1. How long do pavers last?
Paver patios and driveways last approximately 30 years, which is much longer than other pavements under normal residential use.

2. What does 'interlock' mean?
In short, it's the inability of a paver to move independently of it's neighbors. It's the locking of the pavers that causes loads to be spread over a wider area of pavers than where the load was applied. It's the key strength of the pavement system.

3. Will freezing and thawing damage pavers?
No, damage from ice is virtually non-existent. The joints allow the pavers to move without cracking in freeze and thaw cycles.

4. What's the difference between joint sand and polymeric sand?
Joint sand is the most commonly used material between the joints of tumbled pavers by most companies/installers, however, it can easily be blown out from the joints or washed away from rain. Polymeric sand has a bonding agent and as it gets wet and dries the sand bonds hardening the sand, preventing any loss of sand as well as helping in the prevention of weed growth. If the bond where to crack, a little water would soften the sand, allowing it to reform solid again. Dream Home Exteriors, Inc. exclusively uses polymeric sand on all of their tumbled patio jobs.

5. Can fabric designed to prevent the growth of weeds be used instead of the geotextile fabric?
No because this material is not as strong as the geotextile fabric and can tear easily.

6. If pavers need to be removed for below grade repairs, can I replace them afterwards?
Yes. Unlike other pavements, concrete pavers can be easily removed and reinstalled without any visual or functional changes.

7. Will pavers be slippery?
No. Their surface texture is ideal for obtaining safe traction in pedestrian, vehicular, and pool applications, even when wet.

8. Can dirty of broken pavers be replaced?
Yes. Replacing them with new pavers is the easiest way. Depending on the paver, some can be flipped over rather than replaced. Many suppliers of concrete pavers offer cleaners especially made for removing stains and for overall cleaning of the surface.

9. Are there disadvantages to sealing paver pavements?
Yes. Since there are transparent, paint-like coating sealers, they generally need to be reapplied every three to five years. More intense use of the pavers and extreme climates often increase the need for re-applying a coat of sealer. Sealing pavers trap in the naturally forming efflorescence.

10. Do you have options on choosing your picket spacing?
Custom fence panels are not available, but we do offer loose pickets and rails in most market areas. These components can be used to create your own spaced picket panel with your desired picket spacing. We have a variety of picket styles to choose from.

11. Are gates available?
Yes. Most gates are available in 36", 42" or 44" widths. We can make custom gates by using loose components or by trimming a fence panel to the proper width.

12. Do you offer finials or post caps to decorate my post tops?
Yes. We offer a variety of fence accessories, including post caps, post points, finials and finial bases.

13. At what depth do you bury fence posts?
A general rule of thumb is to place 1/3 of the length of the post in the ground. Use a diameter of 10"-12" for all postholes. We also suggest burying all gate posts, end posts, and corner posts 6" deeper than the other posts, especially in areas with high wind or extreme weather.

14. Are all posts to be set in concrete?
We recommend that all posts be set in concrete in accordance with local conditions and standard building practices. Posts that are not set in concrete will eventually lean due to wind and weather.

15. What type of nails/screws will you use when installing my fence?
Use hot-dip, galvanized or stainless steel nails and exterior screws will help maximize the lifespan of your fence.

16. Can you install a fence panel on a sloped landscape?
Pre-assembled fence panels can be installed on a slope using the stair-step method. With this method, the fence panels gradually step up the landscape with all rails level, rather than parallel to the slope. Using loose pickets and rails, a fence can be assembled and installed parallel to the slope of the landscape.

17. What kind of care and maintenance will my fence require?
We recommend applying paint or stain every two years or as needed. Consult our installation instructions for more detailed care and maintenance information.

18. Should I paint or stain my fence?
We recommend applying a protective finish to the fence once it is installed. This helps to minimize the effects of weathering and to maximize the lifespan of your fence.

19. What kind of deck material is best?
There are many different kinds of material available such as wood or composites. As for the wood material, #1 grade is the highest and most preferred by homeowners. As for composites, they are all similar as far as longevity but provide their own individual niche in the industry.

20. What is the price difference between wood and composite decking?
As the price of Redwood and CCA continue to rise, the cost difference between wood and Composite Decking has significantly decreased, especially when you consider stain and maintenance.

21. What is the difference between all the brands of composite decking?
Trex is the original composite decking which has been on the market for many years. Many other comparable brands are now available.

22. Can composite decking be used for structural use like the posts and beams?
No, Composite Decking is not a structural product. The structure needs to be made of wood.

23. Does the color of composite decking change once it's installed?
Most colors take about four months to "season". After that initial fade, the color stays permanent.

