❇️ Introduction
The journey to curate an ideal backyard finds its answer in the art of landscaping and hardscaping. Designing a visually appealing and practical outdoor space is an extensive task, often leaving people worried about where to start! Indeed, there are a multitude of elements to consider, but it is time you put the worries aside because you have stumbled your way to the right place. By the end of this blog, you’ll know the top 5 easy ways to enhance your backyard with hardscapes and boost its visual appeal!
❇️ What is Hardscaping?
Before we move further, let us quickly establish what hardscaping is. Essentially, hardscaping refers to adding concrete, asphalt, brick, etc., structures to a lawn. It can be in the form of patios, stone retaining walls, boulders, stepping stones, and whatnot.
While landscaping focuses on adorning your space with trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, etc., hardscaping aims to transform your backyard by introducing non-living features that add to the structural definition. It includes pathways, patios, decks, walls, and other structures made from materials like wood, stone, concrete, or metal. Hardscaping intends to improve the functionality of the outdoor space, aside from contributing to the overall garden aesthetics. The best part? It’s a permanent or semi-permanent feature, so you can enjoy its beauty and functionality for years to come!
❇️ Visualize Your Ideal Backyard!
Every beautiful lawn has a specific pattern, like a repeated color scheme, shape, or texture that appears throughout the space. This subtle yet deliberate repetition not only welcomes uniformity to the backyard but also helps to align all the add-on elements and present them aesthetically. Aside from this, how you accessorize your space needs a balance – you ought to ensure that everything is evenly distributed so it does not come across as overwhelming and remains a safe haven for you. Symmetry and greenery are not the only defining factors of a lawn, so you do not need to worry about conforming to the stereotypical definitions.
A well-balanced garden can be achieved regardless of following a symmetric or asymmetric design. However, one of the key elements to note is the focal points. Determine what parts of your outdoor space you especially want to draw attention to. You may choose to accentuate it with a pop of color, which can be achieved by adorning the space with flowers or placing strategic hardscapes that personalize your lawn according to your tastes.
❇️ Top 05 Brilliant Hardscaping Designs
Let’s quickly go through five unique ways you can use to elevate your outdoor space using hardscaping:
⭕ Walkways
The walkway is one of the most imperative details of a well-designed and functional lawn. While walking barefoot on grass may stimulate pressure points on your feet, frequent foot traffic may result in bare patches in your backyard. So, installing a pathway can help prevent any damage to the grass. In addition, a walkway also adds direction and contributes to setting the vibe you intend to go for. For instance, a straight-aligned path may give more sophisticated energy, but an unevenly skewed walkway may depict a whimsical element.
Aside from this, having a walkway amidst your lawn allows you to go for midnight strolls without being conscious about where you step. Moreover, the materials used to construct the path also determine the overall aesthetics of your outdoor lawn. You can use multiple mediums for your pathway, including gravel, brick, concrete, wood, tiles, etc. However, these choices depend on the purpose of the walkway. For instance, if you want a durable and affordable walkway that adds to the visual appeal, concrete pavers are generally the ideal choice.
So, the first step to elevating your outdoor space is to incorporate a pathway that complements the overall aesthetics while improving usability.
⭕ Patios
Moving on to patios, by definition, it refers to an outdoor extension of your residence. You may consider it an open-air lounge. Now, it is entirely up to your discretion whether you want to keep your patio’s vibe leaning towards a cottage-core, natural setting, a modernized, posh leisure space, or a blend of both! There is no right or wrong when it comes to patio designs; it is only what suits your preference and the purpose you want it to serve. Generally, patios carved out of porcelain or natural stone are durable and weather-resistant.
However, if you are inclined towards wood patios, you can ensure their durability by investing in rot-resistant or pressure-treated materials and frequent maintenance to reduce any damage to the patio. Additionally, your patio can be more than just a sitting space by adding a fireplace or you can use lighting to give it a whimsical, mystical touch straight out of your favourite fairytale! You may take time out of your busy lives and design your patio, or you can relax and let noteworthy and reliable Landscapers take care of this.
⭕ Fire Pits
As hinted earlier, adding a fire pit to your garden may enhance the overall aesthetics and functionality. However, numerous details demand attention before you can construct an outdoor firepit. Typically, fire pits are placed at least 10 feet away from your home. Anything susceptible to catching fire, like plants, sofas, etc., is advised to be kept about 3 feet away from the fire pit. Aside from this, if the fire pit is an add-on to an enclosed patio, it will require a proper ventilation route to drive out the smoke. Further details, such as what fuel to use for the fireplace, must also be considered. Such nitty-gritty can act as a hindrance, which is why many bail out on adding a firepit. However, having a firepit is worth the effort, as it also makes gatherings in your outdoor space more eventful.
Aside from giving your garden a warm, magical glow, a fire pit also unlocks the potential bonfire parties you can throw for your friends. If a party is not much of your vibe, then a slow bonfire night surrounded by your people may pique your interest. Imagine sitting around the fire pit roasting marshmallows on a chilly evening – sounds like a dream! Now, making this dream your reality is easier than ever with the expertise of professional hardscapers who can design a fire pit that fits right into the theme your lawn embodies!
