Whether you're looking to hone your installation skills or gain insight into how to run a better and more profitable business, U-TEC is the place where you can learn from other industry professionals
Hardscape Education Center
Topics
Paver Installation
Setting Bed Options for Overlays
Permeable Base Construction
Natural Stone Installation
Choosing the Best Paver Edge Restraint
The key component of any paving stone system is to have a proper edge restraint. When a properly installed edge restraint surrounds your patio or sidewalk, it’s going to lock-in the pavement and keep it from separating. In this video, hear from Tim Adams and Tom Stinson as they discuss and demonstrate the different types of edging, the 5-point paving system and more!
Accenting with Different Thickness Pavers
Permeable Paver Webinar by Brad Swanson
Join Brad Swanson, Director of Commercial Sales and Development of Unilock Midwest, for this 1.5 hour webinar on permeable pavement solutions. This webinar will give you the tools to identify the benefits and opportunities for permeable pavers, analyze the goals and criteria for using a permeable paver systems and evaluate and compare permeable pavers to other traditional storm system. Additionally, you will also gain insights into popular case studies, design considerations and LEED information.
Removing Snow from Brick Pavers
Are you worried that removing snow from brick pavers will damage or scratch them? How do you safely remove snow from your driveway, patio, or front entrance? Are de-icing salts bad for my driveway? Are snow blowers safe for my driveway? Ray Rodenburgh from Unilock has the answers to all of those questions!
Ray discusses best practices for:
1. Hand shoveling
2. Snow Blowers
3. Snow Plows/Truck Plows
4. De-Icing Salts
DRIVEGRID® - Benefits and Mechanics
DRIVEGRID® - Determining Correct Base Requirements
DriveGrid® is a mechanical stabilization geo-grid that is used to strengthen your driveway base as well as lessen the amount of base you need depending on the site conditions. This video describes the process of determining how much base is actually required for your driveway application when using DriveGrid.
G2 Polymeric Sand Best Practices
DriveGrid Overview by Scott - Unilock New England
Unilock Natural Stone Installation with Ardex Bonding Compounds
Prevent Paver Rutting with DriveGrid®
Outdoor Amenity Space Surfacing Materials and Systems
Over the past few decades, exterior building spaces and roofs have significantly transformed from utilitarian ballasted roof systems to roof systems with highly programmed, environmentally conscious, people-friendly amenities that promote healthier lifestyles. A variety of products and materials can be utilized int he design and construction of roof gardens and decks. This course will review the construction of basic types of roof systems, as well as the range of hardscaping products that are available to designers.
Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement for Stormwater Management
Permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) has the ability to create solid, strong surfaces for pedestrians and a range of vehicular uses, and can help maintain a site's existing natural hydologic function and reduce the overall impact of development. This course discusses the components of a PICP system and how they work together to manage stormwater in a variety of applications., Also addressed are hydrological and structural factors to consider when designing with PI?CP and how PICP contribures to asustainable building goals and projects.
Mechanical Installation of Eco-Line
Paver Installation Part 1 (English)
Paver Installation Part 2 (English)
Paver Installation Part 3 (English)
Advanced Tech Guide
Rivercrest Installation
With our Rivercrest Wall, you get the character and flexibility of natural stone with the durability, affordability and ease of installation of manufactured concrete. The perfect hybrid between the two. In this video, Kris Cook and Shaun Breuer discuss the different components and demonstrate the ease of installing Rivercrest.
Lineo Installation
Building Heavy Duty Walls
RisiStone is an engineering firm that has developed and patented a variety of innovative retaining wall systems that Unilock produces under license. In this video, Erin Baun, from Unilock, and Eric Jonasson, the Assistant Manager from RisiStone, discuss and demonstrate how to build heavy-duty walls.
