Home > Garden > Patio & Backyard Hardscapes

Hardscape Techniques, Details and Designs for Your Backyard

Creating your own homey space doesn't just mean decorating the interior of your home. It also requires putting some effort into improving your backyard. Hardscape is the structural area of your backyard (walls, decks, patio, fountains, statues…) as opposed to the softscape, which includes the greenery & plants. There are many hardscape designs and techniques to choose from for your patio and backyard that can fit a variety of budgets. Whether you are improving upon existing hardscape or looking to start from scratch, read on to learn more about the various options available.

Details Needed Before you Begin your Hardscape Design
Before you buy or start tearing out anything, decide on a theme and purpose for your backyard and patio. Ask yourself some of the following questions:

• Can people easily move around in my backyard?
• Do I plan to entertain in my backyard?
• Does the yard look to cluttered or empty at the moment?
• How much open space do I need to leave for my dog or other outdoor pets?
• How much sun or shade does my yard currently get at different times of the day?
• Is the yard/patio area safe for my children?

Each hardscape element that you install should have a purpose without creating distraction or intrusion on the available space. For example, while you may want to install a fountain, the available space or the need to install other, more useful hardscape features may mean that you have to forego the fountain in your plan.

Other things to keep in mind as you are choosing hardscape features include:

• bargain shopping for hardscape features 
• checking legal issues, including neighborhood ordinances and city codes, that may restrict your design
• consulting home improvement experts for hardscaping techniques and ideas 
• evaluating the total cost of initial purchase and installment, as well as future upkeep
• understanding the required maintenance will be required for all of your hardscape and patio designs.

Backyard Hardscape Details
Depending on your style and needs, you can use a variety of hardscape features in your backyard. Possibilities include:

• a greenhouse
• an outdoor kitchen, complete with a barbeque and sink
• a patio
• a pool 
• a terrace
• arbors
• brick or cobblestone walkways
• fences
• fishponds
• lighting, such as a row of garden or landscape lights
• seating, such as benches and lounge chairs 
• trellises
• water features, such as fountains or waterfalls.

While this list is certainly not comprehensive, it does outline some of the key hardscape features that you can include in your backyard. Considering all of the options can help you create the backyard of your dreams!

As you start choosing key features that you want to install, keep in mind what each requires for installation. Although putting in some features, such as an arbor, may be relatively easy, others, such as pools and fountains, require significantly more work ahead of time.

Another important aspect to remember is that any irrigation that needs to be done must be installed before walkways, paths, patios or walls are placed. Make sure to have electrical work done in the beginning stages, as well. Any smaller items, such as statues or bird feeders, can be placed after the initial, more intense construction and landscaping takes place.

Hardscape Cost
You can make hardscape improvements for as little or as much money as you have. If you are working on a limited budget, keep in mind that all backyard details do not have to be done all at once. Instead, you can plan your hardscape improvements in phases, installing various phases, as money becomes available.

Buying cheaper versions or getting less of certain items is another way to cut on the price. For example, instead of installing a $3,000 fountain, you can create $100 pond and still get the enjoyment out of having a water feature in your backyard. Another idea is to have a narrower path made of bricks, rather than a wider one with rare stones. If you use your imagination, you can create many things of true beauty for just a little cost.

Depending on your budget you can choose to hire a landscape architect or a horticulturist. Alternatively, many people save money by doing their hardscape improvements themselves. However, if you plan on taking on your backyard improvements yourself, be sure to do plenty of research as to the costs, maintenance and installation processes involved.

Hardscape Techniques for Small vs. Large Yards
Your yard's available space will dictate the limits of what you can do. When you have a small area to work with, you have the option to "build up" by extending your beds upward. You can also make portable units that can be moved around on your patio or in your backyard by adding wheels to them. Another idea for small yards is to involve more hanging features to give the illusion of more space.

Larger areas can accommodate many hardscape design features. Not only can you section areas off with walls or patios, but you can still install larger elements. The key to creating balance, instead of a cluttered feel, in your backyard is to blend the features you choose with the theme of your home and the surrounding landscape.

Hardscape Techniques for Shade & Sun in your Backyard/Patio Design
One particularly useful hardscape design element is the addition of a feature that creates shade. You can add a roof, walls, pergolas, arbors and trellises to effectively block out the sun and promote a peaceful, relaxing tone.

Conversely, if the sun is what you want, remember to keep larger areas clear of overhead hardscape. As you are deciding what hardscape features to install and where to put them, note how the light changes in areas of your backyard throughout the day. With these hardscape improvements, you'll be well on your way to creating the perfect place for a serene afternoon rest or a festive backyard party!