The Best Hardscaping Ideas for This Summer
Transforming your outdoor space with hardscaped features can greatly enhance your property’s functionality, aesthetic appeal, and even its value. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best hardscape ideas to upgrade your outdoor area this summer.
1. Gravel Lawn
Forget grass! Install a gravel yard if you’re tired of sweating every summer just from mowing the grass. They’re incredibly easy to maintain, obviously don’t need to be mowed, and, best of all—relatively easy to install. Gravel yards are best suited for smaller spaces. Installing gravel in larger yards can be time-consuming and slightly expensive, even though pea gravel is less costly than other materials like stone.
2. Stone or Brick Fireplace
There’s something incredibly comforting about sitting by a fire, especially as the warm summer evenings give way to cooler fall nights. A stone or brick fireplace can transform your outdoor space, providing a cozy gathering spot for family and friends.
3. Limestone Steps
Limestone has a naturally soft appearance and can blend in with just about any landscaping style (although it fits better into traditional or cottage-themed properties). It is also durable and non-slippery, so it’s perfect for walkways and steps.
4. Pathway Lights
Pathway lights can beautifully accentuate your landscape while improving safety for you, your family, and any visitors. Although lighting is great for all properties, we particularly recommend pathway lights if you have winding or uneven walkways.
5. Brick Border
Define garden beds, pathways, lawn edges, and more with a brick border. These timeless hardscaping elements complement all types of property styles, from traditional to modern, are low-maintenance, and prevent grass and weeds from creeping into your garden.
6. Stained Concrete Patio
Concrete is incredibly durable, but it’s not aesthetically pleasing on its own. You can match concrete to your property by staining it. There are tons of color and design options available. Plus, you can even stamp them for added texture!
7. Brick or Stone Fountain
Are you looking for a centerpiece for your landscaping? Try a brick or stone fountain! Brick and stone blend seamlessly with most outdoor environments, and the sound of the fountain itself is incredibly relaxing.
8. Waterfall & Stone Creek
Although it can take a little bit of work, a man-made stone creek and waterfall add dynamicity to your landscape and can help you feel like you’re more out in nature than a typical lawn can achieve. This type of hardscaping element also naturally attracts wildlife, so make sure you don’t place it near your garden!
9. Built-In Outdoor Grill
If you love cookouts, why not create a permanent grill in your space? Built-in grills are incredibly durable and tend to perform better than their portable counterparts, and they can be customized to fit your needs!
10. Brick Paver Patio
It can be difficult to find the right patio design for your home. If you’re absolutely stuck, consider using brick pavers. They have a timeless appearance that fits well with any type of property, and they’re available in different colors and shapes, so they’re still customizable. Compared to other materials, brick pavers are low maintenance and only require occasional cleaning.
11. Stone Walkway
Stone is beautiful, safe, and great for high-traffic areas. Whether you want a walkway leading to your patio, one that winds through your garden, or a walkway leading up to your front door, stone is a great material.
12. Firepit Walkway Extension
Most of the time, firepits are in the center of a backyard. When the time comes to use it, it’s often dark, so it can be hard to see rocks, kids’ toys, and other items left out around the pit. A walkway can provide a clear, safe path to the pit, minimizing the risk of any accidents.
13. Sleek Outdoor Bar
Unwind after a hard day at work in your new outdoor bar. This outdoor space can be the perfect spot for relaxing, hosting parties, or having a low-key date night.
14. Outdoor Kitchen
Modern outdoor kitchens are a popular and fantastic addition to any home. They help reduce energy costs by keeping your indoor kitchen cool, allowing you to cook while mingling with guests outside, keeping cooking odors outside, and adding to your home’s value. They can also come with a range of upscale amenities, like built-in plumbing, stylish lighting, and even wood-burning pizza ovens.
15. Retaining Walls
If your property has uneven terrain, a retaining wall can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. Retaining walls offer structural support, preventing soil erosion and managing water flow. They also create more usable space in your yard to add more trees, shrubs, or other plants. Use timber retaining walls for a more natural look, or create unique wall designs with concrete blocks. Highly permeable gabion walls are best for properties that require fast water drainage.
Have a Project in Mind? Contact Design One Today!
Bring all of your hardscape ideas to life with the help of Design One. With more than 30 years of experience in custom residential and commercial landscaping and hardscaping in Michigan, we have the skills to transform your outdoor space. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a project consultation.
As a residential and commercial landscaping company in Michigan, we’re experienced in both property care and landscaping design. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Design One is great source of information when it comes to your Michigan lawn care needs! From preliminary design mapping, to irrigation and the types of plants you might want on your priority, we cover it all.