Benefits of Base Units
Originally designed for U-Cara, our base units have grown with popularity with contractors amongst their SWR projects. In this video, take a deep dive with Shaun Breuer as he discusses why contractors are choosing to go with universal base pads vs. the traditional methods and the best practices of how to install them.
U-Tips – How to Build A Rivercrest Pillar
PisaSmooth Retaining Wall Installation Manual
Advanced Training: Structural Retaining Wall Options by Risi Stone
RisiStone is an engineering firm that has developed and patented a variety of innovative retaining wall systems that Unilock produces under license. They also provide engineering services, training and project solutions from simple residential walls to massive commercial walls. The following educational webinar, Advanced Training: Structural Retaining Wall Options, is presented by RisiStone and will provide you extensive information.
Basic Retaining Wall Construction by Risi Stone
RisiStone is an engineering firm that has developed and patented a variety of innovative retaining wall systems that Unilock produces under license. They also provide engineering services, training, and project solutions from simple residential walls to massive commercial walls. The following educational webinar, Basic Retaining Wall Construction, is presented by RisiStone and will provide you extensive information.
Basic Segmental Retaining Wall Training by Risi Stone
RisiStone is an engineering firm that has developed and patented a variety of innovative retaining wall systems that Unilock produces under license. They also provide engineering services, training, and project solutions from simple residential walls to massive commercial walls. The following educational webinar, Basic Segmental Retaining Wall Training, is presented by RisiStone and will provide you extensive information.
U-Cara Modular Grill Cutting with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Panel Cutting with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Modular Unboxing and Construction with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Modular Cutting in Appliances with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Pillar Pane Adjustment with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Curved Wall Build with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Inside Outside Corners by Bruce - Unilock Midwest
U-Cara 3D Faced Wall by Bruce - Unilock Midwest
U-Cara Modular System by Bruce and Auggie - Unilock Midwest
The U-Cara Modular System is an exciting new addition to the U-Cara Wall System providing hardscapers with the opportunity to expand their business with vertical hardscape features without worrying about having to increase the amount of staff or do extensive training. The system has pre-designed modules which simply bolt together to make almost any design. The U-Cara Modular System is easily assembled on site saving you hours of moving heavy materials into backyards Making it great for retrofits on existing projects as well.
U-Cara® Wall Mount System by Bruce and Auggie - Unilock Midwest
The U-Cara Wall Mount System allows you to extend the same great look that you have in your hardscape walls and features and apply that same look to a building’s exterior or foundation by mounting U-Cara fascia panels to almost any vertical substrate. Not only does this increase the scope of your project, it makes for a more overall cohesive design. Watch and listen to Bruce Walter as he explains the nuts and bolts of this great system.
U-Cara Wall Basics - Tips from Shaun Breuer - Unilock Michigan
U-Cara Basic Overview by Bruce and Auggie -- Unilock Midwest (English)
U-Cara Base Preparation by Bruce Walter - Unilock Midwest (English)
U-Cara Best Practices - Tips from Shaun and Jason - Unilock Michigan
How to Level Retaining Wall Blocks
U-Cara Wall Mount System by Jason Stafford - Unilock Michigan
In this video Jason Stafford explains the basics of the new U-Cara Wall Mount System and how this simple system can expand your project scope while creating a cohesive design by cladding existing structures with the same U-Cara panels as used for the U-Cara retaining walls, seat walls and other vertical features.
U-Cara Fascia Curved Cuts by Shaun Breuer - Unilock Michigan
Engineered Segmental Retaining Walls
Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) can strengthen steep slopes, hold back soil in grade changes, create useable land, and enhance the aesthetics of any landscape. This course looks at the site and application factors that determine whether a segmental retaining wall must be engineered and soil reinforced, and provides technical information about the componentes and construction of an SRW.
Outdoor Amenity Space Surfacing Materials and Systems
Over the past few decades, exterior building spaces and roofs have significantly transformed from utilitarian ballasted roof systems to roof systems with highly programmed, environmentally conscious, people-friendly amenities that promote healthier lifestyles. A variety of products and materials can be utilized int he design and construction of roof gardens and decks. This course will review the construction of basic types of roof systems, as well as the range of hardscaping products that are available to designers.
