A SHORT HISTORY OF PAVERS VS. CONCRETE FOR LANDSCAPING
Our landscape design journey began in East Bay real estate! Seeing firsthand how homeowners value their residences sparked our interest in creating beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces. This led us to Black Diamond Paverstones and Landscape, where we focused on the local triumvirate of paver manufacturers: elite Calstone, known throughout the Bay Area for luxury projects; media-savvy Belgard; and Basalite—the go-to choice for Contra Costa County’s complex hillside engineering challenges.
In those days, our pitch to East Bay homeowners was straightforward: “Concrete cracks, but pavers adapt”—a truth particularly relevant in our area’s clay soils. The options were equally simple: grey, tan, or both, smooth or textured. “Stay in the fortress!” our managers would insist, warning against deviating from these proven choices.
PAVERS AS A FOUNDATION FOR LANDSCAPING WITH GARDENS
When we launched YesPlease.GARDEN to serve our Diablo and Tri-Valley communities, we maintained these paver principles while expanding our focus to lifestyle and property value. This approach allowed us to perfect patio and pathway layouts while creating gardens that thrive in our SF East Bay climate.
THE REVOLUTION REACHES THE EAST BAY
The local landscape market has evolved dramatically. Belgard’s acquisition of Calstone transformed the Bay Area’s paver scene, expanding their classic Catalina Grana line from 6 to 15 colors.
Enter Techo-Bloc from Canada—now making waves in Contra Costa County. Their bold approach resonates perfectly with our area’s mix of traditional and contemporary homes, offering everything from Art Deco mosaics to modern geometric patterns. While their pricing reflects premium positioning, other manufacturers are likely to follow suit. For budget-conscious homeowners, we have years of experience with trusted mid-range products and can guide you to beautiful, durable, and excellent-value options.
BREAKING NEW GROUND IN DANVILLE, ALAMO, LAFAYETTE
Whether your property sits in Alamo’s rolling hills, Lafayette’s varied terrain, or Danville’s established neighborhoods, Techo-Bloc offers exciting possibilities for your outdoor space. These innovative materials can help you create a landscape that balances sophistication with playfulness.
Ready to transform your East Bay outdoor space? Let’s explore how these innovative materials can enhance your landscape. Contact us today.
