Pavers and natural stones are two of the most common surfacing materials used in residential landscaping by Kansas City homeowners. Both can be used to build various surfaces, including different kinds of pathways, decks, and patios. Knowing the differences between paver and natural stone, alongside their pros and cons, can help you make informed decisions for your next outdoor project.
Paver vs. Natural Stone: A General Comparison
Paver
Natural Stone
Appearance
Tighter joints and a more formal/rigid pattern. Smooth surface.
Looser joints and a more irregular/organic pattern. Uneven surface.
Cost
$2 – $30 per sqft
$5 – $200 per sqft
Longevity
Designed for longevity, but may fade after years
Timeless
Installation
Faster, easier installation thanks to its uniform size
More challenging installation
Maintenance
Needs to be sealed
Typically not sealed
What are Pavers
Pavers are industrially cut, flat pieces made from materials such as concrete, brick, stone, or porcelain. Each material varies in property and often comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be used to create patios, pathways, pool decks, and driveways to add texture and functionality to your landscape.
Types of Pavers
Different types of pavers have unique properties, making some more suitable for one type of project than others. Below is a list of common types of pavers:
Concrete pavers: Durable, cost-effective, and one of the most common options for a paved driveway or walkway. Can be stained for further aesthetic purposes.
Brick pavers: Often loved for their classic warm color. Can withstand frequent foot traffic and are low maintenance.
Porcelain pavers: A newer addition to the paver world, but they tend to cost more than traditional options. Durable, stain-resistant, and slip-proof. Many mimic the look of natural wood or stone.
Permeable pavers: A specialty paver designed for better drainage. Great choices for environmentally friendly projects and may qualify for special credits, depending on local incentives.
Pros of Pavers
The biggest advantages of pavers are their relative affordability and simpler installation process. Because pavers are cut into small, uniform pieces, they offer greater DIY-ability during installation. Most pavers also come with a wide variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Smart mix-and-matching can create very interesting looks in your landscaping.
Cons of Pavers
The largest challenge with pavers is weed growth in the joints. Since the paved surface is made of many smaller pieces, paver paths are also prone to sinking, bulging, and deforming as soil moves around. Finally, the color can fade from weather exposure, requiring regular sealing to maintain its appearance and integrity.
While sometimes you may hear the term “natural stone pavers,” they are essentially different from the tile-like pavers mentioned above. Natural stones may come in smaller, irregular pieces or as larger flagstones. Popular types of natural stone used for paving decks, walkways, and patios include limestone, granite, and travertine. More premium options, such as Pennsylvania Blue Stone, are also available.
Pros of Natural Stone
Timeless, luxurious, and elegant, natural stone is one of the most beloved choices for pathways and patios. Natural stone is by far the most lasting surface material, and most of them do not require sealing, making them far lower maintenance than pavers. For those looking for an organic, natural look in their landscape, the irregular shapes of natural stone is hands-down the most suitable option.
Cons of Natural Stone
The one reason that often stops people from going with natural stone is the cost. Compared to pavers, they are much more expensive. However, natural stone is a worthy investment, as it also significantly boosts your property’s value.
Another concern is accessibility, since most natural stones come in irregular shapes and have uneven surfaces. Therefore, they’re not the most suitable if a member of your household has mobility issues and relies on wheelchairs or walkers.
Pavers have a manufactured appearance. The uniformity in shape, size, and color allows homeowners to create a clean, neat look with pavers. Beyond the basic rectangular and square shapes, there are also many curved pavers nowadays designed to add fluidity to surface design.
Pavers come in various colors, sizes, and textures, with many of them designed to mimic stone or natural wood. The finished product often features a simple flat surface and geometric tidiness.
Natural stone is, as the name suggests, natural. Many favor natural stone for its raw, organic look. Natural stone may come in irregular, thin “disks” that work similarly to pavers, or larger, heavier chunks known as flagstones.
Paver vs. Natural Stone: Cost
Generally, natural stone costs more than pavers do. Pavers typically cost $2 – $30 per square foot, whereas natural stone can cost up to $200 per square foot. This cost is influenced by several factors:
Pavers are batch-manufactured, whilst natural stone comes from natural sources
Although both installations are labor-intensive, it’s relatively easier to install pavers than natural stone.
