Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1274063
J U LY 2 0 2 0 | 39 Landscape Products Vito Lore, Canadian sales manager at Mutual Materials, reports that, "We're very busy in both the DIY and professional segments, and product sales are strong across the board. In terms of size, people not only want larger formats for their slab and stepping stone projects but also irregular sizes and contrasting textures." Mutual Materials' Triple Holland pavers and Columbia Slate stepping stones cater to these needs by coming in three different sizes, allowing users to mix sizes and patterns along with colours for dramatic effect, while retaining the traditional appeal of a simple brick shape. Lore explains the ongoing preference on the west coast for grey/charcoal colour schemes: "The trend is towards a clean looking linear esthetic. Earth tones are beautiful but simply haven't caught on in B.C." Expocrete Concrete Products provides independent hardscape dealers and big box retailers everything from pavers, slabs, and porcelain tile to retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and yardscapes such as edgers, fire pits, and planter blocks. Expocrete director of marketing John Moroz echoes the sentiments of his competitors by reporting "unprecedented business in 2020. In fact, the demand for everything to do with landscaping is overwhelming, whether it's edging or slabs – the latter of which never go out of style – to items for larger landscaping projects. Plus, our premium products are enjoying high demand." However, Moroz points out that trends change gradually, and the latest one – that of larger paver sizes – is already half a decade old. "Also, colour preferences remain according to region. Manitoba residents love tan blends, in Alberta you see a mix of charcoal and tan, and British Columbians largely favour three colours: grey, grey, and grey." But Moroz has noticed some growth in porcelain tile for deck applications. "The reason is simple: they create a gorgeous effect, especially in B.C. with the fairer weather. They install the same as pavers and come in a great colour and finish range, plus the durability is incredible." The Mirage outdoor porcelain tiles from Expocrete are frost-resistant, skid- resistant, durable, and easy to clean. These attributes, combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds) create the perfect solution for gardens, terraces, and high traffic outdoor areas. Anders Danielsson, sales manager at Abbotsford Concrete Products, says he is "thankful for the tremendous effort our dealers have undertaken to continue to serve their clients to the best of their abilities during these uncertain times." The interest in hardscaping products has continued to grow as more people are investing in their outdoor living space, foregoing travel and choosing to stay home in their own personal oasis. Abbotsford Concrete Products' slabs, pavingstones, and retaining walls meet or exceed all ASTM or CSA Standards, and Danielsson reports that the popular New York Stone Series "has been perfected over the past few months and allows our designers to specify a product that has multiple sizes and colour blends. Danielsson is referring to the series, which, like the equally popular Cortez Series slabs, is the result of our exclusive ACP Face Mix, two-layer, unified manufacturing process. It's natural stone-like appearance offers unlimited possibilities and comes with a choice of colour blends. "Another advantage of the New York Stone is that it can be turned into a permeable system as well, through the use of permeable aggregates," he adds. Both the Cortez and New York Stone slabs are designed to work with the BlackJack Pedestal System. Basalite Concrete Products this summer is releasing a permeable paver for residential and commercial use that works in conjunction with the company's Permavoid stormwater management system. Chris Knight, technical sales representative at Basalite, says, "The paver is an important development for us considering that new building projects in many municipalities are expected to collect and manage up to 50 percent of onsite rainwater. Our paver is ideal for the residential and commercial segments, including multi-family developments – and the Permavoid sub base, which can store water to passively irrigate lawns and gardens, can be four inches to several feet thick depending on the developer's needs." Finally, the success of South Africa's Terraforce throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia suggests that the reversible hollowcore retaining block provider could enjoy equal success in Canada (in fact, the company retains three licensees in Canada, with product manufactured in B.C.). Founder Holger Rust says, "We sell directly to contractors and installers but in Canada we're sold through dealers, but regardless of the sales channels we provide one of the most energy efficient segmental retaining wall systems on the market." Being hollow, the blocks require less concrete than traditional walls (which results in significant transportation cost savings), are also plantable, and can be completely covered in vegetation. As the world slowly returns to a new sense of normal, those in the landscap- ing sector are confident they will remain busy for the foreseeable future. "Our industry is slated to grow by five or six percent through 2023," says LaCroix. "COVID undoubtedly played a big role in speeding this up, but at the end of the day, the real growth comes from lifestyle choices. People want to be outdoors – and we're helping them achieve that goal." A Triple Holland pavers and Columbia Slate stepping stones from Mutual Materials. Reversible hollowcore retaining block from Terraforce. Mirage outdoor porcelain tiles from Expocrete Concrete Products.