with what’s possible!
If you’re in the Lower Mainland and are considering us, we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible to see some of our past projects. We also constantly post professional photos of our projects on our Facebook and Instagram profiles — check them out for some fresh inspiration!
4. Positive testimonials from happy clients.
Take some time to research multiple landscape companies online. And while you’re doing so, look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients. These can be very telling!
Whoever you hire will have their employees working in and around your home, so it’s important to get to know them, form a positive relationship with them and most importantly — trust them.
Reading testimonials will give you many clues in these areas. You can see some of ours on Houzz and Google.
5. The ability to communicate with clarity.
Once you’ve committed to a designer, it should be obvious what’s happening — and when.
Potential red flags to look for include unreturned phone calls, missed deadlines or meetings, unclear processes or not having a point person to contact at the company.
To combat and prevent any of these red flags, at Vandenberg you’ll work directly with me — the person designing your landscape!
What about the design process?
So you’ve settled on a landscape designer. What’s next?
If you’re curious about what’s all involved in the Vandenberg design process, you can see the steps involved here. Check it out! If you’re just looking for some inspiration for your next project, take a moment to browse some of our featured projects while you’re here.
We want to make sure you have the tools to choose the right landscape designer for you — and part of that is knowing what to expect. If you have any questions at all about how design works at Vandenberg, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!
Most of us are familiar with architecture and interior design, but many don’t know that there’s an entire profession dedicated to designing outdoor spaces.
Like other design disciplines, the philosophy of landscape design is rooted in the art of combining form and function by following a set of universal principles. The result? A stunning outdoor space that reflects the needs and wants of its owner (you!)
The best landscape designers are experts in horticulture (the art and science of garden cultivation and management) and architectural design (including building methods and materials).
Nowadays, most reputable landscape firms charge for design services the way a homebuilder does — and for good reason. Without design, it’s impossible to accurately estimate the cost of construction — resulting in inevitable cost overruns, missed deadlines and awful surprises. Even worse, you could end up with a landscape that doesn’t fit your vision.
It doesn’t help that many landscape companies offer some form of design for free. Not all design is the same. That’s why, when clients ask me about the cost of landscape design, I like to explain what they get by paying for our design services — and why it’s worth it. Here are five reasons why.
1. A clear plan created by experts.
Landscapes can be hard to visualize. When you work with a designer, they’ll have listened to your ideas for your outdoor space. And as they listen, they do the visualizing for you.
Then, they bring your vision to life in a 3D rendering, which (unlike 2D drawings) is easy for everyone to understand. That means no disconnect between what you think your landscape will look like and what it turns out to be (which is often the result of a “free” design process!)
A key value at Vandenberg is “Starting With Why” — it’s the basis of our purpose-driven design process. We always start by asking a simple but profound question: “Why?” This question is the most important one because it’s the foundation for an award-winning landscape and a refreshing experience.
You can also opt to design a complete landscape but have it constructed in phases over a period of years. We can come up with the final vision and then determine how to split up the project efficiently so that everything has been considered from the start. That way, you won’t find yourself saying “Oh, I wish we would have thought of this back then!”
2. An accurate & detailed estimate.
If you choose to design your landscape with us, you’re choosing to get it designed in-house by professionals. “In-house” is the key phrase here, as our team will work together to give you an accurate estimated cost for your project. This is possible because we have a detailed design to price off of.
Nobody wants to pay for something they don’t understand. Our quotes will clearly explain everything that’s included (or excluded) in your price.
3. Rigorous quality control.
Since our design happens in-house, if you choose to work with us, the construction is done by us, too. We’re involved from start to finish, meaning the plan will be executed to perfection.
Designers will frequently check in on the construction of a landscape, so no details are missed. When you pay for professional landscape design, you pay for quality!
4. Professional designs from talented designers.
Often, the capacity or ability of a designer — and their designs — is based on the education they’ve received and the experience they have.
