Ever looked at someone’s backyard and thought, “Wow, that looks amazing!”? Chances are, they’ve found that sweet spot between hardscaping and softscaping. If you’re searching for hardscaping near me in Arnold MO, it’s good to know your options before jumping in.
Let’s break it down. Hardscaping covers all the solid stuff in your yard—things like patios, walkways, steps, retaining walls, even outdoor kitchens. It’s kind of like the foundation holding your whole outdoor design together. Then, softscaping brings it all to life with plants, flowers, grass, and trees. The real magic happens when you combine both in just the right way.
So, what kind of materials can you use for hardscaping? Let’s go over the most popular ones—and why you might want to use them.
1. Choose Materials That Match Your Life (and Budget)
Before we dive into specific materials, think about what works best for your family. Got kids or pets? Love having friends over for BBQs? Looking for something that’s low-maintenance? Your lifestyle and budget should guide your decisions. A good hardscape isn’t just pretty—it works with your life.
Also, mixing different textures and materials can really make your space pop. It adds personality and makes your yard feel like it was designed by a pro—even if it wasn’t.
2. Brick: Classic and Low-Maintenance
Brick is old-school in the best way. It’s perfect if you like neat patterns like herringbone or basket weave. It holds up well over time and doesn’t need much TLC. The color range is more limited, but for people who love a bold, traditional look, brick is a solid choice.
3. Bluestone: Stylish and Durable
Despite the name, Bluestone comes in more than just blue. You’ll see shades of green, brown, and even lilac. It looks super elegant and you can choose between a rough, natural texture or a smoother finish. Whether you want a modern look or something more rustic, Bluestone can make it happen. Bonus—it’s tough and low-maintenance.
4. Travertine: Cool, Slip-Resistant, and Beautiful
If you’re planning a pool area or outdoor kitchen, travertine is a top pick. It stays nice and cool, even when it’s hot out, and the non-slip surface makes it perfect for wet spots like around the pool. It usually comes in warm tans, whites, and grays, giving your space a natural, high-end feel. Yes, it costs a bit more upfront, but it’s totally worth it if you want something long-lasting.
5. Concrete: Budget-Friendly and Versatile
Concrete has been a go-to for ages, and for good reason. It’s budget-friendly and tough enough to handle everything-from people walking on it to cars driving over it. You can also stain or stamp it to mimic more expensive materials. Just know it does need some upkeep—like sealing and patching if it cracks in harsh weather.
6. Loose Stone: Natural and Customizable
Loose stone is super flexible design-wise. It comes in tons of colors, shapes, and sizes, so it’s great for creative projects. Want to add a path through your garden? Loose stone is your friend. But keep in mind—it’s not the best for spaces where people walk a lot, cook, or where safety matters (like around a pool). It’s also a pain to shovel snow off in the winter.
7. Mulch: Cheap and Eco-Friendly
Mulch might not seem like a “hardscape” material, but it’s actually great for filling in garden beds or pathways. It helps keep weeds down, holds moisture, and even adds nutrients to your soil as it breaks down. Plus, it comes in natural-looking colors that blend nicely with your yard.
Mix It Up for the Best Results
The key to awesome landscaping is using a combo of hardscaping and softscaping that fits your style. Think about what materials match your taste, lifestyle, and how much work you want to put in.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed or just want expert help, don’t worry. A landscape contractor St Louis like GreenScapeSTL Landscaping and Outdoor Living can walk you through the best choices for your space. Whether you want something simple or a full backyard makeover, they’ll help bring your vision to life.
Looking for hardscaping near me in Arnold MO? Reach out to GreenScapeSTL for a free quote and start designing the outdoor space you’ve always wanted.