Unilock Richcliff paver driveway in Dawn Mist
Some projects are about fixing one problem. This one in Lincolnwood, Illinois was about transforming everything — from the front curb to the back fence, top to bottom, start to finish. National Brick and Stone Co. was brought in to completely redo the entire property with a full landscape plan, full hardscape installation, and every detail executed under one roof. This is what a true A to Z outdoor transformation looks like.
The project started with full site grading across the entire property — the foundation of everything that followed. Proper grading ensures every surface drains correctly, protects the foundation, and gives the landscape a fighting chance to thrive long term. From there, fresh sod was installed across all lawn areas and plantings were completed across the full property — trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground cover — turning a blank yard into a fully realized landscape designed to grow and mature beautifully for decades.
The driveway is where this project makes a statement. We installed a Unilock Richcliff paver driveway in Dawn Mist — one of the most refined and elegant driveway paver products available — bordered with Unilock Copthorne in Basalt for a crisp, defined edge that frames the entire front of the home. The combination of Dawn Mist and Basalt creates a sophisticated two-tone contrast that is immediately eye-catching and permanently impressive. Beneath the driveway and front walkway, we installed a complete radiant heat system — meaning snow and ice melt automatically, with no shoveling, no salt damage to the pavers, and no liability. For Illinois winters, a heated driveway and heated walkway is one of the smartest long-term investments a homeowner can make.
The side walkways and steps were built with the same Unilock Richcliff in Dawn Mist with Copthorne Basalt border, keeping the design language consistent and cohesive from front to back. The steps were poured concrete with Unilock Ledgestone veneer, set in mortar with fully mortared joints — built to withstand Illinois freeze-thaw cycles without shifting, cracking, or separating. One side walkway was finished with bluestone chips contained by steel edging — a clean, low-maintenance alternative that adds natural texture and sharp definition to the landscape.
The backyard patio was designed and installed using Unilock Beaconhill — a richly textured, natural-looking paver that creates a warm and inviting outdoor living surface. The patio steps carried the design seamlessly, featuring a stunning inlay of Unilock Beaconhill and Ledgestone that added depth, dimension, and a truly custom built-in feel to the entire back of the home. Every transition, every border, every detail was thought through and executed with intention.
Landscape lighting throughout the property was designed and installed as a complete Kichler low voltage lighting system. As certified Kichler installers, National Brick and Stone Co. backs select products with a lifetime warranty — illuminating the driveway, walkways, steps, patio, and plantings in a way that makes this property as impressive after dark as it is during the day.
This project is everything National Brick and Stone Co. does under one scope — hardscape, landscape, drainage, lighting, heated systems, plantings, and design — all planned, coordinated, and executed by one team with one vision. If you are searching for a full property landscape and hardscape contractor near me, heated driveway installation Illinois, Unilock certified contractor Chicagoland, Kichler certified lighting installer, or a complete outdoor living transformation in the Chicago area, this is the kind of work we deliver. We proudly serve Lincolnwood, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Northbrook, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glenview, Skokie, Evanston, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, and all surrounding Illinois communities. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
