As a movie and TV enthusiast I often re-watch older episodes before enjoying the new season of a show or the next movie in a series. You know how you always see a few things that you didn’t remember from that first viewing? The same can be said about a company’s policies, practices, or procedures. Forgetting how to start a machine is just embarrassing but forgetting how to install or maintain something can be very costly. So, let’s go back a few episodes and review, to see if there is something that you may have missed or forgotten.

My favorite rerun episodes are about polymeric sweeping sands. There are many new and improved types of polymeric sand on the market, and I would count on there being more in the future. Some of the new features include being rain safe in so many minutes, dust free, haze free or allowing installation while the product is wet. All these features are great, but there are still some fundamentals that you need to remember. Here are some of the highlights:

• When you are applying and sweeping the sand into the joint, be careful not to overfill. In most cases you want to have the sand be 1/8^th of an inch from the top of the paver. Exceptions are cobbled types of pavers where you may want even less sand in the joint to bring out the cobbled appearance. You can always sweep out the excess when it’s still dry, that's a lot harder after it has been wetted or has set.

• Work in sections when applying the water. Even though many products have a single watering procedure, do not get carried away and water huge portions at a time. The watering process is the most essential step and adding too much or too little water because you lost track of where you did or did not cover could end in disaster.

• Speaking of watering, read the instructions fully and carefully. Did the brand you’re using change formulas or best installation practices? Have they added a feature that you were unaware of, or taken one out? Is this the right product for your application? You will not know if you do not read. If you have questions, always feel free to call the Hardscape Center for advice and guidance.

• Understand how your product will work on your site. Consider things like humidity, dew points and temperature. Is the project in the sun or the shade, is there irrigation near that may hinder the curing time? To fully cure, the product must completely dry after installation. If it does not dry, it will not cure. Uncured sand can wash out, swell up from excess water or have the polymers seep out and stain the pavers.

There are many more things to consider when applying polymeric jointing sand, but the above are the most common issues that I hear about. All the above can be prevented or addressed, and all are costly if forgotten about. Typically, the sand is the last part of the project and could be the hardest thing to fix. It never hurts to get a refresher on the installation of this essential step. If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to call. The next season is upon us, so grab some popcorn and take the time to review before you get lost by episode #2. Stay tuned for previews for the next show with limited commercial breaks!

There is an amazing Mexican restaurant by my house that I love, especially since they have a nice outdoor patio with tables. I sit down, and wait for the waiter to come take my order. While I wait, I shift my weight from one side to the other, trying to find the spot where the chair doesn’t wobble. Then the waiter brings my beverage, and while managing my chair I now have to contend with the table that keeps moving back and forth. Then the meal shows up, and by now it looks like I’m having convulsions! It’s one of my pet peeves, and I wind up putting a piece of napkin under the chair, the table, or both to keep me less annoyed. Now you know why I ask for extra napkins!

All napkins aside, outdoor patios and living areas are amazing spaces to enjoy more time outdoors. Some things to consider however, might be what you want to do in these spaces. Many styles of tables and chairs need flat surfaces to be stable and secure. Beyond the wobble, cobbled surfaces may be harder to clean or show dirt and stains more prominently. The high peaks in a cobble style paver may also wear faster and show signs of aging more quickly than the lower parts. Aesthetically, the textured product looks great, but its functionality may suffer.

Many paver manufacturers have a similar product line with smooth finishes. They offer the same large format size and similar colors, but with table and chair-friendly surfaces. Some of the color blending can make them appear to have texture. The smooth surfaces will be much easier to have stable tables and chairs, but also help with planters and outdoor rugs and mats. Smooth surfaces are also easier on your feet, so when you have a slow roast BBQ or chicken that takes some time to cook, your feet will thank you.

From a design aspect, the smooth texture can also give you a much larger array of banding and bordering options. Having some texture in a soldier or sailor course will add some extra pop next to a flat surface. From an installation aspect, the smooth is easier to install sweeping sands and apply sealers. The products install the same, so there is no need for extra training. These products offer more possibilities without hindrances. I call that a win-win!

What is the least expensive tool you own? Maybe a pair of safety glasses or gloves? Think even cheaper, like “free” cheap. This tool is as useful as MacGyver with two sticks of chewing gum and a paperclip! More knowledgeable than Google, but just as easy to use. Everyone has at the very least one, but most have several just lying around, waiting to be used. They want to be used, it gives them purpose and meaning. On occasion, I have even had them beg to be used! Does your hammer do that?

This free tool is: factory territory representatives! Most of our suppliers have them, and they want you to use them. The rep’s job is not necessarily to sell you their products, but also to help you with tips, ideas, suggestions and a wealth of other great information. They can advise you on different, possibly better ways to advertise, bid, plan and order for your project.

Your territory rep can be found dropping off samples to contractors and dealers, troubleshooting challenging installs, and advising on new or better techniques. Their office is their vehicle, always moving from job site to job site. They are there to help when problems arise and to praise when projects have exceeded expectations. New and growing companies can benefit from their experience as most reps were once like you.

