Outdoor Living & Lifestyle

Design and construction of fully-equipped outdoor kitchens featuring masonry islands, built-in grills, refrigeration, and premium countertops. Engineered with proper drainage, utility routing, and weather-resistant materials to withstand Ontario's climate extremes.

• Island Construction: Reinforced masonry structure using concrete block or poured foundations with steel reinforcement. Exterior veneered with natural stone, stacked stone panels, or architectural concrete pavers
• Countertop Materials: 3cm granite slabs (salt & pepper, absolute black), sintered stone (Dekton, Neolith), or large-format porcelain rated for outdoor use. All countertops sealed and installed with thermal expansion gaps
• Built-In Appliances: Integration of stainless steel grills (Napoleon, Weber Summit), side burners, refrigerators, ice makers, and warming drawers. All appliances rated for outdoor exposure (IP ratings)
• Gas Line Installation: Underground 3/4" black iron pipe from house supply or dedicated propane tank. All connections pressure-tested to 100 PSI and inspected per TSSA (Technical Standards & Safety Authority) regulations
• Electrical Systems: GFCI-protected outlets (weather-resistant covers) installed per Ontario Electrical Code. LED task lighting, under-counter lighting, and appliance circuits on dedicated breakers
• Plumbing Integration: Hot/cold water supply lines buried below frost line (48" depth) with frost-free hose bibs. Built-in sinks with drainage to sewer or dry well systems
• Storage Solutions: Stainless steel access doors and drawers (Marine-grade 304/316 stainless). Weather-sealed hinges and locking mechanisms to protect supplies and equipment

Ventilation & Safety: Optional overhead canopy hoods with ducted or ductless ventilation systems. Fire suppression considerations for covered structures. Carbon monoxide detectors recommended for enclosed spaces.

Typical Timeline: 2-3 weeks for complete outdoor kitchen | Warranty: 3-year workmanship, lifetime structural

Custom fabrication and installation of gas-fueled fire tables, wood-burning fireplaces, and decorative fire features designed for safety, municipal compliance, and atmospheric outdoor entertainment. All installations meet Ontario Building Code and TSSA requirements.

• Gas Fire Tables/Pits: Custom-built stone or concrete structures with stainless steel burner rings (12"-48" diameter). Electronic ignition systems with flame-sensing safety valves. BTU output 60,000-150,000 depending on size
• Burner Systems: Linear burners for rectangular tables, ring burners for circular pits. Decorative fire glass or lava rock media in various colors. Optional wind guards to prevent flame blow-out
• Gas Supply: Natural gas lines (1/2" - 3/4" black iron) or propane tank systems (hidden in base or remote location). All connections with shut-off valves and flexible stainless connectors. TSSA inspection and permit required
• Wood-Burning Fireplaces: Full masonry construction with firebrick core (refractory mortar rated 2000°F+), smoke chamber, and flue liner. Foundation footings poured below frost line to support 2-3 ton structure
• Chimney Construction: Clay tile flue liner (8"x12" minimum) or stainless steel chimney pipe. Height calculated per 2:1 rule (chimney 2' higher than roof within 10' horizontal distance). Rain cap and spark arrestor installed
• Hearth Design: Non-combustible hearth extension 16" minimum in front of opening. Mantel clearance per code (6" sides, 12" above). Heat-resistant stone veneer (granite, fieldstone, stacked stone)
• Safety Features: Spark screens for fire pits, glass doors for fireplaces. Fire-rated construction materials. Minimum 10' clearance from combustible structures

Municipal Compliance: Open-air fire features require permits in most GTA municipalities. Restrictions on burn times, fuel types, and proximity to property lines. HOA approval often required.

Operating Cost: Natural gas ~$2-3/hour | Propane ~$4-6/hour | Design Life: 20+ years for masonry structures

Low-voltage LED lighting systems integrated during hardscape construction to create seamless nighttime ambiance, enhance safety, and highlight architectural features. All wiring hidden during excavation phase to eliminate exposed cables.

• System Design: 12V or 24V low-voltage systems powered by weatherproof transformers (150W-600W capacity). Multiple zones controlled by photocell sensors or smart timers for automated operation
• Step Lights: Core-drilled recessed lights (3"x3" or 4"x4") installed flush in risers during wall/step construction. 1-3W LED fixtures with anti-glare louvers. Spacing 2-3 per step for even illumination
• Wall Cap Lights: Low-profile fixtures mounted on retaining wall caps or pillar tops. Downward-facing to minimize light pollution. Available in bronze, stainless, or stone-colored finishes
• Path Markers: Flush-mount driveway/walkway markers (3" diameter) core-drilled into pavers at 8-10' intervals. Tempered glass lenses rated for vehicular traffic (10,000+ lbs)
• Accent Lighting: Uplights to highlight trees, architectural features, or specimen plants. Adjustable beam angles (10°-60°) for precise light placement. Spike-mount or well-mount configurations
• Wire Routing: 12/2 or 14/2 direct burial cable (UL rated) installed in 6" deep trenches during base preparation. Conduit protection under driveways. All connections weatherproofed with silicone-filled wire nuts
• Smart Controls: WiFi-enabled transformers compatible with home automation (Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit). Programmable schedules, dimming, and color temperature adjustment (2700K-4000K)

Energy Efficiency: LED technology provides 25,000-50,000 hour lifespan (10-20 years typical use). Total system consumption 50-150W for average residential installation. Operating cost <$2/month.

Warranty: 5-year fixture warranty | Color Temperature: 2700K warm white (standard), 3000K neutral, 4000K cool white

Installation of hydronic (liquid-based) or electric heating systems beneath driveways, walkways, and steps for automated winter maintenance. Eliminates manual snow removal, prevents ice formation, and protects stone surfaces from salt damage and freeze-thaw deterioration.

• Hydronic Systems: Network of PEX tubing (1/2" or 3/4" diameter) installed in sand bedding layer at 6"-12" spacing. Connected to boiler or dedicated water heater with glycol antifreeze mix (30-50% concentration)
• Boiler Integration: Dedicated condensing boiler (80,000-150,000 BTU) or zone added to existing home heating system. Manifold distribution with individual zone valves for driveway, walkway, steps
• Electric Heating Mats: Pre-fabricated resistance heating cables embedded in polymer mats. 12W-50W per square foot depending on application. 120V or 240V systems with GFCI protection
• Installation Depth: Tubing/mats placed 2"-3" below paver surface in sand bedding. Insulation board (1" XPS foam) installed below heating elements to direct heat upward and improve efficiency
• Control Systems: Automatic controls with moisture/temperature sensors to activate system when snow/ice detected. Manual override option. Smart controls with smartphone monitoring and scheduling
• Coverage Options: Full coverage (entire driveway), tire tracks only (cost-effective), or critical areas (steps, landing pads, ramps). Coverage area determines system sizing and operating cost
• Operating Specs: Surface temperature maintained 35°-45°F during snowfall. Melt rate 1"-2" per hour depending on system output. Automatic shut-off when conditions clear

Material Protection: Prevents salt exposure (extends paver life 50%+), eliminates freeze-thaw damage to joints, protects mortar in natural stone installations, reduces slip/fall liability.

Energy Source: Natural gas (most economical), propane, electric | Design Life: 30+ years for hydronic, 15-20 years for electric