How to Winterize Your Outdoor Kitchen

3D Rendering of Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ Area | Backyard Kitchen Visualization | BBQ Station 3D Design | Outdoor Cooking Space Render | Patio BBQ Layout

Outdoor kitchens are a great way to extend living space, but once the temperature drops, they need special care. Proper winterization protects your investment from freezing, cracking, and corrosion so you can enjoy a seamless return to cooking outdoors in spring. Whether your kitchen includes a built-in grill, sink, stone counters, or a pizza oven,…

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Cost of Deck Remodel Toronto 2025: What Homeowners Really Pay

Aerial View of Sunny Suburban Deck with Fire Pit and Gazebo

Thinking about refreshing or rebuilding your deck in the GTA? You’re not alone. Outdoor living is huge in 2025—and a smart deck remodel can boost everyday comfort and resale appeal. Homeowners can see a ~65–75% return on their investment in a new deck, depending on market conditions and finish quality. In many Toronto remodels, labour…

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Do Pool Copings Crack in Cold Weather?

clean water swimming pool in the condominium roof top view,

Pool coping is more than a decorative border. It’s the protective edge that separates the pool shell from the surrounding deck, helping to direct water away and prevent damage. Without it, water would seep behind the pool walls, weakening the structure and leading to costly repairs. Coping also gives pools their finished look. It frames…

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Vinyl, Fibreglass, or Concrete: Toronto Pool Cost Comparison

Modern house with garden swimming pool and wooden deck

Note: All cost ranges are in CAD and reflect typical Toronto/GTA conditions as of 2025; site-specific factors may vary. For Toronto homeowners comparing pool types, the team at Green Side Up Contracting brings local experience in design‑build, municipal approvals, and landscape integration to keep projects on budget and on schedule. Choosing the wrong pool type…

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What Is Landscaping: A Comprehensive Guide

Modern two-story house with a well-lit exterior and landscaped front yard featuring palm trees and succulents.

Everything You Need to Know About Landscaping in Canada Landscaping is much more than adding a few shrubs or laying down sod — it’s the art and science of transforming outdoor spaces by modifying the visible features of land, such as terrain, plants, and structures, into functional, beautiful, visually appealing, and sustainable environments. From residential…

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Top 3 Outdoor Upgrades Before Winter Hits

Stylish and well-maintained courtyard of the house with wooden table and chairs and a fresh lawn

When the temperature starts to drop, most homeowners focus on indoor maintenance and forget that outdoor spaces need attention too. The months leading up to winter are crucial for protecting your property from harsh weather. Frozen soil, moisture buildup, and heavy snow can cause serious damage if decks, fences, and landscapes aren’t ready for the…

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When is the Best Time to Install a Pool Cover?

automatic large swimming pool cover in home backyard

For homeowners, a swimming pool is more than just a luxury—it’s a place for family gatherings, relaxation, and fun. But keeping that pool in top shape requires more than regular cleaning and chemical balancing. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your pool is by using a cover, and the timing of its installation…

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Preparing Your Deck for Winter: Checklist

Modern outdoor hot tub on a wooden deck in the cold winter day

Canadian winters are harsh, and few outdoor structures feel it as much as your deck. Between snow, ice, freezing rain, and sudden temperature swings, a deck that isn’t properly prepared can suffer lasting damage.  Boards may warp, railings can loosen, and surfaces might rot when moisture penetrates and freezes. What starts as minor neglect in…

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Top 5 Features to Look for in a Snow Removal Contract for Businesses

snow covered around driveway in front of commercial building

Winter in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and York Region can put a serious strain on businesses. Parking lots fill with snow, entrances become slippery, and customer access is limited if the right maintenance isn’t in place.  For business owners, signing a snow removal contract is more than a matter of convenience; it’s a safeguard…

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When Should You Seal Interlocking Driveways After Installation?

A beautiful large modern custom executive residential house with grey stone and brick, with gray shingles and grey trim, patterned interlock walkway and driveway, and double garage doors.

Interlocking driveways add elegance, strength, and long-lasting appeal to residential and commercial properties. After investing in installation, the next question many homeowners ask is: when is the right time to seal it?  Sealing interlock pavers at the proper time helps protect against stains, weeds, fading, and moisture damage. Applying it too early or too late,…

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Who Is Liable for Ice Accidents on Commercial Walkways?

Injured man lying on the road, downfall and accident on winter season, black ice

Winter in Canada brings snow, ice, and freezing rain that quickly turn walkways into hazards. For commercial property owners, failing to address these risks is more than an inconvenience; it can result in serious liability if someone slips and falls.  Understanding who is responsible for keeping commercial walkways safe is critical for protecting employees, visitors,…

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Why Private Road Snow Plowing Is Critical for Winter Safety

A large orange tractor removes snow from the road and clears the sidewalk. Cleaning and clearing roads in the city from snow in winter. Snow removal after snowfalls and blizzards.

Winter in Canada is both beautiful and challenging. Snowfall creates postcard landscapes, but when left unchecked on private roads, it quickly turns into a safety hazard. Whether it’s a shared laneway in a residential community or an access road to a commercial site, the responsibility for snow clearing often falls to property owners and associations…

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Best Practices for Salting and De-Icing in Commercial Areas

Tractor with salt spreader plow snow, spread salt on pavement after snow storm, road maintenance - winter gritter vehicle. Tractor de-icing street, spreading salt. Machinery spreader salting sidewalk

When winter hits, icy surfaces can bring commercial activity to a standstill. A slippery entrance or frozen loading bay doesn’t just slow operations; it can trigger accidents, lawsuits, and costly downtime. For retail plazas, office parks, healthcare facilities, and distribution yards, winter safety is as much about liability control as it is about customer and…

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What’s Included in a Private Road Snow Removal Service?

Tractor clear snow in park, machinery cleaning equipment. Snow removal red tractor clean walkway with plough sweeping brush. Tractor removing snow, cleaning sidewalk from snow in snowy winter

Winter in Canada can turn even the most well-kept private road into a hazard. Heavy snowfall, ice build-up, and drifting snowbanks make safe access nearly impossible without a plan.  For communities, associations, or property owners managing private roads, hiring a professional snow removal service is essential. But what exactly do these services include? Let’s break…

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5 Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Snow Plowing Private Roads

Little red tractor with snowplow in a motion removing snow

Winter in Canada transforms familiar roads into icy, snow-packed surfaces. For property owners with private roads, keeping them clear is more than a matter of convenience—it is a question of safety, liability, and long-term upkeep.  While some may attempt to manage snow plowing themselves, there are clear advantages to hiring a professional contractor for the…

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