During the off season they are busy planning extensive training sessions and informational seminars. Some of the seminars are designed to help you improve the way you bid jobs, streamline the designing process or showcase new and upcoming products. They are in constant communication with the factories, getting input as well as giving feedback. They want you to be successful with their prospective products, and you as the contractor play a vital role in that. Your likes and dislikes, everything from the color blending to thickness variances all mean something to them.

So now that I have shown you how good these tools are and how much they can help, take the next step and call. Ask the smallest or silliest of questions, don’t be afraid to get their hands dirty. Channel all of their experience into what challenges you. Let us here at Christensen’s Hardscape Center help you get a good “rep”. The cost is only a call or text. If you don’t have those numbers, please contact me and I will make sure you get them.

I love comedy, especially old fashioned slapstick like Charlie Chaplin, the Three Stooges, and Laurel and Hardy. Fun and silly, light hearted and easy to watch. Watching a character step on a rake that hits him in the head only to back up into another rake that also beans him. Then there’s the guy with the super long pipe swinging it near another guy on a step ladder and you just know what is going to happen next. The timing and choreography it takes to pull off these stunts is a thing of beauty.

But in all seriousness, safety is no laughing matter. It can be hard to plan and implement. It’s usually the first thing to go when you’re in a hurry, and the last thing you want to explain to the boss and doctor when you wind up injured. Nothing ruins a nice summer weekend like a broken anything! I am not here to preach of the importance of safety, everyone knows it. But I would like to share some things that I have learned from other contractors and owners that can help you in your work day.

Knives, we all have them. Mine is as dull as a brick, while the nursery guys across the street could perform surgery with theirs. How many times have we been in a hurry, distracted or lulled by repetitive motion until whoops! Instead, use a multipurpose snip (Fiskars makes a nice one). They can cut almost anything, very hard to slice a leg or arm with, and easier to use for long periods of time. Fatigue can definitely cut you down.

Garbage, it's unsightly and a nuisance. It’s also a byproduct of the process. I have a contractor that has about a dozen 5 gallon buckets throughout the jobsite. He likes bright orange ones that are highly visible. Great for empty water bottles, pulled weeds and other miscellaneous construction materials, and easy to load out at the end of the day.

Speaking of tools, there is a company that paints all of their tools bright orange! No mistaking whose shovel that is or where that shovel is. Hammers, rakes, knee pads, I mean everything! How much time would be saved if you never have to search for, wait where was I going with this?

Ah - the right tool for the right job. Can’t find my hammer, but I can pound this 10” long spike with my shovel. That always works out great. After they’re done for the day, the foreman of one particular company checks the trucks to ensure all the necessary equipment is there. This ensures accountability of the company’s property and readiness for tomorrow’s endeavor.

Good communication is huge when it comes to safety. Make sure that everyone knows what is going on. Take the time to talk to not just your employees, but to your customer and your customer’s neighbors. I know a guy who talks to anybody within hearing range, especially if they have children. People are curious, and they are not always very smart about feeding that curiosity, especially kids and animals. Another company sends out a flier, and has had great success with new leads from this.

Like the Granger commercials say, “It’s always safety season”. Let’s leave the slapstick to the pros.

My youngest daughter loves to do arts and crafts. Her favorite part of the project has always been to add “bling” to whatever it may be. Her material of choice varies between glitter, jewels, bows and stickers. It’s just not complete until it sparkles and shines like something out of a Glamour magazine. She enhances just about everything, including my dog! She likes to add her personal touch, make it look better than what it was, and I say why not?

As hardscape and landscape designers, do you have a certain type of  “bling” that is specific to your projects?

I can't talk to you about all the different things you can do with plants, shrubs and ornamentals as I have very little experience in that department, although we do have over a dozen highly knowledgeable sales staff that do. What I can talk to you about is brick. With so many different sizes, colors, shapes and textures it’s not hard to find a way to enhance any size or type of project. However, there is so much more to work with than just the concrete product itself, so let me enlighten you.

Yes, that was a well-placed pun, but seriously, lights can make a HUGE difference in any hardscape or landscape project. You can bling out a wall, walkway or outdoor living space very easily with LED step lights and up lights. We have pillar cap lights and wall sconce lights, color changing bulbs and wireless control features. You could add more illumination with a natural gas or propane fire pit or fire bowl. We stock many types of Firegear products that will add some more sizzle so your pazizzle doesn’t fizzle. Speaking of fire, how about a pizza oven with a fireplace, already scratch-coated and ready to install into the brick or stone of your choice? Maybe that’s a bit too hot, so cool it down with a fountain or small waterfall kit. They are easy to maintain and easy to install, which makes them an easy sell.

With so many types of enhancements available, finding the right one should not be hard. Many of these upgrades can be added to existing projects and what better way to reach out to your previous customers then to show them new shiny “bling”. Show them that they can sit outside by a fire, change their lights to match their college team’s colors and wait for a pizza to finish cooking all while listening to the big game.

