Planning on your next outdoor space project this coming summer is exciting. After all, you get a chance to improve your existing landscape and make it even more outstanding. You could choose to make it more visually stunning by adding new plants or landscape elements. Or you can plan on getting new hardscapes for your space.
First of all, let’s define what hardscapes are. Hardscapes are the non-living elements used in landscape design. Examples of hardscapes are fences, paving, walls, and furniture. They help with the aesthetics, function, and sustainability of landscape designs. But keep in mind that you need to choose them carefully to ensure they fit with the rest of the landscape.
So, you should be careful when picking the type of hardscape materials you’ll use. Please read on to learn how to choose hardscape materials for your landscape.
Types of Hardscape Projects
Take note of the different hardscape projects. They will give you a better understanding of hardscapes. You’ll also get a good idea about choosing the right materials for your outdoor space.
Some common hardscape projects include:
- Patios
- Walkways
- Retaining Walls
- Firepits
- Outdoor Kitchens
- Stoops
Common Hardscape Materials
Take a look at some of the most common hardscape materials. But even then, you have to acknowledge that there are several factors to consider when choosing hardscape materials.
The number one factor is budget. If you have the budget, you can easily go for a material like natural stone. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you might choose something like concrete or wood.
Another factor is maintenance. Is the material easy to maintain? Would it take you a lot of time and effort to maintain it? These are valid questions because hardscapes should be regularly maintained, just like the rest of the landscape.
Common hardscape materials are:
- Concrete
- Wood
- Brick
- Pavers
- Natural Stone
- Tiles
- Loose Gravel
Now that you know your options, it’s time to look at how you can make the right choice.
Define Your Goals
The number one step is to define your goals. Be clear about your objectives as well as your expectations about the project. What will be its function? Who will be the ones to use the landscape? How do the hardscapes connect or relate to the rest of the landscape? By answering these questions, you’ll set the purpose of the hardscape materials in the overall landscape design.
Check Your Options
The next step is to look at and check your options. You’ve already looked at the various hardscape projects and the common hardscape materials. Aside from that you can also research using websites, books, magazines, and more. You’ll get a good idea about your options. But you also need to consider cost, maintenance, aesthetics, environmental impact, and durability. Lastly, learn about the local codes and regulations that can impact your choices.
Look at Alternatives
Look at your choices and compare them to possible alternatives. Maybe they are better than your initial choices. Take a good look at the pros and cons of each one. Doing so will give you an idea if the alternatives are better. You can then decide if you are sticking with your original materials or changing them with the alternatives.
Make Your Choice
The next step is to make your decision. Decide on the hardscape materials that will be used in your landscape design. Base your decision on the landscape design criteria and your personal preferences. You also need to think about the installation of the materials as well as how they will be integrated into the overall design.
Be Present at the Installation
Make sure you are present at the installation of the hardscape materials. Monitoring the installation will ensure that they conform to the design and what you intended. You have to look closely at the workmanship and finish of the materials. If there are any problems, you need to relay that information to the contractors and installers.
The above information should be more than enough for you to make the right decision. You should be able to choose the right hardscape materials for your landscape design.
If you feel that you still need more guidance, you can always get help from the best landscape contractor in St. Louis, MO – GreenScapeSTL. Our company offers the best landscaping services in St. Louis, MO, and the surrounding areas. Our services are designed to help homeowners achieve the best landscapes and to transform their outdoor spaces into the havens they always dreamed of.