The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Pavers for Your Patio in Illinois 🧱

If you’re planning to upgrade your backyard with a new patio, choosing the right pavers is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The material, style, and installation will impact not only how your patio looks but also how well it withstands Chicagoland’s tough weather. At JGM Landscaping Inc., we’ve helped homeowners across Cook and Lake County create beautiful, durable patios that add value and curb appeal. Here’s our expert guide to choosing the right pavers for your home.

Image of frozen snow on some pavers in the Chicagoland area.

1. Consider Illinois Weather Conditions

In the Northwest Chicago suburbs, winters bring freezing temperatures and summers get hot and humid. This means you need pavers that can handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. Concrete and natural stone pavers are popular choices because they are strong and built for long-term use.

Image of fully installed stone pavers.

2. Popular Types of Patio Pavers

🔹 Concrete Pavers

    •    Affordable and versatile

    •    Wide variety of colors, shapes, and finishes

    •    Can mimic natural stone at a lower cost

🔹 Brick Pavers

    •    Timeless, classic look

    •    Eco-friendly (made from clay)

    •    Great for traditional homes in areas like Northbrook and Evanston

🔹 Natural Stone Pavers

    •    Premium, elegant appearance

    •    Options include bluestone, limestone, or flagstone

    •    Highly durable and unique, perfect for luxury patios in Barrington and Highland Park

3. Style and Aesthetic ✨

Your patio should compliment your home’s architecture.

• Modern homes often look great with sleek concrete slabs.

• Traditional homes pair beautifully with brick.

• For a natural, rustic feel, flagstone or bluestone works best.

Image of a natural stone retaining wall still standing besides the weather conditions and time.

4. Maintenance & Longevity

• Concrete requires sealing every few years to prevent staining.

• Brick may shift slightly over time but is easy to reset.

• Natural stone lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.

5. Budget Considerations

• Concrete: 💰 most cost-effective

• Brick: 💰 💰 mid-range

• Natural stone: 💰 💰 💰 higher upfront cost, but long-term investment

Image of pavers being professionally installed in the Chicagoland area.

6. Professional Installation Matters!

No matter which paver you choose, the installation makes all the difference. At JGM Landscaping, our team ensures proper base preparation, drainage, and sealing so your patio not only looks amazing but also withstands Illinois weather for years to come.

📌 Choosing the right paver is the first step toward creating your dream backyard. Whether you’re in Mundelein, Northbrook, Barrington or anywhere in the Chicagoland area, JGM Landscaping Inc. is here to help you design and build a patio that’s both functional and beautiful!

📲 Call us today for a free consultation and paver patio estimate in Illinois!

🌿 Top 5 Landscaping Trends in the Chicagoland Area (2025)

When it comes to creating beautiful outdoor spaces, homeowners in Chicagoland are looking for more than just a lawn and a few shrubs. They want functional, stylish, and low-maintenance landscapes that add value to their homes. At JGM Landscaping Inc, we’ve seen exciting trends take over in 2025— and they’re here to stay.

Here are the Top 5 Landscaping Trends in the Chicagoland Area that homeowners love right now:

1. Outdoor Living Spaces with Paver Patios

Forget plain concrete— brick and stone paver patios are the new must-have. Homeowners in Mundelein, Northbrook, and Barrington are investing in outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and seating areas that extend their living space outdoors.

👉 With durable materials and custom designs, these patios look amazing and add long-term value.

2. Low-Maintenance Native Plant Landscaping

Busy families are choosing native plants and perennials that thrive in Illinois weather. From vibrant coneflowers to ornamental grasses, these choices cut down on watering and upkeep.

👉 Plus, native plants support pollinators, making your yard both eco-friendly and low-maintenance.

3. 3D Landscape Design Before Building 🏡

Technology is changing landscaping. Instead of guessing, more homeowners are requesting 3D designs to visualize their dream yard before construction begins.

👉 At JGM, we provide detailed 3D renderings so clients know exactly how their patio, garden or hardscape will look— no surprises.

4. Modern Retaining Walls & Walkways 🧱

Retaining walls are no longer just functional— they’re a design feature. Sleek stone walls and custom walkways are being used to highlight garden beds and create stylish entryways.

👉 These features improve curb appeal while making your outdoor space more inviting.

