Now that the snow has melted (hallelujah!) homeowners have a clear picture of the exterior of their homes. This is when ideas for outdoor projects start brewing. This year might be the year that you finally redo your driveway, or the walkway to your porch. Or perhaps you would like a more dynamic outdoor living space. Maybe you need a retaining wall, or a way to delineate your planting beds.
There is a full-service hardscaping company right here in the Hudson Valley that can help called Triad Associates. Triad is family-run and celebrating their 25th year in business. They opened their office in Newburgh seven years ago. Michelle Merck, also the president’s daughter, is in charge of sales and project management for this office.
What this means is that you will be working with Michelle from design all the way through completion of your project. Triad is a fairly large company that is able to turn projects around expeditiously, but they still cater to each client’s individual needs and provide customer service that is unrushed and personable. Michelle’s favorite part of her job is all the positive client feedback she receives.
In addition to superior customer service, there is another thing that makes Triad stand out – exposed aggregate. They are one of the few companies in the area who offer this product. Exposed aggregate is a concrete product where pebbles, glass, pieces of stone and even sometimes, shells are mixed in so their appearance and texture are revealed. It is most often used in patios and walkways, but can also be used for driveways. It doesn’t get hot like a natural stone does, so it’s great for bare feet around a pool. The best part about it is it comes in 50 different colors and it can be completely customized. You can select a base color for the concrete as well as the aggregate. You can also change the density of the aggregate to suit your liking.
In addition to exposed aggregate, Triad does great work with concrete pavers. If you’re ready to redo your driveway, this material needs to be strongly considered. Many people choose asphalt because it’s the most affordable, but they are also committing themselves to repairing cracks and sealing the surface every few years with materials that are toxic to inhale.
Triad is a certified installer of a brand of concrete pavers called Techo-Bloc. This is a very rugged material with PSI (pounds per square inch) levels that surpass industry standards. In addition, the color of a Techo-bloc paver is manufactured all the way through, not just on the surface. This means the color will never fade. The most exciting thing about this product is that it comes with a fully transferrable, lifetime warranty. If a repair is needed, it can remain site-specific and you don’t have to rip up your entire driveway.
Another nice thing about using paving stones for your driveway is that they make a nice transition to the front walkway of your house. There is a giant selection of types and colors so there is a paver to suit any style home. For a more traditional look The Flagstone paver is an incredible knock off of the real thing. Another reason to use concrete pavers is that they have the look of natural stone, but install much quicker, making it a more affordable option. They are wonderful for patios and outdoor living spaces.
Triad can provide you with three-dimensional renderings for anything you hire them to do. This is a wonderful service that will provide you with a clear idea of what your project will look like upon completion. It’s always nice to see what you’re paying for first, right?
There are many services Triad offers beyond those mentioned here in this article. If you’ve been looking out your window daydreaming about improving your yard or driveway, start a conversation. Give Michelle a call and make your dream a reality. For more information, visit www.triadassociatesinc.com, or give them a call, (978) 361-6800.
Nicole Ashey is the principal of Burlock Decorating & Home Staging in Beacon. For inspiration and decorating ideas visit www.burlockhome.com
