step units

Hardscaping Inspiration: Step Units

Whether it takes 5 or 50 steps to get up to your front door or back patio, adding steps can be an expensive project. The Borgert step unit is a more affordable alternative to some of the costlier step materials like natural stone or granite. And because our step unit is attractive, durable and easy to install, you’ll save time and money without sacrificing the overall appearance of your steps.

Here are some of our favorite step unit designs. Visit our product gallery to for more inspiration!

Lush Landscaping

step units

We love how the combination of softscape materials and low lighting play off the natural appearance of the concrete step unit, in our Minnesota River color blend.

 

Clean and Simple

Our Limestone color blend creates a look that is both minimalist and sophisticated.

 

Unique Combinations

Our color blends allow you to customize the exact look of your steps, as demonstrated here in this unique layout of our Minnesota River blend.

 

Staggered Steps

Incorporating landings in to the step design allows for visual breaks in the steps (as shown here in our North Shore color blend), as well as physical breaks for those who climb them regularly!

 

Contrasting Colors

Use surrounding materials, such as rocks, mulch and wall units, to create contrast with steps. Here, our Buff color blend was installed with lighter-colored rocks and darker mulch to create gorgeous contrast.

 

Make your yard memorable! Calculate your project needs with our paver calculator, then contact us to learn more about how our high-quality step units can fit into your outdoor 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.

drenapave

Driveway Inspiration: DrenaPave™ and DrenaMontage™

Do you deal with excessive runoff after a heavy rain? Are you looking for a more sustainable option for your driveway? Or do you simply want a unique, attractive driveway pavement option that is easy to maintain? Whatever your goals, consider using our DrenaPave™ and DrenaMontage™ specially-designed permeable concrete paving stones to mitigate storm water runoff.

Our DrenaPave™ or DrenaMontage™ permeable concrete pavement systems provide stormwater management right in your driveway. The pavers naturally filter out harmful pollutants such as oil and nitrates, reducing harmful runoff and improving overall water quality. In addition, rain is absorbed through the interlocking stones, which minimizes spot flooding and prevents water from running off into ditches and drains.

The best part? Our permeable systems have the same strength and durability as traditional interlocking concrete pavers, and maintenance is simple.

We’re sharing a few of our favorite DrenaPave™ and DrenaMontage™ driveway ideas below. Visit our product galleries for more!

Inspired by Up North

DrenaPave

Reminiscent of the natural beauty of Northern Minnesota, the Iron Range family of colors creates a warm, inviting look for any driveway, entryway or parking lot.

Warm Tones

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The Minnesota River blend creates a warm look that complements brick or natural tones in a home and landscape design.

Contrasting Colors

drenapave

Using different color families for edging and accents creates visual interest and a unique look. Mix and match pavement stones for a custom, memorable look.

DrenaPave™ and DrenaMontage™ is an excellent way to achieve a high-end driveway look while minimizing your effect on the environment. Contact us to learn more about these innovative products!

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.

Four Ways to Make Your Yard More Sustainable

Sustainability is no longer simply a buzzword – it’s become a way of life. Homeowners and designers alike are incorporating sustainability into all parts of a home, including the lawn, garden and patio.

We’re big fans of sustainability at Borgert Products, so we wanted to share a few tips on making your outdoor space more eco-friendly, courtesy of Gardenista.

Install Permeable Pavers

sustainable

Sustainability begins with the surface of your patio. Permeable pavement systems minimize harmful rainwater runoff, instead allowing water to slowly seep into the ground. This provides natural filtration of pollutants, helps water to cool, and provides a slower flow into drainage systems and bodies of water. Borgert Products’ permeable pavement systems are strong and durable, with minimal maintenance required. Contact us to learn more!

Consider Grass Alternatives

Grass can look and feel lovely, but it takes a lot of water to maintain a lush, green lawn. One alternative is planting ground cover, like sheet moss, in shadier areas – it’s a cost-effective alternative that requires minimal maintenance. Another idea is to forgo turf entirely with a wild meadow of native wildflowers, which – bonus! – will attract birds and bees.

Be a Friend to Pollinators

If you’re not ready to turn your lawn into a meadow, consider converting even a few feet into a pollinator-friendly garden. Plant wildflowers and pollinator-friendly plants, such as bee balm, salvia, snapdragons, black-eyed Susans, sunflowers and many more. In addition, avoid using harsh pesticides on your lawn and garden, opting instead for pollinator-safe alternatives.

Collect and Save Water

Rain barrels require an upfront investment, but they can save a lot of money – not to mention water – in the long run. In addition, consider an irrigation system, which deliver water straight to plant roots in a slow drip, avoiding water waste.

Ready to get started with your sustainable patio? Give Borgert a call today.

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.

Hardscaping vs. Softscaping: What’s the Difference?

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:

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.