Achieve a multifunctional outdoor living space with hardscape features like pavilion roofs and pergolas.
Maintaining hardscapes is a regular process that begins with diligent cleaning, removing stains and mildew, while inspections ensure safe non-slip surfaces and effective drainage.
Quality hardscape designs add unique selling points to properties with increased appraisal values. Professional installation and regular maintenance guarantees that your retaining walls, walkways, and fire pits look great for years to come.
Using materials like natural stone, concrete, brick, gravel, and more, hardscape features can add value to your home as well as enhance your outdoor living space. Conventional hardscape materials come with a heavy price tag both in terms of energy-intensive production processes and environmental degradation during their lifecycles, but eco-friendly alternatives make it easier than ever to build gorgeous outdoor spaces that stand the test of time.
When choosing hardscape materials, consider your design aesthetics and durability needs. Some hardscape materials, like flagstone and travertine, are more durable than others, and some are better suited to specific climates than others. Choose durable, low-maintenance materials that will be able to withstand the changing weather conditions of West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
The permeability of your chosen hardscape materials is also important. Some materials allow water to flow through easily, while others can cause flooding or prevent proper drainage. Choosing permeable options will ensure your outdoor spaces are properly drained and can help protect the surrounding environment.
Concrete block is an inexpensive, versatile option that can be used for retaining walls, pathways, patios, and more. It’s available in many different colors and can be stamped with various patterns to replicate the look of other materials, such as natural stone.
Brick is another popular choice for hardscapes because of its classic beauty and durability. It’s available in a variety of sizes and can be mixed with other types of hardscape materials for a more unique look.
For a more rustic appearance, use decomposed granite or loose stone as an affordable and earthy option for walkways and patios. This material is easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and can be installed on a sand or gravel base.
If you’re looking for a more contemporary style, opt for concrete pavers. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and can be used to create beautiful outdoor patios, walkways, driveways, and fire pits. The pavers can be stained or painted to match the overall landscape design, and can be made to appear more textured with a honed finish.
Plants
While hardscapes are non-living, the plants around them have a great impact on a landscape design. The key is to select plants that are adapted to the conditions where they are planted. This minimizes stress on the plant and promotes a healthy, robust plant that will resist diseases and other environmental conditions.
When selecting your plant material, look for native, heirloom or adaptive varieties that have interesting forms and foliage, as well as a low-maintenance growing habit. Plants that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions will be able to withstand regular irrigation and are more resilient during dry spells, heat waves or frost. It’s also important to do a soil test before you start planting. This will help you determine if your soil has the drainage, nutrients and pH levels needed for your plant selections.
With the right selection of plants, even a simple patio can be a place to relax and enjoy your backyard space. The right choice of plants will create a natural environment that is easy to maintain and enhances your home’s curb appeal. In addition, the use of hardscapes will reduce traditional yard maintenance such as mowing, weeding and edging. This helps to reduce water usage, energy costs and chemical fertilizers.
The use of hardscapes in your outdoor spaces will also increase your home’s value. Studies have shown that homebuyers prioritize a well-maintained yard when making the decision to purchase a new home. Belgard hardscape products are designed to last a lifetime and add a timeless aesthetic to your outdoor living areas.
Hardscape includes the non-living components of your landscape, while softscapes refer to the organic elements such as trees, flowers and grass. Hardscapes are often made from materials like natural stone, brick and concrete pavers. They are used to construct walkways, paths, driveways, patios and retaining walls. They serve many purposes in a landscape, from defining spaces to providing accessibility and preventing soil erosion. They can also provide functional features such as fire pits and outdoor kitchens. Softscapes complement hardscape features and add a natural, colorful flair to your outdoor spaces.
Pathways
When designing a landscape, paths guide visitors through the landscape, giving them a sense of flow and connecting key areas. They can create a meandering effect in the garden or direct people to seating arrangements, pools, outdoor fire features and other focal points within your landscaping design. Pathways can be made from a variety of materials including gravel, pavers and natural stone. They can even be incorporated into steps, terraces and retaining walls to add additional structural interest to the landscape.
When constructing paths, we ensure that they blend in with the surrounding landscape and architectural style of your home to add visual appeal. We also consider the functionality of your landscape and layout to ensure that the paths provide easy access to key areas such as the backyard patio or vegetable garden. Landscape lighting can also be added to pathways to illuminate the space after dark.
Retaining walls serve both practical and aesthetic purposes in the landscape, adding style to your yard while managing slopes and erosion. They can also be built from a variety of materials including natural stone, bricks, pavers and concrete blocks. We build retaining walls with care to ensure that they integrate with your existing hardscape and softscape elements.
Patios and decks are popular hardscape additions that expand your living space and increase the value of your home. We can construct a range of patio materials, from natural stone to precast concrete, and use pavers or flagstones for a more decorative look. We can even incorporate a custom water feature or outdoor fireplace to create the perfect backyard getaway.
When creating these hardscape features, we take into consideration your property’s drainage and soil preparation needs. We also consider the sequencing of installation, ensuring that plants are protected from construction equipment during excavation and grading. Plant integration is key to success, as hardscape edges can appear harsh without nearby plantings to soften them. We will work with you to plan the most suitable plants for your home and climate, including choosing the best edging material for your pathway, such as decomposed granite (DG), pea gravel, or boxwood.
Maintenance
A stunning stone patio, a sleek concrete walkway or a sturdy retaining wall are significant investments that add beauty and functionality to your home. To preserve your hardscape, it’s essential to maintain it with a thorough cleaning and annual sealing. These steps will keep your crafted hardscape looking new and extend its lifespan.
Hardscape maintenance is an ongoing process that requires a variety of tools and techniques. It starts with frequent sweeping and washing to remove debris, dirt and stains. This prevents slipperiness and impedes premature wear.
The next step is weed control, especially in summer when hardscapes are most used. It’s also when most invasive plants, like lichen, moss and vines are at their peak growth, so they should be removed as soon as you notice them. Weed removal is particularly important if you have shallow-rooted trees growing near your hardscape because their roots can penetrate and damage pavers, wood surfaces and soil.
In the fall, we focus on preparing your hardscape for the cooler winter weather. This involves removing any debris, clearing weeds and applying an anti-fungal treatment to mitigate the risk of mildew and fungus. It’s also time to apply a high-quality sealant, which offers protection against moisture, scratches, discoloration and general wear and tear.
Commercial hardscapes go through a lot of abuse, so they need more specialized care to retain their integrity and appearance. Tree roots can crack sidewalks, moss and weeds sneak in between pavers and poor water drainage causes them to sink. These problems not only look terrible, they’re a tripping hazard and cause liability issues.
A commercial hardscape service can help you with these issues by performing regular inspections, cleaning and repairs. They’ll use non-abrasive shovels to prevent scratching or chipping surfaces and avoid using harsh chemicals that can erode hardscape materials. They’ll also be familiar with the nuances of maintaining different hardscapes, so they can make recommendations tailored to your property and its needs. In addition, a professional can identify minor cracks in hardscapes and repair them promptly to avoid larger, more costly repairs down the road.
