The Journal
Design & Detail
Inspiration, expertise, and insight from our team, covering surfaces, materials, design trends, and everything in between.
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Design Guidance
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Buyer Guide
Pet-First Backyards: Turf, Paver Gaps, and Shade Strategy
Designing backyards around pets, turf zones, paver gaps, drainage, and shade that actually works.
Buyer Guide
Pedestal vs Mortar: The Pool Deck Revolution & Why Floating Changed Everything
Floating pedestal pool decks vs traditional mortar bed, drainage, thermal movement, maintenance access, and 2026 cost.
Investment
Designing for Resale in Sacramento: A Local Buyer's Field Notes
Material decisions that move the needle in Sacramento, climate, water table, and what local buyers reward.
Buyer Guide
Outdoor Kitchen Materials: What Ages Well, What Fails
Choosing outdoor kitchen surfaces, porcelain slab, granite, stainless, and what survives the seasons.
Investment
Why Outdoor Living Now Outranks the Kitchen on Resale
What recent appraisal data says about outdoor living lift vs kitchen remodels, and the materials that compound in value.
Investment
The Investment Case for Premium Hardscrape
Why considered hardscape compounds in value, appraisal lift, lifespan, and the design choices that hold up.
Buyer Guide
Heat Reflectance: Cool Surfaces for Hot Climates
Why some pavers stay cool and others bake, albedo, color, and choosing the right surface for hot climates.
Buyer Guide
Porcelain vs Natural Stone Pavers: The Long View
Porcelain pavers vs natural stone over a 15-year horizon, sealing, replacement, heat behavior, and how each ages.
Design Trends
Pool Deck Trends 2026: Texture, Slip, and Shade
What's changing around the pool, texture, slip ratings, heat reflectance, and the materials owning 2026.