Advanced Tech Guide
Rivercrest Wall System Installation Guide
Unilock Basic Fireplace Construction
U-Cara Wall Mount Construction
U-Cara Wall Decorative Inlays
U-Cara Modular Construction
U-Cara Design Options
Hear from Scott Benson, Director of Sales and Training of New England, as he discusses why you should choose U-Cara. A wall system that lets you break out of the limitations of the segmental wall system and think outside of the “block.” Open your mind up to endless possibilities of color, texture and unique design flexibility. Welcome to U-Cara.
New U-Cara Modular Cabinets for 2021
Building Fireplaces with U-Cara Modular System
Reduce Settling When Building with U-Cara Backer Blocks with Auggie Rodriguez
U-Cara Fire Pit Installation & Benefits of Fire pits with Bruce Walter
Creating a Parklet - Webinar by Unilock Midwest
As businesses strive to expand their retail and restaurant spaces into local streets and parking spaces, parklets become the ideal solution. A parklet is a raised architectural platform that extends the sidewalk to accommodate for the demand. Unilock offers a variety of slabs that can be laid on pedestals, creating a surface that is flush with the curbing and ADA accessible. Barriers can be created with the U-Cara modular system with pillars and planters to provide additional protection from local traffic. This webinar will show you how easy this system is to install. Advantages to this system include being removable and reusable, flexibility and scalability of design, ease of installation and maintenance and will not impede storm water runoff to local drains.
U-Cara Modular Grill Cutting with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Panel Cutting with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Modular Unboxing and Construction with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Modular Cutting in Appliances with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Pillar Pane Adjustment with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Curved Wall Build with Bruce Walter
U-Cara Inside Outside Corners by Bruce - Unilock Midwest
U-Cara 3D Faced Wall by Bruce - Unilock Midwest
U-Cara Modular - Adjusting Unit Height
U-Cara Modular - Adjusting Grill Door Opening
U-Cara Modular - 3&4 Side Cabinets
U-Cara - Ending a Seat Wall with Bruce Walter - Unilock Midwest
U- Cara Pillar Construction with Bruce Walter - Unilock Midwest
U-Cara Seat Wall Tie In with Bruce Walter - Unilock Midwest
U-Cara Modular System by Bruce and Auggie - Unilock Midwest
The U-Cara Modular System is an exciting new addition to the U-Cara Wall System providing hardscapers with the opportunity to expand their business with vertical hardscape features without worrying about having to increase the amount of staff or do extensive training. The system has pre-designed modules which simply bolt together to make almost any design. The U-Cara Modular System is easily assembled on site saving you hours of moving heavy materials into backyards Making it great for retrofits on existing projects as well.
U-Cara® Wall Mount System by Bruce and Auggie - Unilock Midwest
The U-Cara Wall Mount System allows you to extend the same great look that you have in your hardscape walls and features and apply that same look to a building’s exterior or foundation by mounting U-Cara fascia panels to almost any vertical substrate. Not only does this increase the scope of your project, it makes for a more overall cohesive design. Watch and listen to Bruce Walter as he explains the nuts and bolts of this great system.
U-Cara Wall Basics - Tips from Shaun Breuer - Unilock Michigan
U-Cara Basic Overview by Bruce and Auggie -- Unilock Midwest (English)
U-Cara Base Preparation by Bruce Walter - Unilock Midwest (English)
Paddy Conway’s (aka "The Irish Lad") Opinion on U-Cara
U-Cara Best Practices - Tips from Shaun and Jason - Unilock Michigan
Debunking U-Cara Cost Myths by Shaun Breuer - Unilock Michigan
U Cara Modular System by Shaun Breuer - Unilock Michigan
U-Cara Wall Mount System by Jason Stafford - Unilock Michigan
In this video Jason Stafford explains the basics of the new U-Cara Wall Mount System and how this simple system can expand your project scope while creating a cohesive design by cladding existing structures with the same U-Cara panels as used for the U-Cara retaining walls, seat walls and other vertical features.