Either way, it’s important to work with a landscaping company that knows how to source the highest quality material at the best price. Having served the Kansas City Metro for over 13 years, Royal Crerations Architectural Landscaping has a vetted network of vendors from whom we source your pavers or natural stone.
Paver vs. Natural Stone: Longevity
Both paver and natural stone are meant to last. However, natural stone will always be the true timeless option.
On average, paver pathways and patios last 25 to 50 years, depending on how well you maintain them through cleaning and sealing. Meanwhile, natural stone can last a lifetime and beyond unless it breaks under physical impact. After all, the stone medieval castles are still standing, are they not?
Paver installation is meticulous, and improper installation can lead to misalignment and potential structural issues. A professional landscaping company also knows how to properly fill in paver joints to prevent weed growth.
Natural stone installation often involves moving heavy, large tablets of stone around, which can lead to severe injury. Hiring a professional landscaping company to install natural stone pathways or decks can save you the hassle and ensure the project is done right.
Paver vs. Natural Stone: Maintenance
Both paver and natural stone require regular cleaning, primarily to remove dirt and debris from the surface. Repair should be done based on needs or as physical damage happens.
The biggest difference in maintenance between paver and natural stone is that pavers require regular resealing to protect them from weather conditions, whereas natural stones typically do not need any sealing.
Yes. Typically, natural stone is always more expensive than pavers. Some options, like limestone, are more affordable, whereas others can cost up to $500 per square foot. However, a well-done patio built with natural stone can also bring a significant boost to your property value, more so than pavers can.
2. Is natural stone better than pavers for patios?
It depends on what you are looking for. Natural stone has uneven surfaces and may pose accessibility issues, but are much more appealing aesthetically. Meanwhile, pavers provide a neat, orderly, geometric look and a flat surface easier to move around.
3. What is the most low-maintenance patio option?
Poured concrete or porcelain paver patios are two of the omst low maintenance options.
Kansas City has been wet this year. It feels like we’re simply going from one thunderstorm warning to another. Weather conditions like this put a heavy burden on your drainage system. Before the summer rainstorms are fully upon us, now is the time to install or upgrade what you have. In this guide, we’ll talk about how much it costs to install drainage systems in Kansas City, the different types of options available, their pros and cons, and how to move forward.
Types of Drainage Systems
The most common types of drainage systems installed in Kansas City homes include the following:
Grading: A drainage method done by raising or lowering the ground.
French Drain: A buried pipe drainage system with gravel that runs beneath the ground.
Flow Well: A newer drainage option that uses large storage tanks that slowly let out water they collect.
Some homes also add an erosion control system to further prevent soil from washing away. Many also choose to bury their downspouts to better direct the rainwater, improve aesthetics, and protect their home’s foundation.
Types of Drainage Systems and their Pros & Cons
Definition
Pros
Cons
Cost
Grading
Raising or lowering the ground to influence water flow
Enhances soil stability;Can protect foundation and basements from water damage
Requires ongoing maintenance;May cause run-off to neighboring properties
Might clog over the time;Not the most effective in high-water situations
$4,000 – $7,000
Flow Well
Large storage containers
Controlled water release to prevent erosion;More affordable and DIY-friendly
Capacity limitation; Qualities vary significantly between brands;Can break under impact
$750 – $1,500
Grading at a client’s property.
Cost of Grading
Grading is one of the simplest drainage solutions for homeowners who do not want to install more extensive options like French drains or flow wells. This method raises or lowers the ground to direct water away from your home’s foundation and, eventually, off your property.
While the concept seems simple enough, grading must be done by a drainage professional in Kansas City because improper grading can cause more harm than good. Machine grading typically costs $100 – $200 per hour. Grading is also frequently used to level the ground and prepare the site for other projects.
