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.

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.

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:

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.

If you’ve browsed Pinterest or Houzz for patio inspiration, you’ve probably seen a lot of images of big, beautiful patios, with a fireplace, large grill, lounge seating and a table for 10. But what if you, like many of us, simply don’t have that kind of space? Smaller patios can still be a comfortable, lovely space to enjoy the warm months. It just may take a bit more creativity.

We’ll share some of our favorite ideas from Houzz. We’d love to see your smaller patios – share ideas and photos on our Facebook page!

Use Built-Ins

Turn a wall into a bench to add seating without taking up extra space.

Create Continuity

Using the same pavers on the patio and surrounding spaces (i.e. walkways and steps) will avoid visual disruption, making the patio appear larger than it actually is.

Add Landscape Lighting

Lighting can make a huge difference in the atmosphere of a patio. Use lanterns and stakes at ground level to create ambience without taking up much space.

Scale Furniture Appropriately

If you have a long, narrow patio, choose a table with the same dimensions. You could also push the table against one wall to add space, pulling it out only when you have a larger number of dinner guests.

Consider Café Furniture

A bistro table and chairs won’t take up visual space on a patio, and is easy to fold up and put away when not in use.

Go Vertical

Add greenery without sacrificing space by choosing climbing plants and trellises.

Add Color

Brightly-colored plants, furniture and furnishings will give your patio a unique, sophisticated flair, no matter its size.

Ready to upgrade your patio? Visit our product gallery to find the best pavers for your small patio!

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.

A fireplace is a practical and eye-catching addition to any patio or outdoor space. In addition to the visual impact, an outdoor fireplace will provide warmth, effectively extending the life of your patio during the cooler spring and fall months.

As an exclusive dealer of King of Hearths fireplaces and ovens, Borgert Products offers an outdoor fireplace unit that is constructed from lightweight concrete. It is fully lined with fire brick for maximum safety. Our fireplaces are engineered for mortarless veneering, and are exceptionally strong, ensuring that they will withstand weather and remain in peak condition for many years.

Here are a few tips on outdoor fireplace installation. For a detailed step-by-step installation guide, visit our Borgert Resource Guide.

Pad

You will need to remove all plant matter and topsoil from under the slab or hearth. Replace that organic material with gravel which must be compacted for support. If a pad is required (which will depend on fireplace size and positioning), ensure it’s at least six inches deep, with other measurements customized to the type and size of the fireplace unit. Install a rebar mat in a checkerboard pattern with 12-inch centers. Cure the pad for seven days before placing the fireplace.

Conditioning

Once the fireplace is placed per specific installation instructions, it is recommended to build a few small fireplaces before the facing is applied. This will temper the unit, helping to bring the materials to a near final rest before the facing is applied.

Safety

There should be no combustible materials placed within four feet of the fireplace opening. This includes trees and plants, wood decking and furniture. The fireplace stack is equipped for a chimney cap – ensure that the cap has a spark arrestor. Only burn wood; never garbage or other materials. Make sure the burning area is completely dry before starting a fire.

Get the most out of our short Midwest summers with a Borgert Products outdoor fireplace. Contact us to get started.

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.

Now that summer’s in full swing, it’s the perfect time for one of our personal favorite summer activities: hanging by the fire pit. Now’s the perfect time to upgrade your patio with a brand new fire pit or fireplace. Here are some of our favorite looks to inspire you.

Radial Fire Pit

This classic look is well-rounded (no pun intended). Shake up a simple fire pit by adding a radial pattern with cobble pavers. Placing it in the center of your patio leaves plenty of room for entertaining.

Products featured in this look: Cobble Series™, Cobble Circle and Strassen® Wall Fire Pit by Borgert Products

Here Comes the Sun

Make a gorgeous fireplace even more stunning with a custom detail – we love this simple sunflower to brighten up any patio.

Products featured in this look: King Arthur by King of Hearths with Strassen® and Madera Walls by Borgert Products 

All-in-one Entertainment

Now this is a true home entertainment system! This gorgeous fireplace features convenient storage and an attached TV. This setup is a must-have for sports fans to grill out while watching the big game.

Products featured in this look: Guinever Fireplace by King of Hearths with Strassen® Wall Veneer by Borgert Products

Cook It Up

If you love to cook, this is the perfect setup for you! This fireplace features an attached grill for easy grilling and cooking. The brick oven is perfect for making delicious pizzas and other tasty treats.

Products featured in this look: Lancelot Oven by King of Hearths with Strassen® Wall Veneer by Borgert Products

Special Space

If you’ve got the room, set your fire pit apart from the rest of your patio with a designated space. We love pairing our Cobble Series™  with a wall unit for a designated fire pit space.

Products featured in this look: Cobble Series™ and Cobble Circle by Borgert Products

Inspired by any of the looks you see here? Let’s chat. 

Borgert is a family-owned company specializing in pavers, patios, driveways and retaining walls. We are based in Minneapolis and serve the entire Twin Cities metro area and beyond. Since 1923, we have been committed to providing high quality products that help our customers dream landscapes become a reality. Find a distrubor of Borgert Products near you.