--- title: "DJSquire Designs — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/djsquire-designs-pfvwus-pf~880960093 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~880960093.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "DJSquire Designs" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4413e90300579c13_1758-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "226 West Ojai Avenue, Suite 101-426, Ojai, California 93023, United States" latitude: 34.4451 longitude: -119.2565 phone: "(805) 640-5575" website: http://www.djsquiredesigns.com rating: 5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 283 last_updated: 2026-09-16 --- # DJSquire Designs Original Houzz profile: [DJSquire Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/djsquire-designs-pfvwus-pf~880960093) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Ojai, CA - **Serves:** Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Camarillo, Ojai, Mira Monte, Oak View, Meiners Oaks, Northern California, NOT Limited By Location, Planet Earth, Southern California, United States - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2017–2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves DIGITAL DESIGN IDEAS & SERVICES... 2D Photo-Realistic Images, 3D Models & "Fly-Through" Animations, or bird's-eye-view Landscape and Hardscape Site Plans.... Not limited by location... Work remotely, or locally. HOMEOWNERS: "Picture Your Yard" - See what landscape and hardscape changes could look like on actual photos of your own yard, \*before\* construction begins. These images become both a composite vision of your outdoor wish-list items and a communication tool to help contractors "see" what \*you\* want created to enhance curb appeal or expand outdoor living space. CONTRACTORS: "Picture A Project" - Show a Residential Hardscape or Landscape project's possibilities on photos of a customer's yard. Include specific manufacturer paver styles, textures and colors from around the country and specific to your local area (for example, Belgard, Angelus, Orco, Unilock, Techo-Bloc, etc. ) and other horizontal or vertical surfaces such as Decorative Concrete, Decking, Veneer Stone, and more. Website: www.djsquiredesigns.com Raw 3D Animation Videos... On Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/djsquiredesigns/videos Or YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/DJSquireDesigns/videos ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - 3D Rendering - Drafting - Edible Gardens - Natural Swimming Pools - Dog Run Construction - 2D PhotoRealistic Images - 3D Landscape Designs - Construction Drawings - Designs - Landscape & Hardscape - Fire Pit Patio Designs - Hardscape Designs - Pool Deck & Spa Designs - Water Feature Desgins ### Areas Served - Thousand Oaks - Ventura - Santa Barbara - Camarillo - Ojai - Mira Monte - Oak View - Meiners Oaks - Northern California - NOT Limited By Location - Planet Earth - Southern California - United States ### Typical Job Cost $88 - 1,555 Costs vary... Depending upon DIGITAL DESIGN IDEA & SERVICES project scope... Either a basic, complex, or custom 2D or 2D-3D Hyprid photo-realistic rendering... Or... A customized 3D whole or even partial house landscape & hardscape model with fly-through animation. Each project is unique! ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | DJSquire Designs | | Address | 226 West Ojai Avenue, Suite 101-426, Ojai, California 93023, United States | | Phone | (805) 640-5575 | | Website | http://www.djsquiredesigns.com | | License Number | 30+ Years As Digital Designer | | Followers on Houzz | 283 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/DJSquireDesigns - X (Twitter) — http://www.twitter.com/djsquiredesigns - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/djsquiredesigns - Blog — http://www.visionscape.com/djsquiredesigns ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [DJSquire Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/djsquire-designs-pfvwus-pf~880960093) - **Website:** http://www.djsquiredesigns.com - **Phone:** (805) 640-5575 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Over 30 + Life Experience With Imaging & Rendering Designs. Have an M.B.A. Mostly "cudos" from individual contractors... landscape designers... paver/hardscape contractors (including Belgard)... helping them get installation jobs with images... and selling 2D imaging software. - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2017–2019), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — RH Interior Design, June 2021** > I started out with a dirt backyard and incredible view. Look what Diane did for me!! This is my second time using her and I’ll be back again and again! **★★★★★ — b f, May 2018** > Diane was extremely helpful from my initial inquiry to her finalizing my project. I have a large dated backyard that due to emergency plumbing issues required us to figure out how to redo without having any forethought in how it should be done. She took the photos I sent her and removed a ton of items and provided multiple ideas and options for us. My recommendation would be to save her time, move out anything you know won't be in the final landscape. In my haste I took a ton of pics for her to choose from not realizing she