Four Best Materials to Use in the Hardscape Design of Your Outdoor Space
Looking to enjoy some private relaxation in your backyard in Los Angeles, CA? A comfortable outdoor space is therapeutic—spending time in nature is shown to reduce stress and improve your mood. While you can create your own escape in nature almost anywhere, a thoughtfully designed outdoor space is more inviting and a place where you’ll love to spend some quiet moments. Hardscaping is an essential part of creating an ideal outdoor retreat. Here are four ideal materials you should consider using in the hardscape design for your space.
Stone
When it comes to beauty and durability, you can’t go wrong when you use stone in the hardscape design for your space in Los Angeles, CA. Both natural stone and irregular flagstone are great options if you’re creating a backyard patio, path or walkway. You have a few simple options for installing the stone, including letting it float on a bed of sand or pea gravel, or you could go for the more permanent solution of mortaring the stone into a concrete slab. When working with this material, it’s often best to consult a hardscape design expert to give your outdoor space a polished, professional look.
Wood
Wood is an ideal hardscape material for many outdoor features, especially decks. While price and availability depend on your location, your best bet is to choose local woods. Not only will you pay less for them, but they’re a better choice in terms of your carbon footprint, since there’s less transportation involved. Maintenance is always an issue for wood, no matter where you live. You’ll have to properly stain and seal the wood and keep up with seasonal maintenance, but you’ll be pleased to have an attractive outdoor space that features the natural warmth of wood.
Brick
Brick is an excellent option for patios, pathways, walkways and steps. It can be installed loosely over sand or gravel or held in place with mortar. You can even be eco-friendly when using brick for hardscape features—recycled brick is currently a popular green option that looks great in nearly any setting. Brick is also easy to care for—a quick sweep and spray with a power washer keeps brick features clean and attractive for years to come.
Concrete
Gone are the days of the plain, gray concrete slab. This material has come a long way in recent years, with lots of decorative treatments including staining, stamping and sealing to add visual appeal and interesting texture. While it’s possible to pour a concrete patio yourself, it’s not generally recommended. If you want to use this stunning material as a solid and attractive foundation for your outdoor space, rely on a professional hardscaping company to get the job done right.
Creating the perfect outdoor space in Los Angeles, CA requires careful planning and an understanding of hardscape design for your space. It’s best to rely on a professional who has plenty of expertise in designing comfortable, attractive outdoor retreats. Contact RainforestLA, Inc. today to learn more about how quality hardscaping materials can turn your backyard into a relaxing paradise.