As Vandenberg’s lead designer, I have a Horticulture degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Landscape Design program and am continuously learning through part-time schooling in Design at Thompson Rivers University. I also have over a decade of experience.
The major benefit of paying for professional landscape design — and then following through on construction with the same company that designed it — is having someone involved from the start of the project to the very end. They understand your “why” behind your project and keep that in mind throughout the entire process.
When you partner with Vandenberg, our design team will work with you to finalize everything and make sure you have the right permits in place.
We believe that when it comes to landscaping — and doing business, in general — transparency is key. At Vandenberg, our goal is to make as much information as possible available to you before you agree to anything.
While the cost of the design and construction of a landscape can vary, ultimately landscaping is an investment — and paying for careful planning and professional design helps secure a good return.
Choosing flowers at a garden center or local nursery can feel overwhelming, especially when there are so many options available (one of the many perks of living in the Lower Mainland!)
Add in all the different conditions our region can throw at it — like dry summers, wet springs, and cold winters — and it can difficult to know how to keep your flowers happy and healthy.
I get it! I’ve worked in the landscaping industry for over ten years. Choosing the right plants for your garden can have a drastic impact on the look and feel of your space. If you’re looking to breathe new life into your outdoors, here are some great options.
1. Native Plants
I always recommend starting with native plants because it allows for biodiversity to thrive and they aren’t invasive. Native plants also tend to be lower maintenance than their exotic counterparts, because they’re meant to flourish in our area.
Native plants allow for pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies to move the pollen grain from the anther (male part) to the stigma (female part) of a flower, producing seeds and fruits for the next year. Pollinators are important parts of every ecosystem around the world and a substantial portion of our food can’t be grown without them! Huge swathes of the orchards in the Okanagan Valley wouldn’t be able to survive without pollinators.
All that to say… choose native if you can! Here are my top choices:
Pacific Bleeding Hearts — This nectar-rich flower draws the attention of hummingbirds and bees and can add pops of pretty-in-pink colour to your garden. They have a unique locket shape to their petals, light green stems, and fern-like leaves that grow best in shadier conditions and damp soil. If you’re looking for a unique flower, this is the one I’d recommend.
Goatsbeard — Known for its wispy white flowers, Goatsbeard is a particularly low-maintenance plant. They’re incredibly shade and drought-tolerant once established, making them perfect for those spots in the garden that don’t get enough sun or water. Plus, its name is pretty fun.
Sword and Deer Fern — Growing in a variety of different sizes, these ferns prefer moist soil but are perfectly drought-tolerant. Once they’ve put down deep roots (usually within the first year) these ferns require very little maintenance. Both ferns are happiest in cloudy conditions which makes them perfect for the Lower Mainland.
Common Elderberry — This native shrub grows clusters of white blossoms that eventually produce tiny edible blackberries perfect in pies and preservatives. While they thrive in most climates in the Lower Mainland, they love full sun or partial shade best. Elderberry plants only require pruning in the autumn months just to keep them tidy, but they are otherwise low maintenance and make for a great addition to your garden.
Red Twig Dogwood — A personal favourite of mine. This dogwood’s bright branches make for a great focal piece and accent during the winter months.
2. Annuals
If you’re not set on a colour combination or texture, I suggest using annuals. As the name implies, annuals are plants that complete their lifecycle — from germination to the production of seeds — within one year. Annuals allow you to change colours each year, so you can accent your new patio accessories or keep up with current design trends
For our region, here are two great options for your garden:
Impatiens — Affectionately known as the Busy Lizzie, Impatiens are fast-growing flowers that provide lots of colour options for shadier gardens. They attract bees and hummingbirds, and grow best in the summer months, once the soil has warmed up. If you’re looking for a flower that provides pops of pink, red or white, this a great choice!
Nasturtium — Though native to South America, this flower is resilient and able to last well after the first frost. Nasturtium are adaptable in both sunny and shadier conditions, making them perfect for BC gardens. They’ll also add lots of orange and yellows to your greenery. Interestingly, Nasturtium are also edible. If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow flower, this is a good fit.
