Hardscaping Ideas

Hardscaping are the larger permanent fixtures in your yard that don’t require water or much maintenance. We suggest you first consider these more permanent structures in your yard, before landscaping elements, because they tend to frame and control activity in your yard. Hardscaping elements are also very important because they tend to retain value for your property. Because of this, consider putting quality in your hardscaping. Here are some common hardscaping elements Back Breaker provides:

Driveways, Walkways & Patios

Common hardscaping elements that define your yard include driveways and walkways. They can be made of many materials. Back Breakers suggests you use a beautiful surface for these areas because you’ll spend so much time there. Consider flagstone, pavers, and brick. Many styles and combinations are possible. For a more economical surface with concrete, consider using colored concrete that is stamped with a pattern.

Decks

Decks are often raised platforms that are often next to your home but may also be located in a remote location of your yard. Typically made of redwood or pressure-treated wood, Back Breakers suggests you consider synthetic wood for a more durable surface and lower maintenance.

Hardscaping Surfaces

Consider these hardscaping surfaces in your design. Back Breakers can help you consider the many trade offs between them including visual appeal, personal preference, maintenance, and cost.

1. Flagstone

Flagstone surfaces provide the beauty of natural stone. Many colors are available and many styles can be used to position and retain the flagstone. Flagstone is great for walkways, patios, and sitting surfaces. Don’t use it for driveways. Back Breakers specializes in a unique flagstone design and installation that uses a diamond bit cutting. This creates a fancy look similar to tile with a modern look that is in-between tile and outdoor natural stone. We suggest setting in concrete for a durable surface. Setting flagstone in sand will likely cause cracks in the grout.

2. Pavers & Brick Work

Pavers and bricks offer a different and beautiful surface that can add value to your home. They have the advantage of coming in many colors and shapes. They are useful for driveways and patios. Another feature of pavers is that they are easy to repair if damaged, because one paver can be removed and replaced.

3. Concrete

Concrete is one of the most common hardscaping elements used for driveways and walkways. You can modify the appearance using colored concrete or exposed aggregate finishes. You can also texture concrete with various shapes and patters, such as a flagstone design. You may want to consider more decorative and pleasing surfaces such as pavers, flagstone, and brick for surfaces.

Block Work and Block Walls

Walls made of block can be used for retaining dirt, separating landscaping areas such as for planters, or for walls to add security and privacy to your home. Keystone blocks use no mortar, simply laying in a staggared pattern on top of one another. They are most often used for retaining walls that can hold back dirt. Standard block walls are useful for privacy, security, separating your yard from the neighbors or front yard from back yard. Bock walls can be made of colored block and split block to add visual appeal.

Planters

Planters are separate areas that retain soil for flower gardens, regular gardens, or other landscape features. Back Breakers specializes in planters made from Moss Rocks, but other structures can also be used such as cultured stone or keystone blocks.

Fencing

Many types of fencing are available to add security and privacy to your yard or help separate different areas of your yard. Block walls, wood fencing, coyote fencing can be made visually appealing. You may also want to use chain-link fencing where visual appeal is not as important or around areas for animal runs. Fencing should also enhance appeal of the property, landscape and home. There may be different types of fencing you’ve not considered. Fencing types have different cost, durability, and maintenance requirements. Talk to Back Breakers about ideas for your property.

Fire Pits

Fire pits provide gathering areas for friends and family. Warmth from the fire can extend the use of your outdoor spaces into chilly nights and days. Use of propane fire pits ads convenience and ease of maintenance. Wood burning fire pits Consider having your fire pit very attractive using elements such as cultured stone siding and flagstone or other natural stone tops and sitting areas.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor Kitchens provide a durable cooking area that can contain grills, preparation surfaces, and electrical appliances such as refrigerators. Consider placing them in a location that is convenient for cooking and serving food, but far enough away that smoke does not inconvenience you and your guests.