would be doing extra work trying to remove items, which she did without charging extra. **Comment from DJSquire Designs:** > Thank you for your comments. Would \*love\* to see photos of the completed backyard when done! **★★★★★ — Rachael Miller, March 2017** > I am so thankful and grateful I found DJSquire Designs for my need. I have a smallish totally ugly and Barron concrete walked in patio that looks like a jail. I couldn't even find vision for it lol. You should see the design I got!! It's simply incredible and Diane was a dream to work with. Efficient, organized, timely, listened, cared and created a masterpiece. **★★★★★ — Anahid Storn, March 2017** > I was planning to remodel our backyard and started to connect with few contractors in the area. I started to realize that they did not get my vision and were deviating from the vision the more I talked to them. I stop there and that is when I connected with Diane to translate my vision into actual design that I could use to speak contractor language. After consulting with few designers I decided that Diane was the best in the business and was able to comfortably communicate in an open dialogue exchange. Diane is very detailed oriented, will ask the right questions and deliver on promise. I will always use Diane for all other project in near future. **★★★★★ — User, Feb. 2016** > Unbelievable! I sent her a photo of my front yard (presently dirt) and 2 idea photos. With that, she produced a plan within hours. My husband and I are both shocked! Diane is the real deal. Thank you. Now we need to go make this happen. woohoo!!! I couldn't be more relieved. **★★★★★ — Go Pavers, July 2013** > Here at Go Pavers we provide a total package for customers who are looking for custom paving stones projects. > > For many years, we have been using Diane’s services, at DJSquireDesigns.com, for creating 2D rendering images to help our customers visualize their projects. Images created show different pavers colors and different design options. Our customers found this very useful. Imaging gives us better communication options with our customers to help them see what their project -- in their own yard -- will "look like." > > Beginning this year, we were looking for more realistic ways to visualize those big projects that can best be presented in an animation video showing dynamic angles and action. This field is very new and there are very few people around the world that can do 3D hardscape and landscape animation designs. Luckily for our customers, Diane took on this mission and in 6 months become a true MASTER in this field. > > If you are a contractor trying to provide your customers with "HOW IT WILL LOOK," Diane is the answer! > > If you are a homeowner who knows exactly what you want, just describe it to Diane, and you will see how dreams come true. > > The Go Pavers Team **★★★★★ — EcoLogic Life Style Design, July 2013** > I have watched Diane's work over the last five years and am always inspired by her beautiful creations. Diane focuses on landscape imaging and design ideas with amazing 2d and 3d renderings, and offers these service to contractors and homeowners for very reasonable rates. > > Diane has an eye for scale, balance, proportion, harmony and rhythm that comes from her years of studying and practicing Feng Shui. She can create exterior living space ideas from either visiting a client's home or from photographs. And, she has extensive knowledge allowing her to incorporate sustainable and water conserving features into the design. > > I have had the privilege of co-presenting with Diane at the recent workshop titled "Recipe for a Green & Gorgeous Kitchen - Inside & Out" that was held at the Ojai Design Center in California. **★★★★★ — dragonhill55, March 2013** > DJSquire Designs has been my consultant for three of my homes' landscape projects. Besides knowledge of construction, plant material, and lighting, she also brings to the project a sensitive understanding of use of space, and takes into consideration my lifestyle, integrating my seasonal eating and entertaining activities into the overall design project. She was particularly inventive in creating space to match my contrasting needs of entertaining two people in an intimate setting, to hosting large garden parties, with sit down dinners, with fairy lights, water features, luminescent screens, and scented plant material. If I want something simple, or require a more elaborate scape, DJSquire Designs is highly qualified to meet any need I have had in creating a gracious, functional, southern California garden living space. **★★★★★ — lewislearner, March 2013** > I have worked with Diane at DJSquire for years, She has done many 2D imaging projects for me over the last 10 years, from commercial to Residential. My customers have always been impressed with the realism of the images and attention to detail. I have used her images for my Website, Trade shows, Slide shows and advertising in trade magazines. I also know she will burn the midnight oil to get the job completed on schedule. And her prices are reasonable. and I have seen what she can now do in 3D and it is amazing. > > Garry Galpin > President > Depiction Software **★★★★★ — Matthew Fidler, March 2013** > I have been working on and off