As you plan out your outdoor spaces, you want to balance the hardscape and softscape elements to provide a fully functional landscape. Here are some hardscaping trends to keep in mind:
1. Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity. They tend to be the perfect fit for homeowners who love to cook and enjoy spending time outside. This is also a great opportunity to install appliances that your indoor kitchen might not be able to handle like a pizza oven, smoker, or barbecue. Plus, you don’t usually get more open concept than outside.
2. Fire Pits & Fireplaces
Fire pits and fireplaces are other hardscape additions that can take your outdoor space to the next level. These are often integrated into a stone patio or are stand-alone elements that can be moved as needed. Several fire pit options are available including a wood-burning fire pit or a gas unit.
A gas unit does not generate smoke and sparks, so most municipalities allow them to be placed almost anywhere. Wood generates more heat and does emit smoke as well as sparks, so there are usually limitations on how close they can be placed to other structures. Each has their benefits, so it just depends on where you want to put your fire pit and what atmosphere you prefer.
3. Natural Stone
The natural stone look is a popular hardscaping look. Natural stone pavers and the gray and tan colors of natural stone are on-trend when it comes to hardscape. Natural stone comes in a wide variety of textures and colors, which makes the incorporation of it highly customizable. This hardscaping trend is all about getting a classic, natural look with more texture and feeling than standard concrete. Things to consider with natural stone are:
- wet or dry laid
- regular shaped or irregular
- joint space (tight or 2” max)
- color variation
These above variations can add cost to any project through increased labor. Ask us about the differences!
4. Accent Borders
Pathways and patios with an artistic look are becoming popular in hardscaping. Accent borders are a great way to incorporate an artistic touch into your pathways. This style can be achieved with using different size/shaped/colored stones along the borders. Accents also add some pizzazz on the way to the pool, gazebo, or mailbox.
Getting Started with CKC Landscaping. When serving clients, we invest time to figure out and record all the design details, while involving homeowners in the entire process. This means you’ll get exactly what you want in a hardscape. The more thought and research you put into early preparation, the more our design and construction team has to work with as they run with your conceptual ideas. We work to bring you a safe, practical, and environmentally-friendly design that our crews will build and install with the top-notch workmanship that CKC Landscaping exemplifies. Call us today to get started.
