The Journal

Landscaping tips, guides & inspiration

Practical advice from our design-build team — costs, materials, planning and ideas to help you get your GTA outdoor project right.

Last updated: June 10, 2026

Backyard IdeasOctober 7, 2026

Backyard Sauna Cost in Ontario: Sauna, Pad, Power & Permits (2026 Guide)

The real cost of a backyard sauna in Ontario: the sauna itself, a level pad, electrical, permits and setbacks, and how to design a complete outdoor retreat around it.

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Lighting5 min read

Landscape Lighting Cost in the GTA: Low-Voltage Prices, Design & What to Expect (2026)

What professional low-voltage landscape lighting costs in the GTA in 2026, from front-entrance packages to full estates, plus fixtures, controls and design tips.

October 3, 2026

Decks6 min read

Composite vs. Cedar Deck in Ontario: Cost, Lifespan & Which to Build (2026)

Cedar or composite? 2026 GTA deck prices per square foot, real lifespans in Ontario's climate, maintenance, building-code points and the 20-year cost comparison.

September 30, 2026

Materials6 min read

Porcelain Pavers vs. Natural Stone vs. Concrete Pavers: Best Patio Material for the GTA (2026)

Porcelain, natural stone or concrete pavers? A side-by-side comparison of cost, durability, stain resistance, heat and maintenance for GTA patios, with 2026 prices.

September 26, 2026

Pricing7 min read

How Much Does Landscape Design Cost in Toronto? (2026 Guide)

Real 2026 landscape design prices in Toronto and the GTA: concept plans, 3D design, construction drawings and engineering, plus designer vs. landscape architect vs. design-build.

September 23, 2026

Interlocking10 min read

Interlock Repair & Maintenance: Sealing, Polymeric Sand and Re-Levelling

Why interlock settles, heaves and grows weeds, how polymeric sand and sealing really work, safe winter de-icing, and when a lift-and-relay beats a full rebuild - with GTA cost ranges.

August 15, 2026

Permits10 min read

Do You Need a Permit for a Deck, Fence or Retaining Wall in Ontario? (2026)

Decks, fences, pool enclosures, retaining walls, trees and grading - what typically needs a permit in Ontario, why every threshold varies by municipality, and what we handle for you.

August 12, 2026

Pools8 min read

Pool Landscaping Cost in the GTA: Decking, Coping & Surrounds (2026)

What a pool surround really costs in the GTA in 2026 - decking, coping, railing, fencing and structures - plus material choices, drainage, Ontario enclosure rules and build sequencing.

August 8, 2026

Pricing9 min read

How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Toronto & the GTA? (2026 Price Guide)

Real 2026 landscaping prices across Toronto, Vaughan and the GTA - project tiers, per-element costs, what drives the number, and how to phase a build across two seasons.

August 5, 2026

Driveways8 min read

Interlock Driveway Cost in Toronto & Vaughan (2026 Price Guide)

What an interlock driveway really costs in Toronto and Vaughan in 2026 — installed square-foot ranges, what drives the price, how Toronto lots differ from Vaughan estate driveways, and why interlock outlives concrete in our freeze-thaw climate.

July 16, 2026

Pricing10 min read

How Much Does a Backyard Renovation Cost in the GTA? (2026 Guide)

Real 2026 numbers for backyard renovations across Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and the wider GTA — from a $15k focused upgrade to a $500k+ pool environment — plus what actually drives the price and how to get a fixed quote you can trust.

July 15, 2026

Outdoor Living2 min read

Outdoor Kitchens & Fire Features: Ideas and Costs for GTA Backyards

From a simple fire-pit lounge to a full built-in kitchen, here are the most popular outdoor cooking and fire setups for GTA backyards — with real 2026 cost tiers.

July 13, 2026

Retaining Walls3 min read

Armour Stone vs. Block Retaining Walls: Which Is Right for Your Yard?

Armour stone or engineered block? A straight comparison of the two most popular GTA retaining wall types — cost, look, engineering, drainage and best use cases.

July 10, 2026

Hiring3 min read

How to Choose a Landscaping Contractor in the GTA: 7 Red Flags to Avoid

A major landscape project is a big investment. Here are seven red flags to avoid when hiring a GTA landscaping contractor — and what a trustworthy one looks like.

July 8, 2026

Design3 min read

9 Backyard Design Ideas That Add the Most Value to a GTA Home

Nine high-ROI backyard ideas that make a GTA home more livable and more valuable — from interlock patios and pool environments to outdoor kitchens and lighting.

July 4, 2026

Planning3 min read

The Best Time of Year to Landscape in Ontario (2026 Season Guide)

Spring, summer or fall? Here's when to build hardscaping, plant, and — most importantly — book your Ontario landscape project so you don't miss the season.

July 1, 2026

Retaining Walls3 min read

Retaining Wall Cost in the GTA: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026

Retaining wall costs in the GTA vary widely by type and height. Here's what garden, block and armour-stone walls really cost in 2026 — and what drives the price.

June 28, 2026

Interlocking3 min read

How Much Does an Interlock Patio Cost in Toronto? (2026 Price Guide)

A clear 2026 breakdown of interlock patio costs in Toronto and the GTA — real per-square-foot ranges, what actually drives the price, and how to get an accurate quote.

June 25, 2026

Driveways3 min read

Interlock vs. Stamped Concrete: Which Driveway Is Right for Your Home?

Both look great on day one. Here's how interlocking pavers and stamped concrete really compare on durability, repairs, cost and curb appeal in the GTA.

May 14, 2026

Pools & Water Features2 min read

Planning a Pool Landscape: 7 Things to Get Right Before You Dig

A pool is only as impressive as the landscape around it. Here are seven things to plan before construction starts so your backyard becomes a true retreat.

April 30, 2026