8 Ultimate Hardscape Ideas to Makeover Your Backyard
Having an expansive backyard is a blessing. We love it more when it’s green, clean, and beautiful. No wonder homeowners spend quite a bundle on backyard improvements and upkeep!
However, this can be a challenge. It isn’t always easy to transform a drab space into an outdoor paradise. Breaking up your backyard into different spaces, landscapes, and functional areas requires knowledge and expertise.
If you’re planning to give your backyard a makeover but don’t really know where to start, we’re here to help. As experts in all things landscaping, we bring you eight ultimate hardscape ideas for a backyard makeover.
8 Hardscape Ideas for Backyard
1. Install Water Falls
When it comes to hardscaping ideas, consider adding calming natural elements to your outdoor area. Waterfalls, ponds, birdbaths, koi ponds, or streams can be an excellent addition. They also tend to attract birds and add beauty to your landscape.
Whether you want to add a waterfall, a small pond, a grand fountain or even build a swimming pool, it can be a welcome addition to your backyard. With that in mind, you might want to install a stock tank pool before the next summer strikes. But make sure to install the tank over a flat surface of concrete or stones to keep your grass protected.
You can always talk with our experts to learn which hardscape ideas will work best in your backyard. We’ll suggest the most suitable water feature for your outdoor area, and make it happen!
2. Create an Outdoor Kitchen
Who doesn’t love an outdoor BBQ? But why stop there? Having a well-equipped outdoor kitchen can add jazz to your outdoor cookouts and parties.
This can work especially well if you usually have guests over and entertain a lot. The good news is that there are several ways to build an outdoor kitchen. You could add a simple charcoal grill along with a table and chairs on your patio; or you could pull out all stops and install a kitchen with an island, storage, grill, refrigerator – the works. Choose what you need, and enjoy some outdoor cooking time!
3. Set up Trellises
If you are looking for a quick and easy hardscape idea for your backyard, trellises are a great choice. Even one trellis can light up your backyard. If you’re into DIY projects, you should be able to create your own trellis from old wooden boards, garden stakes, bamboo or metal poles.
And if you’d like to grow your flowers and vegetables slightly unconventionally (think vertical garden), trellises could be the perfect structure your foliage can wrap itself around!
Trellises are great because they add character to the yard without pinching your pocket. For best results, build the trellis before putting it in the ground. This makes it easier to assemble it rather than after the stakes are in the soil.
4. Build Garden Paths
This one’s among the most popular and timeless hardscape ideas. Building garden paths snaking through your vegetable beds and flower gardens is a brilliant way to beautify your landscape. And you have many options, ranging from tiles to paver blocks.
You can also consider having a stone pathway to add charm to your outdoor area without costing much. When choosing the stone, speak with our hardscaping expert, who will help you choose elements that complement your home and are practical for your specific yard conditions.
For instance, if your pathway will be next to a swimming pool or fountain, choose textured stones that don’t get slippery when wet.
A gravel pathway is another great hardscape idea to consider. It’s soft to walk on, but robust enough to support the weight of a loaded vehicle. Add in a stone border and you should be able to create a stunning hardscaping for your backyard.
Yet another hardscaping idea is to install solar-powered lamps/lights along your pathway to beautify it further. Our team of yard project experts will help you choose the right materials and tools to build an aesthetic pathway.
5. Build a Fire Pit
A fire pit is a must if you like to chill out in your backyard at night. A fire element works well as a hardscape idea as it creates a natural focal point in your yard.
Consider adding a fire pit made of wall stones to add a rustic look and create an outdoorsy mood. Or you could go for the metal variant.
Regardless of your choice, make sure to create ample seating arrangements around the fire pit for hanging out with your family and friends while feasting on s’mores.
6. Try a Pergola
Adding a pergola is a great hardscape idea when you want to give your backyard a makeover. It can be made of various materials, including wood, metal, or structural synthetic components. They are best placed on a hardscaped area such as a concrete slab or paved patio.
Pergolas not only add an element of interest to your outdoor space, they also shield you from the harsh rays of the sun, allowing you to stay cool on hot summer afternoons. You can create a better-shaded area by simply adding curtains and/or plants around the pergola.
7. Fill Your Backyard with Native Perennials
As you populate your garden with plants, try to stick with native perennials. They have the best shot at surviving in your yard. The same rule applies to flowers too. They’re perfect for adding a dash of color to your backyard.
Consider planting hydrangea or tulips along your fence to create an eye-pleasing effect. Or head to your local nursery, buy your favorite plants and flowers, and place them all over your backyard.
8. Try Boulders, Rocks, and Pebbles
One of the most popular hardscaping ideas is to include boulders, rocks, and pebbles in your backyard as creatively as possible to increase its appeal.
For instance, natural stones and rocks can be extremely versatile and can add contrast as well as texture to your yard. Pebbles add warmth and marble chips can brighten up shaded areas. Adding flat terracotta stone can work well for a tropical look, while a minimalist garden could do with some black lava rocks.
Using these elements in your yard is a great way to make it look attractive while being durable and low-maintenance. You can also look forward to long-lasting results.
Bring Your Hardscape Ideas to Life with Pioneer Landscape Centers
As you can see, breathing new life into an old, jaded backyard may be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. Plus, with the right hardscaping materials, tools, and ideas at your disposal, you should have no trouble in giving your backyard the facelift it needs.
At Pioneer Landscape Centers, we pride ourselves for being the one-stop-shop for all landscaping and hardscaping supplies. With over 30 retail locations, over 20 quarry and production facilities, and our own fleet of over 200 trucks, you’re sure to find all the products you need in one place. Count on us to have them delivered where and when you need them. Contact us now to experience the Pioneer Difference!