U-Cara Fascia Curved Cuts by Shaun Breuer - Unilock Michigan
How to Profit with Unilyft
Risi Tool - Stone Wall Estimator
The Risi Stone Retaining Wall Layout Tool is a top view planning tool that allows you to layout your retaining wall to produce a preliminary Design for estimation purposes. The simple, user-friendly interface allows you to input complicated grade transitions in order to determine the geo-grid length, grid placement, and infill gravel required for wall construction. The detailed reports include all quantities and the Plan View, Section Views, and Elevation Views of your Wall. This online tool is easy to use and allows you to save all of your projects for future reference and/or revisions.
Risi Tool - Birds Eye Paver Planner
The “Birds Eye” Paver Planner tool is a robust top view planning tool to help you determine in detail the exact Paver Areas, Perimeter Lengths, and Base Volume requirements for your project. This online tool is easy to use for the novice or the professional and allows you to save all of your projects for future reference and/or revisions.
Tutorial Videos:
1. General overview on how to use the design interface, make edits and save projects.
2. Detailed tutorial on how to draw and the entire project start to finish.
3. Importing existing hand drawings or professional site plans into the planning tool for rapid design.
Additional U-Level App Options and Settings
How to Operate the U-Level App
Connecting to the U-Level App
U-Level App and Uvision Webinar - Unilock Midwest
Vacuum Technology with Scott Greene
U-Level Basics with Jason and Nick from Unilock and guest speaker, Mike East from Smart Leveler
U-Level has literally been taken to the next level when it comes to exporting relevant elevation and distance coordinates for use in Unilock’s Uvision 3D Landscape Creator Software. Watch and learn from this recent webinar, featuring the U-Level inventor himself, how this all works and how it is a productivity game-changer.
The Ultimate Paver Laying Machine
Place pavers & walls effortlessly at lightning speed! Reduce your labor costs while installing paving stones fast and accurately. Reduce shoulder, hand and knee strain or injury. Another benefit is that it will help retain good employees and attract new ones. UniLyft is designed to improve your bottom line significantly.
How to Operate a UniLyft Paver Installation Machine
This video will get you up to speed in understanding the capabilities of UniLyft as well as how to operate and maintain this game-changing machine. Learn why this machine is creating a paradigm shift in paver installation. Whether you own a UniLyft or plan to own one in the future, this information will help you get up and running quickly.
U-Level - The Precision Digital Hardscape Level
U-Level is a precision elevation measurement tool that is ideal for hardscape design, layout and installation. It has become one of the industry’s most useful grade measurement instruments, with Bluetooth connectivity directly to your smartphone or tablet, providing data export functions for use in U-Vision 3D Landscape Creator and other design software.
Unilock Pedestal Kit Unboxing
Unilock Pedestal Installation Tips
Open Graded vs. Sand Bedding in Non-Permeable
Jobsite Layout
Infiltration Rate
Importance of Aspect Ratio
EasyClean
EasyClean is a proprietary technology that helps protect pavers and walls from stains. Unlike after-market sealers, which merely coat the top, EasyClean goes beyond the surface and becomes integral to the product during manufacturing. In this video, Brian Murray and Bruce Walter discuss the advantages of this exclusive Unilock technology.
Drivegrid Benefits
DriveGrid is an engineered geo-grid used below your gravel base to help strengthen your driveway installation. It helps make your base preparation stronger, faster and more profitable. Unilock DriveGrid has a unique design and construction that can significantly out-perform the other methods of base stabilization. In this video, Scott Greene discusses what DriveGrid is and how it works.
