Add-On Biz: Pavers
1 Apr, 2006 By: Stephanie Ricca Landscape ManagementThis contractor scores big with a hardscaped basketball court.
"We will work for almost anybody, anywhere, anytime," says Bob Oster, founder of Outside Design Ltd., a Northeast Ohio-based residential and commercial full-service landscape, snow removal and design/ build contractor. He and his team built their business by keeping a close eye on competition to learn how to exceed their clients' expectations.
 Final |
"We are disinclined to compromise on price," Oster says. "We want to offer the client more value for their money."
His company's newest value-added venture: Using pavers to build functional outdoor basketball courts that add aesthetic appeal to the surrounding landscape.
Concrete surface texturing and staining was part of Outside Design's regular menu of services. When the company recently got a basketball court project, the original plan called for a large, multi-use terrace constructed of stamped and colored concrete.
 The Outside Design crew excavated |
Pavers play in
"The homeowner had some issues with the look and textures. I tried to research the reality of using pavers for the surface, but I was unsuccessful with manufacturers and suppliers," Oster explains. "So we made the bold decision to go on our own and provide a perfectly stable base for the installation of pavers."
Oster says he selected Unilock pavers for their ability to match the existing pavement and landscaping within the residential setting. It took 1,400 square feet of pavers in two colors to cover the surface, complete with a three-point line, key and foul line paved in a contrasting color.
 Cut over a two-and-a-half week period to create the finished court. |
The foundation was the most difficult and time-consuming part of the job.
"The excavation took one full day, which surprised us because of the amount of subsoil that had to be moved and sculpted behind the actual court area," Oster says.
Then the Outside Design team used a combination of filter fabric, #57 limestone, #411 limestone, screenings and sand to create the base. After some research they chose a granular base rather than a concrete pad.
"We were responsible for all aspects of the project, including setting the hoop and the backboard," Oster says. Start to finish, the project took two and a half weeks.
Trends in hardscaping
"I am hoping this project is the first of many," he says. "Most manufactured sporting surfaces are unsightly. The natural texture and color of pavers is much more pleasing than other comparable surfaces.
 Laid pavers over a two-and-a-half week period to create the finished court. |
"The hardscape market is aching for something new," he says. "I hope pavers and natural stone will be used outside the normal realm. Companies have been laying pavers for years and the smart contractors have perfected it. I'm happy we found an excellent process for excavation, preparation and installation of hardscaped areas."
But how does the court play?
"We have played on this court many times since its completion," Oster says. "We're confident that anyone who thinks it may make for an uneven playing surface would be pleasantly surprised. We are proud of this project."
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