3. Perennials
Unlike annuals, perennial plants live for longer than two years. Try these three for the lower mainland.
Bunchberry — Native to the Lower Mainland area, Bunchberry plants grow in both sunny and shadier conditions. Known for their showy white flowers and striking red berries, they’re an important food source during fall migration. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, this is a great way to support wildlife.
False Lily-of-the-Valleys — Blooming from mid-April to May, the flowers of this plant appear delicate and white. They attract pollinators and grow red berries in the autumn season. This low-growing plant is perfect for Lower Mainland as they thrive best in moist and shady conditions.
Ocean Spray — This shrub’s long lilac-like cream-coloured flower clusters by midsummer and provides natural shelter for birds and amphibians. Oceanspray grow well in both dry and moist conditions.
4. Trees
In BC, It’s important to select trees that can withstand changing climates and seasons. Here are two I’d consider:
Western Redcedar — The Western Redcedar is the official tree of BC. It’s hard not to see why. It grows up to 60 meters high and thrives in our climate. The Western Redcedar tree provides cover for many species and resting spaces for small animals and birds.
Western Hemlock — The Western Hemlock is a large tree that can grow up to 30–50 meters high. Its soft glossy needle-shaped leaves make it the perfect resting space for many birds. Its seeds are a favourite snack of Pine Siskins and Chickadees and its bark is beloved by the Douglas Squirrel. Looking to encourage more wildlife? I’d recommend this one.
Pacific Dogwood — Evergreens are large and don’t always work in small residential yards. There are many varieties of Pacific Dogwood available that are resistant to anthracnose disease, which has been a growing problem the past few years.
Whether you want to plant your new garden yourself or want to consult with a landscaper, I hope this post gives you a helpful starting point. Want to take a peek at more of the gardens we’ve designed? Browse our featured projects!
Once built, outdoor kitchens can quickly become the most used spaces at your home.
For those looking to upgrade, there are endless lists of appliances and materials you can use to create a dream outdoor kitchen that’s perfect for you and your family.
While this can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be! To help you decide, we’ve made a simple guide to help you choose.
Where to start? Choosing the right appliances.
When picking appliances, think about what you’ll be using your kitchen for most. Do you want to prepare food indoors? Are you mostly going to host people inside or outside your home? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you decide.
Here are the ones to start with when planning:
For Food…
Grills & barbecues — A cornerstone of the outdoor kitchen. If you’re looking to do any cooking, this is a must-have. They come in all shapes and sizes, so knowing who you’re cooking for, how many and how often is important when choosing the right grill for you.
Fridges — Keep food and drinks cool and ready for enjoyment at a moment’s notice. Outdoor fridges make everything easier — from food prep to grabbing a drink without going inside.
Pizza ovens — Never go back to delivery or store-bought pizza again. Pizza ovens reach incredibly high temperatures but do so with low energy consumption because they rely on an open fire. Bring the pizzeria to your backyard with your very own pizza oven. Trust me, they’re worth the investment.
Kamado grills — Combining a grill, smoker and oven, the Kamado grill is perfect for the home cook who thinks outside the box. Cook pizzas, bread, meats or vegetables all in one place. Of course, you can always opt for just a smoker to pair with your BBQ too.
Warming stations — If you’re cooking a lot of food, warming stations — as the name suggests — will keep your food warm for longer and your guests happy. They often come in a drawer or drop-in buffet style.
For Drinks…
Ice makers — If you like having cocktails, an easily accessible icemaker is an absolute must. We recommend one made from stainless steel.
Wine coolers & kegerators — Elevate your outdoor kitchen with an outdoor bar! Keep your wine right where the party is with a wine cooler. Pour yourself a pint right from the tap installed on your counter with a kegerator. A kegerator is a fridge that will hold anywhere from one to three kegs of beer. This summer, bring the bar home.