Sealing Natural Stone
Cleaning Natural Stone
How to Install a Gas Fire Pit and Fire Features
Unilock Webinars - Paver Finishes
Selecting the paver finish is just as important as shape and color for communicating the desired project style. The unique Unilock finish options for our architectural paver shapes will provide projects with an everlasting identity. Unilock is expanding the boldest and versatile concrete paver options available to designers for the next millennial. In this short 10 minute video, follow along to explore the five of the most popular Unilock EnduraColor finishes.
Permeable Paver Webinar by Brad Swanson
Join Brad Swanson, Director of Commercial Sales and Development of Unilock Midwest, for this 1.5 hour webinar on permeable pavement solutions. This webinar will give you the tools to identify the benefits and opportunities for permeable pavers, analyze the goals and criteria for using a permeable paver systems and evaluate and compare permeable pavers to other traditional storm system. Additionally, you will also gain insights into popular case studies, design considerations and LEED information.
Removing Snow from Brick Pavers
Are you worried that removing snow from brick pavers will damage or scratch them? How do you safely remove snow from your driveway, patio, or front entrance? Are de-icing salts bad for my driveway? Are snow blowers safe for my driveway? Ray Rodenburgh from Unilock has the answers to all of those questions!
Ray discusses best practices for:
1. Hand shoveling
2. Snow Blowers
3. Snow Plows/Truck Plows
4. De-Icing Salts
G2 Polymeric Sand Best Practices
Product Efficiency Secrets
Easy Clean with Brian Murray - Unilock Midwest
Dry Cast vs. Wet Cast pavers and walls - Unilock Michigan
Setting Yourself and Your Company Apart - Unilock Michigan
Easy Clean Overview by Scott - Unilock New England
Face Mix vs Thru Mix
Debunking U-Cara Cost Myths by Shaun Breuer - Unilock Michigan
U Cara Modular System by Shaun Breuer - Unilock Michigan
Architectural Paving Surface Technologies and Finish Advancements
Segmented pavers have been successfully used for roads, courtyards and paths for hundreds of years. Durability of materials being on of the key reasons for their lasting popularity. These days modern pavers off up a wide varity of newer performance capabilties and finishes. In this course, we'll take a look at the unique technologies of segmental concrete paver systems, the types, finishes and their design considerations.
Outdoor Amenity Space Surfacing Materials and Systems
Over the past few decades, exterior building spaces and roofs have significantly transformed from utilitarian ballasted roof systems to roof systems with highly programmed, environmentally conscious, people-friendly amenities that promote healthier lifestyles. A variety of products and materials can be utilized int he design and construction of roof gardens and decks. This course will review the construction of basic types of roof systems, as well as the range of hardscaping products that are available to designers.
Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement for Stormwater Management
Permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) has the ability to create solid, strong surfaces for pedestrians and a range of vehicular uses, and can help maintain a site's existing natural hydologic function and reduce the overall impact of development. This course discusses the components of a PICP system and how they work together to manage stormwater in a variety of applications., Also addressed are hydrological and structural factors to consider when designing with PI?CP and how PICP contribures to asustainable building goals and projects.
