Whether you construct a walkway to your front door or lay down a stylish stone patio, hardscaping is an effective way to take your yard from drab to fab. However, there are some things you should keep in mind before implementing a hardscape.
Ideally, hardscapes should blend seamlessly with their surroundings. This can mean the house, nature or both.
Bricks
In the landscape industry, bricks are a classic material that’s versatile, durable and aesthetically pleasing. Bricks withstand the hard freezes, heavy moisture and yearly temperature fluctuations that Ann Arbor experiences better than concrete, pavement or plastic, making them ideal for hardscapes in the garden and yard.
What’s more, they can complement and integrate seamlessly with softscapes like gardens and trees. With proper maintenance, bricks can add a timeless, luxurious touch to your outdoor space without taking away from its natural beauty and charm.
Bricks are rectangular building units that are held together with cementitious mortar to construct walls, pavements and other types of masonry designs. These structures are essential for constructing load-bearing walls and other structural elements, and they can be built in a variety of ways to enhance the aesthetic of any property.
Landscaping bricks are a specific type of brick that’s crafted specifically for use in outdoor landscaping applications. They are often used to create borders around garden beds, paths and walkways, and they can be utilized as elegant edging for lawns and gardens.
In addition to their versatility and functionality, landscaping bricks are also very easy to install and maintain. Unlike wood, they don’t warp or require regular sealing, and they’re much easier to clean than gravel or stone. Moreover, these bricks are highly durable and can last for decades when properly cared for. Moreover, they are more affordable than wooden landscaping options and can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal and overall value.
Flagstones
Flagstones are a classic choice for hardscaping projects, particularly because they offer both elegance and a sense of natural beauty that will blend well with your home’s landscaping. This sedimentary stone is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of purposes, including patios and walkways. In addition to blending with the environment, flagstones are easy to clean for everyday use and tend to look more distinguished and beautiful as they age.
There are many different types of flagstones, each with its own unique style and color palette. The type of flagstone you choose will depend on the type of landscape you’re creating and your personal preferences. The color of the flagstone will also impact your budget, since some types of stones are more expensive than others.
Like pavers, flagstones can be laid with a concrete base or set in a bed of sand or gravel. The former method is more common as it requires less maintenance. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the sand or gravel may shift over time, and you’ll need to add more if needed.
The key to a successful flagstone installation is to create a firm and level base of crushed rock or gravel, and to ensure there’s proper drainage to prevent pooling. Once the base is established, you’ll need to lay the flagstones thoughtfully, leaving space for fillers that help them stay in place. These fillers are typically smaller pebbles or landscaping sand, which can be mixed with the flagstone mortar or grout to create a more decorative design.
Once the flagstones are laid, they can be sealed for long-term protection against the elements and weed growth. However, it’s important to note that sealing natural stone can have a negative impact on its appearance over time, as the sealant can cause the natural colors of the stone to fade. To minimize this effect, Unilock offers a product called EnduraColor Facemix Technology, which is engineered to resist color-fading from weather and wear for years to come.
Pavers
Pavers are available in many different colors, styles and textures to match the design of your home. They are durable and long-lasting, making them the perfect choice for your hardscaping project. They are also a good choice for driveways, patios and walkways because they can withstand high traffic and weather elements. Pavers are a popular option for homeowners because they are budget-friendly, versatile and stylish.
Before you start working on your hardscape, make sure you have the right tools and equipment. Use special white marking paint to mark the corners and significant boundary points of the area you plan to work with. This helps you understand the dimensions of the space and makes your paper plans make more 3D sense. It can also be helpful to visualize the dimensions of your finished paver project, which is a great way to motivate you!
Once you have a plan in mind, it’s time to pick out the materials that will be used. Choose from flag, brick and concrete pavers in a variety of shapes and colors. You can also opt for permeable pavers, which are eco-friendly and help reduce the amount of water that gets sent to storm drains. This keeps pesticides and other pollutants from getting carried back into lakes, rivers and oceans!
Once your hardscape is complete, it’s important to maintain it regularly. Regular cleaning can prevent weeds, mold and other harmful substances from growing in between pavers. Keeping your hardscape clean also helps ensure that it lasts longer and looks better! To clean your hardscape, sweep it regularly and rinse it off with a garden hose. For a deeper clean, you can use a pressure washer, but always be careful to avoid damaging the material.
Concrete
Concrete is a versatile and durable hardscaping material that can be used for walkways, patios, retaining walls and garden borders. It’s also available in a variety of colors and shapes, making it easy to match your landscaping style. Concrete can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic for years to come, so it’s a smart choice for long-lasting and low-maintenance outdoor features.
A popular choice for homeowners is to use reclaimed concrete for their hardscapes. Reclaimed concrete is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to new concrete. It has been recycled from existing structures and roads, and can be molded to fit the design of any hardscape project. The rugged texture of reclaimed concrete is a beautiful complement to soft plants and mulch, while its durability can be balanced by planting drought-tolerant or native plants.
Recycled concrete can be colored with stains and paints to match any aesthetic. This makes it a great option for homeowners who want to create an elegant and modern landscape. Reclaimed concrete is a strong and affordable choice for garden paths, retaining walls and more.
Stone is another popular hardscaping material for its natural look. It is available in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, so you can find the right stone for your project. If you choose to use natural stone for your hardscape, be sure to talk with a professional about how best to maintain it.
Concrete is a relatively simple material to make and use. The raw “ingredients” are readily available worldwide and can be combined in a multitude of ways to create different types of concrete. Its longevity and low maintenance costs are a boon to the environment, as it reduces waste and the need for constant replacement of other materials.
Natural Stone
Natural stone brings a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. This unique material, gathered or “harvested” in fields and quarries, includes granite and bluestone, cobblestones, flagstones, and thin stone veneers. Its ageless beauty and durability offer endless creative opportunities for incorporating hardscapes in your landscaping design.
Stone’s inherent strength and weather resistance make it a good choice for paving materials, such as walkways, patios, and retaining walls. The ability to customize the color of your stone allows you to create a cohesive look that enhances your landscape and suits your home’s style. For instance, you can use sandstone or limestone as garden paths and accent the color with plantings that match. This tailored approach offers the best balance between your hardscaping and softscape elements.
Additionally, many natural stone options are permeable, allowing rainwater to pass through joints and filter back into the ground, rather than pooling in areas where water can contribute to erosion and flooding problems. It is important to work with a professional who understands the nuances of working with this versatile material.
A hardscape project using natural stone provides a great return on investment, with the potential for cost savings in maintenance and repairs. While it may require more care than other paving materials, such as concrete, it will stand up to harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic for years to come, without the need for costly replacements.