5. Sustainable Lawn Care & Sod Installation

Homeowners in the Chicagoland area are switching to sod installations for instant green lawns and using smart irrigation systems to save water. Sustainability is a big priority in 2025, and it’s shaping how yards are designed and maintained.

Ready to Upgrade Your Yard?

At JGM Landscaping Inc, we help homeowners across Chicagoland transform their outdoor spaces with professional landscaping, hardscapes, and 3D design. Whether you want a new patio, a lush lawn, or a complete backyard makeover— we’ve got you covered.

👉 Contact us today for a FREE estimate and let’s bring your outdoor vision to life!

How Regular Lawn Maintenance Boosts Curb Appeal & Property Value in Chicagoland 🏘️

If you’re a homeowner in Lake County , Cook County, or other surrounding areas in Illinois, investing in professional lawn care might be one of the smartest ways to increase your home’s value. At JGM Landscaping, we’ve helped clients across the Northwest Suburbs create stunning lawns that not only look great— but also add long-term value to their property.

🌱 Why Lawn Maintenance Matters

Consistent lawn maintenance isn’t just about appearance— it’s about improving the health and longevity of your landscape. With regular mowing, edging, fertilizing, and weed control, your lawn:

• Grows thicker and greener

• Is more resistant to disease

• Keeps weeds and pests under control

• Improves overall curb appeal

💰 Landscaping Can Increase Your Home’s Value by Up to 15%

According to real estate experts, homes with well-maintained lawns and landscaping can see a 10-15% boosts in resale value. That’s a major return on investment from something as simple as weekly service and seasonal clean-ups.

📍 Serving Lake County, Cook County & Surrounding Chicagoland Areas

At JGM Landscaping, we proudly serve homeowners across Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Mundelein, Arlington Heights, Northbrook, and surrounding areas. Whether you need:

• Weekly mowing

• Spring/Fall clean-ups'

• Mulch and bed maintenance

• Or custom hardscaping projects

  — we’ve got you covered!

🔨 Let Us Handle the Hard Work

We know life gets busy. That’s why we offer reliable, affordable lawn care services so you can enjoy a beautiful yard without lifting a finger.

📱 Call JGM Landscaping today or request a free quote online.

Your dream lawn is one service away!

How Hardscaping Can Boost Your Home’s Value in the Chicagoland Area

When most homeowners think of boosting property value, they often turn to kitchen remodels or interior upgrades. But what many overlook is one of the most impactful— and lasting—investments: hardscaping.

At JGM Landscaping Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how professionally designed and installed hardscape features not only enhance curb appeal but also add significant resale value to homes in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

What Is Hardscaping?

Hardscaping refers to the use of non-living elements such as stone, concrete, brick, and wood to create outdoor structures and features. This includes patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways, and other architectural details that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a landscape. Unlike softscaping, which involves plants and greenery, hardscaping provides durable, permanent surfaces that define and organize outdoor spaces.

Why Hardscaping Increases Home Value

1. Curb Appeal That Sells

First impressions matter! A clean, professionally paved walkway or a well-designed stone patio can instantly elevate your home’s exterior, making it more appealing to potential buyers,

2. Low-Maintenance Outdoor Living

Many homebuyers are looking for outdoor spaces that require less work and more enjoyment. Hardscaping provides durable, low-maintenance spaces ideal for relaxing or entertaining.

3. ROI You Can See

According to real estate experts, well-planned landscaping can increase a home’s value by up to 15%, and hardscaping plays a huge role in that increase!

4. Functional Use of Outdoor Space

Whether it’s a retaining wall that prevents erosion or a custom fire pit that becomes the heart of weekend gatherings, functional outdoor upgrades add usability and versatility.

Hardscaping Trends That Add the Most Value

• Natural Atone Patios

• Built-in Outdoor Kitchens

• Modern Retaining Walls

• Decorative Concrete Walkways

• Fire Pits & Seating Areas

Serving the Chicagoland Area with Custom Landscaping Solutions

Whether you’re planning to sell your home or simply want to make the most out of your outdoor space, hardscaping is a smart, lasting investment. At JGM Landscaping Inc, we specialize in transforming ordinary yards into functional, beautiful landscapes that stand the test of time.

Let’s Build Value Into Your Yard

👉 Contact our team today to schedule a FREE consultation or ecplore our hardscaping gallery to get inspired.

📍 Serving the Chicagoland area and Northwest suburbs with expert landscaping and hardscaping services.