Make sure you think about the details.
Once you’ve chosen appliances, make sure you’ve covered these other details too:
Storage & cupboards — When it comes to outdoor spaces and food, you want to keep it neat and tidy. Selecting good, critter-proof storage will keep everything in its place, especially when you have company.
Electrical units — Often neglected, having a few extra electrical sockets can make it easier to use smaller appliances — like a blender.
Materials — Due to their durability, many of our customers choose brick, concrete and stone. When choosing material, think about price and aesthetic. Concrete is more affordable but stone is more contemporary and (many would say) more beautiful.
Add a roof! — The Lower Mainland experiences different weather within short periods of time. Adding a pergola or a roofed structure over your kitchen will give you lots of coverage regardless of the weather. Grill for longer, no matter what mother nature throws your way!
Designing an outdoor kitchen can be a lot of fun and doesn’t have to be overwhelming! When you work with our design team, we can help you create the perfect space for you and your family’s needs — staying within your budget so you can get to hosting those summer barbecues much faster!
To get started, reach out to our team by phone or email or fill out our online form.
An evening spent with friends and family, drinks in hand. A soothing dip after an intense workout. Or maybe some solitude in the dead of winter.
If you’re like many of our clients, conjuring up relaxing scenarios involving a hot tub is the easy part. The problem is actually getting there and choosing the right one! It can be hard to know what spa is best suited for your space.
Here’s our guide, straight from our design team. Enjoy!
Before you choose, keep this in mind…
Before we look at what options are out there, think about your location. Where you place your hot tub should be determined by the size of your space, how close it is to a power source and how likely you are to go there.
We’re creatures of habit and comfort. Whenever I hear that people rarely use their hot tub after the “novelty has worn off,” it’s almost always because it’s in a corner of the yard that feels far away from the house, or they never really used that space in the first place. When choosing a spot, try to really think about how likely you’ll walk out to the hot tub and back when it’s a bit colder or raining. Next, think about how private the area feels… I find those are the two biggest factors that influence whether a hot tub is used or not!
With that in mind, here are our favourite spa types.
1. The Portable Spa
Portable spas are extremely popular and it’s no wonder why. They’re the most versatile when it comes to size, shape, colour, price point and features. They’re energy-efficient which is great for your wallet and very customizable when it comes to jets, lighting features and seating options.
But they do have some drawbacks. Despite their name, they’re heavy, which can make them difficult to move. It can be done but requires some serious muscle. Portable spas also require a special pad to handle their weight, which can be an added cost.
2. The Swim or Exercise Spa
These spas are larger and typically need to be built into a deck or in a specialized room. Swim spas are ideal for exercising in warm water and can be an excellent alternative to lap or full-size pools.
Since they’re built bigger than traditional hot tubs, swim spas can hold a lot more people than a standard hot tub. Next time you host, there’ll be no need to take turns being in the water.
That said, they can be expensive to install and maintain and they need a solid foundation to sit on or in. If you have a smaller budget or smaller yard, this likely isn’t the best choice for you.
3. The In-Ground Spa
If you’re worried about your spa looking like an afterthought in your newly designed backyard, you can design a truly customizable in-ground spa with the help of a professional.
This will be a more costly option, and you may require a permit, but you can have total say over exactly what features you want in your spa — from specialized jets and seating to coloured lights! And all of it will blend seamlessly into your designed landscape.
4. The Wooden Spa
This is the original at-home hot tub. Made from different types of wood, this spa is great if you’re looking for a rustic look. Many clients like to choose spas made from redwood or cedar because of the added benefit of aromatherapy.
If you’re choosing a wooden hot tub, you want to consider the heat source. Some spas require a fire, which is less expensive but can make it harder to heat your water. If you’re using electricity, location will be important. Wooden spas don’t typically come with all the exciting features as other spas, but if you really want that natural look, then look no further.
