Consider how you will be using the space. Do you want to host get togethers with friends? Do you want to cook outdoors in an outdoor kitchen? Can you imagine sitting around your firepit in the evenings? Thinking about how you will use the space helps us to give you more specific ideas and advice, and to customize the landscape for your lifestyle.

There are a plethora of different options for hardscape materials. This is great news because it allows you to find a look that will be a perfect fit for your tastes and preferences. To narrow down the options, start by thinking in broad categories. Do you want to use natural stone? Concrete pavers? Decomposed granite? Poured concrete? After choosing a category you can delve into the specific styles, colors, textures, and shapes that are available for your chosen hardscape material. If this all sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry! We are here to guide you through the different options to find that perfect match.

Permeable hardscapes are built in a way that allows rainwater to quickly sink down into the soil beneath the surface. Impermeable hardscapes do not allow water through the surface. Instead, the water flows off the surface typically into some type of drain. We really push for permeable when the hardscape is in a location where the stormwater runoff is going to flow directly into a storm drain or fragile ecosystem area. Front yards, driveways, and parking lots are common examples of this. Stormwater runoff from hardscaped surfaces can cause a lot of pollution in these situations. By allowing that stormwater to sink into the ground beneath a permeable hardscape, the pollutants that are being washed off the surface can be naturally filtered by the the soil. This also keeps more water on-site for your plants and helps refill depleted underground aquifers. However, there are many cases where water runoff from small impervious hardscapes will simply flow into the surrounding soil instead of a storm drain or fragile ecosystem area. In these cases, the two types are hardscapes can often be environmentally equal.

Three major factors to consider here are budget, looks, and function. Retaining walls can vary quite a bit in cost depending on the material being used. Retaining walls built using lumber are generally the least costly while block, masonry, and dry stacked stone walls will cost more. The look of the wall should be cohesive with the style of the rest of the landscape, including the planting design, other hardscapes, and even the house. The wall material, color, and texture all play into this. Regarding function, some wall materials work better than others for long term durability, especially when considering the height of the wall, soil conditions, and slope.

This is fun! Your outdoor furniture and decorations will make a huge impact on the overall look of the landscape. These elements can be the icing on the cake if done right, and are great opportunities for creative touches to make the space uniquely yours. We suggest investing in high quality outdoor furniture that is comfortable and matches the style of your patio or deck. Outdoor rooms and hardscapes are also great opportunities to include interesting art pieces. Sculptures, paintings, and metal works can add a nice touch. For bare exterior walls, vertical gardens or succulent walls are a striking focal point. High quality planter pots with unique colors, textures, and shapes also add interest and dimension to your patio or outdoor room.

Outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands are a fun backyard addition. They make it easy to cook outdoors and spend time in the yard. You’ll want to start with choosing a BBQ insert for the kitchen island. There are many options available with different features and price points. Underneath the BBQ, you’ll want some sort of metal cabinet to store BBQ supplies, kitchen tools, and utensils. Most of our clients choose to include a compact refrigerator in their outdoor kitchen. You’ll want to opt for an outdoor rated fridge with the same type of finish as the rest of your outdoor appliances. Many people also include a sink in their outdoor kitchen to make prep and clean up easier. Other options to consider are a pizza oven, wine rack, food warmer, and ice bin.