Pros
There are many advantages of using grading as a simple drainage solution:
Grading is the least intrusive method and can often be completed rather quickly
Grading is especially effective in protecting your home’s foundation
Can be combined with other erosion control systems to prevent soil loss from the water flow
Cons
Grading also comes with several drawbacks that must be factored into consideration, especially in areas with high precipitation, such as Kansas City:
Grading would need regular maintenance to ensure the ground’s slope still runs the way you need it to be. The more it rains, the more frequently you might need to maintain the grading.
Depending on the area needing grading, the initial cost can be rather high.
Can cause water to run into your neighbor’s properties.
French Drain
Cost to Install French Drains
French drain comes with three different components: the trench that houses the drain pipe, the pipe itself, and the filler material that provides additional drainage support and visual compensation.
Most landscaping companies in Kansas City use perforated drain pipe and gravel for the best results. French drain installation with a 4” pipe costs from $4,000 to $7,000 in Kansas City.
Pros
French drains are often favored by homeowners as one of the most cost-effective modern drainage solutions:
Pipe-plus-gravel system provides double drainage protection.
More aesthetically pleasing than a normal trench, with the pipe being invisible and covered.
Very long-lasting.
Cons
The surface-level drain can get clogged by debris.
Not the most effective in high-water situations.
The pipe can be subjected to root and other types of damage over time.
Cost to Install Flow Wells
Flow wells, as the name suggests, use large underground container systems to contain the water flow. The containers collect stormwater and slowly release it into the soil.
You can DIY a flow-well installation by purchasing kits from most hardware stores. However, professional installation will ensure the best result. Flow well installation in Kansas City ranges from $750 – $1,500. Royal Creations uses systems with 50-gallon container wells.
Pros
Multi-container configurations give more flexibility and higher drainage capacity.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly, as water is slowly released back into the ground.
Cons
Quality varies from brand to brand. Some containers are prone to breaking.
Maintenance and repair can be labor-intensive.
Erosion Control Systems
Erosion control covers bare soil with different materials to prevent washout. While it’s not necessarily a drainage system, it’s often used hand-in-hand with other stormwater management methods to ensure soil integrity.
Common materials used in erosion control systems are straw mat, sod, ground cover plants, mulch, weed barrier fabric, and river rock.
Cost of different erosion control materials
Material
Price
Straw mat (8ft x 30ft)
$40 – $50 ea
Sod installation
$2.10 – $3.50 per sqft
Ground cover plants
Varies by plant type
Mulch installation
$0.70 – $1.40 per sqft
Weed barrier fabric
$0.50 – $2.50 per sqft
River rock (installation not included)
$1 – $3 per sqft
Burying downspout
Cost to Bury Downspouts
Another way to improve your drainage system at home is to bury downspouts. Typically, it costs between $500 and $750 to bury a downspout approximately 10 feet away from the house.
There are many reasons why you’d want to bury your downspout. Mainly, burying your downspout ensures water flows out and away from your home’s foundation, regardless of grading. It also makes your landscape look cleaner now that the gutter drain is buried underground.
Professional Drainage Solutions for Homes in Kansas City
While many landscaping tasks have DIY alternatives, the drainage system is one thing that should absolutely be left to a professional. Improper installation of your drainage system can lead to severe water damage to your landscape and your home’s foundation.
Depending on your existing landscape, sometimes it’s worth your while to consider bundling your drainage project with other projects, such as installing an irrigation system.
Another May, another graduation season. Before diving into your next chapter, make sure to spend some time celebrating all the hard work you’ve put into completing your degree program. Here are 10 backyard graduation party ideas for Kansas City Grads to make some unforgettable memories:
1. Graduation Cookout
A backyard graduation cookout is probably the most iconic graduation party idea for summer grads, especially in a city that loves its BBQ. After all, part of growing up is being able to man the grill yourself.
Prepare a balanced mixture of meat, veggies, and pre-made sides like salads and cheesy corn. Combine it with some cold beer or canned cocktails; you’re sure to remember your last party with classmates before diving into your futures.
2. Add Some Sporting Flare
For the athletic grads, embrace your school’s sporting team one last time. Decorate your deck with school colors. Don’t forget the mascot, too! If you’ve won a couple of trophies and medals during your time on the team, this is the perfect time to put them on the table as a centerpiece to highlight your accomplishments.
