Hardscapes can be any built structure in your front, back, side yard or any outdoor space. This can mean a patio, driveway, walkway, retaining wall, water feature, path, fence, deck, outdoor kitchen, pergola, arbor or gazebo. Hardscaping helps to structure an outdoor space and complement the landscaping. Concrete and gravel are the least expensive hardscape materials, often used to build affordable retaining walls, patios, driveways and other outdoor structures. Here are some creative ideas you can use.
A side walkway lined with paver stones, low retaining walls and stylized landscaping adds curb appeal and texture to a home. Keeping everything low to the ground allows the landscaping around the periphery to stand out and keeps sightlines open.
A central courtyard paved with staggered stones and edged with plants and flowers can give a classic and timeless feel.
A Mediterranean stone patio can look like it’s part of the natural landscape, with a rustic corner bench, retaining wall and mix of sculptural landscaping that ties it all together.
An asymmetrical driveway with edges that are filled in with landscaping to add a bit of interest to the front yard can make your home look exciting and inviting.
Large-scale boulders to build a retaining wall for a sloping front or back yard, give the outdoor space a natural feel and can complement simple landscaping and lawn.
A backyard patio with a circular sunken fire pit can create a conversation area accessed by curved steps and anchored by planted landscaping to soften it up. A wood pergola can add partial shade and contrast with all the stone and concrete finishes.
An outdoor kitchen containing a brick pizza oven, lined with concrete pavers, can also include a dining area that is partially shaded with a wood-stained pergola.
A gated front courtyard entrance that is partly shaded by a pergola and includes a concrete water feature, walkway and decorative anchor wall creates a unique ambiance that is unlike other neighborhood entrances.
A tiered concrete front entry with a stepped walkway that has an integrated water feature running along one side, adds structure and pleasing water sounds for visitors approaching the front door.
A backyard gazebo, made of tempered glass and stylized metal creates a cozy all-weather communal dining room that sparks new interest in any backyard.
