Here are a few tips to help you get started on an exciting hardscaping project for your property.
Your home is likely the largest investment you’ll make in your lifetime. It can be an area of relaxation and enjoyment where you create memories with family and friends. Homeowners are adding spa-like bathrooms, home theatres, and personal gyms to create their dream homes. One area that has been gaining popularity is moving that relaxation zone from inside the house into the outdoors.
Hardscaping is an attractive option for transforming your backyard, extending your relaxation area, and increasing property value. Whether you add a simple patio or create a brand-new outdoor living space, hardscaping requires planning and research before you start.
Here are a few tips to help you get started on an exciting hardscaping project for your property.
Consider the Entire Space
Planning is the most important step of any hardscaping project. Before you begin, create a comprehensive plan. Consider the entire scope of your project. It’s okay to build it over time, but what you don’t want is to spend money building a patio, then decide to add a water feature or outdoor kitchen and realize the patio is in the way. Think about all the different things you want to use the space for and review them with your landscape designer for suggestions.
Work with an Experienced Professional
A lot goes into hardscaping projects you might not realize, and working with a reputable hardscape designer is essential. For example, it’s crucial to put in a proper base for your hardscape that suits your chosen materials. Improper base installation, insufficient materials, or the wrong grade or drainage plan can mean disaster for the project and an expensive and time-consuming headache for you. Be sure to hire an experienced and reputable hardscape contractor. A good designer will start with a site analysis, prepare a scaled project plan, and work to incorporate all of your requested design features.
Don’t Forget About Drainage
Here in Maryland, we experience rainy springs and snowy winters. That water needs to go somewhere. Nothing is worse than investing in an elaborate hardscape project only to realize the water ends up in your basement or damages your foundation. You must plan how drainage will be affected before you break ground or place a single stone.
Pick the Hardscape Materials
There are many beautiful, natural materials to use for your hardscape! Each material has unique beauty and specific advantages, from brick and paving stones to flagstone and bluestone. Choose something that fits your design aesthetic, durability, and drainage needs. For example, a relaxing garden oasis can have softer, less regular paving stones for an overgrown feeling, but a patio where your kids will be playing games all summer should be smooth and solid. Work with your hardscape designer to decide what materials make sense for your project.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about hardscaping projects, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, X – Twitter, and Pinterest!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne. In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.