over the last 10 years with Dianne here in Australia, working on my decorative concrete business and software. We have come along way with her knowledge and professionalism in the outdoor living market. **★★★★★ — Susan Williamson, Feb. 2013** > I hired Diane Squire to design my backyard/spa area, which was a particularly awkward and small area to work with. She did a fantastic job and was a pleasure to work with. She imaged it so I could see how it would look from inside my hot tub and other vantage points so I could create just the atmosphere I wanted. Her fee was very reasonable and she didn't try to make the job more than it needed to be. A perfect experience! ## Selected projects - [2D-Imaging-BelAire-Pool-Spa-Pavers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-imaging-belaire-pool-spa-pavers-pj-vj~180272) - Location: Bel Aire, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: 2D Computer Imaging Project... 3 Views... with Before Photos and After Images... created for GoPavers.com... based upon designs provided by a design group for a potential HGTV project remodel... Using Belgard Hardscapes... Catalina Pavers and Bel Air Walls. - [2D-3D Pool Water Wall Design Idea](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-3d-pool-water-wall-design-idea-pj-vj~2344147) - Location: Camarillo, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: With a large backyard canvas to play with, and multiple rain events hopefully putting a huge dent in the California Drought, these Camarillo homeowners decided to install a 15 foot x 40 foot pool and spa out back. Design Dilemma: • What would a pool look like and where should it be placed? • Could a waterfall be added? • Should they rip out existing concrete patios and walkways? Or keep them? • How do you hide the kid’s half basketball court? • Where should the exercise equipment go? • What can… - [2D-3D Pergolas Patios Decks and Glamping Yurt Design Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-3d-pergolas-patios-decks-and-glamping-yurt-design-ideas-pj-vj~2348177) - Location: Ojai, CA - Photos: 41 - Description: A large Ojai Backyard redo, in Ojai California is still a “work-in-progress.” Site Plans are still in plan check. Design dilemma conversations started around homeowner questions asked: • What would a large Wedding Pergola look like, in place of a tired unused Bocce Ball Court? • How could that Wedding Pergola also later serve as a wine tasting and outdoor movie entertainment area? • Where could we put a Guest Yurt? (A Glamping-style large guest yurt and deck) • What would a small raised deck loo… - [2D-3D Water Fall Wall Design Idea Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-3d-water-fall-wall-design-idea-project-pj-vj~2378715) - Location: Ojai, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This 2D photo-realistic images and resulting 3D video animation of a Waterfall Wall design concept was “inspired” originally by photos found on Houzz and added to one of my Ideabooks. Houzz Ideabook Waterfalls & Falling Water https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25885408/thumbs/waterfalls-and-falling-water See the 3D Animation Video on VIMEO: Water Fall Walls https://vimeo.com/112762977 Both idea projects – a 2D imaging project and 3D model animation -- were designed for Haney Landscaping, in Ojai, C… - [2D Hidden Ojai Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-hidden-ojai-retreat-pj-vj~573114) - Location: Ojai, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Idyllic hideaway retreat in quiet Ojai, re-imagined for its own hidden potential. The small space is on the back side of bare dirt property owned by another. In the tiny front yard, the homeowner wanted to create the sense or privacy with a hidden patio while allowing an open area for visitors to park. Behind, in the backyard the upper area for a patio space is long and narrow, but the views are great! Adding steps down the steep slope opens up more space in the small lower yard. Pavers "Imaged"… - [2D-3D Fire Pit Design Idea Integrated With Waterfall Wall](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-3d-fire-pit-design-idea-integrated-with-waterfall-wall-pj-vj~2344950) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: A tiny, tired old raised decorative concrete patio with an obstructing fire pit had become a “toe-stubbing” unused space. These homeowners absolutely wanted the “raised” patio to disappear. This demolition choice defiantly makes a compact space larger and far more usable. Although they wanted both a fire pit and a water feature, they did not want them taking up the core central patio area. Solving the design dilemma of where to put these wish-list items without sacrificing limited square footage… - [2D Backyard Patio Choice Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-backyard-patio-choice-project-pj-vj~2308180) - Location: Ojai, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: This Ojai-based customer wanted to see backyard patio options in an oval shape as opposed to a square shape, to determine which one they liked better. Part of their wish-list was to have a Pergola for shade gatherings and some sort of focal point for the back area. 2D PHOTO-REALISTIC IMAGING PROJECT CREATED FOR: Haney