Not an athlete yourself? No worries. Chief’s and Royal’s themes never get old.
Photo from Unsplash
3. Build a Memory Board
We all get sentimental after a few drinks, especially during graduation. Bring your notebooks, old textbooks, and other memorable objects. While this can be easily done digitally, putting together a memory board physically is different. After all, this could be your last time doing a group assignment with your classmates for a long time.
Prepare some Post-it notes, scrapbook papers, markers, and highlighters. You are ready to build a one-of-a-kind memory board. If you want to make it more special, get a Polaroid camera and capture your backyard graduation party to add to the board.
4. Graduation Picnic or Potluck
Bring your own picnic basket, or prepare one dish per person for a fun graduation potluck. This can be done in the backyard or inside the dining area. To add more challenge, you can require everybody to bring something inspired by their time at the school. For example, a charcuterie board spelling out the year of graduation.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
5. Graduation Pool Party
You can easily put on a graduation pool party with college color pool floaties. Pool parties always bring out the inner child, so it’s the perfect choice for recent grads transitioning into the more serious grown-up world. Don’t forget to add some college-themed floaties, balloons, towels, and other decorations.
6. Backyard Mixer
A simple backyard mixer is a quick, easy graduation party idea for Kansas City. Hang some string lights, bring in some of Kansas City’s talented local caterers. You can even rent a smart selfie station and create your own hashtag to document every moment on social media. Backyard mixers can also turn into a great networking opportunity sometimes, so make sure you get the contact information from your peers before you part ways.
7. Hollywood Night
For reasons unknown, a Hollywood-themed party is considered a must for the graduation season. Maybe it’s about having one last crazy hurrah? Either way, we’ve got the perfect checklist for you.
For a graduation Hollywood night, you’ll need solid outdoor lighting and audio: a lighted sign is the minimum. Colorful, changing lights and a powerful sound system would be even better. You can even turn this into a Hollywood masquerade with glittering paper masks.
8. Dream Destination Travel Party
Graduation parties are the best time to dream wildly, so what’s more fitting than a travel-themed party? Maybe you won’t get to travel together this year, but you can plan everything and decorate your patio with a Tuscany seaside vibe or eloquent French artistry.
9. Movie Under the Stars
An outdoor movie would be perfect for the nerdy friends who are not into the party scene, especially with Kansas City’s cool and nice evening weather in late May and early June. A portable projector with a basic screen would work, or you can connect your movie audio to Bluetooth speakers for a more elevated experience.
Planting your trees is only the beginning. To keep your landscape happy, the homeowner should take the initiative to learn about tree health. This guide will walk you through why it’s important to start training your trees early and the different components of the training process.
What is Tree Training
Tree training is a set of methods that direct the growth of your tree so it forms specific shapes. Common training techniques include selective pruning and limb positioning. Tree training goes beyond aesthetic improvements. It also makes the trees healthier and thus grow more efficiently.
The Importance of Early Tree Training
Trees are more similar to humans than one might think. You wouldn’t consider education unimportant. Instead, you’d probably want your kid to start learning as early as possible, so they can develop in a healthy, stimulating, and creative way.
The same goes for trees. Young trees are more adaptable. Therefore, early training is more efficient and yields more lasting effects by building out a structure your tree would “memorize.” By doing so, you can significantly reduce the risk of structural issues as your tree grows.
The first and most popular method for early-age tree training is selective pruning. By cutting away weak, crossing, or crowded branches, you provide a negative signal against unwanted growth to the sapling:
“If a branch grows like this, it will get cut.”
This information becomes embedded in the tree so it grows in a strong, stable pattern. This way, you can prevent future interference or breakage from early on.
Important selective pruning tips include:
Create a single, dominant central leader: a clear main trunk provides overall stability and a balanced canopy.
Avoid excessive pruning: Overpruning may stress the tree and therefore slow the growth.
Make central cuts during dormant time: Pruning at the wrong time can stimulate undesirable growth or expose the tree to disease.
