The best materials for hardscaping in a landscape design depend on the desired look and budget. When adding hardscaping to a landscape design, choosing suitable materials is essential. The following tips discuss some of the best materials for hardscaping and how they can enhance the landscaping design.
BRICK
Brick is strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. This material can create pathways, walls, steps, patios, and other features that add structure and visual interest to outdoor spaces. Brick’s natural color palette of reds, oranges, and browns makes coordinating with existing plants or furniture easy. It’s also relatively low-maintenance, as it doesn’t require painting or staining like wood. Furthermore, brick can last for decades if properly installed and maintained.
CONCRETE
Concrete is a robust and durable material that can create various structures and features such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and steps. Concrete is simpler to install and maintain than other common materials like brick or stone. This material also comes in various colors and textures so that it can be customized to the design. Concrete can last many years without needing replacement or repair with proper care and maintenance.
STONE
Stone is a durable and attractive material often used to create walls, pathways, and patios, and it comes in various colors and textures, making it suited for almost any design style. Stone is relatively low-maintenance compared to other materials, such as wood or metal, and it requires no regular painting or staining like wood and doesn’t rust like metal can over time. This material also has excellent thermal properties, which make it ideal for use in areas where temperatures fluctuate significantly throughout the year.
PAVERS
Pavers are durable, attractive materials often used to create pathways, patios, and other outdoor features. They come in various materials, such as brick, concrete, stone, and even plastic.
Each type of paver has advantages and disadvantages. Concrete pavers are easy to install and affordable but may not last as long as other materials; brick pavers offer an elegant look but require more maintenance; stone pavers are strong and durable but can be expensive; plastic pavers are lightweight yet still strong enough for most applications. Choosing suitable paver material ultimately depends on budget constraints and design preferences.
GRAVEL
Gravel comprises small stones, usually between one-fourth and two inches in diameter, bound with a binder such as cement or asphalt. Gravel can create pathways, driveways, patios, and other outdoor features. It comes in various colors and textures; this versatility makes it an ideal choice for many landscaping projects.
Gravel has several advantages over other materials when it comes to hardscaping. First, it is relatively inexpensive compared to other materials like brick or concrete pavers. Gravel requires minimal maintenance—any accumulating debris can be easily swept away, and when occasionally needed, more gravel can be added to the mix.
FLAGSTONE
Flagstone is a flat, sedimentary rock that has been split into thin layers and can be found in various colors and sizes. Flagstone is durable and weather-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor projects such as patios, walkways, steps, and walls. Its natural texture provides traction to prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces. Flagstone can be laid out in patterns or mosaics to create unique designs for a landscape project.
WOOD DECKING
Wood decking provides a natural, attractive look often used in outdoor living spaces such as patios, decks, and walkways. Wood decking is durable and easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance option. The wood comes in many styles and colors, so it can be customized to fit a home’s style. When selecting wood decking for a project, choose quality materials that withstand harsh weather conditions like rain or snow.
Prestige Landscape Company offers landscape design, installation, and seasonal or ongoing maintenance for residential and commercial clients in Nashville, TN. We create hardscaping, outdoor kitchens or living spaces, functional and sustainable landscape plantings, sod installation, lighting, and irrigation systems. Our maintenance crew provides ongoing or seasonal service, including weed control, plant trimming or replacement, and more. Contact us for a free estimate at (615) 395-6351.