Landscaping USED: Natural Flagstone Patio and Steppingstones, Medium Brown color - [3D Design - West LA Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3d-design-west-la-residence-pj-vj~2345036) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 33 - Description: Check out the 3D Animation Fly-Through for this Westchester project on VIMEO: West LA Residence 3D Landscape and Hardscape Remodel https://vimeo.com/90344168 The design/build contractor for this whole house landscape and hardscape project, Haney Landscape based in Ojai, Calif., had already completed an installation for the parents of this modest homeowner. With the house practically a strip-down-to-the-studs remodel, the best way to present design ideas was with a 3D model. (Screenshots are uplo… - [2D Camarillo Home – Front & Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-camarillo-home-front-and-backyard-pj-vj~2236474) - Location: Camarillo, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: 2D Imaging & Photo-Realistic Rendering Project: This Camarillo homeowner wanted to "see" a couple design options – with variations - for their dirt-filled front yard that either eliminated using grass or possibly showed a lawn alternative such as drought-tolerant moss. They also wanted to see stepping stones included over to the side gate. The first image show a more desert plant palate, and subsequent iterations showed a semi-tropical look preferred by the client. We also tested a stone veneer… - [2D-FrontYard-SwoopedHardscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-frontyard-swoopedhardscape-pj-vj~237574) - Location: Santa Clarita, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Sweet 2D Front Yard Design Project... with a couple different landscape options... created for "The Grass Is Always Greener Designs" - [3D-BackyardSquared](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3d-backyardsquared-pj-vj~217857) - Location: Virtual 3D, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: A 3D backyard straight-edged project... ultimately including alternate landscapes... with a consistent hardscape... pool... jacuzzi... pond... stream... firepit... seating walls... BBQ dining area... pizza oven... shaded outdoor living room... and more... See a VIMEO 3D animation video here: https://vimeo.com/73716860 - [2D-Imaging-Westwood-Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-imaging-westwood-pool-pj-vj~187770) - Location: Westwood, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: 2D Imaging project for GoPavers.com - Homeowner had no idea what a Belgard pavers, a rectangular pool, covered Jacuzzi, and waterfall would look like in their backyard. \*Key issue\* was also suggesting/visualizing some way to screen the neighbor's second-story windows from peering into their backyard. The After image shows bouganvilla growing up a tall latice work that could be anchored to wood framing for stability. Featured in... Imaging Inspirations - Friday, July 5, 2013 http://archive.consta… - [Tarzana Backyard SITE PLAN Design Ideas Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tarzana-backyard-site-plan-design-ideas-project-pj-vj~2353698) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: SITE PLAN DESIGN IDEA ONLY - Project using DynaSCAPE Software: Black & White Hardscape Plan showing generic plants – Colorized Presentation Plan - Changes Although the homeowner would have “liked” to see 2D photo-realistic images for their backyard design ideas, for this project, they opted to have a measured site plan developed. Mainly their concern was, would all their wish-list items fit? Design Dilemmas: • Add an upper-level entertainment patio and BBQ Island with covered pergola shade struc… - [2D-Paver-Patio-Curved-Planter](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-paver-patio-curved-planter-pj-vj~331001) - Location: Tampa, FL - Photos: 7 - Description: Paver patio project with fire pit and curved planter created for Curbs -R- Us (tampapaversandcurbing.com) in Florida. 2D images show various landscape options... from tropical... to roses. Featured in weekly "Imaging Inspirations" newsletter...September 20, 2013: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs109/1105747634397/archive/1114996720891.html See more issues of “Imaging Inspirations:” http://www.djsquiredesigns.com/imaging-inspirations - [2D-Aguanga-LapPool-WealthCorner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-aguanga-lappool-wealthcorner-pj-vj~364251) - Location: Aguanga, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: When it's hot outside the illusive idea of a lap pool beckons (rather than taking a dip in the kiddie pool). If there is also virtually bare dirt, it does \*not\* entice the eye, nor lift the heart. Good "Feng Shui" (and an unlimited underground water supply) suggests planting lush green growing plants and adding water features to enhance the property's Chi. And, it looks great! Featured in… Imaging Inspirations - Friday, November 1, 2013 http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs109/1105747634397/arch… - [3D-EncinoHome](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3d-encinohome-pj-vj~201713) - Location: Encino, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: 3D Encino Home