Handling Co-Dominant Leaders
Co-dominant leaders occur when trees have more than one main trunk of similar diameter. When main branches compete against each other for dominance, they create weak unions known as “bark inclusion,” where tree barks become trapped between main branches where they meet. Bark inclusions make the branches prone to splitting under wind or weight.
How to Prevent Co-Dominant Leaders
Early intervention, often known as “subordination pruning,” is key to snipping co-dominant leaders before they develop further. In subordination pruning, you select the “leader” you’d like to keep, and only prune from the other leader. With a few years of consistent work, you will notice more growth in the desired leader while the other branch remains small.
Raising the Canopy
To raise the canopy, you will remove lower branches strategically to keep the tree healthy while maintaining a strong overall shape. By doing so, you then encourage the growth of taller branches, quite literally raising the height of the tree’s canopy.
There are many benefits to raising the canopy:
You get better visibility around large trees.
Higher canopies are less likely to interfere with movements below the trees, allowing you to enjoy your landscape more fully.
A higher canopy also allows better airflow around and under the trees.
Taller canopies provide better shading from the sun than lower ones of similar size.
Flowering trees with taller canopies may cause less severe allergy reactions
Fertilization Considerations
Different types of fertilization have different effects. Knowing which type to use can help you provide the most suitable nutrients for your landscape at the right time. Proper and timely fertilization is a crucial step in turf care.
Many use high-nitrogen turf fertilizers because they encourage fast leafy growth in grass. However, too much nitrogen can affect your trees negatively, leading to weak growth or pest issues, and may interfere with natural structural development.
To mitigate negative effects from turf fertilizers, consider using sulfur-based fertilizers to help balance soil nutrients. Sulfur-based can support healthy tree growth without yielding overly soft or weak shoots in your lawn.
Trees self-manage in natural environments like woods and forests. They shed weak limbs and climb up for better light exposure. However, your residential landscaping setting rarely provides the same conditions for automatic tree training to happen.
Trees in a residential landscape face numerous challenges, including:
Harsher competitions
Limited growth space
Interference from human structures
Providing tree training can help your plants navigate their surrounding environment and learn to grow in a healthy and functional way as early as possible.
Where to Get Tree Training Services in Kansas City
Tree training is a highly specialized, expert-level landscaping service and should be performed only by knowledgeable, experienced specialists. As with finding a good tutor for your little ones, you should work only with professional tree and garden care companies in Kansas City with proven expertise in tree training.
Here are some things to look for if you’re looking for a tree training contractor:
Check and see if the company has a dedicated tree-caring program
Outdoor fireplaces are one of the best additions to your backyard. First of all, they can increase your property’s value. What’s more important, however, is what outdoor fire features do for you and your family’s mental health.
This guide will give you a concrete idea of how much outdoor fireplaces cost in Kansas City, different cost factors, and affordable DIY options so you can bring a cozy fire to your backyard. Whether you need to unplug and wind down without being reminded of your job or life stress, or want to bond with children in nature, an outdoor fireplace provides the perfect reason to step away from your phones.
A stone block outdoor fire pit built by Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping in Kansas City
What You Need to Know About Outdoor Fireplaces
Generally, you will need a permit to build a permanent outdoor fireplace in Kansas City, especially if you need to install a gas line. There is also a minimum distance requirement of 10’ for any fire pits, including DIY in-ground fire pits, from the nearest combustible material. Generally, this means your fire pit needs to be at least 10 feet away from your home, garage, and any other major structure.
Wood Burning vs. Gas Burning
Many people love the rustic ambiance of wood-burning fire features. An old-school pit master will also likely tell you that cooking over a wood fire is an irreplaceable experience. However, gas is the simpler and more efficient fuel option. Gas fireplaces require no start-up preparation or cleanup and are completely smoke-free.
How Much Do Outdoor Fireplaces Cost in Kansas City?
On average, it costs $15,000 – $30,000 to build an outdoor fireplace in Kansas City. Factors impacting the cost of your outdoor fireplaces include:
Structure/type
Material
Accompanying storage boxes
Gas line upgrade
Surrounding landscape arrangements
If you’re interested in adding fire features to an existing deck or patio, you also need to factor in any additional work required on the outdoor living structure itself.
