Landscaping really is part art and part science. You need to have a deep understanding of your region’s climate, native plant life, pest control, and botany. And to come up with the best designs, landscape architects need to combine this knowledge with creativity. Hardscaping is an important part of landscaping, and it involves the use of stones, wood, composites, concrete, and other solid materials to create decks, patios, walkways, and other practical spaces. Using these materials, you can create beautiful designs that last for decades.
Not only can these outdoor spaces improve your quality of life, but they can also increase the value of a property. That’s why many landscaping design companies and homeowners love these projects. In addition, about 25% of landscaping is done on commercial and industrial properties. Increasingly, both residential and commercial landscaping involves hardscaping elements.
Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite hardscaping ideas.
Walkways
Before we discuss outdoor kitchens and pergolas, let’s start simple. Walkways, such as passages from your house to your backyard, your neighbor’s house, or your garage. Choose natural stones to place on the pavement so that you don’t touch dirt as you walk through your property. Natural stones are easy to clean and gives an appealing look. For perfect pavement landscaping, get experienced landscapers to create your walkways.
Stairs
Steps create the way to your house. Consider implementing crafted stones on the stairs and placing LED lights under the steps to provide visibility during the night. For older homeowners, outdoor steps can be a godsend. The lights also create a beautiful view when turned on in the dark. Combined with terraced landscaping or natural hills, outdoor, natural stone stairs can create an elegant, luxury look.
Outdoor Kitchens
For the sake of barbecue night, design an outdoor kitchen. An outdoor kitchen typically has a countertop, sink, and fireplace. These features are often considered a must-have in luxury properties, which is why they can increase the resale value of your home.
Outdoor Firepits and Fireplace
Consider installing fireplaces and firepits. A firepit provides an area where your family can keep warm and have fun. You might be used to a fireplace in your house, but a carefully designed fireplace in the backyard adds a sense of elegance and beauty.
Driveways
You probably use your driveway many more times than you use the yard. Yet it’s a hardscaping feature you can’t overlook. Besides, why would you landscape all other areas and neglect the driveway? The best driveways are both elegant and beautifully designed with modern landscaping elements.
Pergolas
Pergolas are ancient outdoor structures that create shade. It’s a place designed for resting. Design your custom pergola to look different from your neighbor’s pergola and add lighting to use during the night. Also, add flowers and shrubs in pots and place them in and around the pergola. Together, these features will bring a relaxing effect to the entire property. Consider adding a built-in seating or custom swing set.
Landscaping of your front yard, backyard, walkways, and driveway gives your home a new look and improves the quality of your outdoor space. To accomplish such goals, you should work with professional landscapers who can maintain your stylistic needs. While landscaping needs updates and maintenance every season, hardscapes can often last for decades to come.