Project. See a 3D VIMEO animation here of the final design with changes to a more tropical look and expanded back fire pit area: https://vimeo.com/88763625 - [2D-Private-Fire-Ventura](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-private-fire-ventura-pj-vj~276049) - Location: Ventura, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: This 2D imaging project – created for contractor Jon Cotham at Healthy Eco Home and Jon Cotham Construction & Environmental – has a backyard privacy challenge, in addition to a “choices” challenge. The customer, whose home is described as, “a 1928 Ventura Spanish-style house, with a clay tile roof, white stucco, and palm trees,” wanted a secluded fire gathering area that was screened off from the neighbor’s window. Problem is what kind of fire feature and at what budget? First, we created privat… - [2D-Imaging-BeverlyHills-Walk-Steps-Driveway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-imaging-beverlyhills-walk-steps-driveway-pj-vj~183966) - Location: Beverly Hills, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: 2D Computer Imaging Project for GoPavers.com. Homeowner client wanted to see 3 images showing a redo of their walkway, entrance steps, and driveway using Belgard pavers. In one set the soldier course pavers are darker. Featured in… Imaging Inspirations - Friday, August 9, 2013 http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs109/1105747634397/archive/1114443342459.html See more issues of “Imaging Inspirations:” http://www.djsquiredesigns.com/imaging-inspirations - [2D-Fountain-Valley-Entry-Driveway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2d-fountain-valley-entry-driveway-pj-vj~276023) - Location: Fountain Valley, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: A simple little 2D front driveway redo rendering created for Go Pavers. Showed several paver options – both Orco Block and Belgard – so the homeowner could “see” choices. - [3D-CircularPatios](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/3d-circularpatios-pj-vj~214508) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: 3D Resort Design Project - Tiered Circular Party Patios This is just a 3D concept project that started as a backyard idea... and morphed into something far larger. See a 3D VIMEO Video Animation Link here: https://vimeo.com/73481995 [See all 56 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/djsquire-designs-pfvwus-pf~880960093) ## Ideabooks - [Fire-Pits n' Hardscapes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8208472/list/fire-pits-n-hardscapes) — 200 ideas - [Outdoor Ambiance](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157734853/list/outdoor-ambiance) — 67 ideas - [Pergola Picks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70881454/list/pergola-picks) — 273 ideas - [Site Plan Ideas & Inspirations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49648686/list/site-plan-ideas-inspirations) — 9 ideas - [Cozy Garden Nook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158608441/list/cozy-garden-nook) — 79 ideas - [Stepping Up](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81626436/list/stepping-up) — 8 ideas - [Showers Outside](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70882042/list/showers-outside) — 44 ideas - [Fire Pit Walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70882299/list/fire-pit-walls) — 17 ideas - [Fences With A Special "Something"](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45976829/list/fences-with-a-special-something) — 152 ideas - [Side Garden Inspirations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18775640/list/side-garden-inspirations) — 35 ideas - [Eco-Friendly Outdoor Rooms-Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12486333/list/eco-friendly-outdoor-rooms-kitchens) — 56 ideas - [Secret Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14450163/list/secret-gardens) — 42 ideas - [Outdoor Living Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70882645/list/outdoor-living-rooms) — 21 ideas - [Deck Inspirations](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45976187/list/deck-inspirations) — 44 ideas - [Pools-n-Ponds-Water-Inspiration-Photos](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7402307/list/pools-n-ponds-water-inspiration-photos) — 269 ideas - [Container Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127383198/list/container-gardens) — 105 ideas - [Curving-Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4398239/list/curving-spaces) — 142 ideas - [Abundant English Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50806487/list/abundant-english-gardens) — 18 ideas - [Raised Planter Beds](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50077056/list/raised-planter-beds) — 73 ideas - [Small Pools - Small Backyards](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127271867/list/small-pools-small-backyards) — 45 ideas [See all 146 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/djsquiredesigns) ## Community Q&A **Q: suggestions for patio flooring** *(in Landscape Design)* Does anyone have a suggestion what to use for our patio “floor” as this stone is on all three walls and is definitely a pattern/busy. We need something that is not too busy. A: Might try a larger patio paver such as Belgard Catalina Grana in a lighter color. Colors completely depend on what region of the country you are located in. https://www.belgard.com/products/pavers/catalina-grana Montecito Aspen **Q: outdoor concrete staining** *(in Landscape Design)* Hi guys! Unless we can find some funding for pavers, we are going to have some concrete work done for our back patio and front entrance and walkway. To maintain curb appeal I would love to have the concrete stained. Is this a job someone without experience could handle, if so, what products? If not, any estimates on cost per sq ft? Thanks! A: Try soy based stains. **Q: Paver Patio Question- Border or Pavers first?