There is often an assumption that newer versions of products are better than old ones. In theory, that makes a lot of sense – if a company has been working on a certain thing for decades they should get better and better at it over time. In the world of hardscaping, though, newer isn’t always what you want. For a variety of reasons, it can make a lot more sense to rely on tried-and-true classics than it does to spend your hard-earned money on something that has just come to the market.

This is an important idea to understand because some hardscaping contractors will try to overcome a lack of experience or positive reviews by telling you they have a product you won’t find anywhere else. Or they’ll tell you they’ve invented a new technique that saves time and money.

There is always room for innovation, of course, but we would advise you to be very careful about falling for such promises. To help you understand why, let’s look at a few of the reasons why newer doesn’t always mean better when it comes to hardscaping.

The Classics are Classics for a Reason

There are certain types of patio renovation and hardscaping projects that have been done for decades. Those classics, like pools with decks, or walkways with soft lighting, hang around because they are comfortable, relatively low cost, and match up with the ways people want to use their properties.

That last point is the important one. Someone might buy a new suit because it’s trendy and wear it for a year or two. Most people aren’t going to turn their backyard upside down over and over, though. So, when they call us they want something installed that’s going to stay practical for them for a very long time.

The most popular landscaping ideas stay popular for a reason. You can do something new, but that won’t necessarily improve the beauty, usability, or financial value of your property.

Newer Products (and Companies) Aren’t Always Better

We are constantly being approached by companies who want us to use or showcase their products in our hardscaping work. Sometimes they offer very low prices or incredible discounts and rebates. We are usually leery, though, because we know that newer isn’t always better.

In the same way that popularity says something about a common sense of taste, longevity in this business tells you that a manufacturer understands its customers and their needs. If a paint brand wants to stay in operation it has to produce colors that people like. A lumber business needs to send boards that meet the right specifications, and pavers need to be even.

These are simple and obvious examples, but the bigger point is easy to grasp. We like businesses that have proven they can deliver what they promise. Most of our customers strongly agree with this sentiment because it means fewer headaches and delays down the line.

Value Takes Time to be Proven

Of course, value isn’t just about getting what you were promised in the short term. It’s also a measure of how durable and reliable products are over time.

This is one of the biggest reasons why we are proud to only work with the best suppliers. We know that when we install something on your property it’s exactly what we would have chosen for ourselves. Our decks, pools, and pavers last a long time because we don’t cut corners when ordering materials for your hardscaping project.

We are always on the lookout for new ideas, as well as new partners to work with. But as we evaluate them, we pay a lot of attention to tests, customer experiences, and even the warranties that are offered. It takes time for value to show itself, especially when you’re talking about products that have to withstand the New England climate year after year. We aren’t willing to stake our reputation on something that hasn’t been proven.

Trends are Great, But Most Homeowners Want Timeless Taste

Often, we are presented with products or ideas that aren’t exactly new, but instead are trendy. Certain colors and styles might come into fashion, or an interesting but nontraditional feature might show up prominently in a movie and be imitated around the country. 

When that happens, we know we are going to field questions about the item or trend in question. We are always happy to do whatever our customers ask but like to remind them about the differences between short-term trends and consistent preferences. One can change a lot faster than the other.

When it comes down to it, most of the homeowners we work with aren’t looking for something that will attract lots of comments on a TikTok feed. They are looking for timeless taste that will make their outdoor space more beautiful, improve the value of their home, and leave them feeling more comfortable on their property.

You Don’t Need Newest… You Need Best

For 20+ years my team and I have built a reputation for giving homeowners in our area of Massachusetts the very best in hardscaping and patio designs. That means using top quality products, of course, and staying on top of new tools and trends. But it also means taking the time to ask extra questions, to test different materials and techniques, and to avoid taking shortcuts.

The idea I hope you’ll take away from this is that the right reputation, a history of positive reviews, and a commitment to keeping customers happy is what matters most. It’s the kind of thing that marketing hype and “latest and greatest” promises can’t overcome. That’s the level of quality and commitment you should be demanding from your hardscaping contractor.

If you happen to have a property near the Saugus Massachusetts area and want to work with a team of hardscapers that puts you first, I would encourage you to reach out to the Stefano’s landscaping team today. Every project begins with a free at-home consultation so you can get a quote and ask any questions you might have. I hope we will get the chance to meet you soon!