Most companies take an inventory of the equipment they may need to replace or purchase at the beginning of the year. It can be frustrating to have to spend money when none is coming in yet. Furthermore, you want something that is going to last. Yes, you can go to a big box store and buy inexpensive tools and equipment, but will they last? I firmly believe that you get what you pay for. There are times when I buy cheap knowing knowing a short life span will suit my needs. But when I need something tough and reliable, especially if my jobs revolve around that piece of equipment, I am willing to invest.

Here at Christensen’s, we know how important your tools are to you and your welfare, which is why we only carry professional grade quality products. Names like Felco, Truper, and AM Leonard. These products have been on the market for a very long time. This year we are pleased to introduce another great brand into our stores.

Halder is a German company that has been around for over 80 years. Their specialty is producing high quality striking and forestry tools. We will be stocking some of their Simplex mallets. What makes these mallets unique is that every part is replaceable! This tool has a cast steel housing with an integrated handle sleeve that offers a high resistance to handle breakage. The faces are interchangeable, offering you options with different degrees of hardness allowing you to quickly adapt for different materials. We offer five different faces, including the two that come with the handle. You'll also be able to replace the housing or handle if you manage to break it, which seems unlikely with this level of quality. But I welcome you to try!

This spring, stop in at Christensen’s Plant & Hardscape Centers and let us equip you with the tools and products you need to be successful. Your job is tough, your tools should be, too. Let us show you our professional grade tools that are made to last.

That’s what they say when they light your Saganaki cheese with a lighter and it erupts into a fireball from the brandy they poured on prior to serving. Just as the flames die out, they squeeze some fresh lemon juice to extinguish the last of the flames and add some zest. I am not a big fan of that particular cheese dish, but I sure do love that fireball! I’m not the only one who loves to watch this blazing spectacle, as surely half or more of the restaurant’s patrons are watching too. I believe it’s the fascination of watching a controlled ball of fire in a public place.

Natural gas or propane fire pits and fireplaces are becoming more popular with each passing year, and our partner Firegear Outdoors is leading the way. Their products offer a variety of controls and safety features that the wood burning counterparts do not. Some examples are push button ignition and remote controlled ignition that can be linked to work with swimming pool controls. Safety features such as a flame sensing automatic shutoff if the flame happens to go out and easily accessible valves to shut off the gas to the unit. I like the convenience of being able to simply turn it off, and not have to wait for the fire to die by itself. You will no longer have to buy and store wood, and best of all, you have virtually no maintenance! The list goes on and on, and with many different types and styles, your choices are almost limitless. They even have a portable fire pits for the convenience of mobility.

Installation and design can appear to be complicated, but in reality it’s a breeze! Firegear offers many product resources such as help guides that show from start to finish including specs and diagrams. They have a tech help line number to call that has a real live person on the other end to help answer more complicated questions, or help walk you through trouble shooting a problem. Firegear Outdoors offers complete kits or just burning systems for just about everything. If you have something unique in mind Firegear will do custom work to create the perfect fire feature for you.

One of the only drawbacks to a natural gas fire pit or fireplace is the reduced amount of heat that they produce. Natural gas and propane burn at a cooler temperature, which is one of the reasons you can decorate the bottom of the kit with ceramic logs, reflective glass pieces or a glass enclosure. These units were designed for ambiance, not cooking or heat distribution. With that being said, they will still keep you toasty on a crisp fall night.

So pull up a chair, get a tasty beverage and enjoy some fire with the snap of a finger and push of a button. And don’t forget to see us at the Hardscape Center; we can help you decide which buttons to push!

I love going to Costco on Saturday mornings. Down almost every aisle you’ll find somebody doling out samples, whether it be a tasty snack, a new beverage or an amazing cleaning product. I’ve even had someone showing me how soft their pillows are. I’ve learned to go only after I’ve eaten a large breakfast, and to leave my credit cards at home. If not, I’m often left wondering how I can fit $500 worth of food in my vehicle, in my fridge and in my belly!

Sampling is a great selling technique, but an even better tool. Customers will look at a catalog and find the perfect color, only to later find that it may look different in person. Like every other catalog, brick catalogs are carefully photographed and edited. The product you receive may be a slightly different shade, or have a blend of colors you may not have noticed. A few sample pieces that you can take to the site is a great way to see how it will work in your project.

At Christensen’s Hardscape Center, we will gladly sample out most of the products we stock. The exceptions are large items such as steps that require more than a single person to manage. However we can likely match the color with a similar product in a more manageable size. We can also get samples of products that we don’t have in the yard such as those from Fendt, Oaks, or Belgard. We work closely with our vendors, and they are happy to bring us samples upon request. It may take a few days depending on what you are looking for.

As a wholesaler, we do not sell to or give out samples to the general public. Your customers may come in for samples, but we ask that you please call us in advance so we know who they are and that they are legitimately working with you. Samples are free and do not need to be returned. We do request everyone who is looking for samples to please visit us in the showroom first so we can assist you in picking up what you need. Our yard is large and busy, and I don’t want anyone getting a sample of an accident.