Cost by Type of Fireplaces
There are three common types of outdoor fireplaces on the market: classicfireplaces, chimineas, and fire pits. The table below shows you the pros and cons of each type, and approximately how much it would cost to build them in Kansas City.
How much do outdoor fire features cost in Kansas City (by type)
Type
Cost
Fire pit
$80 (store bought) – $5000 (custom built)
Chimineas
$100 – $3,500
Classic fireplace
$15,000 – $30,000
A custom-built outdoor fireplace with accompanying patio that is currently under construction by our crew.
Cost to Build a Wood-Burning Fire Pit with Block or Stone
The average cost for a wood-burning fire pit built with block or stone in Kansas City is $3,250 to $6,750. This includes a cap and fire-ring to help you contain the fire more efficiently and keep your fire pit clean during the off-season. However, this price does not include any gas inserts, logs, or plumbing/electrical work.
Pros and Cons of a Fire Pit
Pros
Cons
Most affordable
Poor smoke control
Easy temperature control
May pose a fire hazard if you’re not careful
360-degree warmth
Needs regular maintenance and cleaning
Cost to Build a Wood-Burning Fireplace with Block or Stone
The average cost to build a wood-burning fireplace in Kansas City is $15,000 – $30,000. Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping uses only the highest-quality block or stone to build your fireplace, ensuring an elegant, luxurious look with plenty of surface color and texture options.
Pros and Cons of an Outdoor Fireplace
Pros
Cons
Safe fire, good smoke control
Usually requires a permit to build
Beautiful permanent structure
A very significant investment
Property price boost
Repairs can be costly
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping built this outdoor fire pit in Kansas City and upgraded it with a gas line and crushed glass
Cost of Fire Feature Add-ons in Kansas City
To ensure you get the most out of your outdoor fireplace, add-ons are necessary and wise investments. Popular upgrades and add-ons include gas line addition, storage boxes, and surrounding landscape upgrades.
Gas Line Addition
Gas-burning fire features are a game-changer. They’re cleaner, easier to start, and generally safer with better control. Upgrading your wood-burning fire feature to a gas-burning one with a burner costs between $4,000 and $6,500. This includes the decorative topping, such as lava rock, gas logs, or glass beads.
Wood Storage Boxes
Keep everything in one place by adding wood storage boxes to your outdoor fireplace. Block or stone wood storage boxes cost an additional $3,500 to $10,000, or $1,750 – $5,000 per box.
Surrounding Landscapes
Truly elevate your experience by building a small haven around your outdoor fireplace! Whether it’s adding seating, walkways, or rearranging existing landscapes. Most landscapers in Kansas City charge $75 to $115 per hour for landscape enhancements.
We understand that an outdoor fireplace can be a significant investment. Fortunately, there are some DIY options if you are happy to settle for a fire pit.
Most moveable fire pits cost between $80 and $500, though higher-end options with more customization can reach $5,000. At that price point, you may as well work with an outdoor fireplace installation company in Kansas City.
Hybrid Project with an Outdoor Fireplace Company
Many contractors may also be open to working with you on a hybrid model. This means the contractor will help you install your DIY fire pit kit and handle any additional tasks, such as cleanups and enhancements to the surrounding landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Impacts the Cost of Outdoor Fireplaces in Kansas City?
The most common cost factors affecting the final price of your outdoor fireplace include material, type/style of fire feature, gas upgrades, and add-on structures and services.
2. How much does an outdoor fireplace increase home value?
An outdoor fireplace can increase your property value by 6% to 12% and recoup at least 50% of the upfront investment. In dollar amount, you can expect an increase between $1,000 and $5,000 to your home’s appraised value with a finely-built outdoor fireplace.
3. How long does it take to install an outdoor fireplace?
Most outdoor fireplace projects at Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping take between one and three weeks to complete. Some might take longer depending on additional landscape needs, unpredictable weather conditions, and other factors. When working with a contractor, it’s important to always maintain good communication and be clear about your expectations.