⭕ Outdoor Kitchen
If you have never envisioned an outdoor kitchen for your home, now is the time to do so. Cooking is just another mundane chore if you do it within the walls of your house. However, suppose you step outside to cook in an outdoor kitchen surrounded by nature. In that case, cooking can become something to look forward to. You also get a break from your usual food options by incorporating an extended summer menu with the outdoor grill.
Onto the prime query, how do you build an outdoor kitchen? You may have seen DIY ideas all over the search engines, but they lack durability and safety. An outdoor kitchen needs to be planned uniquely for each property, which can prove arduous. That is why the safest and headache-free option is to contact hardscapers who understand your vision and purpose for your outdoor kitchen and bring it to life. All the potential concerns about the budget can be brushed aside because an outdoor kitchen is a long-term investment in your property and contributes to raising its monetary value.
5. Pergolas
An add-on feature to your backyard, a Pergola, is a four-pillared wooden structure with a slatted roof. Essentially, it serves the purpose of providing shade or protection from rain or snow. A Pergola adds vertical dimension and depth to the overall design and aesthetics of a lawn. It acts as a focal point or a point of interest in your outdoor space. Also, it gives you an opportunity to incorporate climbing plants in your garden, swirling their way around your pergola. The best part is that it is completely customizable! You can choose the ones that reflect your style by customizing the height or the type of roof – closed or open, the lighting or decorative plants around your Pergola.
Additionally, a Pergola can also serve as an alternative to a patio or deck, saving you space and may preserve the natural aesthetics if that is something you prefer. Or you can play around with the two ideas, merge them, and come up with something unique for your backyard. Another way you can make the most out of your Pergola, which many are unaware of, is installing solar panels on the slatted roof. It not only helps generate sustainable, renewable energy but also optimally utilizes your outdoor space.
❇️ Your Lawn Needs A Flair Of You!
So far, we have discussed and tried and tested hardscaping ideas that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your backyard, on top of raising the curb appeal. While these ideas help elevate your outdoor space, they might not be reflective of the vision you have. That’s why here’s a reminder: you have complete creative freedom. If you want to come up with an out-of-the-box idea or add-on design that is exclusive to you – do it! In fact, unleashing your inner hardscape designer will only add to the fun.
The internet is full of ideas that you can explore and decide what works for you. You may want to DIY the ideas if you have spare time, but let it be known that such hardscaping projects should only be undertaken after proper training. Using professional equipment and for those attempting hardscaping as a one-time thing, naturally lacking training and purchasing the tools will not be the wisest course of action. On top of it, taking on this task yourself raises concerns regarding the hardscapes’ durability. It might jeopardize your safety! Reputable Hardscapers should have trained, reliable staff to construct the add-on structures while ensuring maximum safety for all stakeholders. So it is a viable option to save yourself the hassle and get in touch with professionals who can make your life easier!
❇️ Why Choose MPR Landscapes?
MPR Landscapes is a renowned home-grown business, so fulfilling the customer’s needs to their complete satisfaction remains our top priority. We not only provide landscaping and hardscaping services for both residential and commercial spaces but also offer seasonal clean-up and maintenance services. Whether it is an outdoor kitchen and fire pits or pergolas and patios, MPR Landscapes can design and install it all!
Aside from this, we also provide maintenance services, so you can count on us to upkeep your backyard with repairs if needed. Additionally, our qualified staff is trained to understand the customer’s needs and objectives so they can plan and transform your backyard into a space that is reflective of your lifestyle and personal preferences and resonates with you the most. We at MPR Landscapes place a grave emphasis on safety, and our team is consciously careful when working around people, especially children.
We also understand that budget is one of the crucial factors when aiming for a backyard transformation. That is why we at MPR Landscapes give free estimates for our services, and you can make the most out of it by reaching out to us for all your landscaping and hardscaping needs.
❇️ Conclusion
Incorporating strategic hardscapes improves the vibe of a backyard. When designing an outdoor space, a lot of work and consideration of details are required, all while ensuring that no add-on clashes with the others. Planning in such depth requires time and energy, and we understand your time is precious.
If you do not have a plan for your lawn, we can visit and give you suggestions as well. With years of experience on our hands and an astounding number of satisfied clients, MPR Landscapes remains a reliable contender for your next hardscaping project.
So, if you reside in Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, or Toronto, reach out to MPR Landscapes to give your backyard the transformation it deserves!
❇️ Frequently Asked Questions
- How to transform an outdoor space?
You can enhance its greenery, add a fireplace, add suitable lighting, or build a gorgeous deck. Some people also like to add water features like fountains and pools to make their outdoor space more inviting.
- What does hardscape do?
“Hardscapes” refers to patios, sitting walls, retaining walls, landscaped walkways, and much more. It includes any custom-built attributes to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.
- How to design a functional outdoor space?
You can plan distinct zones for activities like dining, relaxation, and gardening, ensuring easy flow and access. Incorporate elements like lighting, seating, and greenery to enhance comfort and aesthetics.