Mechanical Installation of Eco-Line
Uvision 3D Overview
The Combined Power of Uvision/U-Level
Uvision Tutorial: Creating Your Top-View to Appear Cad-Like
Uvision Tutorial: Inserting U-Cara Modules
The 4 Minute 3D Landscape Plan with UVision
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Building a House
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Modifying Siding and Roofs
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Adding Doors and Windows
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Adjusting Door and Window Elevation
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Adding a Chimney
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Drawing a Driveway
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Modifying the Driveway
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Back Patio and Winding Walkway
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Building the Front Step
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Modifying a Winding Walkway
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Building a Curved Planter
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Changing the Look of Coping
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Paver Lights, Borders, and Grades
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Paver Accent Wizard
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Placing Soil into Planter
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Raised Patio
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Drawing a Pool and Pool Patio
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Adding Outdoor Kitchen
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Curved Grill Islands
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Building a Custom Grill Island
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Designing a Pond
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Landscaping the Pond
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Adding Columns to Raised Patio
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Drawing a Pavillion Roof
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Drawing a Wooden Deck
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Fences and Hedges
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Planting Part 1
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Planting part 2
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Adding Accessories
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Unilock and Plant Legends
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Working with Layers and Grades
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Terrain - Slope Tool
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Terrain - Contour Tool
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Terrain - Contour Tool Simplistic
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Terrain - Area Grader
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Terrain - Path Grader
Uvision 3D Tutorial: How to make a Window Well
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Picture Editor - Removing Backgrounds
Uvision 3D Tutorial: Picture Editor - Importing a Real Front Door into your Plan
Know Your Customer with Erin Baun and Scott Wentworth
Understanding your customer is the key to providing them with good service and exceeding their expectations. This 30-minute webinar hosted by Erin Baun, features guest speaker Scott Wentworth, a Unilock Authorized Contractor with years of experience owning and operating a successful landscaping/hardscaping business. Listen as Erin and Scott guide you through survey data from real homeowners who have completed a home renovation and/or landscaping project. You will gain insights into how to effectively interact with your landscape and hardscape customers for more success in your business.
Product Efficiency Secrets
Capturing and Engaging Qualified Leads on your Website- With Carolyne Planck and Web ROI
Photo Staging Tips from Robyn Artem
Photography Basics by Daniel Mera
Building your Resilient Team with Scott Wentworth Pt. 1
Building your Resilient Team with Scott WentworthPt. 2
Impacting Labor - Unilock Michigan
Setting Yourself and Your Company Apart - Unilock Michigan
Unilock Do it Now Payment Plan Program 2020
Learn how offering a payment plan to your customers will increase leads, projects, and your bottom line. It's easy to sign up and you'll be up and capitalizing on this incredible program very quickly. The program features variable loan products that you can offer as well as 50% down before you even start the job! Getting your final payment is easier too. The entire program is managed digitally for ease and expediency.
Exploring the New Homeowner Website
Immediate Actions to Protect your Landscaping Business with Web ROI
"Listen" by Scott - Unilock New England
Introduction to U-Cara Components - Spanish - Introducción a los componentes de nuestro sistema U-Cara
U-Cara Wall Mount System Components Review - Spanish - Componentes del sistema de montaje en pared U-Cara
How to Install the U-Cara Wall Mount System - Spanish - Como instalar el Sistema de montaje en pared U-Cara
U-Cara Modular Components Review - Spanish - Componentes del sistema modular U-Cara
How to Install the U-Cara Modular System - Spanish - Como instalar el Sistema modular U-Cara
U-Tips – How to Build A Rivercrest Pillar - Spanish - Construcción de pilares con Rivercrest
U-Cara Modular - Adjusting Unit Height - Spanish - Consejos del sistema modular de U-Cara- Ajustando altura
U-Cara Modular - Adjusting Grill Door Opening - Spanish - Consejos del sistema modular de U-Cara- Ajustando la abertura de puerta
Ending a Seat Wall with U-Cara - Spanish - 3 métodos para terminar un muro de asiento con U-Cara
U-Cara Pillar Construction - Spanish - Construcción de pilar usando U-Cara
U-Cara Firepit Installation - Spanish- Pozo de Fuego: Construcción con U-Cara
U-Cara Pillar Tie In - Spanish - Amarrando un muro de U-Cara con un pilar de U-Cara
Preparación de base para U-Cara
Todos los buenos proyectos de muros comienzan con una buena base sólida que está nivelada de lado a lado y de adelante hacia atrás. Observe a Auggie Rodríguez mientras demuestra las mejores prácticas de preparación de bases y aprenda por qué es importante para todos los muros de Unilock, especialmente U-Cara.