24. Do you use CCA or ACQ treated lumber? Which is better?
ACQ was replaced by CCA treated lumber in early 2004. Airborne ACQ sawdust was considered a hazard and is no longer approved by building codes.

25. Is treated lumber more prone to warping?
During the treating process, the lumber is literally injected with water. As the product dries, it can crack and warp.

26. Can my deck support a hot tub?
Yes, but there needs to be special planning, supports, permitting and consideration.

27. How do you attach the deck to the house?
With a Rim joist board. Usually a 2x10 securely anchored into the wall.

28. Does it matter which direction you lay the decking boards down?
Crown side down, you can determine this by looking at the growth rings.

29. What is involved in building your gazebos?
All our gazebos are custom built per the design specification you and your design consultant create. All of the hardware that we will need will be Hot dippied or triple coated galvanized. Gazebos are considered to be a free standing structure being able to carry it's own weight with out relying on being attached to another object for support.

30. What type of building material is used?
All wooden gazebos (except for our cedar gazebos) are crafted with durable treated pine. To protect and showcase the beauty of your gazebo's wood, you may add wood sealant or two coats of vinyl latex paint. Many gazebo lovers tell us they prefer wood because they feel wood is more aesthetically pleasing. If you, too, prefer the look of wood, we recommend annual wood treatments to keep your gazebo looking fresh and new. You may also select our naturally weather-resistant cedar gazebos.

31. Is western red cedar better than southern yellow pine?
Cedar is naturally rot resistant. Cedar is more stable, does not warp, twist or split like southern yellow pine. Cedar is a higher quality material.

32. Do the gazebos need to treated or sealed?
Yes! We highly recommend that the gazebo be sealed with some kind of sealer. It is best to check with a quality paint store in your area for their suggestion of what product works best for your region.

33. Are the screens removable?
As an option, you can choose to have your screens individually framed for easy removal should anything damage the screen.

34. I want the shingles to match the asphalt shingles on my house, is this possible?
Yes. We do our best to attempt to match your shingles to your home. If you have paperwork showing the kind of shingle and color that was used on your home, this makes it easier to match (as long as the manufacturer still makes that particular shingle.

35. Which is better: Octagonal, Square, or Oval?
First, consider which size and shape will complement your home and landscape. Too large a gazebo may overpower your home; too small a gazebo may be lost among other landscape elements. A quaint 8' x 8' gazebo is the perfect choice for a smaller home or backyard, while a stately 12' x 20' gazebo accentuates a large home or acreage.

Second, consider how you plan to use your gazebo. Will it become an entertainment center for special occasions, such as parties or family weddings? Will you and your family gather there regularly for outdoor dining? Will it serve only ornamental purposes? Do you imagine your gazebo will become your favorite cozy porch or room, where you'll relax and unwind? Or perhaps you need poolside protection from the sun, or a private setting for your hot tub?

If you have several uses for your gazebo in mind, or if you need flexible floor space, choose an oblong-style gazebo, either rectangular or oval. These shapes give you space to add a lovely handcrafted Amish table or swing at one end and a relaxed seating area at the other. If you're thinking of an octagonal- or square-shaped gazebo, keep in mind that any table you'd like to add will have to sit in the center, which limits your floor space. But if your gazebo is primarily for aesthetics and special occasions, flexible floor space may not matter to you.

36. What type of rails, spindles, corner braces and fascia do you offer?
These design options give a gazebo its "gingerbread" look and feel. Most gazebos feature, as standard, straight-spindle railing and 2" x 2" spindles. Or, if you prefer, choose the more elegant "turned" or rounded spindles.

Braces are also standard fare on every gazebo. Standard braces are 1½" thick. Or, indulge in a gingerbread fantasy by choosing the more elaborate Victorian braces.

Fascia, the trim around your gazebo's roofline, is available in two styles: wavy, which is standard, or straight. Both work well with any railing, spindle, or brace combination.

37. What are my roof options?
Depending upon the size and shape of your gazebo, you may have several roofing options.

A hip roof (our Classic Majestic Roof) slopes from all sides. A square gazebo's hip roof has four sides; an octagonal gazebo's roof has eight. Octagonal (and some oval) hip roofs include a standard cupola, which gives your gazebo's roof a two-tiered look.

A double roof, sometimes called a pagoda, is an attractive option as well. You may also add a cupola onto your double roof for a three-tiered look.

38. What is required as a foundation for the Gazebo?
The most common foundation is on 6x6 posts which are footed into the ground with concrete. Local building codes will determine that depth which is typically 24-30 inches. Then beams, which are 2x12", are installed to support the joists, which are 2x8". Gazebos can also be constructed to sit on an existing slab. If there is an existing slab to be used, a special permitting process may be required which may carry additional costs.