Your outdoor space is a place to relax after a long day and enjoy the outdoors, and having a space that is comfortable and pleasing to the eye can dramatically change your mood around. Typically, homeowners concentrate on what their softscape looks like (plants, and living greenery), but overlook their hardscape.
Hardscape refers to non-living elements in landscaping. Such as stone walls, brick patios, or wooden roof structures.
Hardscape includes:
Hardscape is a critical part of any landscape, and defines the use of a space, for instance, a walkway that allows guests to walk to different parts of a yard.
Hardscape is just as important to include in your yard than softscape, and serves as a focal point, adds dimension to your space, and really elevates the look of your outdoors.
A yard that lacks hardscaping feels like it is missing a crucial element to complete the look of an outdoor space. Without walls, pathways, and wooden structures in a yard, plants and trees can look boring and mundane on their own.
Brick is a popular material that has been around for a long time. Because bricks can come in different colors and patterns, brick can make a space look formal, or completely unique. It is the perfect material for pathways, buildings, and many other types of structures.
Composite decking is decking that is not made out of wood or aluminum. While it is costly, composite decking does not splinter, mold or rot, or get infested with insects. It provides decks with traction, making it a good material if you are worried about guests slipping. This decking is also eco-friendly, normally made out of recycled plastic.
While most homeowners think of concrete as a cold, even ugly material, it really doesn’t have to be. Concrete can be stained and stamped to customize any look wanted. Concrete stairs are a nice option for homeowners who have steep areas around their house, and can even be used as a spot to sit beside your garden.
Gravel and river rock are considered loose-material hardscaping, and are cost efficient, quick to instal, and a popular option for homeowners looking to spruce up their space. Rive rock adds a nice touch around plants and gardens, and gravel pathways can be used to get from one part of your yard to another.
Made out of concrete, brick and flagstone, pavers come in a variety of shades and look fantastic for sidewalks around your home, and for patios.
Wood roof structures and walls create a true warmth to a space, and make you feel like you are deep in nature. While wood looks great and many homeowners prefer the natural feel over concrete, wood does not last. Even if you keep up with maintenance, concrete will always last longer than wood.
Whatever hardscape material you choose to go with, a true outdoor living space can be elevated by adding both softscape and hardscape materials into a space for a truly breathtaking yard.