** *(in Porches & Decks)* I am installing patio pavers with a brick border. Should I install the pavers or the brick border (soldier style) first? I was surprised when the sales rep recomended me to install the pavers first, then come back and install the border bricks. I am trying to understand the reasoning of his suggestion as seems to make more sense to me to install the border and work my way out installing both as I get to those spots. A: Work from inside out. Pavers first. Borders last. Usually the last row of pavers is cut (in places) to allow for an even border. **Q: Moss in paver seams - yea or nay?** *(in Polls)* I have a lot of moss growing in the seams of my paver patio. Keep or get rid of it? A: Option \#3... Replace the pavers completely. Kind'a "basic. **Q: help with rental backyard/outdoor space** *(in Landscape Design)* Hi guys! So I recently moved into an apartment with a backyard space. This apartment is the top floor of a house. Another apartment is on the bottom floor. The people below me have ownership over the front/back porches but the backyard is a shared space. I have gotten the go-ahead to garden/decorate/etc. This is my first time with any kind of outdoor space so I'm at a loss on how to decorate it on a budget. I would like an outdoor space where I can relax, read a book, have friends over, etc. Maybe diy a little patio? Hang up some lights? The steps you see are the steps leading to my apartment. I want to make that space more welcoming... make it look more like an entrance to my home rather than the downstair's neighbors' attic. I'm thinking about laying some plastic stones out to the curb and line it with lights. Any other ideas? Thanks!! A: Think about a structure for shade, some kind of flooring for bare feet, comfy patio chairs/ lounges, tables, accents, water features, and plants... either in-ground or in containers. On a budget?... Target, Home Depot and Lowes are good starting points. For example, this is a small 11'x19' apartment concrete back patio turned into a small garden oasis. It's all about the "vision" and creating a beautiful space: See project links for more photos. **Q: Paver stones - seal vs no sealing?** *(in Porches & Decks)* We are in process of building a screened in patio (aka lanai in FL) and are going back and forth about having it sealed or not. The installer has suggested sealing. I should add our entire driveway is also all pavers like this. Sealing in and of itself requires regular maintenance and recurring resealing with the possibility of trapping the "salts" (efflorescence) that emit from the stones underneath it - creating a white hazy appearance. It also could mean paying to strip the sealing off if it's gone bad - or worst case replacing the pavers entirely. On the positive side - sealing would provide a barrier against the mold and slime that accumulates on everything in contact with the 100% humidity cess pool that is Florida. Since pavers are porous, this kind of growth will be as happy as a pig in swill. It could be kept at bay with no sealing and regular pressure washing, and possibly chemicals. But sealing seems to make some sense in this environment especially. This area will be just general use - almost never eating out (weather rarely permits that) - so more or less just an area for casual gathering and the dog to run and play. Point being - there's less chance of needing "protection" from spills - one of the big selling point of the sealing companies. There is no risk of weeds on the lanai part - there is a concrete pad underneath, but the driveway (on sand base) already has some, just 2 months old. Of course the "sealing companies" tell you what they do is better than big box store DIY sealing because it's "special". It all seems like smoke and mirrors to us. We're just undecided though... A: As I mentioned on another discussion thread, I have a client, Go Pavers, with a sister company, Paverwash.com and we recently had discussions not only about power washing pavers (and the damage that can be done when someone doesn't know what they are doing) but sealers as well. One of the guys was discussing a client’s paver sealing nightmare when an inexperienced company used the wrong sealers on their expensive new driveway. At any rate, the upshot of the conversation was that a good sealers will protect the pavers, and your investment, and it’s a good idea to have it done. Found this Blog article that might assist: 6 Tips To Avoid Pavers Sealer Disaster Hope that helps someone, if not you. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-16.*