Adding hardscapes like patios, walkways, and walls can dramatically improve your yard’s look. They can also add functionality and reduce maintenance.
Whether it’s a paved pathway to your front door or a fire pit for entertaining friends, hardscape features are versatile and increase your home’s value. They contrast beautifully with the softscape of flowers and foliage that change with each season. Contact Colorado Springs Hardscape Construction for professional help.
Retaining walls do more than simply hold back soil; they can transform sloped landscapes into usable spaces, solve persistent erosion problems and dramatically boost your property’s value and curb appeal. While hardscapes like patios and firepits can serve functional purposes, retaining walls are the most versatile landscape elements that combine both practical function and decorative design.
While there are many different kinds of retaining walls, some are better suited for specific functions than others. Gravity Walls, for example, rely on their own weight to resist soil pressure and are often used for shorter walls or straightforward installations. Cantilever Walls utilize leverage to resist lateral soil pressure and work well for taller walls or more complex sites.
Structural Retaining Walls handle serious business, standing over 3 feet high and requiring substantial footings and engineering to ensure stability. They are typically constructed of concrete or masonry and can be designed to last decades. Garden Walls are their more approachable cousins, less than 2 feet tall and serving primarily decorative purposes. They’re perfect for defining garden beds and creating gentle transitions between landscape areas without the engineering complexity of their taller relatives.
No matter which retaining wall material you choose, it’s important to regularly inspect your walls for signs of movement. In our New England climate, freeze-thaw cycles can gradually shift blocks and create pressure points that may eventually cause structural damage. Even if the movement is minor, it’s important to address these issues promptly to prevent a more severe issue down the line. Moreover, plant roots can also work their way between blocks and over time cause a loss of stability. For this reason, it’s important to keep plants and vines trimmed away from retaining walls to maintain their durability.
Patios
Patios are an easy way to add an outdoor dining and entertainment area for your home. Whether you are looking for stone pavers or wood decking, there are many options available to fit your style and budget. Patios can also be integrated with water features like fountains for a cohesive look.
Adding hardscape elements to your landscape design improves functionality, reduces maintenance, and enhances aesthetics. Choosing the right materials and ensuring proper installation are key to a lasting hardscape. The most common hardscapes include paved areas, pathways, retaining walls, and firepits. Using these hardscapes in combination with horticultural plantings, such as trees and shrubs, creates a balanced and visually appealing landscape.
Pavers, gravel, and crushed stone are low-maintenance options for a hardscape. When paired with drought-resistant plants and ground covers that suppress weeds, these materials can help you maintain a lush, healthy yard with minimal effort. Investing in a professional installation ensures that your hardscape will stand the test of time. Poor installation can lead to uneven surfaces, drainage mismanagement, and premature wear. Choosing experienced hardscapers eliminates these risks and delivers flawless results.
Incorporating hardscape elements into your landscaping increases curb appeal and resale value. Adding a stone or brick patio, wooden deck, or firepit makes your backyard a comfortable place to relax and entertain. In addition, incorporating a hardscape into your front yard provides a polished appearance that turns heads. A well-designed hardscape complements and enhances the beauty of your home. Contact a Unilock Authorized Contractor to learn more about our hardscaping services and how they can benefit your property. Our expert team is happy to provide a consultation and help you find the perfect products for your project.
Outdoor Kitchens
Imagine firing up the grill to enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner with friends, or even serving wood-fired pizza. An outdoor kitchen is a must-have for people who love to entertain, and it elevates your backyard into an open-air living area perfect for year-round use.
Unlike conventional patios, which separate cooking and dining areas, an outdoor kitchen combines the convenience of a multifunctional space with built-in appliances for an inviting backyard setting. A grill, sink, and storage are typical features for an outdoor kitchen, but some include refrigerators and even a bar so guests can mix drinks and socialize while cooking.
A well-equipped outdoor kitchen makes it easy to entertain at home, allowing you to avoid costly restaurant bills. It also keeps you away from the heat of the house during summer and helps keep your energy costs down. Adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard also increases your property value and makes your home a more attractive feature for prospective buyers.
Consider a covered cooking area to shield the outdoor kitchen from harsh sunlight and rain, extending its usability. This may include a pergola, awning, or fully roofed structure. A Belgard Authorized Contractor can help you determine the ideal location for an outdoor kitchen to take advantage of prevailing wind directions, which can influence smoke, heat, and cooking performance.
Choose a hardscape material that suits the overall aesthetic of your landscape. Concrete is a classic choice for outdoor kitchens, but natural stone or manufactured pavers offer more visual appeal and are more environmentally friendly than an impermeable surface. In addition, using permeable materials like pea gravel or grass can improve drainage and allow for a more natural transition between your living spaces.
Firepits
While fire pits can be a fun addition to your backyard, they must be carefully planned and implemented. Like patios, retaining walls and outdoor kitchens, they are permanent features that require a significant investment in time and money. Fire pits must also be carefully maintained to keep everyone safe. Proper precautions include keeping children away from the fire pit, maintaining a distance of at least 10-20 feet from combustible materials, and having a fire extinguisher nearby.
Incorporating fire pits into a larger lounge area creates opportunities for relaxing and socializing with family and friends. A fire pit can help extend the amount of time spent outdoors, and provide an attractive focal point for your landscape. The right surrounding hardscapes will also enhance the overall ambiance of your outdoor space, adding to the comfort and enjoyment.
For a truly customized design, custom fire pits can be built from a variety of stone and materials that match your existing landscape. Pre-made fire pits are another option, and can be found in a variety of styles and designs. Most commonly these feature a firebrick ring with an outer surround made from natural or engineered stone, pavers, flagstone, or concrete.
A premium, high-quality fire pit can deliver a stunning aesthetic and code-compliant performance, elevating your outdoor landscape. Like other hardscapes, a fire pit can be incorporated into your backyard with the use of premium hardscape kits that seamlessly integrate with your patio or retaining wall. Options for feeding a fire feature include gas, propane or wood-burning models.
Water Features
Water features add dimension and movement to hardscapes, enhancing the ambiance with their soothing sound. Whether it’s a fountain, waterfall, or pond, these dynamic additions are an investment in your landscape and the overall property value of your home. They not only provide a relaxing escape from the daily grind but also mask unwanted noises, reduce air pollution, and promote the growth of vegetation and wildlife.
Streams, water walls, and waterfalls can be designed in various heights, shapes, and materials, allowing you to create the perfect focal point for your outdoor living space. These features are ideal for large spaces as they occupy a significant amount of visual space and can easily accommodate plants and seating areas. They can even be enhanced with lighting to highlight their allure during the evening.
If you are looking for a more subtle feature, consider water wall designs that incorporate a vertical panel with cascading water to complement contemporary hardscape designs. This type of design is often crafted from glass or stainless steel and can be customized with etched patterns and a variety of lighting effects.
Spouts and scuppers are another type of water feature that can be customized to suit your hardscape design. They can be integrated into walls or standalone structures like pergolas, fire pits, and patios, transforming them into beautiful accent pieces. They can also be outfitted with lighted spouts and custom carvings to elevate their visual impact in the night.
Maintaining a stunning backyard water feature requires a commitment to regular maintenance. Ensure your water is free of algae and debris by incorporating efficient pumps, effective filters, and aeration systems. You can further minimize your water usage by selecting drought-resistant plants for the surrounding garden and implementing smart irrigation systems that adjust their schedules based on weather conditions.