Spring is the most competitive season for hardscape contractors on the North Shore of Illinois — and the homeowners who get the projects they want, at the timeline they want, are the ones who start planning in February and March rather than May and June. At National Brick Paver & Stone we have been building patios, driveways, steps, and complete outdoor living spaces across the North Shore since 1983, and every season the same thing happens — homeowners who call in spring get on the schedule, and homeowners who call in June are waiting until fall.
Here is exactly how to plan your hardscape project before the season starts — so you are enjoying your new outdoor space by Memorial Day instead of watching the summer pass from an outdated patio.
Step 1 — Assess what you actually have:
Walk your entire property and look at every hardscape surface with fresh eyes. Your existing concrete patio — is it cracking, sloping toward the house, or simply outdated? Your driveway — is it crumbling at the edges, stained, or just not what you want anymore? Your entry steps — are the treads shallow, the risers too tall, the surface deteriorating? Your retaining walls — are they leaning, cracking, or losing material? Write down every surface that concerns you. This is your project list.
Step 2 — Decide what you actually want:
There is a significant difference between what you need and what you want — and the best outdoor living projects address both simultaneously. A failing concrete patio needs to come out. What goes in its place is your opportunity — a Unilock paver patio with a built-in fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, landscape lighting, and plantings that turn a functional replacement into a genuine outdoor living space. Spring planning gives you time to think through the full vision rather than making rushed decisions during the busy season.
Step 3 — Understand your material options:
The North Shore hardscape market offers more material options than most homeowners realize. Unilock and Belgard concrete pavers offer the widest range of colors, styles, and patterns at accessible price points. Whitacre Greer clay pavers offer unmatched color permanence and durability for homeowners who want the most authentic and long-lasting material available. Natural bluestone and thermal stone deliver the most refined, estate-quality aesthetic for patios, steps, and walkways. Porcelain pavers bring a contemporary, low-maintenance option with virtually zero water absorption. Heated driveway systems can be integrated under any paver material — eliminating snow removal permanently. Each material has different performance characteristics, maintenance requirements, and price points. A consultation with National Brick Paver & Stone will walk you through the right options for your specific project and budget.
Step 4 — Get on the schedule now:
The best hardscape contractors on the North Shore book their spring and early summer calendars in February and March. If you are reading this in late winter or early spring — now is the time to call. We schedule free consultations, visit your property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed proposal. Projects that are planned and contracted in March and April start in May and June. Projects that are planned in June start in August at the earliest.
Contact National Brick Paver & Stone today to schedule your free spring consultation. We serve Highland Park, Lake Forest, Glencoe, Deerfield, Northbrook, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glenview, Lincolnwood, Libertyville, and all surrounding Illinois communities.