Did you know that 2021 is considered the “year of the yard”? Forbes claimed that many homeowners had renovated their interior homes last year. However, most of them will most likely transform their outdoor spaces this year.
But when it comes to outdoor landscaping projects, you’ll probably focus on remodeling your house exterior and start outdoor gardening. However, there’s one thing you must pay particular attention to—the hardscape.
There are various hardscape features to incorporate into an outdoor space. If you’re clueless, here are hardscape elements you might want to consider:
1. Outdoor Pavement
The first thing to consider is installing an outdoor pavement for practical reasons. Most of these outdoor pathways serve a functional purpose. But they can also enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. Here are some pathways to consider:
- Driveway: This allows you to move your vehicle seamlessly to the garage. As such, you must consider its utmost safety when installing. However, a driveway can also make your outdoor space interesting. Therefore, opt for visually appealing materials like concrete, bricks, or cobblestones.
- Walkway: This is precisely what it is—a pathway to step on. This outdoor structure allows you to walk around your garden. Same with driveway, you must consider its safety when constructing. But to beautify your outdoor space, choose materials that will complement your garden. Go for pavers, bricks, glass pebbles, or natural stones.
- Gravel Path: This is a path made of gravel, as the name suggests. A gravel path is usually embellished with a border of moss. It also offers flexibility when it comes to shapes, sizes, styles, and designs. Ultimately, consider this landscaping project for its easy installation and affordable cost.
2. Outdoor Relaxation Spot
Installing hardscape structures for outdoor relaxation can be your best decision. Most of these features allow families and guests to chill outside of the house. But they can drastically turn your outdoor space into a paradise. Here are outdoor relaxation spots to build:
- Deck: This is a valuable addition to a home and its outdoor space. For the uninitiated, it is an outdoor structure extending from a house. It has no roof typically made of wood or composite materials. For functionality, make it large enough to accommodate outdoor relaxation, dining, and even sunbathing.
- Patio: This is a paved platform sitting directly on the ground. It can either be attached to or detached from a house. For practical reasons, have enough room for tables and chairs for outdoor bonding. For aesthetic purposes, choose beautiful materials like bricks, flagstones, and stamped pavers.
- Pergola: This consists of posts and beams creating a shaded walkway or sheltered area. Its roof can either be open or covered. A pergola can either be attached to or detached from a house. Aside from providing outdoor space for family bonding, it can be the focal point that will boost your property’s curb appeal.
3. Outdoor Walls
Outdoor walled structures are usually designed to set your lot’s parameters and cover your property. Their primary purpose is to enhance your security and ensure your family’s safety. But their materials can also boost your property’s curb appeal. Here are outdoor walls to construct:
- Fence: This primarily provides your house privacy and security. You can have it built and installed around your residential property. Opt for narrow slats for a psychological barrier without covering your curb appeal. Or choose taller and sturdier walls for better security and complete privacy.
- Gate: If you have a fence around your house, you might as well install a gate. You can go for materials such as wrought iron, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or wood. But since it can be the focal point of your residential property, consider its aesthetic appeal.
4. Other Outdoor Hardscape Elements
Apart from those mentioned above, there are other hardscape features you can consider. Below are some of these:
- Vehicle Canopy: If you own a handful of cars, it’s a good idea to install a carport canopy in your driveway. There are plenty of options to select and purchase. Be sure to opt for one best suited for your garage or driveway.
- Water Fountain: Water features are perfect for a hardscape in your outdoor space. They are calming to the eyes and soothing to the ears. As such, hire a landscaping contractor to build your water fountain. You can have a stone, ceramic, or clay pot fountain.
Transforming your outdoor space is a good idea during this pandemic. As far as hardscape elements are concerned, you have plenty of choices. Consider one or some of the features outlined above, whether for outdoor relaxation, pathway, or walls. You’ll be amazed at how these hardscape features will enhance your outdoor space by taking your property’s curb appeal up a notch.