Choosing from common & special spa features
Once you choose a spa type, you’ll need to consider what added features are important to you. Here are the most common ones:
Jets — While hot water alone will help you soothe those tired muscles, when angled correctly, water jets will make them feel even better in no time.
Lighting systems — Stay out for longer and set the ambiance with a hot tub that includes lighting.
Covers — Every spa comes with a cover, but some are better than others. Most are hard covers made of vinyl and foam, with a hinge at the centre. Other options include soft vinyl covers, aluminum covers and “Smartop” covers which are the most expensive, but longest-lasting and most durable.
Looking to elevate your spa experience? Here are some special features you can customize:
Moulded seats — Moulded seats are great for protecting your back and keeping you comfortable.
Waterproof speakers — If you like listening to music when you unwind, look for spas that include speakers.
TVs — Get a hot tub that comes with a TV and make your outdoors the place to be on game night!
Cup holders — Simple, but super convenient. You won’t regret making sure your spa has these.
So there you have it — a spa and hot tub primer! If you’d like to add one to your backyard, whether it’s part of a larger project or a one-off, get in touch… we’d love to help!
Taking the plunge to add a pool to your backyard is one of the best ways to elevate your outdoor space and maximize those warm summer days with your loved ones.
But knowing what type of pool and what materials to use can be difficult — especially if it’s your first time!
To help you decide, we’ve weighed the pros and cons for some of the most common pool types out there.
1. Vinyl pools: Inexpensive and versatile but not very durable
If you’re installing a pool on a limited budget, a vinyl-lined in-ground swimming pool is a great option. They’re much cheaper than their concrete counterparts and can be cut to any shape or depth you want. This means that if your space is irregularly shaped, a pool can be custom built to match your backyard.
The main drawback of vinyl-lined pools is the liner durability. Depending on use and size, the lining may need to be replaced every 7–12 years. The replacement process is fairly quick as opposed to redoing a concrete surface, but it’s the added cost you should keep in mind. Many people even prefer the feeling of vinyl as opposed to concrete that has aged a bit, and there are a lot of different colour choices!
2. Concrete pools: Long-lasting and beautiful but expensive
While slightly more expensive than vinyl, concrete pools last longer, have a distinctly contemporary look and can be designed to any shape and depth. Because of their durability, concrete pools add a lot of property value. This should be welcome news if you ever decide to sell your home!
However, concrete does have a few downsides. It can take longer to build and requires more maintenance. Concrete pools need resurfacing work every 8–15 years and can be rough to the touch. This may not be the best option if you have small children as it might be too harsh on their feet.
3. Fibreglass pools: Low-maintenance, inexpensive, but less versatile and difficult to install
If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance pool, fibreglass pools can be a third option. They have a non-porous surface, making it hard for algae to grow — and if you use a salt chlorinator, the maintenance needed is minimal. However, I don’t typically recommend them. Here’s why.
The downsides to fibreglass pools are two-fold. First, fibreglass pools are made from a mould, limiting how much flexibility you can have when customizing your space and shape. Second, depending on the shape, it can be difficult to backfill against and underneath the mould. If ANY settling occurs this could affect your pool and it may need to be emptied and reinstalled. If choosing fibreglass, it’s important to use a trusted, reputable installer.
4. Swimming ponds & natural pools: Eco-friendly, chemical-free and customizable!
Bring the cottage to your backyard with a natural pool! Inspired by natural springs and lakes, a natural pool or swimming pond invites nature back into your outdoors and is an organic take on the traditional chlorine-filled pool.
Natural pools are aesthetically pleasing and can also provide a chemical-free water environment that’s safe to swim in. If you have sensitive skin or simply don’t like that eye-stinging pain resulting from swimming in chlorinated water for too long, natural pools are a great choice!
Since they’re customizable, natural pools can be a cost-effective option that will blend well with the landscape of the rest of your space.
Whatever pool type you decide on, when it comes time to start your project — especially if it’s your first time — always consult with the experts. If you’re ready to take the plunge, schedule a consultation with us today.
