Do you envision having a backyard that is more than just grass? Hardscaping is an essential part of allowing you to create a beautiful and useful extension of your home for outdoor living. A well planned hardscape project with quality materials can create a backyard oasis that will enhance your lifestyle and increase curb appeal.
What is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of your yard, such as patios, walkways, retaining walls and fire pits. The difference is that these features do not need watering or mowing like plants do, so getting the backyard you want will require less maintenance with hardscape elements included. Careful and thoughtful hardscaping can define outdoor living areas, create entertaining spaces and enhance functionality.
Plan Your Backyard Hardscape Project
First, identify how you would like to use your space. Will it be a comfy place to hang out with family for barbecues, a polished walkway lighting installation along a pathway for safety and ambiance, or a flagstone path to your garden? Knowing the needs for your space will help you when designing.
Once you have an idea, you should sketch it out on graph paper; this will allow you to measure accurately and record items that exist in your space, such as trees, as well as anything that might be more involved to replace like sheds. Measuring your space will help you visualize your hardscaping preferences, hardscaping includes things like paver materials for patios, and helping you identify a dedicated seating area or where your pavers may fit together better. You also want to check local building codes, and HOA guidelines (if applicable) to see if you need a permit for any type of project especially if you are wanting to build a retaining wall.
Choose Materials That Suit Your Style
Popular hardscape materials include:
- Pavers – are concrete, brick or natural stone and are the most flexible, hard durable, and affordable option. They can be used for patios, paths, and pool/decks.
- Poured Concrete – is economical and relatively easy to customize with stamps or stains. The problem with poured concrete is that it will crack and is not repairable so it will need to be replaced.
- Natural Stone – has an expensive sophisticated organic look. The two natural stones most used are Flagstone and slate. They both are expensive and considerably less affordable than pavers or poured concrete.
- Gravel or Decomposed Granite – are great priced options for paths and patios but they too need edging.
- Wood or Composite Decking – can add warmth and dimension to hardscapes but needs to be maintained.
- Retaining walls – are useful in order to level sloped yards. Walls can be made from concrete blocks, timber, and/or natural stone.
For inspiration, consider the variety of hardscaping projects in your area. If you’re a homeowner in Pennsylvania, check out hardscaping in Montgomery County for ideas and services.
Build Your Backyard Hardscape
A good, steady base is critical. Clear the area, provide the appropriate slope for drainage, and prepare the ground as a compacted stone base, if you are laying pavers, then on top of that compacted gravel place approximately 1″ of screenings, laying each paver accordingly, inspecting to keep everything as level as possible. Retaining walls have their own needs, so make sure proper drainage is behind them to avoid movement.
Finalize your work appropriately, remember to secure paver edges with some edging material and lock joints with polymeric sand. For a more complete look you can seal your hardscaping and add some outdoor lighting or walkway lighting installation in Montgomery County, PA to showcase features or use for safety.
Blend Hardscaping and Softscaping
Finding the right balance is essential. Combine hardscaping with plants, trees, and garden beds to soften hard edges and create a more inviting space. You can introduce a vertical element such as vines growing on a retaining wall, planter boxes on a deck, or even a vegetable raised bed beside a patio. The possibilities are limitless. Mix and match to provide visual interest while providing edible functions. Even though hardscaping can be a satisfying and worthwhile DIY project, and you may be able to tackle relatively large or complex builds, sometimes you’ll want to have professional help.
If you’re feeling hesitant and don’t know where to get started, seeking out a landscape expert in your area can help you with design ideas and even support compliance with local codes and ordinances. If you are ready to turn your backyard into the ultimate outdoor retreat, explore your options with the experts at Rich’s Landscaping and upgrade your outdoor space with beautiful hardscaping services and more today!
